Eosionophilic Colitis as an Unusual Cause of Chronic Diarrhea

Background: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is an uncommon condition characterized by focal or diffuse eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract. It is usually associated with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal distension. Case History: We present a case of eosinophilic colitis with normal-appearing colonic mucosa as an unusual cause of chronic watery diarrhea. Results: It can be overlooked by gastroenterologists because the incidence of eosinophilic colitis is very rare and normal- appearing colonic mucosa is frequently observed in patients with eosinophilic colitis. Conclusion: Endoscopic biopsy should not hesitate to perform be considered when colonic mucosa appears to be normal but we cannot rule out eosinophilic colitis which responds well to steroid therapy. (Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol 2012;32:122-125)