A Case of Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Associated with Eosinophilic Ascites Diagnosed by Full-Thickness Biopsy of the Small Intestine

BACKGROUND Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease, characterized by infiltrates of eosinophils in the intestinal mucosa, muscularis propria, and serosa. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is due to Type 1 hypersensitivity and can be associated with other atopic diseases. The clinical course of eosinophilic gastroenteritis varies depending on the location, extent, and depth of eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, which can make the diagnosis challenging. A case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis associated with eosinophilic ascites is presented that emphasizes the importance of full-thickness intestinal biopsy, which includes the muscularis propria, to allow the definitive diagnosis to be made. CASE REPORT A 28-year-old man presented with vague abdominal pain, nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, unintentional weight loss, and progressive ascites during the previous several months. A diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis was made after the exclusion of other possible causes, which was confirmed by histopathology of a full-thickness intestinal biopsy. The patient was treated with steroids. At one-month follow-up, the patient reported reduced abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS A case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis associated with eosinophilic ascites is presented that emphasizes the importance of full-thickness intestinal biopsy, which includes the muscularis propria, to allow the definitive diagnosis to be made.