Phlegmonous Gastritis

Abstract

Phlegmonous gastritis is a rare yet often devastating disease characterised by bacterial invasion of the submucosa of the stomach. We report a case associated with an empyema of the left pleural cavity. The diagnosis was made at laparotomy and the patient died despite antibiotics and intensive care support. This condition is seldom considered clinically and without appropriate intervention mortality exceeds 50%. The recommended treatment is aggressive antibiotic therapy and surgical resection.