Eosinophilic gastroenteritis presenting as obstructive jaundice

Abstract

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare condition of unknown aetiology, first described by Kaijser in 1937. It is manifest by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract and peripheral eosinophilia. Patients have various clinical presentations depending on the region of the gastrointestinal tract involved and the depth and extent of the bowel wall involvement. Whereas gastrointestinal obstruction associated with this condition is not uncommon, isolated biliary obstruction has only been reported twice. We present a case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis with involvement of the biliary tract causing ulceration, fibrosis and obstruction. Although a rare condition, we believe the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis should be entertained in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and a peripheral eosinophilia who have no evidence of parasitic infection, vasculitis or neoplasms.