Digest

TL;DR: Ménétrier’s disease (MD) is a rare acquired gastropathy characterized by giant rugal folds, foveolar hyperplasia and markedly decreased oxyntic glands.

Abstract: Ménétrier’s disease: what you need to know Ménétrier ’s disease (MD) is a rare form of acquired gastropathy characterised by giant rugal folds in the gastric body, foveolar hyperplasia and markedly decreased or absent oxyntic glands. The later explains why most of these patients have hypochlorhydria. The pathogenesis of MD is related to increased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling in the stomach. It is fair to say that most gastroenterologists know little about the condition! Rich et al evaluated 48 individuals over a 10-year period for possible enrolment into a clinical trial utilising Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody to the EGFR. In this interesting paper, the authors share their extensive experience with this rare condition. They describe the clinical and histological features of MD, characterise the conditions that mimic MD and propose a diagnostic algorithm for clinicians and pathologists when MD is suspected. It is certainly worth a read by all doctors. See page 1617.