Eosinophilic gut disorders and misdiagnosis: we may be missing EGIDs!

Eosinophilic GI disorders (EGIDs) are diagnosed when increased eosinophils are identified in the gastrointestinal tract in patients with chronic otherwise unexplained gut symptoms. EGIDs are considered to be rare. The symptoms of patients with EGIDs are very similar to the symptoms reported by patients with functional gut disorders such as the irritable bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia. We have new data that suggest EGIDs are often misdiagnosed as a functional gut disorder. EGIDs may be underdiagnosed because tissues biopsies (or not enough biopsies) are obtained, and pathologists do not routinely look for and count the number of eosinophils present.

About

Professor Nick Talley AC is a neurogastroenterologist and physician-scientist. He is currently Distinguished Laureate Professor at the University of Newcastle, Australia; Chief Investigator of the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Digestive Health; an NHMRC Investigator Grant holder; and Editor-in-Chief of the Medical Journal of Australia.