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03:23
Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Acute eosinophilic ascites in a middle-aged man
Fadi Bleibel1, Keith Fragoza, Garrey T Faller
1Department of Internal Medicine, Steward Carney Hospital, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02124, USA.
Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine
|June 1, 2012
Summary
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis, a rare GI disorder, presents with abdominal pain and eosinophilia. Prompt diagnosis and corticosteroid treatment effectively resolved symptoms in a challenging case.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) is a rare gastrointestinal disorder.
- It involves eosinophilic infiltration of the GI tract, causing nonspecific symptoms and peripheral eosinophilia.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other GI and systemic diseases.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with diffuse abdominal pain, distention, and ascites.
- Initial investigations revealed severe peripheral eosinophilia, elevated IgE, and thickened GI walls.
- Standard diagnostic tests for malignancy and parasites were inconclusive.
Findings:
- Ascitic fluid analysis confirmed significant eosinophilia.
- A jejunal biopsy revealed marked eosinophilic infiltration in the serosa and muscularis propria.
- These findings confirmed the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering EG in patients with unexplained GI symptoms and eosinophilia.
- Early diagnosis and treatment with corticosteroids can lead to rapid symptom resolution.
- Increased awareness among gastroenterologists and internists is crucial for timely patient management.
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