Protein-losing gastropathy associated with cytomegalovirus in two sisters - Case reports and review of the literature

Menetrier's disease is a protein-losing gastropathy that is uncommon in childhood. Its symptoms are unspecific, with abdominal pain, vomiting, and edema. Blood tests show hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, and upper digestive endoscopy reveals giant gastric folds. In children, cytomegalovirus has been identified as a possible cause. Here we describe two sisters presenting with Menetrier's disease, 2 years apart. This diagnosis should be considered in the presence of hypoalbuminemia in children when a nephrotic syndrome is excluded.