Resolution of protein-losing hypertrophic gastropathy by eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

There is as yet no consensus about the need for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections, except for H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer. We present a 3-year-old boy with a 3-month history of oedema and hypoproteinaemia associated with hypertrophic gastropathy. Abdominal scintigram using intravenous 99mTc-labelled human serum albumin scintigraphy and direct measurement of protein in gastric juice proved that serum proteins were massively secreted in the stomach. Histological findings of mucosal inflammation were observed and H. pylori was isolated from the gastric mucosa. The protein loss promptly stopped within 2 weeks of the beginning of eradication therapy.

Conclusion: Protein-losing hypertrophic gastropathy may be induced by Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis and should therefore be carefully evaluated by histological and bacteriological examination to provide a basis for eradication of H. pylori.