Two cases of eosinophilic gastroenteritis in children

Abstract

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is defined based on histological criteria as marked eosinophilia in the intestine. There are relatively few case reports of eosinophilic gastroenteritis in children. Here, we describe two cases of eosinophilic gastroenteritis in children. Our case reports showed that the clinical course of eosinophil gastroenteritis is various. [Case 1 : A 9-year-old boy] A child was referred to our department with atopic dermatitis at the age of 8 years. At that time, his laboratory data showed peripheral blood hypereosinophilia and high levels of immunoglobulin E. In addition, he had diarrhea and vomiting just after eating eggs. Therefore, we suspected the presence of eosinophilic gastroenteritis and examined his intestine by endoscopy. His colon biopsy specimen revealed an eosinophilic infiltrate. He was treated successfully with antihistamine, leukotriene receptor antagonist, and restrictions on the amount of eggs that he ate. Thereafter, his laboratory data and findings improved. [Case 2 : A 4-year-old boy] A child had been hospitalized with anemia that seemed to be associated with bloody stool, since the age of 1 year. His laboratory data showed peripheral blood hypereosinophilia and detectable eosinophils in the colon membrane, and he therefore started steroid therapy at 3 years of age. Although the bloody stool improved with this treatment, the steroid therapy could not be withdrawn.