Eosinophilic enteritis: CT features

The Dual Lens of Endoscopy and Histology in the Diagnosis and Management of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders-A Comprehensive Review

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs) are a group of conditions characterized by abnormal eosinophil accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract. Among these EGIDs, Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is the most well documented, while less is known about Eosinophilic Gastritis (EoG), Eosinophilic Enteritis (EoN), and Eosinophilic Colitis (EoC). The role of endoscopy in EGIDs is pivotal, with applications in diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapeutic intervention. In EoE, the endoscopic reference score (EREFS) has been shown to be accurate in raising diagnostic suspicion and effective in monitoring therapeutic responses. Additionally, endoscopic dilation is the first-line treatment for esophageal strictures. For EoG and EoN, while the literature is more limited, common endoscopic findings include erythema, nodules, and ulcerations. Histology remains the gold standard for diagnosing EGIDs, as it quantifies eosinophilic infiltration. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the histological understanding of EoE, leading to the development of diagnostic scores and the identification of specific microscopic features associated with the disease. However, for EoG, EoN, and EoC, precise eosinophil count thresholds for diagnosis have not yet been established. This review aims to elucidate the role of endoscopy and histology in the diagnosis and management of the three main EGIDs and to analyze their strengths and limitations, their interconnection, and future research directions.

Current and Novel Therapies for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are an emerging group of pathological entities characterized by an eosinophil-predominant infiltration of different tracts of the gut in the absence of secondary causes of eosinophilia. According to the specific tract of the gut involved, EGIDs can be classified into eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), eosinophilic gastritis (EoG), eosinophilic enteritis (EoN), and eosinophilic colitis (EoC). The epidemiology of EGIDs is evolving rapidly. EoE, once considered a rare disease, now has an incidence and prevalence of 7.7 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per years and 34.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year, respectively. Fewer data are available regarding non-EoE EGIDs, whose prevalence are estimated to range between 2.1 and 17.6 in 100,000 individuals, depending on age, sex, and ethnicity. Diagnosis requires the presence of suggestive symptoms, endoscopic biopsies showing abnormal values of eosinophils infiltrating the gut, and exclusion of secondary causes of eosinophilia. EoE typically presents with dysphagia and episodes of food bolus impactions, while EoG, EoN, and EoC may all present with abdominal pain and diarrhea, with or without other non-specific symptoms. In addition, although different EGIDs are currently classified as different entities, there may be overlap between different diseases in the same patient. Despite EGIDs being relatively novel pathological entities, the research on possible treatments is rapidly growing. In this regard, several randomized controlled trials are currently ongoing to investigate novel molecules, including ad-hoc steroid formulations, immunosuppressants, and mostly monoclonal antibodies that target the specific molecular mediators of EGIDs. This narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of available and investigational drugs for different EGIDs.

Eosinophilic Enteritis Flare-Up Mimicking Acute Gastroenteritis: A Rare Case

Eosinophilic enteritis is a rare subset of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. It typically presents with chronic symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and ascites. However, the clinical presentation can vary due to acute flare-ups. Here, we present a case of eosinophilic enteritis in a young female patient with intractable vomiting and diarrhea, mimicking acute gastroenteritis in the absence of other gastrointestinal symptoms. This case illustrates the challenge of diagnosing acute and diverse presentations of eosinophilic enteritis. It also highlights the importance of promptly treating and confirming the diagnosis through urgent tissue histopathology in adolescents with unexplained vomiting and diarrhea.

Non-esophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases: a narrative review

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are a group of rare diseases characterized by the infiltration of eosinophils in the gastrointestinal wall in a greater amount than in homeostatic conditions. 'Non-esophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders' is the umbrella term for all eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders outside of the well known eosinophilic esophagitis. This includes eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic enteritis and eosinophilic colitis. The clinical presentation is atypical and not very different for the three disorders. The depth of infiltration has a bigger influence on the presenting symptoms than the disease location. Although the frequency of diagnosis and research in this subject is increasing over time, non-esophageal eosinophilic disorders are rare and high quality evidence is limited to date. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the latest insights in the pathophysiology, diagnostic approach and available treatment options. Transcriptome studies have found the pathogenesis to be T helper type 2 driven. Various laboratory findings can be used to trigger raised suspicion and investigation with endoscopy. As the endoscopic appearance of the mucosa is normal in most cases, multiple biopsies in each segment are needed to quantify the amount of eosinophils in the tissue. Eosinophilic cut-offs for diagnosis are a controversial topic and a consensus is still lacking. A recently developed tissue based diagnostic platform which measures differentially expressed genes might be available in the future to classify patients with intermediate eosinophilic tissue levels under the cut-off. For the treatment, corticosteroids are still the cornerstone of treatment but promising research suggests a role of biologicals, such as Lirentelimab (anti-siglec 8) in particular.

"Imaging Findings of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases in Adults"

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a group of conditions marked by pathologic eosinophilic infiltration of one or multiple locations in the GI tract. Conditions include eosinophilic esophagitis, eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic enteritis, and eosinophilic colitis. The site and depth of eosinophilic infiltration of the GI tract usually determines clinical presentation. These conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis for several GI symptoms, such as food impaction or dysphagia. Histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis of eosinophilic disorders. Nevertheless, findings from endoscopy, barium studies, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, can aid in the diagnosis, by allowing for earlier diagnosis as well as proper management. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are typically managed with corticosteroids or dietary elimination. A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis as it can often be challenging.

Eosinophilic Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Associated Abdominal Viscera: Imaging Findings and Diagnosis

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract that are characterized by tissue eosinophilia and end-organ dysfunction or damage. Primary EGIDs are associated with atopy and other allergic conditions, whereas secondary EGIDs are associated with underlying systemic diseases or hypereosinophilic syndrome. Within the spectrum of EGIDs, eosinophilic esophagitis is the most prevalent. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and eosinophilic colitis are relatively uncommon. Eosinophilic infiltration of the liver, biliary tree, and/or pancreas also can occur and mimic other inflammatory and malignant conditions. Although endoscopic evaluation is the method of choice for eosinophilic esophagitis, radiologic evaluation of the esophagus plays an important role in the assessment of disease severity. CT and MR enterography are the modalities of choice for demonstrating specific forms of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. CT and MRI are important in the detection of abdominal visceral involvement in EGIDs. Diagnosis is often challenging and relies on symptoms, imaging findings, histologic confirmation of tissue eosinophilia, and correlation with peripheral eosinophilia. Imaging is crucial for identifying characteristic organ-specific findings, although imaging findings are not specific. When promptly treated, EGIDs usually have a benign clinical course. However, a delayed diagnosis and associated surgical interventions have been associated with morbidity. Therefore, a radiologist's knowledge of the imaging findings of EGIDs in the appropriate clinical settings may aid in early diagnosis and thereby improve patient care. An overview of the clinical features and imaging findings of EGIDs and the eosinophilic disorders of associated abdominal viscera is provided. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Eosinophilic ascites as an uncommon presentation of eosinophilic gastroenteritis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is defined by the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, with an abnormal eosinophilic infiltrate of the intestine wall and exclusion of other causes of secondary eosinophilia. EGE has three clinical presentations, depending on the depth of eosinophilic infiltration of the bowel wall. It individualizes into three types, namely mucosal, muscular, and subserosal. Eosinophilic ascites, which is caused by edema and eosinophilic inflammation of the serosal layer of the small bowel wall, is the most uncommon presentation of EGE.

CASE SUMMARY

A 30-year-old Egyptian woman presented with pain in the epigastrium and diffuse abdominal distension. Past medical history comprised allergy to iron injections (for iron deficiency anemia). Clinical examination showed moderate abdominal distention (palpation) and shifting dullness (percussion) suggestive of moderate ascites; mild right pleural effusion was also suspected, but findings were otherwise unremarkable. Abdominal and pelvic examinations by ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed moderate ascites, mild right pleural effusion, and diffuse thickening of the antrum and small bowel loops. Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract revealed mild diffuse hyperemia of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, with no relevant findings in the histopathology of biopsy specimens taken from these sites. Laboratory results showed eosinophilia in the peripheral blood and marked increase of eosinophils in the ascitic fluid. Treatment with corticosteroids resulted in normalization of the laboratory test results, and the ascites resolved within a week of initiation of therapy.

CONCLUSION

Eosinophilic ascites, characterized by increased eosinophils in peripheral blood and ascitic fluid, showed dramatic response to steroid therapy.

Causes of eosinophilic ascites – A systematic review

Background . In the last years an uprising interest for a relatively unknown entity, eosinophilic ascites (EA), has been recorded.

Our aim is to investigate the potential causes of EA development, as well as clinical, laboratory, endoscopic and radiologic features, management and outcome in these patients.

Methods . The following research was performed on PubMed (MEDLINE) database using the medical subject headings [Mesh] terms “Ascites” AND “Eosinophils”.

Results . A total of 284 results, dating from 1962 onwards, were found and abstracts were examined. 131 papers were excluded and the remaining 153 publications, consisting in case reports and series of cases, were analyzed.

From 171 patients with EA, 127 subjects (74%) had EGE, 17 (10%) parasitic and fungal infections, 11(7%) Hypereosinophilic syndrome and 16 patients (9%) less common diseases (eosinophilic pancreatitis, chronic eosinophilic leukemia, myelofibrosis, T-cell lymphoma, Churg Strauss Syndrome, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Familial paroxysmal polyserositis and Ménétrier’s disease). High eosinophil blood count and IgE levels as well as gastrointestinal symptoms are frequent. The diagnosis is based on ascitic fluid analysis, imaging and endoscopic biopsies. Therapy with corticosteroids results in resolution of eosinophilic ascites in almost all patients.

Conclusion . In most cases, in the absence of allergy, parasitic infections, malignancy, hematological disorders, peritoneal tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel disease or autoimmune disease, EA develops as a manifestation of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: diagnosis and clinical perspectives

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a digestive disorder in children and adults that is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration in the stomach and intestine. The underlying molecular mechanisms predisposing to this disease are unknown, but it seems that hypersensitivity response plays a major role in its pathogenesis, as many patients have a history of seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, asthma, and eczema. Symptoms and clinical presentations vary, depending on the site and layer of the gastrointestinal wall infiltrated by eosinophils. Laboratory results, radiological findings, and endoscopy can provide important diagnostic evidence for EGE; however, the cornerstone of the diagnosis remains the histological examination of gastric and duodenal specimens for evidence of eosinophilic infiltration (>20 eosinophils per high-power field), and finally clinicians make the diagnosis in correlation with and by exclusion of other disorders associated with eosinophilic infiltration. Although spontaneous remission is reported in around 30%–40% of EGE cases, most patients require ongoing treatment. The management options for this disorder include both dietary and pharmacological approaches, with corticosteroids being the mainstay of therapy and highly effective. The subsequent course is quite variable. Some patients have no recurrences, while a few experience recurrent symptoms during or immediately after corticosteroid interruption. An alternative therapeutic armamentarium includes mast-cell stabilizers, leukotriene antagonists, antihistamines, immunomodulators, and biological agents. In this review, we provide a summary of the different diagnostic tools utilized in practice, as well as the different therapeutic approaches available for EGE management.

Cardiopulmonary and Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Eosinophil- associated Diseases and Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndromes: Multimodality Imaging Approach

Eosinophil-associated diseases (EADs) are a diverse group of disorders characterized by an increase in circulating or tissue eosinophils. Cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal system involvement can be due to primary EAD with no known cause or can be secondary to known systemic disease. The cardiopulmonary spectrum of EADs comprises simple pulmonary eosinophilia, acute eosinophilic pneumonia, chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, Churg-Strauss syndrome, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, bronchocentric granulomatosis, parasitic infections, and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders include eosinophilic esophagitis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, and eosinophilic colitis. Diagnosis is often challenging and requires a combination of clinical and imaging features along with laboratory findings. The absolute eosinophil count in peripheral blood and the percentage of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid are crucial in evaluation of various eosinophilic lung diseases. Although chest radiography is the initial imaging modality used in suspected cases of pulmonary EAD, multidetector computed tomography may demonstrate more characteristic pulmonary patterns, nodules, and subtle parenchymal abnormalities. Barium esophagography is used to assess mucosal abnormalities and the length and diameter of esophageal strictures. Magnetic resonance imaging is superior in providing valuable information in select patients, especially in evaluation of cardiac and gastrointestinal system involvement. Many patients require a multimodality imaging approach to enable diagnosis, guide treatment, and assess treatment response. Knowledge of the clinical features and imaging findings of the spectrum of EADs involving the lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract permits optimal patient care.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: Approach to diagnosis and management

