Emphysematous Gastritis

Abstract

THE term "emphysematous gastritis" has been employed to designate an infection characterized by the presence of numerous small gas bubbles throughout the wall of the stomach. The lesion is closely allied to phlegmonous gastritis and to cystic pneumatosis, but has certain distinguishing features. Because this disease is so rare, an additional case report is presented below.In the first case of this type, described by Fraenkel1 in 1889, the patient died after several attacks of severe abdominal pain, bloody vomitus and diarrhea. Autopsy disclosed that the wall of the stomach was filled with masses of bacteria and small gas bubbles. . . .