EOSINOPHILIC ENTERITIS PRESENTING AS SURGICAL EMERGENCIES - A REPORT OF 6 CASES

Eosinophilic enteritis is now commonly diagnosed in northern Queensland, and cases have been seen elsewhere. The patients present with acute abdominal symptoms, which may mimic appendicitis, and many cases are managed by surgery. To facilitate the diagnosis of this unusual syndrome, six surgically treated cases are reported here. Blood eosinophilia may be a helpful diagnostic feature, but in some cases it does not develop until after the acute abdominal episode. Most cases resolve satisfactorily with conservative management.