A CASE OF EOSINOPHILIC GASTROENTERITIS WITH PROTEIN-LOSING GASTROENTEROPHATHY

Abstract

A 20-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with epigastric pain and leg edema. Laboratory test revealed eosinophilia (7.8% of WBC) and hypoproteinemia (TP 4.0 g/dl, Alb 2.3 g/dl). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed rugal folds with erythema and erosions in the body of the stomach but not in the esophagus or duodenum. Microscopic examination of the biopsied specimens taken from the stomach, terminal ileum and colon showed eosinophilic infiltration. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed slight ascites and thickening of the stomach wall. Protein loss to the gastrointestinal tract was observed by abdominal scintigraphy with 99mTc-DTPA-HSA. Therefore, we diagnosed the patient as having eosinophilic gastroenteritis with protein-losing gastroenteropathy. Clinical symptoms and laboratory findings had improved following treatment with a proton pump inhibitor and mucosal protectant.