[Eosinophilic esophagitis : a cause of dysphagia]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is a chronic, interleukin-5-driven inflammatory disease of the esophagus, causing dysphagia and esophageal food impactions. We analyzed the diagnostic results of patients with suspected or proven EE and in this article discuss the relevant aspects of this disease.

Sixteen patients suffering from dysphagia or recurrent esophageal food impactions underwent rigid esophagoscopy to exclude EE. In six patients, 24-h pH monitoring was performed to exclude laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

EE was diagnosed in only one patient, a boy with a history of peanut allergy and recurrent esophageal food impactions. In six patients, histological examination of biopsies revealed reflux esophagitis indicating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Using 24-h pH monitoring, LPR was diagnosed in four of six patients.

Even in patients presenting with typical symptoms of EE, this disease is rarely found. However, in male patients with asthma, allergies, or a history of recurrent esophageal food impactions, EE must be excluded. The most important differential diagnoses of EE are GERD and LPR.