eosinophilic gastroenteritis

Differential Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare gastrointestinal disease that can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity with other conditions. The differential diagnosis of EGE involves considering various diseases and conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Conditions to Consider:

• Parasitic infections: Such as giardiasis, amebiasis, and strongyloidiasis, which can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and eosinophilia.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can present with similar symptoms to EGE, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
• Connective tissue diseases: Such as lupus and scleroderma, which can cause eosinophilia and gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Malignancies: Certain types of cancer, like lymphoma and leukemia, can present with eosinophilia and gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Adverse effects of drugs: Some medications can cause eosinophilia and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Key Considerations:

• A detailed history and physical examination are essential in the differential diagnosis of EGE.
• The presence of eosinophilic infiltration in one or more areas of the GI tract is a key feature of EGE.
• Corticosteroids are the primary medication therapy for EGE.

References:

• [1] Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is an uncommon gastrointestinal disease affecting both children and adults. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is characterized by the presence of abnormal GI symptoms, most often abdominal pain Eosinophilic infiltration in one or more areas of the GI tract, defined as 20 or more eosinophils per high power field.
• [3] Differential diagnosis​​ Following confirmation of eosinophilic infiltration into the GI tract, diseases in which GI symptoms are associated with peripheral eosinophilia should be considered.
• [5] EG should be considered in any aged patient who presents with a chronic history of vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, or weight loss.