Published online Dec 16, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i35.8357
Peer-review started: August 22, 2023
First decision: November 1, 2023
Revised: November 11, 2023
Accepted: December 4, 2023
Article in press: December 4, 2023
Published online: December 16, 2023
Processing time: 113 Days and 20 Hours
Ischemic gastritis is a clinically rare disease with high mortality that infrequently reported in the medical literature and under-recognized clinically and histopathologically. Early diagnosis and treatment can only be achieved through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after symptoms appear.
A 68-year-old woman with a history of intracranial aneurysm developed dizziness, chest tightness and unconsciousness for 2 d. Computed tomography angiography showed diffuse coronary atherosclerosis, moderate to severe stenosis in the proximal end of the left anterior descending branch, multiple calcified plaques in the proximal end of the circumflex branch and right coronary artery, and mild to moderate stenosis. The patient also developed diffuse atherosclerosis in the splenic and mesenteric arteries, with mild lumen stenosis and atherosclerosis in the abdominal aorta and its branches. Endoscopy showed submucosal congestion and damage of the entire gastric mucosa, of which the fundus and body of the stomach were most seriously affected. The mucosa was swollen, with a deep purple color, surface erosion and dark red oozing blood. Pathological examination showed bleeding and necrosis of the gastric mucosa, with residual contours of the gastric glands, consistent with ischemic gastritis.
Ischemic gastritis is a rare disease that may be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms may be similar to those of other gastrointestinal diseases. Diagnosis is usually based on endoscopic and pathological examinations, which show insufficient blood supply to the gastric mucosa leading to mucosal damage and necrosis.
Core Tip: Ischemic gastritis is a rare disease characterized by insufficient blood supply to the gastric mucosa, leading to mucosal damage and necrosis. It can occur in patients with various underlying diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, arterial thrombosis or embolism, vasculitis or hypotension. The clinical manifestations of ischemic gastritis range from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to severe bleeding or perforation, and diagnosis is usually based on endoscopic and pathological examination. However, ischemic gastritis may be difficult to diagnose as it may be similar to other gastrointestinal diseases and may require a high degree of suspicion.