Eosinophilic esophagitis: historical perspective on an evolving disease.

Initial case series describing children and adults with symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and dense esophageal eosinophilia lead to recognition of a "new" disease, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Clinical, basic, and translational studies have provided a deeper understanding of this somewhat enigmatic disease that mechanistically is defined as an antigen-driven condition limited to the esophagus. This article summarizes many of the key historical features of EoE and provides a glimpse of potential future developments.