Abstract

Background: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), a rare disorder of unknown etiology, is characterized by
eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract in the absence of secondary causes for eosinophilia. EGE has
nonspecific symptoms, but abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are the most common presenting symptoms.
Eosinophilic ascites is a very unusual presentation.
Case presentation: A 38 year old women at 11 weeks of gestation presented with nausea, diarrhea, and
abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse bowel wall thickening and a small amount of ascites.
Despite antibiotic treatment, her symptoms were persistent and she developed marked abdominal distension and
weight gain despite antibiotic treatment. Her blood eosinophil count was high, and ultrasonography showed large
ascites. Diagnostic paracentesis revealed significant eosinophilia. She completely recovered with steroid treatment
and delivered a healthy baby without any complications. She was newly diagnosed bronchial asthma after 3 months
of delivery.
Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case of EGE presenting with ascites during pregnancy. The
serosal EGE is very rare type of EGE, but it can occur during pregnancy. Additionally, she was diagnosed with
asthma after delivery. The augmented Th2 immunity during pregnancy may be related with EGE and newly onset
asthma.

Keywords: Ascites; Eosinophilic gastroenteritis; Pregnancy; Case report