Eosinophilic Colitis: A Rare Cause of Diarrhea
Location
D.P. Culp Center Ballroom
Start Date
4-5-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
4-5-2024 11:30 AM
Poster Number
29
Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor
Erin Hood
Faculty Sponsor's Department
Internal Medicine
Competition Type
Competitive
Type
Poster Presentation
Presentation Category
Health
Abstract or Artist's Statement
Eosinophilic colitis is a rare cause of diarrhea. It is a T-cell mediated (non-IgE) reaction that activates cells to release cytokines and potential mediators causing elevated eosinophils in the colon causing injury and inflammation. A case of a 69-year-old female with a past medical history of diabetes, anxiety, depression, and hyperlipidemia presents with acute abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Labs demonstrate mildly elevated lipase and complete metabolic panel within normal limits. Imaging of abdominal ultrasound shows hepatic steatosis with hepatomegaly. Initial treatment of Reglan, omeprazole, and Levsin did not improve symptoms. Further workup of small intestine endoscopic biopsy demonstrated scattered eosinophils throughout gastric biopsy with intense focal eosinophilia involving crypt abscesses as well. Based on pathologic findings, she was promptly treated with oral steroids and improved. This case demonstrates the patient presentation and workup for the diagnosis of eosinophilic colitis. This study will review the various diagnostic methods to confirm this rare condition.
Eosinophilic Colitis: A Rare Cause of Diarrhea
D.P. Culp Center Ballroom
Eosinophilic colitis is a rare cause of diarrhea. It is a T-cell mediated (non-IgE) reaction that activates cells to release cytokines and potential mediators causing elevated eosinophils in the colon causing injury and inflammation. A case of a 69-year-old female with a past medical history of diabetes, anxiety, depression, and hyperlipidemia presents with acute abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Labs demonstrate mildly elevated lipase and complete metabolic panel within normal limits. Imaging of abdominal ultrasound shows hepatic steatosis with hepatomegaly. Initial treatment of Reglan, omeprazole, and Levsin did not improve symptoms. Further workup of small intestine endoscopic biopsy demonstrated scattered eosinophils throughout gastric biopsy with intense focal eosinophilia involving crypt abscesses as well. Based on pathologic findings, she was promptly treated with oral steroids and improved. This case demonstrates the patient presentation and workup for the diagnosis of eosinophilic colitis. This study will review the various diagnostic methods to confirm this rare condition.