Benign hypertrophic gastropathy: ménétrier's disease in childhood and adolescence.

Menetrier's disease (hypertrophic gastropathy) in patients under the age of 20 years is rare. A case is described and the features of the condition found in 11 young patients are discussed. The patients, when seen, are usually in acute abdominal pain and vomiting or edema due to hypoproteinemia is present. Eosinophila was found in half of the recorded cases and the cause in these cases may be due to hypersensitivity. Anemia is common and hypoproteinemia usually found. There is a distinct male predominance and patients are usually Caucasians. Our patient is the second black male youth recorded with this disease. The distinction from adult Menetrier's disease is its benign nature in this age group and complete clinical recovery is the rule. The term benign hypertrophic gastropathy is suggested.