A Mysterious Case of Abdominal Pain and Distention Revealing Eosinophilic Enteritis

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-1-2024

Publication Title

Am J Gastroenterol

Abstract

Introduction: Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare disorder marked by eosinophilic infiltration and peripheral eosinophilia. It can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract without specific causes of eosinophilia. While its exact cause is unknown, hypersensitivity is significant. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Diagnosis involves endoscopic biopsies, and prevalence is increasing with more endoscopic procedures. First-line treatment is steroids. We describe a case of diffuse abdominal pain leading to EGE diagnosis. Case Description/Methods: A 25-year-old woman presented with a month-long history of diffuse abdominal pain, fatigue, bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and decreased oral intake. She denied fever, weight loss, rash, or allergic disease history and reported recent travel to the Bahamas and Jamaica. Physical exam was unremarkable except for mild tachycardia. Labs showed leukocytosis with hypereosinophilia. Extensive workup ruled out secondary causes (Table 1). Computed tomography revealed small bowel thickening, ascites, and pleural effusions. Paracentesis removed 900 cc, showing a Total Nucleated Cell Count of 1,637 and 87% eosinophils. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed gastropathy (Figure 1), and duodenal biopsies revealed extensive eosinophilic infiltration, suggesting eosinophilic enteritis. Treatment included IV ceftriaxone, Flagyl, and Ivermectin, later switching to pantoprazole and high-dose prednisone. Follow-up showed complete resolution of symptoms after 3 weeks. Discussion: EGE is a rare condition with peripheral eosinophilia and gastrointestinal eosinophilic infiltration. Early suspicion is crucial, and secondary causes must be ruled out. EGE often affects men over 30 with allergy history and high serum IgE. It can impact any part of the digestive system, especially the stomach's antrum. Diagnosis involves gastrointestinal symptoms and eosinophilic infiltration. The incidence is rising, but true prevalence is unknown. Treatment, primarily steroids, shows up to 90% improvement. Alternatives include antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene antagonists, and PPIs. Early diagnosis is key. (Figure Presented).

Volume

119

Issue

10

First Page

S2054

Last Page

S2055

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