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Eosinophilic gastroenteritis presenting as ascites. Case report
J G Geraghty1, M C McCabe, J J Murphy
1Department of Surgery and Pathology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
The European Journal of Surgery = Acta Chirurgica
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis, a rare condition, was diagnosed in a man presenting with ascites and weight loss. Diagnosis required surgical biopsy, as other tests were inconclusive, and he recovered without treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare idiopathic disorder characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Clinical presentation can be variable, often mimicking other gastrointestinal pathologies, leading to diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old male presented with a four-week history of abdominal ascites and significant weight loss.
- Initial investigations, including [mention specific tests if known, otherwise generalize], failed to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Findings:
- The definitive diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis was established solely through histological examination of a biopsy specimen obtained during laparotomy.
- The patient demonstrated a favorable clinical response and achieved recovery without requiring any specific medical intervention.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering eosinophilic gastroenteritis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained ascites and weight loss.
- Histopathological examination remains a critical tool for diagnosing challenging gastrointestinal conditions when non-invasive methods are insufficient.