Eosinophilic esophagitis-endoscopic distinguishing findings

• Author(s): Caetano, Ana Célia ; Gonçalves, Raquel ; Rolanda, Carla
• Date: 2012
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/1822/23774
• Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
• Subject(s): Distinguishing findings; Dysphagia; Eosinophilic esophagitis; Gastro esophageal reflux disease; Histological criteria
• Document Type: Article
• Language: English

Description

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is the most frequent condition found in a group of gastrointestinal disorders called eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases. The hypothetical pathophysiological mechanism is related to a hypersensitivity reaction. Gastroesophageal reflux disease- like complaints not ameliorated by acid blockade or occasional symptoms of dysphagia or food impaction are likely presentations of EE. Due to its unclear pathogenesis and unspecific symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose EE without a strong suspicion. Although histological criteria are necessary to diagnosis EE, there are some characteristic endoscopic features. We present the case of a healthy 55-year-old woman with dysphagia and several episodes of esophageal food impaction over the last six months. This case report stresses the most distinguishing endoscopic findings-mucosa rings, white exudative plaques and linear furrows-that can help in the prompt recognition of this condition.