Journal of Education and Teaching in Emergency Medicine

Gastric emphysema (GE) and emphysematous gastritis (EG) share similar clinical presentations but exhibitdrastically different prognoses. While GE is generally benign, EG is associated with mortality rates up to 60%.Here, we present the case of a 29-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department (ED)with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and epigastric abdominal pain. Clinical evaluation revealed tachycardia,pain out of proportion, leukocytosis, and metabolic acidosis. Computed tomography (CT) scan unveiled thepresence of air within the gastric wall, and a presumptive diagnosis of gastric emphysema was made. Thepatient responded positively to conservative management and was discharged after a two-dayhospitalization. This case report emphasizes the need for physicians to adeptly distinguish between GE andEG. Timely identification and precise differentiation of the two conditions allow for timely and tailoredmanagement, ultimately leading to improved clinical outcomes in patients. By providing insights into theetiologies, clinical presentations, and imaging findings for the two pathologies, we aim to empower cliniciansto make informed decisions for optimal patient care.