Transient hypergastrinemia of 2 years' duration in a young pediatric patient.

A 24-month-old female child experienced watery diarrhea, growth failure, and abdominal pain from age 3 months. Hypergastrinemia, hypochlorhydria, and fundic gastritis were documented. A secretin stimulation test was normal but protein meal stimulation revealed an abnormal serum gastrin response. Antral biopsies revealed G cell hyperplasia. Chronic treatment with antacids and an anticholinergic agent was unsuccessful. Spontaneous recovery occurred at age 29 months. Gastrin stimulation tests, gastric acid secretory tests, antral mucosal biopsies, and multiple basal serum gastrin levels were repeated. All were normal. Follow-up of greater than 3 years has documented a completely normal clinical and laboratory course.