Exudative gastroenteropathy

There were 11 patients 8 women and 3 men (sex ratio M/F: 0.375). Age ranged from 19 to 74 years with an average of 43 years. Diagnostic delay averaged 4.1 years. On admission the majority of patients (63.64%) presented with associated digestive and extra-digestive signs. Whereas 36.36% of patients had isolated extra-digestive signs and only 9% had exclusively digestive signs. Biologically hypoalbuminemia and hypoprotidemia were the most frequent biological abnormalities. Anemia was observed in all patients. Hypocholesterolemia was associated in 8 cases and hypocalcemia in 5. Etiological investigation revealed Crohn's disease in 1 case celiac disease in 2 cases lymph node tuberculosis in one case and CVID in 1 case. It was negative in 7 cases. Symptomatic measures with or without specific treatment were indicated. However infectious and thrombotic complications were noted leading to death in 3 patients.