Gastric Necrosis, A Rare Disease with a Complex Diagnostic Approach

Abstract

Gastric necrosis represents a rare condition and available literature is mostly in the form of case-reports being clinically under-recognized and therefore not diagnosed at an early stage. It is also a disease for which a definitive treatment has not yet been established since it can vary significantly from a conservative medical management to and aggressive surgical management, depending on the patient´s general conditions and medical history. We describe a case of gastric necrosis presented at both departments of Internal Medicine and General Surgery. We discuss possible etiology, in this case found to be multifactorial due to angiotomography ruling out a proximal occlusive event and the outcome of the patient. Conclusions: The diagnostic approach of patients presenting gastric necrosis is complex since etiology is not well established and is usually multifactorial. It continues to be a disease which we know very little about, and which represents a challenge to overcome to offer specialized treatment and reduce the morbidity and high mortality that it represents.