eosinophilic gastroenteritis

Pathology: - small bowel biopsy shows a) eosinophilic infiltration of the mucosa b) occasionally, absence of villi Clinical manifestations: 1) history of allergies a) asthma b) allergic rhinitis c) food intolerances 2) episodic gastrointestinal symptoms a) nausea/vomiting b) abdominal pain c) diarrhea d) steatorrhea Laboratory: 1) complete blood count a) eosinophilia b) anemia 2) iron-deficiency 3) decreased serum proteins: serum albumin decreased & serum globulins decreased 4) stool studies a) fecal fat b) ova & parasites to rule out parasitic infection Special laboratory: - endoscopy with small bowel biopsy Radiology: - small bowel studies show course folds & filling defects Management: rapid response to oral steroids

References

Mayo Internal Medicine Board Review, 1998-99, Prakash UBS (ed) Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1998, pg 298