Abstract

Gastric mucosal calcinosis (GMC) is a very rare condition that is characterized by the nodular deposition of calcium salts in the gastric mucosa. It has been associated with renal failure, gastric cancer, ingestion of aluminum- containing antacids and the use of sucralfate in organ transplant patients. The etiology of this condition is uncertain, but several theories have been proposed; the condition is due secondarily to hyperparathyroidism in renal failure and to the alkalinization of the gastric mucosa. We report here on two patients who had long- term use of bismuth and/or aluminum-containing antacids to treat their gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed acute gastritis patterns, and GMC was confirmed histologically with biopsy. When one patient stopped ingesting bismuth-containing antacid solution, the follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy and the biopsy revealed a completely improved state. We report here on these interesting cases and we include a brief review of the literature. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2006;33:230⁣234)

• Keywords: Gastric mucosal calcinosis, Bismuth, Aluminum-containing antacids