Idiopathic eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases in adults

Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2008;22(3):481-96. doi: 10.1016/j.bpg.2007.09.001.

Abstract

This review focuses on the latest cognitions, diagnosis and treatment strategies of the three main representatives of the eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID): idiopathic eosinophilic oesophagitis (EE), idiopathic eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) with gastrointestinal involvement. These disorders share important similarities: their origin is unknown and their pathogenesis is due to a histological inflammatory response characterised by eosinophilic tissue infiltration. In spite of these parallels, the courses and prognoses of the diseases differ radically: EE is restricted to the oesophagus, and though it may significantly decrease the patient's quality of life, it has a favourable long-term prognosis. In EGE, the inflammatory process involves several segments of the gastrointestinal tract but this chronic inflammation may also be considered a benign disorder. In contrast, HES is primarily a multisystem disorder that may involve several organs, including the digestive tract, and often has a fatal outcome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Eosinophilia / diagnosis*
  • Eosinophilia / etiology
  • Eosinophilia / therapy*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / therapy*
  • Humans