S5085 Diffuse Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Secondary to Strongyloides stercoralis

Introduction: Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are a rare, heterogeneous group of diseases affecting every component of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The defining characteristic of non-esophageal EGIDs is abnormal eosinophilic infiltration into the luminal wall, which may occur at any layer and is varied based upon the anatomical location. Patient symptoms are highly variable and dependent on the layer of mucosal involvement. While laboratory abnormalities may raise clinical suspicion, the diagnostic evaluation should only be considered complete once endoscopy with biopsy has been performed. Herein, we present an immunocompetent patient with diffuse EGID secondary to Strongyloides stercoralis. Case Description/Methods: A 77-year-old man presented to clinic for follow-up evaluation following 3 years of diarrhea and weight loss. Patient initially underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy following hospitalization for gastroenteritis that revealed mild gastropathy and mild duodenal villous blunting. Gastric biopsies revealed chronic severe gastritis and were negative for Helicobacter pylori, while colonic biopsies were normal. Stool studies at the time were unremarkable, as was imaging with Computed tomography (CT) and MRI. Despite treatment with Reglan for concerns of esophageal dysmotility and Carafate, he lost 65 lbs and intermittently required parenteral nutrition. A repeat EGD and colonoscopy 1 year later revealed mild gastritis, but no evidence of active disease within the small bowel or colon. Biopsies during his second round of endoscopy revealed increased lamina propria eosinophils within the stomach, duodenum, and colon. Patient was placed on prednisone and colestipol, and although his weight stabilized, his diarrhea persisted with intermittent nocturnal incontinence. He then underwent a third colonoscopy, with random biopsies revealing rare parasitic microorganisms with S. stercoralis favored. He responded appropriately to Ivermectin with associated weight gain and cessation of diarrhea. Discussion: EGIDs are rare but encompass a broad range of etiologies that must be considered during diagnostic evaluation. Approximately 60% of endoscopic evaluations reveal normal appearing mucosa, and there is no guideline-based consensus regarding the number and location of biopsies or when to consider full-thickness biopsies. Our case represents a rare cause of EGID and underscores the difficulty in determining the etiology of EGID and need for repeat endoscopic biopsies after failure of traditional treatment.