An Esophageal Luminal Diameter of 16 mm Predicts Dysphagia Resolution in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory esophageal disorder, often complicated by strictures requiring dilation. There is limited information on the target esophageal luminal diameter (ELD) post-treatment to relieve symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the ELD threshold associated with dysphagia resolution in EoE patients in histologic remission.

We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult EoE patients with a stricture in histologic remission. Patients were excluded if symptoms, EoE endoscopic reference score (EREFS), and ELD were missing. ELD was estimated by dilator diameter, endoscope passage, or functional lumen imaging probe. Symptoms, demographics, EREFS, and histology were recorded. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. The ELD threshold for dysphagia was determined using receiver operating characteristics analyses.

Of the 76 patients who met criteria, 63 (82.9%) reported dysphagia. For every one-millimeter decrease in ELD, there was an increased odds of having dysphagia (OR 9.12, 95% CI 33.4, p < 0.001). The threshold ELD for having dysphagia was less than 16 mm (sensitivity: 96.8%, specificity: 92.3%). In a subcohort analysis of patients who were dilated (n = 58, 76.3%), the main predictor for persistent dysphagia post-dilation was the pre-dilation ELD (aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.65-0.87, p < 0.001).

A decrease in ELD is associated with a higher odds of dysphagia in EoE patients in histologic remission. ELD of 16 mm or greater provided the strongest threshold for which symptoms were absent. This may present a reasonable dilation target.