Eosinophilic gastroenteritis presenting as small bowel obstruction: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the bowel wall to a variable depth and symptoms associated with gastrointestinal tract. Recently, the authors experienced a case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis presenting as small bowel obstruction. A 51-year old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen with diffuse tenderness. Complete blood count showed mild leukocytosis without eosinophilia. Computed tomography confirmed a dilatation of the small intestine with ascites. An emergency laparotomy was performed for a diagnosis of peritonitis due to intestinal obstruction. Segmental resection of the ileum and end to end anastomosis were performed. Histologically, there was a dense infiltration of eosinophils throughout the entire thickness of ileal wall and eosinophilic enteritis was diagnosed. The patient recovered well, and was free from gastrointestinal symptoms at the time when we reported her disease.

Unusual presentations of eosinophilic gastroenteritis: Case series and review of literature

“…Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) is an uncommon inflammatory disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract [1][2][3][4][5] . In 1937, Kaijser first described the disease in two patients with syphilis who were allergic to neoarsphenamine [5] .…”

“…In 1937, Kaijser first described the disease in two patients with syphilis who were allergic to neoarsphenamine [5] . More than 300 cases have been reported in the literature since 1937 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] . The disease affects all races and any age group from infancy to old age, although in adults, it usually presents in the third to fifth decade [1][2][3][4] .…”

“…More than 300 cases have been reported in the literature since 1937 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] . The disease affects all races and any age group from infancy to old age, although in adults, it usually presents in the third to fifth decade [1][2][3][4] . It is reported to be more common in men with a ratio of 3:2 [1][2][3][4] .…”

“…The disease affects all races and any age group from infancy to old age, although in adults, it usually presents in the third to fifth decade [1][2][3][4] . It is reported to be more common in men with a ratio of 3:2 [1][2][3][4] . Any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to rectum may be involved.…”

“…Eosinophilic proctocolitis is almost exclusively seen in children [1][2][3][4] . Although the exact etiology is unknown, a personal or family history of food allergies and atopic disorders can be elicited in 50% to 70% of cases [1][2][3][4] . Almost all patients have tissue eosinophilia; many have peripheral eosinophilia and raised IgE levels.…”