Eosinophilic esophagitis: the newest esophageal inflammatory disease

Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009 May;6(5):267-78. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2009.45.

Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic esophageal inflammatory disease of undetermined pathophysiology that results in dense mucosal eosinophilia and esophageal dysfunction. In childhood, vague symptoms associated with GERD and feeding difficulties are the first manifestations of EoE. Adults typically present with dysphagia and food impaction. No pathognomonic features have been identified for EoE and, therefore, its diagnosis must be made on both clinical and histological grounds. Effective treatments rely on steroids and dietary exclusions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Eosinophils / immunology*
  • Esophagitis* / diagnosis
  • Esophagitis* / immunology
  • Esophagitis* / therapy
  • Esophagus / immunology*
  • Humans