ABSTRACT
Introduction: Gas is rarely found within the viscera outside the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Emphysematous gastritis is a rare form of infection of the stomach wall by gas producing organisms. Clinical Picture: A 45-year-old Chinese lady underwent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Postoperatively, she turned septic and encephalopathic with worsening liver function. Computed tomography scan revealed a thickened, oedematous stomach wall with air pockets within. Treatment: The patient was started on a course of broad spectrum antibiotics. Outcome: She responded and was discharged well. Conclusion: Emphysematous gastritis is a rare condition with high mortality. There is however, still no preferable approach of treatment despite therapeutic advances.
A 45-year-old Chinese lady, who is a known hepatitis B carrier, presented with increasing alpha fetoprotein levels and a palpable liver 6 cm below the costal margin. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a large heterogeneous mass in the right lobe of the liver, and she underwent a right hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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