Eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal disorders with asthma: immunohistochemical analyses

Intern Med. 2009;48(15):1315-21. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.48.2053. Epub 2009 Aug 3.

Abstract

We report 5 patients with eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) and asthma. All patients developed EGIDs while asthma remained clinically stable. Asthma severity was moderate persistent and severe persistent and 2 patients had intolerance to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. By immunohistochemical analysis of the mucosa, eosinophils, macrophages, and T cells were found to be the major infiltrating cells. There was a lesser degree of infiltration of mast cells and B cells but no neutrophils. Compared with normal controls, increased counts of eosinophils and CD8+ T cells were found in the duodenum, and eosinophils, macrophages, and CD4+ T cells in the colon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Asthma / complications*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Eosinophilia / complications*
  • Eosinophilia / immunology*
  • Eosinophilia / pathology
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Eosinophils / pathology
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / complications*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / immunology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology