Autoimmune Gastritis: Focus on Endoscopic and Morphological Characteristics

Abstract

Aim: tosystematize the literature data on endoscopic semiotics and morphological changes in the gastric mucosa in autoimmune gastritis.Key points. Autoimmune gastritis is associated with an increased risk of developing adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumours of the stomach. Clarification of diagnostic criteria for autoimmune gastritis is essential for gastroenterological practice. The diagnosis is based on the results of endoscopic and histological examination, and on data from laboratory tests. Isolated atrophy of the mucous membrane of the body of the stomach, the presence of difficult-to-wash creamy mucus, changes in the mucous membrane like “shed skin”, and the presence of whitish globule-like foci are typical endoscopic signs of autoimmune gastritis. Widespread pseudopyloric metaplasia, focal intestinal and pseudopancreatic metaplasia, hyperplasia of the ridges of the mucous membrane of the body of the stomach and their relationship to the glandular layer as in the antrum allow during a morphological study considering clinical data to suspect and verify autoimmune gastritis.Conclusion. During instrumental examination, knowledge of endoscopic symptoms and pathognomonic morphological changes is important for the timely diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis.