Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Allergy

Background:

• Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the stomach and small intestine.
• Its etiology is unclear, but it is driven by T-helper type 2 (Th2)-dependent cytokines and often induced by food allergy.
• Lack of a diagnostic gold standard leads to frequent delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current understanding and emerging strategies for diagnosing and treating EGE.
• To highlight advancements in diagnostic biomarkers and imaging techniques.
• To discuss the role of novel biologic therapies in managing refractory or corticosteroid-dependent EGE.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on EGE etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Analysis of preliminary investigations and clinical trials on novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
• Focus on Th2-dependent cytokine pathways and food allergy induction.

Main Results:

• New diagnostic strategies, including genetic biomarkers and imaging tests, are being developed.
• Dietary therapy and corticosteroids remain primary treatments.
• Biologics targeting specific pathogenic molecules show efficacy in preliminary studies and clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• EGE diagnosis is challenged by the absence of a gold standard.
• Novel diagnostic tools are emerging to improve accuracy and timeliness.
• Biologic therapies represent a promising frontier for managing complex EGE cases, particularly those resistant to conventional treatments.