A Rare Association of Emphysematous Gastritis With Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Diagnostic Pitfalls

Emphysematous gastritis is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by the presence of gas within the gastric wall, typically caused by gas-forming microorganisms. It is thought to arise from the disruption of mucosal integrity in the setting of underlying predisposing factors. Given its high mortality rate, early recognition and prompt management are critical to improving outcomes. We present a rare case of emphysematous gastritis secondary to advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. A limited number of cases describing an association between emphysematous gastritis and malignancy have been reported in the literature, with only a small subset linked to gastric adenocarcinoma. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for atypical and malignant etiologies, particularly in patients with nonspecific presentations, as delayed diagnosis may result in rapid clinical deterioration and poor outcomes.