Current concepts in eosinophilic esophagitis

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease entity first described in the 1990s, but showing an increasing incidence that is characterized clinically by esophageal dysfunction and histologically by a striking eosinophil infiltration. METHODS: This article discusses new aspects of the pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of EoE. RESULTS: EoE affects both children and adults and is frequently associated with atopic disease and IgE sensitization. Barrier dysfunction and T‑helper 2 inflammation are considered to be pathogenetically important factors. Recently, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-sensitive EoE subtype as well as an EoE-like disorder have been described. CONCLUSION: Research in recent years has contributed to a better understanding of the disease spectrum and pathogenesis of EoE, including genetic dispositions, thereby laying the foundation for innovative treatment approaches.