Ascites in a patient with episodic angio-oedema and eosinophilia: Thinking outside the box

Abstract

Episodic angio-oedema with eosinophilia (EAE) or Gleich's syndrome is a rare condition characterised by recurrent episodes of oedema and eosinophilia, accompanied by urticaria, fever and weight gain. The presence of ascites has not been reported so far. We report a 21-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with marked ocular oedema and ascites. Laboratory evaluation revealed marked eosinophilia. During the last 3 months, three episodes of facial and neck oedema were reported, which resolved spontaneously over a period of 3-5 days. The diagnosis of EAE was established after exclusion of secondary causes (infections, allergic reactions, collagen diseases, neoplasms) and clonal disorders associated with marked eosinophilia. Low-dose steroids resulted in eosinophil decrease and complete resolution of symptoms, including ascites. This case highlights that ascites can be a very rare manifestation of EAE particularly if other more frequent causes of ascites have been excluded and the clinical and laboratory findings are supportive of EAE. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd .