Heterotopic and metaplastic gastric mucosa in the duodenum: a case report

We report a rare case of heterotopic and metaplastic gastric mucosa in the duodenum. Observations through histology, immunochemical analysis as well as special staining methods showed mural cells, advocate cells, endocrine cells, and mucus cells which are different in the duodenal bulb compared to the stomach glands. This results in the secretion of gastric acid, pepsin, and chymotrypsin, as well as the possession of gastric tissue structure and function, which can lead to local tissue digestion. Therefore, this report suggests that the base of the duodenum in the duodenal bulb may be one of the underlying causes of duodenal ulcers and patients with chronic inflammation of the duodenal bulb may have ectopic gastrocnemius. Due to this reason, pathological biopsy should be considered as an appropriate, clear etiology and timely ectopic fundic gland tissue local resection to prevent the occurrence of duodenal ulcer.