Value of an Additional Review for Eosinophil Quantification in Esophageal Biopsies

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2015 Jul;61(1):65-8. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000000740.

Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) requires a peak count of 15 eosinophils per high-power field (hpf). Herein, the peak eosinophil count specified by a pathologist was compared with the second review of a research assistant. Of 477 biopsies, 106 had a peak count between 1 and 14 eosinophils/hpf cited in the pathology report, and 23/106 (22%) had ≥15 eosinophils/hpf on second review. The pathology report detected potential EoE with 99% specificity, but 80% sensitivity. As such, an additional review of esophageal biopsies yields higher eosinophil counts in ∼5% of cases. We propose that biopsies with a count between 1 and 14 eosinophils/hpf require further investigation because ∼22% may yield a potential EoE diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis / diagnosis*
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis / pathology
  • Eosinophils / pathology*
  • Esophagus / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count*
  • Observer Variation
  • Reference Values