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An unusual association of Ménétrier's disease with a gastric bezoar
Karan Manoj Anandpara1, Yashant Aswani1, Priya Hira1
1Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Abstract:
Ménétrier's disease is a rare protein-losing hypertrophic gastroenteropathy. While it still remains a medical curiosity, infection with Cytomegalovirus and Helicobacter pylori, and hormonal, congenital, dietary and neurogenic factors have been postulated as causative factors. We describe a case of a 14-year boy who presented with epigastric discomfort, vomiting, inability to gain weight and pedal oedema. Investigations revealed hypoproteinaemia without proteinuria and elevated faecal α-1-antitrypsin levels suggestive of protein-losing enteropathy. Imaging and endoscopic features demonstrated cerebriform gastric folds indicative of Ménétrier's disease. Infective, hormonal and neurogenic causes were ruled out in our patient. Surprisingly, the patient had a history of pica and an associated large gastric bezoar, which was ultimately removed surgically. An association of Ménétrier's disease with a bezoar has been reported only once previously. We thus add to the existing literature and highlight the plausible role of a bezoar as a causative factor in the pathogenesis of Ménétrier's disease due to its irritant nature.
Insights
Ménétrier
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Ménétrier's disease is a rare hypertrophic gastroenteropathy characterized by protein loss.
- Potential causes include infections, hormonal, congenital, dietary, and neurogenic factors, though its etiology remains unclear.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old boy presented with symptoms of epigastric discomfort, vomiting, failure to gain weight, and pedal edema.
- Investigations revealed hypoproteinemia, normal proteinuria, and elevated fecal alpha-1-antitrypsin, indicating protein-losing enteropathy.
- Gastric imaging and endoscopy showed cerebriform folds, characteristic of Ménétrier's disease.
Findings:
- Infective, hormonal, and neurogenic causes were excluded in this patient.
- The patient had a history of pica and a large gastric bezoar, which was surgically removed.
- This case presents a rare association between Ménétrier's disease and a gastric bezoar.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential role for gastric bezoars as an irritant factor in the pathogenesis of Ménétrier's disease.
- Further research is warranted to explore the link between bezoars and this rare condition.
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