[Hypertrophic gastritis in an infant with eczema and intolerance to cow's milk proteins (author's transl)].

A 5-month-old infant presented with vomiting and severe hypoproteinemia from exsudation of proteins into the digestive tract, confirmed by isotopic tests. The association of hypertrophic edematous gastritis, interstitial jejunitis, and severe blood eosinophilia suggested the diagnosis of an exsudative eosinophil-type gastro-enteropathy. An allergy to cow's milk proteins was suspected because of the onset of the disorders at the time of weaning and the appearance of the eczema during the same period. Clinical, biological, and radiological recovery occurred after an exclusion diet and corticotherapy, and this persisted for 8 months, but the eczema remained. The authors describe a similar case (12) in an infant of 21 months with vomiting edema, and hypoproteinemia due to exsudation of proteins into the digestive tract. Radiological examination revealed the presence of hypertrophic gastritis. A relationship with Mentrier's disease had been suggested but not confirmed because of the rapid favourable outcome after a simple low protein diet.