Eosinophilic gastroenteritis in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine in a patient with a choking feeling in the esophagus

Abstract

A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the chief complaint of a choking feeling around the esophagus. Laboratory examinations revealed eosinophilia, and high levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E. A computed tomography scan (CT) showed wall thickening of the esophagus and terminal ileum, and ascites around the liver. An endoscopic examination revealed mild mucosal edema in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Biopsy specimens showed diffuse eosinophilic infiltration in the mucosa. We therefore diagnosed eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Oral prednisolone relieved clinical conditions and the CT image improved. This case was considered valuable, because there have been few reports of eosinophilic esophagitis in Japan.