Multiple gastric polyps causing anemia in a patient on a proton-pump inhibitor: a case report

Abstract

Although gastric polyps are common, they are a rare cause of anemia. We report a case of a woman in her eighties who developed anemia with shortness of breath on exertion. She had been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease and treated with lansoprazol for three years. Colonoscopic examination revealed polyps and diverticula. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed multiple red polyps with erosion and white edematous polyps in the lower body and middle body of the stomach, respectively. The polyps were friable and easily bleed. The histopathological findings were foveolar hyperplasia with proliferation of capillary vessels and inflammatory cells in the stroma. Therefore, we discontinued lansoprazole administration and prescribed an H2-blocker. After six months, esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed that the red polyps with erosion and white edematous polyps had diminished. The patient is being followed up and anemia has not progressed.