Published online Nov 15, 2015. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v6.i4.150
Peer-review started: May 28, 2015
First decision: July 27, 2015
Revised: July 30, 2015
Accepted: September 25, 2015
Article in press: September 28, 2015
Published online: November 15, 2015
Processing time: 175 Days and 13.6 Hours
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune disease, characterized by a dense eosinophilic infiltrate in the esophagus, leading to bolus impaction and reflux-like symptoms. Traditionally considered a pediatric disease, the number of adult patients with EoE is continuously increasing, with a relatively higher incidence in western countries. Dysphagia and food impaction represent the main symptoms complained by patients, but gastroesophageal reflux-like symptoms may also be present. Esophageal biopsies are mandatory for the diagnosis of EoE, though clinical manifestations and proton pump inhibitors responsiveness must be taken into consideration. The higher prevalence of EoE in patients suffering from atopic diseases suggests a common background with allergy, however both the etiology and pathophysiology are not completely understood. Elimination diets are considered the first-line therapy in children, but this approach appears less effective in adults patients, who often require steroids; despite medical treatments, EoE is complicated in some cases by esophageal stricture and stenosis, that require additional endoscopic treatments. This review summarizes the evidence on EoE pathophysiology and illustrates the safety and efficacy of the most recent medical and endoscopic treatments.
Core tip: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune disease, characterized by a dense eosinophilic infiltrate in the esophagus, leading to bolus impaction and reflux-like symptoms. The pathophysiology of this entity is still unclear, however the involvement of both genetic and immune factors have been suggested. In this review we summarize the evidence on EoE pathophysiology and illustrate the safety and efficacy of the most recent medical and endoscopic treatments.