Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Eosinophilic ascites (EA) is a rare and often challenging clinical manifestation of eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), a condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration in various layers of the gastrointestinal tract. EA specifically involves the abnormal accumulation of eosinophils in the peritoneal cavity, which can lead to significant abdominal distension and discomfort. EGE is an inflammatory disorder that can affect the mucosal, muscular, or serosal layers of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily resulting from a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and immune responses. This case report discusses a 39-year-old male who presented with persistent abdominal distension, significant weight loss, vomiting, and chronic diarrhea. Clinical evaluation revealed marked eosinophilia and EA, prompting a series of diagnostic tests to differentiate it from other potential causes such as parasitic infections and malignancies. Imaging studies indicated moderate ascites and intestinal wall thickening. The patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic enteritis, and treatment with corticosteroids led to substantial clinical improvement. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and management strategies associated with both EA and EGE, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these rare manifestations of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.68511
Institution: Saveetha University
Language: English
Topic: Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402171842