[Hypertrophic protein-losing gastropathy: Ménétrier disease. A clinical case].

BACKGROUND

Ménétrier disease is a rare disorder characterized by gastric foveolar hyperplasia associated with secondary protein loss. In children, this condition is presented as an edematous syndrome without renal or hepatic impairment and differs from the adult form by the constant presence of edema and spontaneous remission. It has been related to infections in most published cases, especially to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

OBJECTIVE

To present a pediatric case of Ménétrier disease and endoscopic imaging obtained during the evolution of the patient.

METHODS

A five year old preschooler who presented a generalized edema, abdominal pain and malaise. After ruling out renal and hepatic pathologies, an upper endoscopy revealed a severe compromise of the gastric mucosa. Urease test for H. pylori and IgG test for CMV resulted positive. Albumin and H2 receptor antagonists were administered. The evolution was favorable and the patient was discharged after 14 days; 8 month follow-up endoscopy showed no abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

The medical profile and endoscopy are enough evidence to suggest the diagnosis of hypertrophic protein-losing gastropathy. Further studies need to be developed that include a considerable number of patients to assess their association with CMV or H. pylori infections, as these viruses are very common in our population.