Treatment of protein-losing gastropathy with atropine

Protein loss from the gastric mucosa with hypertrophic gastric folds and hypoalbuminemia has been associated with low, normal and elevated gastric acid output. A case of protein-losing gastropathy with slightly elevated gastric acid output is described. Associated findings were hypertrophic gastric folds, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, lymphadenopathy, edema, ascites and venous thrombosis. Oral administration of atropine resulted in a cessation of gastrointestinal protein loss and correction of hypoalbuminemia.