Eosinophilic esophagitis after congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly diagnosed disease, especially in the western world. Although its pathogenesis remains poorly understood, there is strong evidence that the eosinophilic inflammation in EoE is primarily triggered by immune dysregulation secondary to allergic sensitization to dietary or aero-allergens. Recent studies have reported a higher prevalence of EoE in children with congenital gastrointestinal malformations, i.e. esophageal atresia and/or tracheoesophageal fistula. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case history of a 2-year-old boy who developed EoE in the aftermath of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the following case report describes for the first time the possible association between CDH and EoE. Given the increasing reported prevalence of EoE in children with congenital gastrointestinal malformations, EoE should be rule out also in CDH survivors.