Idiopathic eosinophilic esophagitis

Idiopathic eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by eosinophilia that can involve all the layers of the esophagus.

Epidemiology

It is most commonly seen in males aged 20-40. It is an uncommon disease; however not rare.

Clinical presentation

Patients typically present with dysphagia or with food stuck in the esophagus. Usually, a specific food or allergen triggers the presentation, and symptoms may persist for a long time afterwards.

Pathology

The exact etiology is unknown. Exposure to food or allergen triggers the activation of eosinophils within the esophageal wall and a consequent inflammatory cascade ensues.

Esophageal strictures, webs and spasm cause the presentation of food impaction.

Radiographic features

Fluoroscopy

• 'ringed' esophagus: concentric, ring-like strictures of the esophagus on a barium swallow
• these ring-like strictures may co-exist with longer strictures and may be associated with esophageal spasm, dysmotility and foreshortening

CT

• non-specific esophageal submucosal edema

Treatment and prognosis

It is self-limiting in some cases but responds well to oral glucocorticoid therapy. It may lead to growth retardation in some children.

Differential diagnosis

• gastro-esophageal reflux, especially if the feline esophagus is present
• esophageal spasm
• intestinal parasitic infestation
• drug-induced esophagitis

Siehe auch:

• Diffuser Ösophagusspasmus
• Ösophagitis
• Feline-Ösophagus
• eosinophile Enterokolitis
• eosinophile Gastritis
• eosinophile Gastroenteritis

und weiter:

• Presbyösophagus