Corrosive gastritis mimicking linitis plastica carcinoma

A 59-year-old female with depressive tendencies was admitted suffering from hematemesis and abdominal pain, two hours after ingestion of an unknown amount of toilet bowl cleaner (hydrochloric acid, pH 1.0). A barium study 24 days after ingestion revealed rigid narrowing and granulation of the entire stomach. The esophagus and duodenum were normal. The radiographic results were similar to those obtained for linitis plastica carcinoma of the stomach, but biopsy specimens of the stomach revealed no cancer cells. A total gastrectomy was performed about two months after ingestion to relieve the persistent feeling of nausea. Specimens revealed a rigid and thickening lining and a denuded mucosal surface of the stomach. The cut surface of the specimen showed a remarkable fibrous thickening of the submucosal layer. Microscopic examination failed to reveal a normal mucosal layer except in a narrow area of the fornix, and remarkable fibrosis of the submucosal lining was noted. No cancer cells were found. Corrosive gastritis has a linitis plastica appearance with a predilection for the antrum. Radiological examination revealed the very rare manifestion of a rigid narrowing of the whole stomach mimicking linitis plastica type cancer.