A case of acute gastric mucosal lesions associated with Helicobacter heilmannii infection

Helicobacter. 2002 Oct;7(5):322-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-5378.2002.00103.x.

Abstract

A 69-year-old-woman presented with acute epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and heartburn. Endoscopy disclosed acute gastric mucosal lesions including mucosal edema, erosions, and ulcers with blood crusts in the antrum. Touch cytology and histological assessment obtained from the affected mucosa revealed acute neutrophilic gastritis and single longer and more coiled organisms than Helicobacter pylori, suggesting Helicobacter heilmannii. Electron micropragh confirmed the characteristic morphology. Despite a positive rapid urease test, H. pylori was not isolated by culture or detected by histology and Gram smears. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of acute gastric mucosal lesions associated with H. heilmannii infection was established. This was successfully treated with a 2-week triple therapy consisting of lansoprazole, clarithromycin and metronidazole with persistent endoscopic and histological remission. This is a rare case of H. heilmannii-associated acute gastric mucosal lesions, diagnosed by morphology using touch cytology and histology. The patient might benefit from antimicrobial treatment employing the regimen effective for H. pylori.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bacteriological Techniques
  • Female
  • Gastric Mucosa / microbiology*
  • Gastric Mucosa / pathology*
  • Gastritis / diagnosis*
  • Gastritis / microbiology
  • Gastritis / pathology
  • Helicobacter Infections / complications*
  • Helicobacter Infections / microbiology
  • Helicobacter heilmannii / isolation & purification*
  • Humans