atrophic gastritis
Last edited 04/2020
This was previously known as Type A gastritis.
Autoimmune gastritis is mainly confined to the acid- secreting corpus mucosa. The gastritis is diffuse and eventually severe atrophy develops.
Investigations include:
- endoscopy - diffuse chronic gastritis and atrophy of the corpus mucosa with antral sparing
- blood tests
- antibodies to parietal cell antibodies or intrinsic factor are generally present
- gastrin levels are high when the patient becomes achlorhydric
- double-contrast barium meal (now rarely used) - may be abnormal and show thin gastric folds
Management:
- treatment of pernicious anaemia; there also be associated iron deficiency (1)
Reference:
- Mohamed M et al. Pernicious anaemia. BMJ 2020;369:m1319.