Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Presenting as Small Bowel Obstruction.

ABSTRACT

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of bowel wall to a variable depth. A 38 year old female presented with loose stool and vomiting since 3 days. She gave history of pain abdomen and weight loss since six months. Barium study revealed ascending colon stricture just proximal to the hepatic flexure ? malignant. A colonic biopsy was done, which was reported as edematous colonic mucosa with mild increase in eosinophils. Intra-operatively, a dense long segment stricture was found in the ascending colon extending to the caecum which warranted a right hemicolectomy. Histopathology revealed dense infiltration of eosinophils in the entire thickness of ileal and caecal wall. The diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis was made. Patient responded well to steroids. The case is being reported to highlight its rarity due to caecal involvement, presentation as intestinal obstruction and missed diagnosis on endoscopic biopsy.