Eosinophilic enteritis - a rare cause of abdominal pains and diarrhoea

Eosinophilic enteritis is a rare disease of unknown aetiology, characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the bowel wall which can affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach and small intestine are the most frequent sites of inflammation. We report on a 20-year-old patient presenting with acute abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea associated with peripheral eosinophilia and small bowel strictures. The diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical examination, radiological studies as well as endoscopic and histological criteria. Steroid treatment resulted in complete clinical recovery and in the reduction of eosinophilic infiltration. The case is reported owing to this rarity and relevant literature is summarized.