WG on Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Board 2017-2019

Chairperson

Ingrid Terreehorst
The Netherlands
i.terreehorst@amc.nl

Secretary

Antonella Cianferoni
USA

Past Chair 2015-2017

Alex Straumann

Board Members

Carina Venter
USA

Ebru Arik Yilmaz
Turkey

Alain Schoepfer
Switzerland

Constantinos Pitsios
Cyprus

Soler Santoro Lujan
Spain

Last updated 12 October 2018

WG on Eosinophilic Esophagitis - About Us

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory condition of the esophagus. It may occur in all ages with characteristic symptoms of esophageal dysfunction, while diagnosis is confirmed by endoscopic findings and a significant esophageal eosinophilia.

In adults, it is associated with difficulty in swallowing, food impaction, chest pain and stricture formation in the esophagus. In children, symptoms include vomiting and regurgitation, feeding disorders and oral aversion, food impaction and a general failure to thrive. Endoscopic findings that might signal eosinophilic esophagitis include rings, stricture, furrow or straight lines, white spots, and a small-caliber esophagus. However, endoscopy in patients with EoE may result without pathological findings.

The etiology of EoE is not known, however atopy is a risk factor. Most patients with EoE are allergic to inhalants and food allergens. But in 30% of patients, endoscopic exams turn up normal.

Treatment of EoE is mainly based on dietary restrictions and antiinflamatory medications, while endoscopical interventions are necessary in severe cases of esophageal stenosis.

The EoE WG intents to inform and update EAACI members on this diseases, to offer educational tools and organize educational meetings on EoE.

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