Case Report

Eosinophilic Enteritis with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Authors: Prashanth R. Sunkureddi, MD, Nguyen Luu, MD, Shu-Yuan Xiao, MD, Wendell W. Tang, MD, Bruce A. Baethge, MD

Abstract

Gastrointestinal manifestations are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Eosinophilic enteritis is a rare disorder of uncertain cause that was recently reported for the first time in association with SLE. This report presents a second case of eosinophilic enteritis in a 47-year-old female patient with SLE. The patient presented with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Complete blood counts on occasion showed elevated eosinophil counts. The patient underwent a comprehensive workup over several weeks, culminating in a small bowel biopsy that showed eosinophil infiltration in the muscularis propria, establishing the diagnosis. The patient was treated with a prolonged taper of prednisone with successful resolution of symptoms.


Key Points


* Eosinophilic enteritis is a rare disorder of unknown cause characterized by general abdominal symptoms of pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.


* This report describes a case of eosinophilic enteritis in association with systemic lupus erythematosus.


* Peripheral eosinophilia is often present but is not necessary for the diagnosis.


* The diagnosis is made by intestinal biopsy and the demonstration of eosinophils in the intestinal layers.


* Gastrointestinal complications are common in systemic lupus erythematosus, and workup should include consideration of eosinophilic enteritis.

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