EoE(Eosinophilic Esophagitis)

Eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE) is a form of chronic inflammation affecting the esophagus which often results in wall thickening and esophageal stiffening and is associated with complications, such as esophageal tears and strictures (narrowings). Chronic dysphagia and acute food impaction (swallowed food stuck in the esophagus) are common symptoms of EoE and are associated with esophageal wall thickening and stiffness.

Current diagnostic techniques such as endoscopy with biopsy give only limited information about changes in the esophageal wall in eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE). In routine clinical practice, repeat endoscopic evaluation with biopsy is commonly performed about 3-6 months after initial therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE). However, follow-up endoscopy with biopsy has drawbacks as it is invasive, costly and typically requires deep sedation or general anesthesia.

We propose to evaluate quantitative MRI as a potential non-invasive diagnostic option for evaluating esophageal wall remodeling in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE).

Inclusion criteria

• Pediatric patients ages 8 to 18 years of age.
• Pediatric patients with dysphagia(difficulty swallowing) or an episode of food impaction.
• Pediatric patients newly diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis -

Exclusion criteria

• Are not able to undergo an MRI without needing sedation or general anesthesia
• Are allergic to gadolinium-based contrast material
• Have an ongoing acute kidney injury
• Have chronic kidney disease with an estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)of <40 ml/min.
• Have a presence of eosinophilia involving the stomach and/or esophagus.
• Have a prior history of caustic ingestion
• Have a prior history of esophageal surgery, including history of tracheoesophageal fistula.
• Have known celiac disease
• Have known Crohn's disease
• Have known malignancy
• Have hypereosinophilic syndrome
• Have recent history of parasitic infection
• Have known inflammatory bowel disease -