Ischaemic gastritis and perforation()

INTRODUCTION: Gastric perforation is a common general surgical emergency. Ischaemia of the stomach is uncommon due to its rich vascular supply, and is an uncommon cause of perforation. Minimal literature is available on the topic of ischaemic gastritis, with the few cases available linked to gastric dilation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 52 year old lady presents with a syncopal episode, nausea, vomiting, malaise, and abdominal discomfort. A chest X-ray identified free subdiaphragmatic gas, and her examination revealed a peritonitic abdomen, prompting urgent surgical intervention. She was found to have ischaemic gastritis with multiple perforations along the greater curvature, necessitating a sleeve gastrectomy. Her post-operative course was stormy, requiring significant haemodynamic and respiratory support in the intensive care unit with progressive multi-organ dysfunction. She eventually developed extensive bowel ischaemia, and further management was considered futile. She passed away 13 days post-operatively. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The vascular supply of the stomach is rich with collaterals, making ischaemia unlikely. Its occurrence requires either a proximal insult, global ischaemia from pressure, or a systemic coagulopathy. Aside from perforation, it may also present with GI bleeding. Depending on its aetiology, the disease has been managed successfully either conservatively, interventionally, or operatively. CONCLUSION: Ischaemic gastritis is uncommon and likely underdiagnosed. Timely recognition of its aetiology early in its course is important, for choosing the appropriate management and to improve patient outcomes. Its management is dependent on the aetiology of the perforation.