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