[Cytomegalovirus-induced protein-losing gastropathy: a case report]

Pediatr Med Chir. 2006;28(1-3):42-7.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Protein-losing gastropathy is an uncommon disease of uncertain etiology, known also as Menetrier's disease. In medical literature only 50 pediatric cases have been described. These childhood forms, in contrast to classic adult Menetrier's disease, have a typical benign and transient course, and require only supportive therapy. The role of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the pathogenesis has been demonstrated by gastric biopsy in one third of the cases. Also other infectious, allergic and immunological factors have been hypothesized. We describe a case of hypertrophic gastropathy with important protein-loss, admitted to our Pediatric Department for evaluation because of vomit, weight loss, abdominal pain and hypoalbuminemia. Gastric mucosal biopsy revealed a morphological evidence of CMV infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cytomegalovirus / pathogenicity*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gastric Mucosa / pathology
  • Gastritis, Hypertrophic / diagnosis
  • Gastritis, Hypertrophic / drug therapy
  • Gastritis, Hypertrophic / virology*
  • Humans
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies / diagnosis
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies / drug therapy
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies / virology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones