What is Menetrier Disease?

Menetrier Disease
Histologic comparison of Ménétrier’s disease and gastric polyps. (A) Ménétrier’s disease shows foveolar hyperplasia with corkscrew morphology and cystically dilated deep glands; however, overall linear architecture is maintained. (B) Juvenile polyp shows foveolar hyperplasia with cystically dilated superficial and deep glands. Linear architecture is disrupted. (C) Peutz-Jeghers polyp shows foveolar hyperplasia and cystically dilated glands. Lamina propria of Ménétrier’s disease shows strands of smooth muscle bundles (D) whereas lamina propria of juvenile polyp is edematous without prominent smooth muscle (E). (F) Peutz-Jeghers polyp shows arborizing smooth muscle strands in the lamina propria, which is less prominent than counterparts in small intestine or colon. Ménétrier's Disease: Its Mimickers and Pathogenesis. Huh WJ, Coffey RJ, Washington MK - Journal of pathology and translational medicine (2015). Not Altered. CC.

Menetrier disease is the ridges along the inside of the stomach wall called rugae to enlarge, forming giant folds in the stomach lining. The rugae enlarge because of an overgrowth of mucous cells in the stomach wall. In a normal stomach, mucous cells in the rugae release protein-containing mucus.

What is the Pathology of Menetrier Disease?

The pathology of menetrier disease is:

-Etiology: The cause of menetrier disease is unknown.

-Genes involved: SMAD4.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to menetrier disease is incompletely understood but may involve transforming growth factor-alpha TGF-α. TGF-α increases gastric mucus production and inhibits acid secretion,241 and levels are usually elevated in the gastric mucous cells in patients with Ménétrier disease.

-Histology: The histology associated with menetrier disease shows evident by marked enlargement of gastric folds and rugae. On histopathological examination, foveolar hyperplasia, oxyntic glands atrophy, reduction in parietal acid-producing cells and chief pepsinogen- producing  cells, and cystic dilation of pits are seen. The overall linear architecture is usually maintained. Edema and hyperplasia of smooth muscle in the lamina propria are observed.

How does Menetrier Disease Present?

Patients with menetrier disease typically more in male at age range 30-60 years mostly but cases in childhood are also reported. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with menetrier disease include: nausea and frequent vomiting, Diarrhea,loss of appetite, extreme weight loss, Malnutrition, low levels of protein in the blood.

How is Menetrier Disease Diagnosed?

Menetrier disease is diagnosed by computerized tomography CT scan, and biopsy.

How is Menetrier Disease Treated?

Menetrier disease is treated by anticholergic drugs, acid suppression therapy, and antibiotic therapy directed against H. pylori infection.

What is the Prognosis of Menetrier Disease?

The prognosis of menetrier disease is good. The prognosis of Ménétrier disease varies from person to person. Resolution of symptoms may occur in adults with an underlying Helicobacter Pylori H. Pylori infection once treatment of the infection occurs. Cases in children may resolve spontaneously or with treatment of the underlying CMV infection.