Ménétrier’s disease (MD), also known as protein losing hypertrophic gastropathy is a rare condition, whose incidence remains undetermined. The MD’s prognosis is dependent on the main associated conditions, such as Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, hypergastrinemia and hypoalbuminaemia. Rarely, MD is associated with gastric adenocarcinoma, although the exactly risk for malignant transformation is unclear. Epigastric pain with fullness, nausea, vomiting and a generalized peripheral edema secondary to hypoalbuminemia are the most commonly referred symptoms of MD. Gastrointestinal bleeding and diarrhea may also be mentioned by the patient. Serum gastrin levels may be elevated due to low gastric acid secretion. Laboratory evaluation most often shows hypoalbuminemia, hypochlorhydria, elevated serum gastrin and iron deficiency anemia. In MD, the gastric mucosal usually presents giant rugal folds with polypoid appearance on upper endoscopy, which are considered the hallmark of the disease.

The diagnosis depends on the full-thickness biopsy, showing the loss of the deep glandular component. However, the diagnosis may be tricky, especially when an unusual endoscopic presentation is associated with other conditions that may mislead the diagnostic evaluation. There is no evidence-based guideline for MD treatment. It initially consists of proton-pump inhibitors, high-protein diet, octreotide long-acting release and occasionally intravenous albumin infusion. Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody against EGF (epidermal growth factor), has been associated with regression of disease. Nevertheless, surgical resection still remains the only definite treatment for severe causes with intractable symptoms and massive protein loss.

visit for more articles at Journal of Autoimmune Disorders

Kindly submit your article at  https://www.imedpub.com/submissions/autoimmune-disorders.html 

Regards
Mishita
Jornal co-ordinator
Journal of  Autoimmune Disorders