Emphysematous Gastritis – A Case Report

Authors

  • Ermelindo Silva Tavares Interno do Internato Complementar de Dermatologia e Venereologia, Serviço de Dermatologia e Venereologia, Hospital Distrital de Santarém, Santarém, Portugal
  • José Nunes Lima Assistente Graduado de Cirurgia Geral, Serviço de Cirurgia Geral Hospital Distrital de Santarém, Santarém, Portugal

Abstract

Introduction: Emphysematous gastritis is a rare disorder characterized by air in the stomach wall due to invasion by gas-forming microorganisms.

Case report: An 81-year-old Caucasian man suffering from diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure and gastric ulcer was brought to our Emergency Department with abdominal pain, hematemesis and no passing of flatus or stool. In the presence of a case of bowel obstruction, complication of peptic ulcer disease (bleeding or perforation) was the main etiology proposed. CT scan showed air in the stomach wall and portal venous system, gallbladder enlargement and neoformation in the ascending colon. The patient was successfully treated by surgery. Histopathological examination established the definitive diagnosis of emphysematous gatritis, acute cholecystitis and colonic adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment were important measures to counter the high mortality that characterize emphysematous gastritis.

Keywords: Gastritis, hematemesis, adenocarcinoma, cholecystitis 

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Published

2012-03-30

Issue

Section

Clinical Case

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