Hypertrophic protein-losing gastropathy and vitiligo. Report of a second case

A second patient with hypertrophic protein-losing gastropathy and extensive vitiligo was studied. Upper gastrointestinal radiographs and endoscopy revealed multiple polyps of the upper half of the stomach. The patient was achlorhydric to pentagastrin stimulation. Clearance of 51Cr-labeled protein by the gastrointestinal tract was about 15 times normal. A total gastrectomy was done for relief of persistent epigastric pain and correction of hypoproteinemia. Histologically the polyps consisted of hypertrophied mucosal glands with cystic dilatation deep to the glandular layer. The similarity of this patient to a patient previously seen at our hospital led us to report the possible association of hypertrophic protein-losing gastropathy with vitiligo.