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[Zinc acetate-associated gastric lesions:a case report]
Masaya Iwamuro1, Yoshiyasu Kono1, Takehiro Tanaka2
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi = the Japanese Journal of Gastro-Enterology
|September 11, 2022
Summary
Zinc acetate supplementation can cause gastric lesions, mimicking cancer on endoscopy. Prompt diagnosis and cessation of zinc acetate are crucial for resolving these zinc-related gastric issues.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypozincemia, a condition of low serum zinc, requires management, often with zinc supplementation.
- Oral zinc acetate is a common treatment for zinc deficiency.
Observation:
- An 82-year-old man with hypozincemia presented with epigastric discomfort after starting oral zinc acetate.
- Initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed gastric erosions, leading to a suspicion of adenocarcinoma based on biopsy.
- Repeat endoscopy showed similar lesions in different locations, with subsequent biopsies showing no neoplastic changes.
Findings:
- Gastric mucosal injury was diagnosed as zinc acetate-associated lesions.
- Histopathological reassessment revealed infarct-like necrosis and degenerative atypical cells, not malignancy.
- Cessation of zinc acetate intake resulted in the resolution of gastric lesions.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing specific endoscopic features of zinc acetate-associated gastric lesions.
- Accurate diagnosis prevents misinterpretation of these lesions as gastric cancer, avoiding unnecessary aggressive treatments.
- Awareness among endoscopists is vital for correct diagnosis and patient management.
