Abstract
Eosinophilic enteritis is a rare disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the bowel wall to a variable depth and symptoms associated with gastrointestinal tract depending upon the predominant layer involved. Diagnosis of eosinophilic enteritis requires a high index of suspicion and exclusion of various disorders that are associated with peripheral eosinophilia. We report a case of unusual presentation of eosinophilic enteritis clinically presenting as intestinal obstruction due to multiple strictures of the small bowel in an adult male.
Highlights
Eosinophilic enteritis is an extremely rare disease, involving the entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT), stomach and duodenum are frequently involved sites.[1]
The pathogenesis and etiology of eosinophilic enteritis remains unclear.[2]. It is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the bowel wall to a variable depth and symptoms associated with gastrointestinal tract,[2] and enteritis occurs if there is involvement of the submucosal layer of the GIT
Diagnostic criteria include demonstration of eosinophilic infiltration in the bowel walls, lack of evidence of extraintestinal disease, and exclusion of various disorders that mimic a similar condition.[3]. This rare disease should be taken into consideration during the differential diagnosis of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, especially when they are associated with peripheral eosinophilia
Summary
Eosinophilic enteritis is an extremely rare disease, involving the entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT), stomach and duodenum are frequently involved sites.[1]. We report a case of eosinophilic enteritis that underwent emergency laparotomy for intestinal obstruction due to eosinophilic enteritis of ileum with multiple strictures. A 54-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complaints of acute onset of abdominal pain and vomiting. He had history of intermittent dull aching pain in the abdomen since fifteen days prior to this acute episode. Gross examination revealed a segment of small intestine about 24 cm in length with three strictures in the ileum and proximal dilatation of intestine with congestion of serosa (Figure 1). 2012 Licensee PAGEPress, Italy Clinics and Practice 2012; 2:e24 doi:10.4081/cp.2012.e24 given oral prednisolone 10 mg daily for six weeks and tapering thereafter, resulting in a normal hematologic examination
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