Emphysematous gastritis in a hemodialysis patient

Emphysematous gastritis is a condition characterized by gas within the wall of the stomach and associated systemic toxicity. We report a case of emphysematous gastritis in a 43-year-old diabetic patient receiving hemodialysis and review 41 cases published since 1889. The most common predisposing factors included ingestion of corrosive substances, alcohol abuse, abdominal surgery, diabetes, and immunosuppression. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation of acute abdomen with associated features of systemic toxicity. The most commonly involved organisms were streptococci (nine cases), Escherichia coli (nine cases), Enterobacter species (six cases), Clostridium welchii (four cases), and Staphylococcus aureus (four cases). Computed tomography (CT) is the diagnostic procedure of choice. The mortality rate was 61% (25 of 41 patients). Gastric contractures after recovery were noted in 10% (4 of 41 patients). Antimicrobial therapy with antibiotics covering gram-negative organisms and anaerobes, and surgery in appropriate cases may enhance survival.