The spectrum of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Report of six pediatric cases and review of the literature.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology characterized by infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract with eosinophilic leukocytes, accompanied by varying abdominal symptoms and usually by peripheral blood eosinophilia. We report our experience with six pediatric cases presenting to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation over the past eight years. Unusual findings in our patients included ascitic fluid without eosinophilia and eosinophilic pericarditis (one patient), and eosinophilic cholecystitis (one patient).

Is hemisplenectomy a satisfactory option to total splenectomy in abdominal staging of Hodgkin's disease?

The spleens removed in 76 consecutive staging laparotomies for Hodgkin's disease were studied. The spleens were divided from superior to inferior pole into anterior and posterior halves and each half further divided into superior, mid, and inferior sectors. Sectors were studied grossly and microscopically and involvement by Hodgkin's recorded.

Dumping syndrome in children.

Dumping syndrome developed in seven children after gastric surgery, (Nissen fundoplication in six, Whipple procedure in one). The patients ranged from age 10 months to 13 years, and four of the seven were neurologically impaired. The diagnosis was made by demonstrating an abnormal response to an orally administered glucose challenge.

Pediatric surgical intraoperative consultations.

Six problems that have surgical implications and that may be encountered unexpectedly during urologic procedures in infants and children are discussed. Evolving practice and increased knowledge about these conditions require that the consultant's opinion regarding their management be updated. Discussed are the indications for concomitant appendectomy in young patients and the pros and cons regarding removal of a Meckel's diverticulum encountered unexpectedly.