title: Eosinophilic esophagitis in an octogenarian: A case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune/antigen-mediated disease characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by a marked eosinophilic infiltrate in the esophageal mucosa. What was once considered a rare disease has nowadays become one of the most frequent esophageal diseases in the Western countries, occupying a place just next to the gastroesophageal reflux disease. EoE etiology and pathogenesis remain largely unknown, although most studies consider that allergic and genetic factors play the most important role.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the case of EoE in an elderly male (octogenarian), giving a brief review of the current data related to epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dysphagia to solid foods was the leading symptom, and endoscopic findings included white exudates, longitudinal furrows, and concentric mucosal rings, all suggestive for EoE. Diagnosis relied on histological findings in esophageal mucosal biopsies (>30 eosinophils per high power field).He was treated with topical steroids for 8 weeks, symptoms improved gradually and the patient remained in remission at the 8-month follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case emphasizes that EoE may occur in very old patients and gastroenterologists should have a high index of suspicion of this disorder in any elderly with dysphagia and endoscopic relevant features.
authors.affiliation: "Gr T Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy "St. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital, Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iasi, Romania.
authors.forename: Anca
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trifan
authors.forename: Oana
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Stoica
authors.forename: Catalin-Alexandru
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Chihaia
authors.forename: Mihai
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Danciu
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stanciu
authors.forename: Ana-Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Singeap
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001706:Biopsy; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D057765:Eosinophilic Esophagitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology*; D000068298:Fluticasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000068298:Fluticasone