Eosinophilic colitis is a rare heterogeneous inflammatory disorder. The pathogenesis is not well understood even though it seems to be multifactorial, with hypersensitivity as a major contributor. The clinical presentation depends on the eosinophilic infiltration of different sections within the gastrointestinal tract. Diagnosis is based on the presence of peripheral eosinophilia and histopathological evidence of colon wall eosinophilic infiltration. The authors present the case of a woman with a predominantly subserous pattern of eosinophilic colitis potentially triggered by intake of an Ulmus rubra-rich product.
Learning points: Subserous eosinophilic colitis (EC) is a rare inflammatory gastrointestinal disease that should be suspected when peripheral eosinophilia is accompanied by eosinophil-rich ascites and confirmed by the presence of eosinophilic infiltration of the colon wall.Although the aetiology of EC is not fully understood, a combination of genetic predisposition, dysbiosis and environmental factors (e.g., ingested allergens) likely contribute to it.The subserous type has the best prognosis and responds well to corticosteroids, with fewer relapses than other types.
Keywords: Eosinophilic colitis; Ulmus rubra supplement; ascites; serosa.
© EFIM 2021.