Eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal motility changes

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Allergology
• Pathology

Background:

• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, increasingly prevalent allergic inflammatory condition affecting the esophagus.
• Symptoms include dysphagia and food impaction, often with normal endoscopic findings or subtle signs like rings, furrows, or strictures.
• Diagnosis requires esophageal biopsies showing ≥15 eosinophils/high power field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss esophageal motility abnormalities in patients diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis.
• To highlight the association between EoE and various esophageal motility disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal motility.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches for EoE.
• Focus on the prevalence and types of motility disorders observed in EoE patients.

Main Results:

• Approximately one-third of EoE patients exhibit esophageal motility abnormalities.
• Ineffective esophageal motility is the most common disorder.
• Major motility disorders, including achalasia, can occur in some EoE cases.

Conclusions:

• Esophageal motility disorders are a significant comorbidity in eosinophilic esophagitis.
• Understanding these motility changes is crucial for comprehensive patient management.
• Treatment strategies for EoE should consider potential motility complications.