Giant hypertrophic gastritis

Giant hypertrophic gastritis (also known as Ménétrier's disease) is a rare, chronic disorder characterized by the overgrowth of the mucous cells (foveolar cells) in the lining of the stomach, leading to large gastric folds. This condition is often associated with excessive protein loss from the stomach, leading to low blood protein levels (hypoproteinemia), swelling caused by fluid in your body's tissues (edema), and reduced levels of stomach acid.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Giant hypertrophic gastritis can vary, but may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Swelling in the legs and abdomen
• Anemia

Causes

The exact cause of Giant hypertrophic gastritis is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to an overproduction of a specific growth factor, transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha), which stimulates cell growth in the stomach lining.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Giant hypertrophic gastritis typically involves a combination of endoscopy and biopsy. During an endoscopy, a thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach to visualize the stomach lining. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the stomach lining for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment for Giant hypertrophic gastritis often involves managing the symptoms and complications of the disease. This may include:

• Medications to reduce stomach acid
• Nutritional support, including protein supplements
• In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove part of the stomach

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with Giant hypertrophic gastritis varies. Some individuals may experience improvement with treatment, while others may have persistent symptoms. In rare cases, this condition can lead to stomach cancer.

See also

• Gastritis
• Stomach cancer
• Endoscopy
• Biopsy

Giant hypertrophic gastritis Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia