Menetrier’s disease: A rare diagnosis established by ultrasonography and computed tomography

Abstract

Menetrier’s disease is a rare condition of the stomach characterized by giant mucosal folds in the gastric fundus and body, diminished acid secretory capacity, and a protein-losing state with hypoalbuminemia. It is also called protein-losing hypertrophic gastropathy. It was first described by the French pathologist Pierre Menetrier in 1888. Menetrier’s disease has also a recognized premalignant potential although the precise risk of progression to gastric cancer is not known. Several studies reported regression of disease after treatment with the monoclonal antibody against the EGFR receptor. But the only satisfactory treatment has historically been and remains the surgical intervention with total or partial gastrectomy.A case report of A 10-year male presented to the emergency room with a history of progressively increasing abdominal pain on and off for 1 month with epigastric region fullness, nausea, and vomiting. Generalized edema was noted on examination. An abdominal ultrasound examination was performed, and the patient was found to have diffuse mucosal thickening of the gastric wall with prominent rugal folds and echogenic mucosal lining with generalized subcutaneous edema and mild ascites. The patient underwent surgery and the diagnosis was confirmed by the histopathological report.