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare and benign inflammatory disorder that predominantly affects the stomach and the small intestine. The disease is divided into three subtypes (mucosal, muscular and serosal) according to klein’s classification, and its manifestations are protean, depending on the involved intestinal segments and layers. Hence, accurate diagnosis of EGE poses a significant challenge to clinicians, with evidence of the following three criteria required: Suspicious clinical symptoms, histologic evidence of eosinophilic infiltration in the bowel and exclusion of other pathologies with similar findings. In this review, we designed and applied an algorithm to clarify the steps to follow for diagnosis of EGE in clinical practice. The management of EGE represents another area of debate. Prednisone remains the mainstay of treatment; however the disease is recognized as a chronic disorder and one that most frequently follows a relapsing course that requires maintenance therapy. Since prolonged steroid treatment carries of risk of serious adverse effects, other options with better safety profiles have been proposed; these include budesonide, dietary restrictions and steroid-sparing agents, such as leukotriene inhibitors, azathioprine, anti-histamines and mast-cell stabilizers. Single cases or small case series have been reported in the literature for all of these options, and we provide in this review a summary of these various therapeutic modalities, placing them within the context of our novel algorithm for EGE management according to disease severity upon presentation.

Eosinophilic ascites: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the dominant layer of infiltration it is classified into three types namely, mucosal, muscularis and subserosal. The most uncommon variant is the subserosal type characterized by primarily subserosal disease, eosinophilic ascites and peripheral hypereosinophilia. The clinical features are non-specific with history of atopic predisposition and allergy. Endoscopic biopsy is frequently non-diagnostic due to an uninvolved gastrointestinal mucosa rendering its diagnosis a challenge. The mainstay of diagnosis is peripheral hypereosinophilia and eosinophil-rich ascitic fluid on diagnostic paracentesis. Oral steroid therapy is usually the first line of treatment with dramatic response. Due to a propensity for relapse, steroid-sparing therapy should be considered for relapses of EGE. We report a case of subserosal EGE with diagnostic clinical features and treatment response and review the current strategy in the management of eosinophilic ascites.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis associated with eosinophilic cystitis: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) is a rare, distinct clinical entity, and EG associated with eosinophilic cystitis (EC) is extremely rare and has not been well documented. Here, we report two cases of EG and coexistent EC along with findings from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An 18-year-old male with a history of hematuria, urgency and occasional urodynia for two weeks and a 34-year-old male with a history of abdominal distention for one week were admitted to our hospital. Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT in both patients revealed wall thickening in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract with inhomogeneous reinforcement, coexistent with local or diffuse bladder wall thickening with progressive enhancement, and also showed that the bladder mucosal lining was nondestructive. Pelvic MRI showed that the local or diffuse thickened bladder wall was iso-intense on T1-weighted images, hypo-intense on T2-weighted images, and slightly restricted on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in one case. After therapy, the thickened wall of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary bladder had improved markedly in the two cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the radiological imaging of EG and coexistent EC by both CT and MRI and the first with DWI findings.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis with involvement of the urinary bladder

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis with eosinophilic infiltration of the urinary bladder wall is rare in children. We describe the CT findings of eosinophilic gastroenteritis accompanied by bladder involvement in an 11-year-old boy. CT imaging showed diffuse wall thickening of the entire gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the colon and revealed a halo sign, irregular fold thickening and luminal narrowing without obstruction of the gastrointestinal wall. Another CT finding was the diffuse thickening of the bladder wall with moderate enhancement on postcontrast CT. The boy underwent endoscopic biopsy from various sites of the gut wall and histology revealed increased eosinophiliac infiltration in the mucosa. After corticosteroid therapy, the boy recovered gradually. The case emphasizes that not only the gastrointestinal tract but also the urinary bladder may be involved in children with eosinophilic gastroenteritis and that recognition of CT features of this disease aids in early diagnosis and therapy.

Histopathologic diagnosis of eosinophilic conditions in the gastrointestinal tract

Eosinophils, a constitutive component of the columnar-lined gastrointestinal tract, play an essential role in allergic responses and parasitic infections. The tissue density of these cells also increases in a variety of conditions of uncertain etiology. With the exception of the esophageal squamous epithelium, in which no eosinophils are normally present, the population of normal eosinophils in the remainder of the luminal gut is poorly defined. Therefore, histopathologists must rely on their subjective judgment to determine when a diagnosis of eosinophilic gastritis, enteritis, or colitis should be rendered. Eosinophilic esophagitis is currently the best defined and most studied eosinophilic condition of the digestive tract; therefore, the confidence in accurate diagnosis is increasing. In contrast, the characteristic clinicopathologic features of eosinophilic conditions affecting other parts of the digestive tract remain somewhat elusive. This review was designed to present pathologists with simple and practical information for the biopsy-based histopathologic diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis, gastritis, enteritis, and colitis. It was prepared by critically reviewing more than 200 articles on the topic, along with incorporating evidence accumulated through our own collective experience. We anticipate that by increasing pathologists' confidence in reporting these abnormal but often nameless eosinophilic infiltrates, we can help better define and characterize their significance.

