Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis.

ABSTRACT

Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis is an increasingly recognized disease in various parts of the world. The clinical presentation mimics other gastrointestinal diseases, especially gastroesophageal reflux disease, making endoscopic examination and histological evaluation of esophageal mucosal biopsies crucial to accurate diagnosis. The pathogenesis likely involves allergen-initiated, TH2-dependent, IL-5 mediated infiltration of eosinophilis into the esophageal mucosa. Therapies currently favored include dietary modifications and use of corticosteroids.