Clinical, pathologic, and molecular characterization of familial eosinophilic esophagitis compared with sporadic cases.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) occurs in families.

Methods

Record review confirmed patient kinship and provided clinical information. Slide review confirmed the diagnosis (threshold peak number > or = 24 eosinophils/high-power field).

Results

Fifty-nine members (41 males, 18 females) of 26 families were 3 months to 47 years of age (mean age, 10.3 y) at diagnosis. The only recorded race was Caucasian. In 4 families a parent of an affected male had EE. The most common complaint at diagnosis was dysphagia (68% of patients). Endoscopy showed esophageal mucosal furrows (93% of patients) and exudates (44%). Fifty-one percent had asthma. Skin prick tests to food and aeroallergens were positive in 76% and 71%, respectively. Familial EE characteristics (clinic

SUBMITTER: Collins MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2701188 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature