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Menetrier's disease: an excellent response to octreotide. A case report from the Middle East
Mohammed Osman El-Hassan Gadour1, Ali Hassan Salman, El Tayeb El Wasela El Samman
1Department of Medicine, King Fahd Central Hospital, Gizan Saudi Arabia. mgadour@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Menetrier's disease is a rare acquired cause of protein losing enteropathy, with premalignant potential. Since its first description in 1888, around 300 cases have been reported. This disease occurs more frequently in males aged 30-50 years. We report here the case of a 31 year- old Sudanese female who presented with generalized edema. Laboratory investigations showed hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia without evidence of renal or liver disease. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed giant gastric folds. The histopathological features of biopsies taken from these folds were consistent with Menetrier's disease. Our patient showed excellent response to treatment with subcutaneous octreotide and this may ameliorate the need for surgery as the definitive treatment of this disease.
Insights
Menetrier
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Menetrier's disease is a rare condition causing protein-losing enteropathy.
- It is associated with premalignant potential and predominantly affects middle-aged males.
- Approximately 300 cases have been documented since its initial description in 1888.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old Sudanese female presented with generalized edema.
- Investigations revealed hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, excluding renal and liver disease.
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy identified characteristic giant gastric folds.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of gastric biopsies confirmed Menetrier's disease.
- The patient demonstrated a significant positive response to subcutaneous octreotide therapy.
Implications:
- Octreotide treatment may offer a non-surgical alternative for Menetrier's disease.
- This case highlights an unusual presentation in a young female patient.
- Further research into octreotide's efficacy could refine treatment strategies for this rare disorder.