[Eosinophilic gastroenteritis]

Abstract

Background: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a disease that presents with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea. We here present an overview of the disease with an emphasis on practical management.

Material and methods: The basis for the review is literature retrieved through a search in PubMed and on our own experience treating patients with this disease. A case is reported.

Results: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract that mainly affects the stomach and upper small bowel. Young middle-aged adults (most men) are most frequently affected. Abdominal pain and diarrhoea are the most common symptoms. The etiology and pathogenesis is unknown. Correct diagnosis may be difficult and is based on gastrointestinal symptoms, eosinophilic infiltration of the bowel wall and exclusion of other causes of eosinophilia. Treatment is symptomatic with different doses of corticosteroids. Long-term prognosis seems good.

Interpretation: The clinical presentation of eosinophilic gastroenteritis varies and underdiagnosing is therefore likely. Many patients have normal levels of eosinophils in blood and normal findings with endoscopy. Correct diagnosis therefore depends on awareness of the disease.