Successful medical treatment of two patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis

Background/Purpose: Significant oesophageal eosinophilia is associated with oesophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Eosinophilic oesophagitis is a rare disease that causes thickening of the oesophageal wall, narrowing of the oesophageal lumen, and severe motor disturbance. Methods and Results: Two 12 yr-old patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis were studied prospectively. Clinical and investigation details are presented. Elemental formula was administered until complete remission of disease. Final outcome was assessed after 3 months on regular diet with exclusion of specific allergic components. Both patients responded to the dietary manipulation. Conclusions: Eosinophilic oesophagitis must be included in the differential diagnosis when dealing with oesophageal strictures of unknown or unclear aetiology. Elimination diet therapy plays a crucial role in ameliorating the course of the illness. Blood eosinophilia correlates with therapeutic response and with improvement of the disease. Copyright (C) 2002 by WB. Saunders Company.