Abdominal Pain Relieved By A Warm Hot Water Bottle: An Atypical Presentation Of Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis.

ABSTRACT

A 26-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of worsening episodic abdominal pain, which was associated with frequent passage of watery stools, nausea and dyspepsia. Her peripheral eosinophil count was markedly elevated. This responded well to a reducing regimen of corticosteroids. Her symptoms completely resolved with a corresponding fall in eosinophil count. The patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis. We have not considered steroid-sparing agents at this point, but should she have future exacerbations then this will be considered. LEARNING POINTS Keep eosinophilic gastroenteritis in mind when reviewing patients with atypical gastrointestinal symptoms and elevated peripheral eosinophil counts, particularly in patients with a history of atopy.The clinical history, histology and cross-sectional imaging is complementary in securing a diagnosis.Follow-up imaging and endoscopic evaluation can be useful in monitoring response to treatment.