A Case of Eosinophilic Enteritis with Ascites

Yun, Kyung Taek; Jeon, Yong Cheol; Son, Young Woo; Sohn, Joo Hyun; Yoon, Byeong Chul; Choi, Ho Soon; Hahm, Joon Soo; Lee, Dong Hoo; Lee, Min Ho; Kee, Choon Suhk; Park, Kyung Nam; Lee, Woong Soo

Abstract

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease of unknown cause and presents with tissue eosinophilia, which can involve different layers of gut wall and show different gastrointestinal symptoms according to the invaded lesion or layer without parasitic infestation. A pathologic and clinical classification of eosinophilic gastroenteritis is based on the predominent layer of the gut wall involved. Serosal involvement is observed in the rarest form that is associated with eosinophilic ascites and dramatic steroid response. A 15-year-old woman with lower abdominal pain visited our hospital. She had a peripheral blood eosinophilia and moderate amount of ascites that is mainly composed of eosinophils. Small bowel series showed diffuse mucosal thickening from the duodenum to the ileum. We diagnosed the case as eosinophilic enteritis with ascites on the basis of clinical, laboratory, radiologic findings. She was treated with corticosteroid and responded rapidly with a complete resolution of ascites and the abdominal pain.