Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Presenting As Unexplained Chronic Abdominal Pain
Salem Gaballa1, Kyaw M Hlaing1, Nathan Mahler1
1Internal Medicine, LewisGale Medical Center, Salem, USA.
Cureus
|July 21, 2020
Summary
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is diagnosed by elevated eosinophils in the blood and gastric tissue. This condition requires a thorough allergy history review for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea can present diagnostic challenges.
- Distinguishing eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) from other causes of abdominal distress is crucial for appropriate treatment.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old female presented with intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea over four months.
- Initial investigations, including stool tests and upper endoscopy, were unremarkable, but peripheral blood eosinophil count was elevated (1080 cells/µL).
Findings:
- Gastric mucosal biopsy revealed significant eosinophil infiltration (≥20 eosinophils/high power field), confirming the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
- The diagnostic criteria for EGE necessitate both elevated peripheral blood eosinophils and characteristic histological findings in gastrointestinal biopsies.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of EGE relies on integrating clinical presentation, blood work, and tissue pathology.
- A comprehensive allergy history is essential for managing EGE, suggesting an underlying allergic etiology.
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