EOSINOPHILIC GASTROENTERITIS MANIFESTING WITH ASCITES

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare condition of unknown cause characterized by peripheral eosinophilia, eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, and gastrointestinal symptomatology. EGE is generally classified according to the layer of gastrointestinal tract involved. Mucosal involvement, the most common form of presentation, may result in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and protein-losing enteropathy. Patients with muscular layer disease generally have gastrointestinal obstruction. Serosal eosinophilic infiltration, the rarest form of presentation; may result in development of eosinophilic ascites. EGE complicated by ascites can be effectively treated with steroids after other systemic disorders associated with peripheral eosinophilia have been ruled out.