Idiopathic gastric fundus necrosis: Case report about a rare and fatal clinical condition

INTRODUCTION: Gastric fundus ischemia is a rare event, which does not account for many significant clinical studies. This disorder could have different etiologies, but authors agree that a prompt diagnosis and a proper treatment could avoid dangerous complications and ultimately the death of the patient. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We herein report an interesting idiopathic case of acute gastric dilatation and fundus ischemia of an 83-year-old Caucasic woman who was admitted to the Emergency Department complaining of abdominal discomfort, vomiting and constipation. DISCUSSION: In literature, only a few case reports about this condition are reported. Possible risk factors, etiologies, and the different therapeutic options available for this condition are examined, in order to try to favor clinicians to formulate a timely diagnosis and provide patients with rapid healthcare services. CONCLUSION: Further investigations are still needed to analyze the pathophysiological pathways responsible of gastric fundus ischemia and to provide a definitive treatment to this dangerous disorder.