Causes
A rare, chronic condition called Ménetrier disease, also referred to as hypertrophic gastropathy, causes the stomach lining to thicken, resulting in large gastric folds. Ménétrier disease has no known cause, but several factors may contribute to its development.
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Family history of gastrointestinal disorders may increase the risk.
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The cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Helicobacter pylori bacteria may be involved in some cases.
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Inflammation and thickening of the stomach lining can be caused by autoimmunity.
Symptoms
Ménétrier disease may present with a variety of symptoms, including:
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Symptoms of abdominal pain include persistent discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen.
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Vomiting and nausea: Frequent feelings of nausea, either with or without vomiting.
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Appetite loss: Reduced desire to eat, resulting in unintended weight loss.
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Blood albumin levels are low, causing swelling, particularly in the legs and feet.
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Hypoalbuminemia results from excessive loss of protein in the stomach.
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Frequent, watery stools are a sign of diarrhea.
Diagnosis
Clinical evaluations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies are used to diagnose Ménétrier disease:
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Reviewing a patient's symptoms and medical history, as well as performing a physical examination.
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A flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach to visualize thickened folds and take biopsy samples.
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A biopsy is a tissue sample taken during an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
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CT scans or MRIs can be used to assess the thickness of the stomach wall.
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Tests to check for hypoalbuminemia and other abnormalities in the blood.
Treatment
Menetrier disease is treated by managing symptoms and addressing underlying causes. Options include:
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Medications:
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A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) reduces stomach acid production and relieves symptoms.
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If you have an infection such as Helicobacter pylori, you will need antibiotics.
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Octreotide: A medication that reduces protein loss and controls symptoms.
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To compensate for protein loss and maintain nutrition, a high-protein diet should be followed.
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The administration of intravenous albumin is used to treat severe hypoalbuminemia.
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A partial or total gastrectomy (removal of part or all of the stomach) may be necessary in severe cases.
Prevention
It is difficult to prevent Ménétrier disease due to its unknown cause. However, some measures may help reduce the risk or manage the disease more effectively:
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Preventing gastric complications by treating Helicobacter pylori infections promptly.
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Monitor your gastrointestinal health regularly, especially if you have a family history of similar conditions.
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To promote gastrointestinal health, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
In order to diagnose and treat Menétrier disease early, it is crucial to understand its possible causes and symptoms. Individuals with Ménétrier disease can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life by following medical advice and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
