Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis and Colitis with Elevated Level of Serum IgA: A Case Report

Abstract

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease with unknown etiology. It is characterized by the eosinophilic infiltration of one or more layers of the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, the authors visited a rare case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. A 30-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of acute-onset excessive abdominal pain in the periumbilical region and chronic diarrhea. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen with tenderness. Complete blood count showed moderate eosinophilia with elevated IgA serum levels. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis was normal. Upper endoscopy (with taking biopsy samples from the stomach and duodenum) and total colonoscopy (with taking biopsy sample from the rectum and ascending colon) were performed. The pathological examination showed a non-destructive colitis with increased mucosal eosinophilia throughout the entire thickness of the ascending colon and duodenum. Rectal and gastric biopsy samples did not show any signs of eosinophilic infiltration. After ruling out of other causes of eosinophilia, eosinophilic gastroenteritis was diagnosed. The patient recovered well after treatment with prednisone (40 mg/day) over two weeks and was free from gastrointestinal symptoms at the time we reported her disease.