Eosinophilic gastroenteritis presenting as protein--losing enteropathy (case report).

Eosinophilic gastroenteropathy is an uncommon, idiopathic disease in children that is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation of the intestine. Predominant involvement of the mucosa is associated with diarrhea and less commonly gastrointestinal protein and fat malabsorption. A seven-year-old female was diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis. This condition was proven by biopsies attained through an endoscope. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, diarrhea and edema. The patient had no eosinophilia. Her serum immunoglobulin E level was increased (1590 mg/dl). Barium studies revealed mucosal thickening of the antrum, distal jejunum and proximal ileum and prominent mucosal folds of the colon. Ultrasound examination revealed thickening of the colonic wall. The patient was treated with prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day). The symptoms subsided and serum immunoglobulin E decreased to 500 mg/dl 45 days later. The patient is being followed with a small maintenance dose of prednisolone with no relapse.