Eosinophilic gastroenteritis, a rare case report and literature review

Abstract Introduction/Objective Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, initially described by Kaijser et al. in 1937. It manifests as eosinophil-rich infiltration throughout the GI tract, often accompanied by peripheral eosinophilia. EGE is categorized under eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs), alongside eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) and eosinophilic colitis (EC). Symptoms vary based on the affected GI segment. This report aims to present a case of extensive EGE in a young male patient and review of similar cases to enhance clinical and histopathologic understanding. Methods/Case Report A 29-year-old male presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and recent weight loss. He had a history of similar abdominal symptoms for a few years. Previous extensive investigations were inconclusive. Current imaging revealed soft tissue nodules, mild splenomegaly, and biliary dilation. Laboratory tests showed no significant abnormalities. Endoscopy revealed a gastric antral ulcer with marked eosinophilic infiltration on microscopy. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is an uncommon disease that presents with variable non-specific symptoms which require a high level of suspicion for diagnosis. EGE diagnosis requires excluding other causes of eosinophil accumulation. There is no clear distinction between the upper normal and abnormally increased eosinophils in GIT biopsies. Peripheral eosinophilia is common, along with other abnormal laboratory findings. Diagnosis relies on histopathology due to nonspecific symptoms. Clinicians and pathologists face challenges in diagnosing EGE, emphasizing the importance of considering it in the differential diagnoses. Efforts to establish diagnostic criteria for EGE are limited, despite its long-known existence. The condition’s vague symptoms necessitate a high level of clinical suspicion, with diagnosis primarily based on histopathologic features.