Ménétrier disease

What it is

From: Orphanet

Ménétrier disease (MD) is a rare premalignant hyperproliferative gastropathy characterized by massive overgrowth of foveolar cells in the gastric lining, resulting in large gastric folds, and manifesting with epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, peripheral edema and, less commonly, anorexia and weight loss.

Reported clinical features and what the terms mean

The following findings are associated with this condition in Orphanet. They are not a checklist for diagnosing yourself, and they do not all occur in every affected person. Some are examination, imaging or laboratory findings that cannot be recognised at home.

The frequency labels describe how often a finding was reported among people with the condition in the source. They do not give the chance that a person with that symptom has the condition. Definitions below reproduce HPO terminology; they explain the term, not the likely severity in an individual.

Abnormality of the gastric mucosa · Very frequent (99-80%)

An abnormality of the gastric mucous membrane.

Giant hypertrophic gastritis · Very frequent (99-80%)

A type of gastritis characterized by excessive proliferation of the gastric mucosa and diffuse thickening of the gastric mucosal folds.

Abdominal pain · Frequent (79-30%)

An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) and perceived to originate in the abdomen.

Asthenia · Frequent (79-30%)

A state characterized by a feeling of weakness and loss of strength leading to a generalized weakness of the body.

Helicobacter pylori infection · Frequent (79-30%)

A recurrent infection of the GI tract with helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium usually found in the stomach.

Hypoalbuminemia · Frequent (79-30%)

The concentration of albumin in the blood circulation is below the lower limit of normal.

Hypoproteinemia · Frequent (79-30%)

A decreased concentration of protein in the blood.

Malnutrition · Frequent (79-30%)

A deficiency in the intake of energy and nutrients.

Nausea · Frequent (79-30%)

A sensation of unease in the stomach together with an urge to vomit.

Peripheral edema · Frequent (79-30%)

An abnormal accumulation of interstitial fluid in the soft tissues of the limbs.

Vomiting · Frequent (79-30%)

Forceful ejection of the contents of the stomach through the mouth by means of a series of involuntary spasmic contractions.

Weight loss · Frequent (79-30%)

Reduction of total body weight.

Anorexia · Occasional (29-5%)

Lack of desire to eat (loss of appetite).

Diarrhea · Occasional (29-5%)

Abnormally increased frequency (usually defined as three or more) loose or watery bowel movements a day.

Other findings in the same source

From: Orphanet

Additional reported features include Gastroesophageal reflux (Occasional (29-5%)); Gastrointestinal hemorrhage (Occasional (29-5%)); Hypochromic microcytic anemia (Occasional (29-5%)); Poor appetite (Occasional (29-5%)); Stomach cancer (Occasional (29-5%)); Multiple gastric polyps (Occasional (29-5%)); Thromboembolism (Very rare (<4-1%)). This is a selected summary, not a complete description of the condition.

When it may begin

From: Orphanet

Adolescent; Adult; Childhood

Inheritance in the source

From: Orphanet

Autosomal dominant; Not applicable; Unknown

Which doctor should you see?

The suggested department for discussing Ménétrier disease is Gastroenterology, with a gastroenterologist as the relevant type of clinician. General physician / Family Medicine; paediatrician for children. Referral depends on symptoms.

This is an editorial referral starting point. The appropriate clinic depends on the person’s age, symptoms, previous diagnosis and local services. The first clinician can decide whether another specialty or a team is needed; a department label does not confirm the diagnosis.

How to prepare for an assessment

Bring a short timeline of the main symptoms: when they first appeared, whether they are constant or episodic, what seems to change them, and how they affect daily activities. Include previous reports, discharge summaries, current medicines and supplements, allergies, and any relevant family history. A dated record is more useful than trying to match every feature in an online article.

Ask the clinician what is already established and what remains uncertain. If a test is suggested, ask what question it answers, what its limitations are and how the result would change the next step. The information here is not an instruction to arrange every possible test. In children, bring growth, developmental and school information if it is relevant to the concern.

• Which digestive symptoms or nutritional changes matter most?
• What question would an endoscopy, scan or laboratory test answer if one is proposed?
• How should persistent pain, bleeding or difficulty eating be followed up?

Treatment discussions and follow-up

The material gathered for this draft does not provide a complete condition-specific treatment pathway for Ménétrier disease. That gap does not mean that treatment is unavailable. A clinician needs to establish the diagnosis and review current guidance before recommending medicines, procedures, rehabilitation or other support.

Before leaving the appointment, clarify the next review date, who will communicate results, and whom to contact if the situation changes. Discuss difficulties with sleep, work, school, mobility, eating or emotional wellbeing when these are relevant. Practical support may require coordination between the treating clinician and other services.

The collected references do not establish a complete prevention or long-term outlook section for this entry. Missing information should not be interpreted as proof that prevention is impossible or that a particular outcome is inevitable. Ask what is known for the exact subtype, stage and personal circumstances, and which uncertainties remain.

When to seek emergency help

Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, new stroke-like symptoms, a seizure that is prolonged or repeated without recovery, uncontrolled major bleeding, or an immediate risk of self-harm require emergency help. In India, call 112 or reach the nearest emergency department. This is a general, non-exhaustive warning list; it is not a condition-specific triage tool.