Barros AR, Monteiro S, Silva J. Ménétrier disease: A clinical review. World J Gastroenterol 2025; 31(32): 108401 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i32.108401]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Ana R Barros, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Unidade Local de Saúde Tâmega e Sousa, Avenida do Hospital Padre Américo, 210, Penafiel 4560-136, Porto, Portugal. anaritambarros@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 28, 2025; 31(32): 108401 Published online Aug 28, 2025. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i32.108401
Ménétrier disease: A clinical review
Ana R Barros, Sara Monteiro, Jorge Silva
Ana R Barros, Sara Monteiro, Jorge Silva, Department of Gastroenterology, Unidade Local de Saúde Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel 4560-136, Porto, Portugal
Author contributions: All authors made substantial contributions to the article; Barros AR performed the literature research and drafted the manuscript; Monteiro S reviewed the manuscript and provided critical input on its intellectual content and structure; Silva J critically revised the manuscript; All authors have approved the final version of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Ana R Barros, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Unidade Local de Saúde Tâmega e Sousa, Avenida do Hospital Padre Américo, 210, Penafiel 4560-136, Porto, Portugal. anaritambarros@gmail.com
Received: April 14, 2025 Revised: June 9, 2025 Accepted: August 4, 2025 Published online: August 28, 2025 Processing time: 136 Days and 8.9 Hours
Abstract
Ménétrier disease (MD) is a rare gastric disorder characterized by hypertrophy of the gastric mucosa, resulting in giant gastric folds, excessive mucus secretion, and significant protein loss. It is most common in middle-aged males, although cases have also been reported in children. This condition, also known as hyperplastic hypersecretory gastropathy, primarily affects the fundus and body of the stomach, leading to protein-losing gastropathy due to increased mucosal permeability. The exact pathogenesis of MD remains unclear; however, it has been linked to excessive transforming growth factor-alpha signaling via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which promotes mucosal hyperplasia. Clinical manifestations include epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, and peripheral edema due to protein-losing enteropathy. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, and histopathology revealing foveolar hyperplasia and glandular atrophy. Treatment options vary from symptomatic management with proton pump inhibitors and nutritional support to monoclonal antibodies targeting EGFR (e.g., cetuximab) in severe cases. In refractory situations, gastrectomy may be required. This review highlights the current understanding, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for MD.
Core Tip: In this clinical review, we explore the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for Ménétrier disease. From identifying key symptoms such as protein loss and abdominal pain to the role of octreotide and cetuximab in managing the condition, this review offers an in-depth look at current therapeutic approaches. We also highlight the importance of early intervention to prevent complications like gastric cancer, providing essential insights for clinicians in diagnosing and managing this rare disease.
