17th July 2023

Other Stomach Pathology

Ménétrier’s Disease: a rare disorder characterised by giant gastric folds. Patients have decreased acid secretion and may develop a protein-losing gastropathy. This results in hypoalbuminaemia, which may manifest with oedema.

Autoimmune Gastritis: autoimmune destruction of the stomach results in atrophic gastritis evidenced by flattened rugal folds and visible subcutaneous vessels on endoscopy. Patients may have antibodies to parietal cells and/or intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is required for B12 absorption in the terminal ileum, so a lack of this can result in pernicious anaemia.

Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS): characterised by bouts of severe vomiting that may last several days, with intervening periods of good health. A similar condition, cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), is seen in people with heavy, often daily use of cannabis – it has a similar presentation to CVS. Symptoms often improve with abstinence from cannabis. Many patients with CVS and CHS find that their symptoms are relieved by hot showers or baths.