Ultrasonogram of Menetrier's disease.

Abstract

Menetrier's disease is a relatively rare disease characterized by greatly enlarged gastric rugae resembling the convolutions of the brain and often associated with hypoproteinemia. Although radiographic examination of the stomach is one of the most reliable diagnostic measures of this disease, it is hard to clarify the structure of the gastric wall by this method. Ultrasonographic examination of the stomach, which has recently become more practical, has the advantage of delineating the structure of the gastric wall. We report here the ultrasonogram in a case of Menetrier's disease. The ultrasound demonstrated gastric wall thickening (pseudo-kidney sign), crinkled mucosal folds projecting into the lumen, a smooth serosal surface with a clear boundary between the adjacent organs, and a pliable gastric wall. The follow-up study revealed no changes in the sonographic appearance. The diagnostic value of ultrasound in Menetrier's disease and its limitations are discussed.