Eosinophilic esophagitis-like endoscopic findings in patients with erosive esophagitis

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is diagnosed on the basis of the presence of dysphagia and intraepithelial eosinophilic infiltration of ≥15 cells per high-power field; nevertheless, it is important to identify the endoscopic findings of EoE in general practice. EoE should be distinguished from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, the associations between EoE and GERD are controversial. Herein, we aimed to determine the prevalence of EoE-like endoscopic findings and associations between an EoE-like endoscopic appearance and erosive esophagitis.

Methods

Prospective endoscopic examination was performed in 804 consecutive cases. Cases with EoE-like endoscopic findings such as furrows, rings, white exudate, stricture, and mucosal tearing were examined by esophageal biopsy. Erosive esophagitis, hiatal hernia, atrophic gastritis, and gastroesophageal flap valve were assessed endoscopically, and clinical data, including age, gender, smoking and drinking habits, and presence of allergic diseases and symptoms such as dysphagia and heartburn, were analyzed.

Results

Of the 804 cases, 36 (4.5 %) showed an EoE-like endoscopic appearance, and 80 (10 %) had erosive esophagitis. Among the 36 cases with an EoE-like appearance, only 4 (0.5 %) showed significant esophageal eosinophilic infiltration with erosive esophagitis in 3 cases. Further, 28 % of the patients with erosive esophagitis had an EoE-like endoscopic appearance, while 61 % of those with an EoE-like endoscopic appearance had erosive esophagitis. There were no significant differences between the clinical characteristics and other endoscopic findings in cases of an EoE-like endoscopic appearance and erosive esophagitis.

Conclusion

Erosive esophagitis and an EoE-like endoscopic appearance frequently showed overlapping features; thus, we believe they might have common pathogenic factors.