De-novo onset of eosinophilic esophagitis after large volume allergen exposures

J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2013 Jun;22(2):205-8.

Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated condition believed to have an allergic component, but the timing of the initial allergen triggers that cause the disease is poorly understood. While the clinical presentation of EoE is often of longstanding symptoms, in animal models, acute exposure to an allergen challenge successfully produces EoE. In this report, we present three cases of individuals who developed esophageal eosinophilia and EoE shortly after a clearly identified exposure to aeroallergens. These cases highlight the allergic etiology of EoE, and provide a link from humans to the previously described experimental mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air Microbiology*
  • Anti-Allergic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antigens, Fungal / immunology*
  • Antigens, Plant / immunology*
  • Biopsy
  • Deglutition Disorders / immunology
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis / diagnosis
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis / drug therapy
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis / immunology*
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Poaceae / immunology*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Allergic Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors