IK Araujo et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22: 513-522. The Severity of Reduced Esophageal Distensibility Parallels Eosinophilic Esophagitis Disease Duration
This study of 171 adult patients (mean age 38 years) who had FLIP at time of an EGD determined the degree of esophageal distensibility and its association with eosinophilic esophagitis disease duration.
Key findings:
- The median symptom duration was 8 (interquartile range, 3–15) years and diagnostic delay was 4 (interquartile range, 1–12) years
- Symptom duration and diagnostic delay were negatively correlated with distensibility plateau (DP) (rho = –0.326 and –0.309; P values < .001)
- Abnormal esophageal distensibility (DP ≤17 mm) was more prevalent with increased duration of symptoms (P < .004): 23% at <5 years to 64% at ≥25 years
- Patients with ≥15 eos/hpf had significantly lower DP with greater symptom duration (P = .004), while there was not a significant difference among patients with <15 eos/hpf (P = .060).
My take: Longer duration of disease increases the risk of esophageal fibrosis and lack of distensibility. We need better tools to predict who is at most risk for developing fibrosis.
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