ABSTRACT
Thickened gastric folds (TGF) are not an uncommon finding on radiological imaging
or endoscopy. It is an enigmatic condition requiring a systematic approach with correlation
between clinical, laboratory, radiological, endoscopic, and histological parameters
to reach a final diagnosis. It has a varied number of differential diagnosis and reaching
the final diagnosis is often challenging even to an astute clinician. Findings on
endoscopy are similar and biopsy results often equivocal. Differentiating between
benign and malignant conditions is challenging. Routine pinch biopsy usually does
not sample deep enough to get an adequate tissue sample, and other methods of biopsy
may be required. Newer modalities, such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS‑guided
sampling, are helpful in differentiating benign from malignant causes. At times, exploratory
laparotomy and full‑thickness biopsy may be required for final diagnosis. In this
review, we discuss the various differentials of TGF, with special emphasis on how
to approach a case of TGF.
KEYWORDS
Large gastric folds
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Menetrier’s disease
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thickened gastric folds
