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Corrosive gastritis mimicking linitis plastica carcinoma
Y Usui1, M Matsukawa, T Hamada
1Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Gastroenterologia Japonica
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Ingesting hydrochloric acid caused severe corrosive gastritis, leading to stomach narrowing that mimicked cancer. Prompt medical intervention and surgical removal of the stomach were necessary.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Pathology
Background:
- A 59-year-old female presented with hematemesis and abdominal pain after ingesting toilet bowl cleaner containing hydrochloric acid (pH 1.0).
- The patient had a history of depressive tendencies.
Observation:
- Radiological examination (barium study) 24 days post-ingestion showed diffuse, rigid narrowing and granulation of the stomach.
- Esophagus and duodenum remained unaffected.
- The radiographic findings resembled linitis plastica, a type of stomach cancer.
Findings:
- Gastric biopsy specimens were negative for malignancy.
- Surgical specimens after total gastrectomy revealed significant submucosal fibrosis and a denuded mucosal lining, with no normal mucosa except in a small area.
- Microscopic examination confirmed severe corrosive gastritis with extensive fibrosis, mimicking linitis plastica.
Implications:
- Corrosive gastritis from hydrochloric acid can present radiographically as linitis plastica, affecting the entire stomach.
- This case highlights a rare but severe manifestation of chemical ingestion, emphasizing the importance of differential diagnosis in cases of gastric narrowing.
- Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.