A Rare Case of Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Presenting as Ascites

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disorder of unknown cause characterized by focal or diffuse eosinophilic infiltration of gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach and duodenum. A 23-year-old male with history of recurrent abdominal pain, loose stools since 2 weeks, and treated with antibiotics and antispasmodics with no history of substance abuse, prior surgeries, comorbidities, skin allergies, breathing difficulties, recurrent infections.

Physical examination: General physical examination was unremarkable, Ascites were present.

Discussion: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare condition which may present as vomiting, diarrhea, ascites with eosinophilic infiltration of the gut wall. In our case peripheral eosinophilia leads to suspicion of eosinophilic disorder and cross-sectional imaging ruled out other common aetiologias, mucosal biopsies from the esophagus, small and large bowel clinched the diagnosis revealing increased eosinophils suggesting eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Patient was given deworming and started on steroids and responded well with resolution of ascites in 2 weeks.

Conclusion: EGE should be considered in differential diagnosis in patients with ascites accompanied with peripheral eosinophilia. Endoscopic examination of gastrointestinal tract should be performed. Treatment with corticosteroids is generally effective.

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Publication History

Article published online:
22 April 2024