| Atrophic gastritis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Type A gastritis[1] |
 | |
| Atrophic gastritis | |
| Specialty | Gastroenterology |
Atrophic gastritis is a process of chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa of the stomach, leading to a loss of gastric glandular cells and their eventual replacement by intestinal and fibrous tissues. As a result, the stomach's secretion of essential substances such as hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and intrinsic factor is impaired, leading to digestive problems. The most common are vitamin B12 deficiency possibly leading to pernicious anemia; and malabsorption of iron, leading to iron deficiency anaemia.[2] It can be caused by persistent infection with Helicobacter pylori, or can be autoimmune in origin. Those with autoimmune atrophic gastritis (Type A gastritis) are statistically more likely to develop gastric carcinoma, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and achlorhydria.
Type A gastritis primarily affects the fundus (body) of the stomach and is more common with pernicious anemia.[1] Type B gastritis primarily affects the antrum, and is more common with H. pylori infection.[1]
- ^ a b c Blaser MJ (May 1988). "Type B gastritis, aging, and Campylobacter pylori". Arch. Intern. Med. 148 (5): 1021–2. doi:10.1001/archinte.1988.00380050027005. ISSN 0003-9926. PMID 3365072.
- ^ Annibale B, Capurso G, Lahner E, Passi S, Ricci R, Maggio F, Delle Fave G (April 2003). "Concomitant alterations in intragastric pH and ascorbic acid concentration in patients with Helicobacter pylori gastritis and associated iron deficiency anaemia". Gut. 52 (4): 496–501. doi:10.1136/gut.52.4.496. ISSN 0017-5749. PMC 1773597. PMID 12631657.