Advanced gastric cancer linitis plastica presented with disseminated intravascular coagulation

BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Nov 1:2016:bcr2016217675. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-217675.

Abstract

An old man was found unconscious; on admission found to have disseminated intravascular coagulation with concern of upper gastrointestinal bleed after he was found to have melena. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy on admission showed diffuse thickened gastric folds, and biopsy showed mucosal oedema. Bone marrow biopsy concerning for lymphoma was obtained showed adenocarcinoma. MRI of the abdomen was significant for diffuse gastric wall thickening. A repeat endoscopic ultrasound showed a diffuse gastric wall thickening of 15 mm and submucosal tunneling technique biopsy suggested high-grade, invasive, signet ring adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Oncology was consulted to initiate palliative chemotherapy. In retrospect, the patient was questioned regarding gastrointestinal symptoms; he reported gradual early satiety, dysphagia and unintentional weight loss over the course of 4 months.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / complications
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / secondary*
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / etiology*
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Endosonography
  • Humans
  • Linitis Plastica / complications
  • Linitis Plastica / diagnostic imaging
  • Linitis Plastica / drug therapy
  • Linitis Plastica / secondary*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Palliative Care
  • Stomach Neoplasms / complications
  • Stomach Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology*