Eosinophilic enteritis in association with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is an uncommon disease and has rarely been reported in association with connective tissue diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus. We report a 36-year-old woman who developed recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and melena. Complete blood counts showed elevated eosinophil counts. Ultrasound and CT-scan images studies were significant for bowel wall thickening and ascites. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy with a mesenteric biopsy and appendectomy that showed eosinophil infiltration in the muscularis propria, establishing the diagnosis of EGE. The patient developed pleural effusions, with laboratory studies showing haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, positive antinuclear antibody and anticardiolipin antibodies. The patient was treated with high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy, with successful resolution of symptoms. Three months later, she developed a new episode of abdominal pain defined as intestinal pseudo-obstruction that was resolved without complications.