Eosinophilic Gastritis (EG)
Eosinophilic gastritis is a rare disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, causes injury and inflammation to the stomach. Eosinophilic gastritis may affect both adults and children. The cause is unknown.
Symptoms:
- Vomiting, nausea
- Difficulty feeding and/or gaining weight
- Poor growth
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia (low blood counts)
- Fatigue
Associated Diseases:
- Environmental and/or food allergies in some
- May occur in conjunction with other EGIDs
Causes:
- Unknown
- Food allergies may play a role in some patients
Diagnosis:
- Upper endoscopy (placement of a lighted tube into the mouth, esophagus and stomach)
- Biopsies of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine are necessary to make the diagnosis. Eosinophils causing injury in the context of symptoms consistent with EG
Findings:
- Endoscopy may show erosions or irritated areas of the stomach
- Biopsy: Eosinophils invading the stomach. Biopsy may show chronic inflammation. Eosinophils should be carefully sought when chronic inflammation is seen. No consensus recommendations on definition or diagnosis.
- Allergy testing may be helpful in some patients to identify and remove offending food allergens.
Treatment:
- Avoid known food allergens or triggers
- Systemic Steroids (prednisone)
- Elemental diet (avoid all food protein and obtain all nutrition from a special formula)
- Iron supplementation if iron deficient
Prognosis:
- Depends on response to treatment
- Recurrent episodes may occur
Author: Wendy Book MD, updated 9-08-2011, reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Markowitz
© American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders 2011. Content may not be reproduced in part or in whole without express written consent from APFED. Contact us Mail@apfed.org