Eosinophilic esophagitis: an overlooked entity in chronic dysphagia.
BACKGROUND
A 40-year-old white male with atopy presented to our department in March 2004 with a history of chronic heartburn and solid-food dysphagia since 1994. The patient was taking on-demand salbutamol for asthma and ranitidine for mild heartburn, occurring less than once per week. Eight years previously, he had undergone esophageal dilatation for a Schatzki's ring.


METHODS
Physical examination, laboratory investigations, video esophagram, upper endoscopy with mid-esophageal biopsies, and skin testing for a number of food and environmental allergens. Diagnosis Eosinophilic esophagitis.


RESULTS
Topical steroids with a fluticasone 220 microg multiple-dose inhaler, four puffs swallowed twice a day for 6 weeks.
Yan
Brian M
BM
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, at the University of Calgary, AB, Canada.
Shaffer
Eldon A
EA