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03:23
Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Eosinophilic oesophagitis: an enigmatic, emerging disease
R A Sprenger1, J W Arends, J W Poley
1Department of Internal Medicine, Deventer Hospital, Deventer, the Netherlands. r.a.sprenger@dz.nl
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|January 22, 2009
Summary
Eosinophilic oesophagitis, a condition causing swallowing difficulties, is diagnosed by identifying eosinophils in esophageal biopsies. Treatment with fluticasone propionate is effective, though symptoms may recur upon discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is an emerging allergic inflammatory disease of the esophagus.
- It is frequently associated with dysphagia and esophageal food impaction in adults.
- Pathologically, EoE is characterized by eosinophil-rich infiltration of the esophageal mucosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic oesophagitis.
- To discuss the clinical presentation and endoscopic findings.
- To review treatment options and prognosis for EoE.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis relies on esophageal biopsies showing ≥15 intraepithelial eosinophils per high-power field.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GERD) must be excluded as a confounding factor.
- Endoscopic findings can be nonspecific, though a circular ring pattern may be observed.
Main Results:
- EoE can cause subtle peristaltic abnormalities.
- Overt endoscopic findings like exudates or mucosal shearing are occasionally present.
- Fluticasone propionate ingestion shows good response rates.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of EoE is crucial for appropriate management and avoiding unnecessary investigations.
- While fluticasone propionate is effective, discontinuation often leads to symptom recurrence.
- Some severe cases may necessitate systemic corticosteroid treatment.
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