title: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and diffuse gastrointestinal involvement.
abstract: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), formerly named Churg-Strauss syndrome, is a rare systemic small- and medium-sized-vessel vasculitis, characterized by the presence of severe asthma as well as blood and tissue eosinophilia. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, like diarrhea and abdominal pain, are common; however, there are few reports of histologic evidence of GI involvement. We report the case of a patient on treatment for EGPA who presented with recurrent small bowel obstruction and choledocholithiasis. Biopsies of the esophagus, small bowel and common bile duct showed diffuse eosinophilia, with clear EGPA in the GI tract. Improved awareness of GI EGPA may allow for timely management of this disorder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Arizona, Scottsdale, Ariz., USA.
authors.forename: Diana L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Franco
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Arizona, Scottsdale, Ariz., USA.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ruff
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Arizona, Scottsdale, Ariz., USA.
authors.forename: Lester
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mertz
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Arizona, Scottsdale, Ariz., USA.
authors.forename: Dora M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Lam-Himlin
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Arizona, Scottsdale, Ariz., USA.
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heigh
keywords: Cholangitis; Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis; Gastrointestinal tract; Small bowel obstruction