Upper gastrointestinal bleeding as an unusual manifestation of localized Ménétrier's disease with an underlying lipoma: A case report

World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2023 Jan 16;15(1):10-18. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v15.i1.10.

Abstract

Background: Ménétrier's disease is a rare condition characterized by enlarged gastric folds, usually located in the whole body and fundus of the stomach. This report presents an unusual case of localized Ménétrier's disease elevated by a submucosal lipoma and thus looking like a polypoid mass and causing an episode of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The mass was successfully removed with endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Case summary: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed on a 76-year-old male patient after an episode of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, manifesting as fatigue and melena. A large polypoid mass (4 cm × 1 cm) with enlarged mucosal folds was found in the body of the stomach, between the lesser curvature and posterior wall. A small ulcer at the distal end of the mass was identified as the source of the bleeding. Biopsy was negative for neoplasia. Computed tomography showed a submucosal lesion beneath the affected mucosa, most likely a lipoma. The mass was removed en bloc with tunneling endoscopic submucosal dissection. Final pathology determined that the mass included Ménétrier's disease and a submucosal lipoma. The patient was scheduled for follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Conclusion: Localized Ménétrier's disease can coexist with a submucosal lipoma creating a polypoid mass with risk of bleeding.

Keywords: Case report; Endoscopic submucosal dissection; Gastrointestinal hemorrhage; Ménétrier’s disease; Submucosal lipoma; Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports