Korean J Helicobacter Up Gastrointest Res.  2012 Jun;12(2):103-107. 10.7704/kjhugr.2012.12.2.103.

A Case of Steroid Dependent Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Presenting as a Huge Gastric Ulcer

• Kim YJ
• Chung WC
• Kim Y
• Chung YY
• Lee KM
• Paik CN
• Chin HM
• Choi HJ

• KMID: 1855196
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7704/kjhugr.2012.12.2.103

Abstract

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is defined as primary eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic findings of this disease entity are non-specific, and huge gastric ulceration as initial presentation is extremely rare. We experienced a case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis presenting with abdominal pain in a 38 year-old-woman. Deep and huge ulceration in gastric antrum and body looked like advanced gastric cancer. Surgical resection was performed and histopathological examination showed dense infiltration of eosinophil without malignant cells. 5 years after surgery, diffuse abdominal pain and generalized edema developed and computed tomography showed entire wall thickening of the gastrointestinal tract. Random mucosal biopsy of the remnant stomach and terminal ileum showed mucosal eosinophilic infiltrations. She was treated with steroids and azathioprine but experienced frequent relapses and was dependent on steroids to maintain remissions. After 3 years, she died from infective endocarditis due to the prolonged use of immunosuppressive agents.

Keyword

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis; Gastric ulcer; Immunosuppressive agents

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Azathioprine
Biopsy
Edema
Endocarditis
Enteritis
Eosinophilia
Eosinophils
Gastric Stump
Gastritis
Gastroenteritis
Gastrointestinal Tract
Ileum
Immunosuppressive Agents
Pyloric Antrum
Recurrence
Steroids
Stomach Neoplasms
Stomach Ulcer
Ulcer
Azathioprine
Enteritis
Eosinophilia
Gastritis
Immunosuppressive Agents
Steroids