The esophageal biopsy "pull" sign: a highly specific and treatment-responsive endoscopic finding in eosinophilic esophagitis (with video).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Esophageal biopsy specimens from patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) can feel firm, with resistance felt when pulling the forceps to obtain the tissue sample. We aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of the esophageal biopsy "pull" sign and determine its histologic associations and response to treatment.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of adults undergoing outpatient upper endoscopy. Cases of EoE were diagnosed per consensus guidelines, and patients were subsequently treated with either topical steroids or dietary elimination. Control subjects were individuals who did not have EoE. The frequency of the esophageal biopsy "pull" sign was assessed in EoE patients and controls, and diagnostic metrics were calculated. The "pull" sign was

SUBMITTER: Dellon ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4691559 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature