Eosinophilic myenteric ganglionitis: A case of intestinal pseudo-obstruction in a 93-year-old female

Eosinophilic myenteric ganglionitis is a disorder characterized by infiltration of the Auerbach plexus by eosinophils. It can be associated with a bowel dysmotility and a few cases of intestinal pseudo-obstructive syndrome have been described in children. In this case report, we present an elderly 93-year-old woman who presented with episodes of functional bowel obstruction of unknown etiology. After several admissions for recurrent obstipation requiring fecal disimpaction, she had a Hartmann procedure performed with a resection of the sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon was markedly dilated and the only significant finding on histology was infiltration of the Auerbach plexus by eosinophils. The mucosa and the muscular layers appeared unremarkable. Her symptoms resolved after the resection and the patient is currently well after 5 months. Recurrent gastrointestinal pseudo-obstruction can arise secondary to eosinophilic myenteric ganglionitis even in adults. Clinical improvement is likely if this disease entity is promptly recognized and treated.