Type-1 Grade 2 Multi-Focal Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors Secondary to Chronic Autoimmune Gastritis

Abstract

BackgroundChronic autoimmune gastritis (CAG) refers to chronic atrophic gastritis due to autoimmunity. Loss of gastric glands in CAG results in hypergastrinemia and achlorhydria leading to Vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperplasia of G cells and enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency could cause pernicious anemia and subacute combined degeneration, while G cells and ECL cells hyperplasia might develop gastric neuroendocrine tumor (G-NET).Case PresentationA 35-year-old Chinese female presented with multi-focal type-1 Grade 2 (G2) NETs with a 14-year history of pernicious anemia and subacute combined degeneration.ConclusionHere, we report a rare case of a Chinese patient presenting G-NET combined with pernicious anemia and subacute combined degeneration, which are secondary to chronic autoimmune gastritis. This case also illustrates the importance of routine gastroscopy in patients with Vitamin B12 deficiency.