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IMAGE DESCRIPTIONS

Case 1, image 1: This was a 5 month old infant who died of nonaccidental blunt force trauma (homicide). Supposedly, he was acting fussy a few weeks prior to death. At autopsy, there was marked dilatation of the small bowel and colon with an associated brisk mucosal eosinophilic infiltrate. Children with illnesses and disabilities are at higher risk for abuse.

Case 1, image 2: This image is flipped. But you can see eosinophils within the mucosa.

Case 1, image 3: The glands are autolyzed, but you still see the eosinophils. It looks like some are even degranulated.

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical symptoms include vomiting diarrhea and abdominal pain. There is an association with food allergies. Treatments include elimination diets and corticosteroids.

REFERENCES

Khan S, Orenstein SR. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: epidemiology, diagnosis and management. Paediatr Drugs. 2002;4(9):563-70.

Last updated: 2013-10-14
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