An Observed Geographic and Temporal Cluster of Newly Diagnosed Menetrier Disease Cases

Authors:

Ooi M* and Thomson A

Volume 2, Issue 2

Abstract

Menetrier’s disease (MD) is a rare idiopathic disease, characterized by giant gastric hypertrophic folds, hypochlorhydria and hypoalbuminemia secondary to protein loss through the gastric mucosa. MD was first described in 1888 and since then, there have been very few case reports from various countries. Herein we describe an unusual spatio-temporal aggregation of 3 patients diagnosed with MD. Despite detailed analysis of the characteristics and similarities of the cases, no discernible links or causative factors were identified, most likely due to the very small sample size in a rare disease entity. However, these cases may serve as a starting point for further epidemiological studies to characterise this rare and intriguing entity.

Keywords:

Menetrier’s Disease; Hypertrophic Gastropathy; Protein Losing Gastropathy; Transforming growth factor-alpha; Epidermal growth factor receptor; Cetuximab

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