Eosinophilic gastroenteritis involving the distal small intestine and proximal colon.
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) is an unusual disorder. It is characterized by eosinophil infiltration of the gut wall histologically and is manifested by gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms clinically. This disease entity preferentially affects the stomach and proximal small intestine. Mucosal layer disease is the most common form of this uncommon disease. We present a case of EG with transmural distal small intestinal and proximal colonic involvement whose clinical symptoms included watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and body weight loss. Colonoscopy showed non-specific colitis in the proximal colon. Small bowel series showed diffuse jejunal dilatation with wall thickening and rigidity. Abdominal computed tomography also showed a thickened bowel wall with partial ileus and ascites. Diagnosis was established through endoscopic biopsy and ascites paracentesis, while at the same time excluding the possibility of parasite infection. Treatment with prednisolone produced a dramatic response. A high index of suspicion in cases of peripheral eosinophilia with concomitant GI symptoms is needed for the early diagnosis of this uncommon disease.
Ong
Guan-Yeow
GY
Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
Hsu
Chia-Chang
CC
Changchien
Chi-Sin
CS
Lu
Sheng-Nan
SN
Huang
Shun-Chen
SC
D000328:Adult; D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology*; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male