A rare case of diarrhea and ascites

Int J Colorectal Dis. 2020 Apr;35(4):769-773. doi: 10.1007/s00384-020-03523-z. Epub 2020 Jan 31.

Abstract

Background: Eosinophilic enterocolitis is a rare condition included in the spectrum of the eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation combined with an increase infiltration of eosinophils in the gastrointestinal tract, in the absence of other secondary causes of eosinophilic infiltration.

Case presentation: We report a case of a 22-year-old male with eosinophilic enterocolitis presenting with malabsorption syndrome (diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss), bowel wall thickening, and ascites. Secondary causes of intestinal eosinophilia were excluded, and diagnosis was established in a timely manner. Treatment plan included a 6-food elimination diet and corticosteroid therapy, with clinical remission after 2 weeks of therapy. The patient remains asymptomatic after 12 months of follow-up, with no relapse.

Keywords: Ascites; Diarrhea; Eosinophilic enterocolitis; Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders; Gastrointestinal ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / diagnostic imaging
  • Ascites / blood
  • Ascites / complications*
  • Ascites / diagnostic imaging
  • Ascites / pathology
  • Ascitic Fluid / pathology
  • Diarrhea / blood
  • Diarrhea / complications*
  • Diarrhea / diagnostic imaging
  • Diarrhea / pathology
  • Endoscopy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Ultrasonography
  • Young Adult