An unusual presentation of Ménétrier's Disease

Abstract

Ménétrier's Disease (MD) is a rare acquired hypertrophic gastropathy characterized by giant hypertrophic rugal folds, hypochlorhydria, and hypoproteinemia. The definitive etiology of MD is controversial, although infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been implicated in adults. It presents as a constellation of symptoms including epigastric pain, fatigue, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and edema. None of these signs and symptoms is specific for the disease. The gastrointestinal symptoms and the degree of hypoalbuminemia can be profound, the latter resulting from the leakage of protein from the gastric lining. The disease is more common in males. Herein, we report a case of a young woman presenting with the chief complaint of peripheral edema with minimal gastrointestinal symptoms, which was diagnosed as MD on endoscopic evaluation and histopathological examination of gastric biopsy. A high index of suspicion is needed to correctly diagnose this condition for its optimal management.