What is Menetrier's Disease characterized by?

Menetrier's Disease is characterized by hypertrophic gastritis, which involves the thickening of the gastric mucosa. The presence of giant rugal folds, which are the folds of the stomach lining, is a hallmark of this condition. These folds enlarge and can appear as excessive and enlarged, leading to an increase in the surface area of the stomach's inner lining. This distortion can contribute to various gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

The disease is typically associated with a decrease in gastric acid production, which contrasts with increased acid production that is more commonly seen in conditions like peptic ulcers. Additionally, while some patients might develop gastric polyps, this is not a defining feature of Menetrier's Disease. Penetrating gastric ulcers are also unrelated to this condition, further highlighting the unique presentation of hypertrophic gastritis with its characteristic rugal folds. Therefore, recognizing the specific features, such as the hypertrophic gastritis with giant rugal folds, is crucial for correctly understanding Menetrier's Disease.