Eosinophilic Myenteric Ganglionitis as a Cause of Digestive Tract Perforation

Abstract

The etiology of eosinophilic myenteric ganglionitis (EMG) remains unclear. We present the case of a 62-year-old man who underwent right hemicolectomy with ileostomy and transverse colon mucous fistula due to ascending colon perforation. Pathological examination revealed severe eosinophilic infiltration in Auerbach's plexus and fibrosis extending from the external longitudinal muscle layer to the subserosal layer, suggesting that the perforation resulted from pseudo-obstruction and EMG-related increased intestinal pressure. Eosinophilic infiltration was observed not only near the perforation site but throughout the entire length of the resected intestine. Four months postoperatively, the patient underwent ileostomy closure, during which the ileal and colonic tracts left external to the wound were resected. Notably, no eosinophilic infiltration in Auerbach's plexus was found in the new specimen, unlike that in the previous surgical specimen, despite the patient receiving no postoperative medication. The patient has remained symptom-free for over 2 years. This is the first report to document histological time-course changes in eosinophil infiltration in Auerbach's plexus and demonstrate the efficacy of surgical treatment in a patient with EMG.