Case Report
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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 14, 2013; 19(14): 2282-2285
Published online Apr 14, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i14.2282
Sarcina ventriculi of the stomach: A case report
Shiva K Ratuapli, Dora M Lam-Himlin, Russell I Heigh
Shiva K Ratuapli, Russell I Heigh, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, United States
Dora M Lam-Himlin, Department of Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, United States
Author contributions: Ratuapli SK performed literature search and drafted the manuscript; Heigh RI saw the patient, conceived the idea and critically revised the manuscript; Lam-Himlin DM reviewed stomach biopsies and critically revised the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Russell I Heigh, MD, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 13400 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, United States. heigh.russell@mayo.edu
Telephone: +1-480-3016737 Fax: +1-480-3016990
Received: December 20, 2012
Revised: January 16, 2013
Accepted: January 23, 2013
Published online: April 14, 2013
Processing time: 115 Days and 8.8 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip:Sarcina ventriculi is a rare bacterium, seen in gastric biopsies of patients with gastroparesis. Only eight cases have been reported so far, where in it has been implicated in the development of gastric ulcers, emphysematous gastritis and gastric perforation. In our case, gastric erythema improved with antibiotic treatment. Given its association with life threatening illness in two reported cases, it may be prudent to treat with antibiotics and anti-ulcer therapy, until further understanding is achieved.