Steroid utilization in eosinophilic jejunitis: beneficial or harmful?

PURPOSE: Eosinophilic jejunitis is a rare disorder of undetermined origin, which is characterized by infiltration of eosinophils in the intestine. The aim of this study is to evaluate steroid therapy effect in patient treated for eosinophilic jejunitis to share our experience with other colleagues.

METHODS

We report a patient with symptoms of small bowel obstruction whose diagnosis was confirmed by previous operation owing to a well-known pathology due to an unusual reason, perforation, which was masqueraded by therapeutic drugs.

RESULT: This clinical entity is usually encountered between the third and fifth decades. Stomach and small intestine are the most affected organs; however, it can affect any part of the gastrointestinal system. Abdominal pain and obstructive symptoms concomitant with weight loss are the common presenting complaints. According to current knowledge, avoiding unnecessary resection unless it is inevitable is an acceptable option for the management of eosinophilic jejunitis disease.

CONCLUSION

Recent data suggest that eosinophils may directly damage the gastrointestinal tract wall in eosinophilic gastroenteritis. A few limited literatures about this disease strongly recommends steroid therapy for treatment. Furthermore, beneficial or harmful effects of steroids in eosinophilic jejunitis and its treatment details are discussed and reviewed.