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Eosinophilic gastrojejunitis associated with connective tissue disease
A L Buchman1, D Wolf, T Gramlich
1Department of Digestive Diseases, Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Eosinophilic enteritis, a rare condition, can occur with connective tissue disorders. This case highlights successful non-surgical management of intestinal perforation in eosinophilic enteritis without peripheral blood eosinophilia.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Eosinophilic enteritis is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by eosinophil infiltration of the intestinal wall.
- Connective tissue disorders encompass a group of diseases affecting connective tissues, such as collagen and elastin.
- The association between eosinophilic enteritis and connective tissue disorders is uncommon, presenting unique diagnostic and management challenges.
Observation:
- A patient with an ill-defined connective tissue disorder developed eosinophilic enteritis.
- The condition presented with intestinal perforation, a serious complication.
- Notably, the patient did not exhibit peripheral blood eosinophilia, complicating initial diagnosis.
Findings:
- Histological examination of an intestinal biopsy revealed characteristic eosinophil and mast cell infiltration at the base of crypts.
- A limited chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate was observed alongside the eosinophils and mast cells.
- The intestinal perforation was successfully managed conservatively, without the need for surgical intervention.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering eosinophilic enteritis in patients with connective tissue disorders, even in the absence of peripheral eosinophilia.
- Non-surgical management may be a viable option for intestinal perforation in select cases of eosinophilic enteritis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis of eosinophilic enteritis in the context of connective tissue disorders and to optimize treatment strategies.