[Linitis plastica extending through the entire digestive tract. A case report]

A 43-year-old man who presented a perplexing diagnostic challenge, had diffuse linitis plastica involving the entire gastrointestinal tract (autopsy). Although the usual primary site is the stomach in case of linitis plastica, invasion of the large and small bowel is rarely seen, but must be searched with proctoscopic exam and barium enema. We review the literature and discuss the pathogeny of this disorder.