Association of eosinophilic inflammation with esophageal food impaction in adults

Gastrointest Endosc. 2005 Jun;61(7):795-801. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5107(05)00313-5.

Abstract

Introduction: Esophageal food impaction is a common presentation of eosinophilic esophagitis. The prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis among patients with food impaction is unknown. To address this, we evaluated clinicopathologic features of adults with food impaction.

Methods: For a 3-year period, patients from a single, adult, community-based gastroenterology practice with esophageal food impaction were evaluated. Histories were assessed and esophageal biopsy specimens were evaluated by routine and immunohistochemical techniques.

Results: Thirty-one patients with food impaction were evaluated. Seventeen of 31 patients had >20 eosinophils/high power field (HPF) without gender predilection. Thirteen of these 17 patients had been treated with proton pump inhibitors at the time biopsy specimens were obtained. Patients with >20 eosinophils/HPF were significantly younger (mean age 42 +/- 4 years) than patients with <20 eosinophils/HPF (mean age 70 + 3 years). Superficial white exudates and eosinophilic microabscesses in the squamous epithelium were features observed only in patients with >20 eosinophils/HPF. Immunopathologic analysis demonstrated increased CD8 lymphocytes and major basic protein deposition in their squamous epithelium.

Conclusions: More than half of patients with esophageal food impaction in a primary gastroenterology practice have >20 eosinophils/HPF. Based on clinicopathologic features, a significant number likely have eosinophilic esophagitis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / pathology
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Eosinophilia / complications*
  • Eosinophilia / pathology
  • Eosinophils / pathology
  • Epithelium / pathology
  • Esophagitis / complications*
  • Esophagitis / pathology
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Exudates and Transudates
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Food*
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors

Substances

  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors