Eosinophilic esophagitis: a case report

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an unusual and emerging disease in the last years that is recognized by the presence of more than 20 eosinophils per high-powered field on esophageal tissue biopsy. It is described in all ages although apparently is more frequent in children. It is suggested that atopy or allergic mechanisms play an important role in the development of this disease but the etiology is not clear yet. The more frequent symptoms are dysphagia and food impaction among the varied clinical manifestations. No specific treatments exist but topical swallowed steroids are the first choice although an exclusion diet is preferred in children with food allergy. We report the case of a 12-year-old child, suffering from atopic dermatitis and other allergies, admitted to hospital for an episode of melena and urticaria and discuss the diagnosis and the treatment of this pathology.