[Eosinophilic gastroenteritis]

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a disease that presents with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea. We here present an overview of the disease with an emphasis on practical management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The basis for the review is literature retrieved through a search in PubMed and on our own experience treating patients with this disease. A case is reported.

RESULTS

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract that mainly affects the stomach and upper small bowel. Young middle-aged adults (most men) are most frequently affected. Abdominal pain and diarrhoea are the most common symptoms. The etiology and pathogenesis is unknown. Correct diagnosis may be difficult and is based on gastrointestinal symptoms, eosinophilic infiltration of the bowel wall and exclusion of other causes of eosinophilia. Treatment is symptomatic with different doses of corticosteroids. Long-term prognosis seems good.

INTERPRETATION

The clinical presentation of eosinophilic gastroenteritis varies and underdiagnosing is therefore likely. Many patients have normal levels of eosinophils in blood and normal findings with endoscopy. Correct diagnosis therefore depends on awareness of the disease.

Eosinophilic ascites due to severe eosinophilic ileitis

Background:

There is a broad etiology for effusion eosinophilia that includes allergic, reactive, infectious, immune, neoplastic, and idiopathic causes. We report and describe the cytomorphologic findings of a rare case of eosinophilic ascites due to severe eosinophilic ileitis.

Case Presentation:

A 17-year-old male manifested acutely with eosinophilic ascites due to severe biopsy-proven subserosal eosinophilic ileitis. Isolated peritoneal fluid submitted for cytologic evaluation revealed that 65% eosinophils were present in a bloody background. The patient responded to corticosteroids, with complete resolution of his ascites.

Conclusion:

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis with subserosal involvement should be added to the list of causes for eosinophils in peritoneal fluid. The finding of eosinophilic ascites, with appropriate clinical and laboratory findings, may warrant the need to perform laparoscopic intestinal biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.

Thoracic rib solitary eosinophilic granuloma in a child

Eosinophilic granuloma is characterized by single or multiple skeletal lesions occurring predominantly in children, adolescents, and young adults, it accounts for 70% of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The common sites are the skull, mandible, ribs, spines, and long bones particularly the femur and the humerus. Thoracic rib involvement is rarely seen. It was often regarded as malignant soft tissue tumor. We report an unusual case of eosinophilic granuloma in a female child presented with a solitary lesion at the thoracic rib.

Evaluation of the patient with suspected eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease

This article focuses on the evaluation and management of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases other than eosinophilic esophagitis. Those diseases include eosinophilic gastritis, gastroenteritis, enteritis, and colitis. The diagnosis of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease is primarily dependent on the clinical history and histopathology of multiple biopsy specimens after ruling out other causes of intestinal eosinophilia. The diagnosis of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases other than eosinophilic esophagitis is complicated by the lack of uniformly accepted diagnostic criteria. Treatment involves evaluation for food sensitivity, elimination diets, and the use of anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory medications with varying degrees of success. Little is known about the natural history of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, underscoring the need for long-term follow-up studies of patients with these disorders.

Eosinophilic enteritis with ascites in a patient with overlap syndrome

Gastrointestinal involvement is frequent in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Eosinophilic gastroenteritis, however, has only rarely been described in rheumatological conditions, despite its reported connection to autoimmune diseases, such as hypereosinophilic syndrome, vasculitides, and systemic mastoidosis. It presents typically with abdominal pain and diarrhea and is only exceptionally associated with ascites. Diagnosis can be problematic, as several other clinical conditions (malignancies, infection/tuberculosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases) have to be ruled out. It is basically a nonsurgical disease, with excellent recovery on conservative treatment. We report the rare case of a young woman with overlap syndrome who presented with abdominal pain and ascites. The diagnosis of eosinophilic enteritis was made based on clinical, radiological, and laboratory criteria. The patient was treated with corticosteroids with excellent response.