A case of Eosinophilic Ascites noted in Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis

Kim, Ae Seek; Kim, Hak Jin; Choi, Young Hee

Abstract

The observation of eosinophilic ascites is uncommon. They can be noted in parasitic disease, malignant condition, vasculitis, idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome or allergic disorders including eosinophilic gastroenteritis, which is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by massive tissue infiltration of eosinophils in the layers of any area of gastrointestinal[GI] tract. Clinical manifestations are related to the level of the histologic infiltration in the wall, and the segment of the GI tract involved. Mucosal involvement may result in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. Muscle layer involvements have obstructive symptoms. Subserosal eosinophilic infiltration may result in the development of eosinophilic ascites. We experienced a case of eosinophilic ascites as manifestation of eosinophilic gastroenteritis in a 43-year old man who also had jejunal obstruction. High proportion of eosinophil count was noted in the ascites, however peripheral blood eosinophilia was not noted. Parasitologic studies were negative. Histologic examination of segment of jejunum showed heavy transmural infiltration of eosinophils which were extended to subserosal layer. Eosinophilic ascites noted in eosinophilic gastroenteritis, though not a common disease entity, had not been described in the laboratory medicine related papers in Korea. Therefore we report this case as an example of eosinophilic ascites.