Large gastric ulcer: Result of foreign body-induced giant cell reaction

Abstract

A granuloma is an organized and compact mass of mature mononuclear phagocytes. Granulomas are reported to form in various organs and sites of the body. Granulomas in stomach are rarely encountered. Foreign body granulomas are formed as a result of reaction of the tissues to a foreign body which is immunologically inert. Food granuloma is type of foreign body granuloma which is formed in response to food particles like vegetable matters or cereals. These granulomas can be distinguished from other types of granulomas with ease because of their characteristic morphologic features. We report the case of a 29-year-old male who developed a large gastric ulcer as a result of foreign body–induced giant cell reaction, which was probably of vegetative origin. He was treated with the regimen for Helicobacter pylori, rabeprazole and sucralfate. This treatment resulted in partial healing of the ulcer with persistence of food granuloma; hence, the patient was referred for surgery.

Keywords

• food granuloma
• foreign body
• gastric ulcer