ASGE Recognized Industry Associate (ARIA) Training Program for Regeneron and Sanofi | August 2024-Pathologists Perspective of EoE

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Sophia Saleria, a gastrointestinal pathologist, delivered an in-depth presentation about the process of diagnosing Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE). She covered several key areas, including the role of pathologists in making this diagnosis and how they differentiate it from other conditions that also feature eosinophils in the esophagus.<br /><br />Pathologists, Saleria explained, are medical doctors who specialize in laboratory medicine and often focus either on fluids or tissues. In her specialty, biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract are critical for diagnosing conditions like EOE. These tissue samples undergo fixation, embedding in paraffin, and staining to reveal cellular details under a microscope.<br /><br />She emphasized the importance of the eosinophil count, with a threshold of 15 eosinophils per high power field being used to diagnose EOE. Dr. Saleria also highlighted several microscopic features characteristic of EOE, including basal cell hyperplasia, eosinophilic microabscesses, superficial eosinophil layering, and subepithelial fibrosis.<br /><br />Saleria discussed the challenges in distinguishing EOE from reflux esophagitis, noting overlapping features like basal cell hyperplasia and the presence of eosinophils. She underscored the importance of comprehensive biopsies and clinical correlation, aided by clear communication with clinicians and thorough requisition information.<br /><br />Lastly, Dr. Saleria addressed questions about biopsy techniques, the impact of practitioner collaboration, and the practical aspects of EOE histologic scoring systems used more in research than routine clinical diagnostics.

Asset Subtitle

Safia N. Salaria, MD, MMHCM.D., MMHC

Keywords

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Gastrointestinal Pathologist

Biopsy

Eosinophil Count

Microscopic Features

Reflux Esophagitis

Histologic Scoring

Clinical Correlation