From the Guidelines
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is associated with atopic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema, but not directly with artificial intelligence (AI). EoE is a chronic, rare, and food antigen-driven Th2 inflammatory condition of the esophagus that is estimated to affect 1 in every 2000 people 1. The condition is characterized by symptoms such as dysphagia, food impaction, and histopathology revealing eosinophils in the esophageal epithelium.
Key Characteristics of EoE
- EoE is a chronic immune-mediated disease
- It is characterized by inflammation of the esophagus with an accumulation of eosinophils
- Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, food impaction, chest pain, and heartburn
- EoE is primarily associated with allergic conditions, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema 1
Treatment Options for EoE
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are increasingly considered as a treatment rather than as a diagnostic test for EoE 1
- Topical glucocorticosteroids, dietary elimination, and esophageal dilation are common management approaches for EoE 1
- The American Gastroenterological Association Institute and the Joint Task Force on Allergy-Immunology Practice Parameters provide up-to-date guidance for EoE management 1 The association of EoE with atopic diseases suggests a common underlying immune-mediated mechanism, but there is no direct connection between EoE and artificial intelligence technology. The management of EoE should focus on treating the underlying inflammation and addressing symptoms, rather than exploring a connection with AI.
From the Research
Association between Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) and Autoimmune (AI) Disorders
- EoE has been associated with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders (CTDs) 2
- A study found that 5.9% of EoE patients had an AI/CTD, with the most common being psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, Hashimoto's, and rheumatoid arthritis 2
- EoE patients with AI/CTDs were found to be older, more likely to be female, and have a longer symptom duration prior to EoE diagnosis 2
- Older age, female sex, having insurance, and allergic rhinitis were independently associated with AI/CTDs in EoE patients 2
Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Response
- EoE patients with AI/CTDs were less likely to have a symptom response to topical corticosteroid therapy 2
- The overlap between EoE and AI/CTDs was found to be uncommon, occurring in approximately 6% of patients 2
- EoE is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the esophagus, and its treatment includes proton pump inhibitors, topical steroid preparations, dietary therapy, and endoscopic dilation 3, 4, 5, 6
Diagnosis and Treatment
- EoE is defined by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and an esophageal biopsy demonstrating at least 15 eosinophils per high-power field 3
- The mainstay of management includes dietary modifications, medications, and esophageal dilation 4
- Various elimination diets have been found to be effective in treating EoE, including 1-food, 2-food, 4-food, and 6-food elimination diets 4