A Case of Gastric Emphysema: Incidental Findings or Serious Illness

A Case Report Evaluating Gastric Emphysema versus Emphysematous Gastritis

Gastric emphysema (GE) and emphysematous gastritis (EG) share similar clinical presentations but exhibit drastically different prognoses. While GE is generally benign, EG is associated with mortality rates up to 60%. Here, we present the case of a 29-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and epigastric abdominal pain. Clinical evaluation revealed tachycardia, pain out of proportion, leukocytosis, and metabolic acidosis. Computed tomography (CT) scan unveiled the presence of air within the gastric wall, and a presumptive diagnosis of gastric emphysema was made. The patient responded positively to conservative management and was discharged after a two-day hospitalization. This case report emphasizes the need for physicians to adeptly distinguish between GE and EG. Timely identification and precise differentiation of the two conditions allow for timely and tailored management, ultimately leading to improved clinical outcomes in patients. By providing insights into the etiologies, clinical presentations, and imaging findings for the two pathologies, we aim to empower clinicians to make informed decisions for optimal patient care.

Topics

Gastric emphysema, emphysematous gastritis, gastric pneumatosis.