BACKGROUND/AIMS: The validity of ¹³C-urea breath test (¹³C-UBT) for Helicobacter pylori detection is influenced by atrophic gastritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of citric acid on the accuracy of ¹³C-Urea breath test after H. pylori eradication therapy in a region where atrophic gastritis is common. METHODS: In this prospective study, H. pylori-positive patients received ¹³C-UBT after H. pylori eradication regimen. They were classified into citric acid group and control group. To determine diagnostic accuracy of ¹³C-UBT, patients were offered invasive methods. RESULTS: A total of 1,207 who successfully took H. pylori-eradication regimen received UBT. They were assigned into the citric acid group (n=562) and the control group (n=645). The mean ¹³C-UBT value of the citric acid group was 10.3±26.4‰, which was significantly (p<0.001) higher than that of that control group (5.1‰±12.6‰). Of these patients 122 patients were evaluated by endoscopic biopsy methods. Based on invasive tests, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ¹³C-UBT for the citric acid group were 83.3%, 91.7%, 81.3%, 55.0%, and 97.5%, respectively. Those of the control group were 87.7%, 90.9%, 88.2%, 62.5%, and 97.8%, respectively. They were not significantly different between the two groups. Although the presence of gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia (IM) decreased the accuracy, the decrease was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: In a country with high prevalence of atrophic gastritis or IM, false positivity remained common despite the use of citric acid in ¹³C-UBT.
Atrophy ; Biopsy ; Breath Tests ; Citric Acid ; Diagnosis ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; Helicobacter pylori ; Helicobacter ; Humans ; Metaplasia ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and metaplastic gastritis (MG) are precancerous conditions of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related gastric cancer. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of nodular gastritis (NG) showing CAG or MG after nodule regression.METHODS: H. pylori-infected patients with NG were included after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients were excluded if their latest endoscopy had been performed ≤36 months after the initial diagnosis of NG. Small-granular-type NG was defined as the condition with 1–2 mm regular subepithelial nodules. Large-nodular-type NG was defined as those with 3–4 mm, irregular subepithelial nodules. The endoscopic findings after nodule regression were recorded.RESULTS: Among the 97 H. pylori-infected patients with NG, 61 showed nodule regression after a mean follow-up of 73.0±22.0 months. After nodule regression, 16 patients showed a salt-and-pepper appearance and/or transparent submucosal vessels, indicating CAG. Twenty-nine patients showed diffuse irregular elevations and/or whitish plaques, indicating MG. Sixteen patients with other endoscopic findings (14 normal, one erosive gastritis, and one chronic superficial gastritis) showed a higher proportion of H. pylori eradication (12/16, 75.0%) than those in the CAG group (5/16, 31.3%) and MG group (6/29, 20.7%; p=0.001). Patients with small-granular-type NG tended to progress toward CAG (14/27, 51.9%), whereas those with large-nodular-type NG tended to progress toward MG (25/34, 73.5%; p<0.001).CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a persistent H. pylori infection, NG tended to progress to CAG or MG when the nodules regressed. Small-granular-type NG tended to progress to CAG, whereas large-nodular-type NG tended to progress to MG.
Atrophy ; Diagnosis ; Endoscopy ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastritis ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Lymphoid Tissue ; Metaplasia ; Precancerous Conditions ; Stomach Neoplasms

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and metaplastic gastritis (MG) are precancerous conditions of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related gastric cancer. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of nodular gastritis (NG) showing CAG or MG after nodule regression. METHODS: H. pylori-infected patients with NG were included after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients were excluded if their latest endoscopy had been performed ≤36 months after the initial diagnosis of NG. Small-granular-type NG was defined as the condition with 1–2 mm regular subepithelial nodules. Large-nodular-type NG was defined as those with 3–4 mm, irregular subepithelial nodules. The endoscopic findings after nodule regression were recorded. RESULTS: Among the 97 H. pylori-infected patients with NG, 61 showed nodule regression after a mean follow-up of 73.0±22.0 months. After nodule regression, 16 patients showed a salt-and-pepper appearance and/or transparent submucosal vessels, indicating CAG. Twenty-nine patients showed diffuse irregular elevations and/or whitish plaques, indicating MG. Sixteen patients with other endoscopic findings (14 normal, one erosive gastritis, and one chronic superficial gastritis) showed a higher proportion of H. pylori eradication (12/16, 75.0%) than those in the CAG group (5/16, 31.3%) and MG group (6/29, 20.7%; p=0.001). Patients with small-granular-type NG tended to progress toward CAG (14/27, 51.9%), whereas those with large-nodular-type NG tended to progress toward MG (25/34, 73.5%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a persistent H. pylori infection, NG tended to progress to CAG or MG when the nodules regressed. Small-granular-type NG tended to progress to CAG, whereas large-nodular-type NG tended to progress to MG.
Atrophy ; Diagnosis ; Endoscopy ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastritis ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Lymphoid Tissue ; Metaplasia ; Precancerous Conditions ; Stomach Neoplasms

OBJECTIVES: In the USA, certain races and ethnicities have a disproportionately higher gastric cancer burden. Selective screening might allow for earlier detection and curative resection. Among a USA-based multiracial and ethnic cohort diagnosed with non-cardia gastric cancer (NCGC), we aimed to identify factors associated with curable stage disease at diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively identified endoscopically diagnosed and histologically confirmed cases of NCGC at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic and histologic factors, as well as grade/stage of NCGC at diagnosis were documented. The primary outcome was the frequency of curable-stage NCGC (stage 0-1a) at diagnosis in patients with versus without an endoscopy negative for malignancy prior to their index exam diagnosing NCGC. Additional factors associated with curable-stage disease at diagnosis were determined. RESULTS: A total of 103 racially and ethnically diverse patients were included. Nearly 38% of NCGC were stage 0-Ia, 34% stage Ib-III, and 20.3% stage IV at diagnosis. A significantly higher frequency of NCGC was diagnosed in curable stages among patients who had undergone an endoscopy that was negative for malignancy prior to their index endoscopy that diagnosed NCGC, compared to patients without a negative endoscopy prior to their index exam (69.6% vs. 28.6%, p=0.003). A prior negative endoscopy was associated with 94.0% higher likelihood of diagnosing curable-stage NCGC (p=0.003). No other factors analyzed were associated with curable-stage NCGC at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic screening and surveillance in select high-risk populations might increase diagnoses of curable-stage NCGC. These findings warrant confirmation in larger, prospective studies.
Cohort Studies ; Continental Population Groups ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Endoscopy ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Urban Population

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In countries with a higher risk of gastric atrophic gastritis, noninvasive tests are helpful for a more reliable diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of seropositive subjects according to their stool H. pylori antigen test, serum pepsinogen (PG) assay, and endoscopic findings. METHODS: Consecutive subjects who visited Konkuk University Medical Center for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for a regular check-up were included in a prospective setting if the serum anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G assay was positive. A H. pylori antigen stool test was measured using a stool H. pylori antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit on the same day as a serum PG assay and endoscopy. RESULTS: Of 318 seropositive subjects, 256 (80.5%) showed positive stool test findings. Subjects with a negative stool test result showed lower serum PG I (p < 0.001) and PG II (p < 0.001) levels and higher PG I/II ratio (p < 0.001) than those with a positive stool test. Chronic atrophic gastritis was more common in the positive stool test group than the negative stool test group on endoscopic finding (p = 0.009). A higher serum PG I level (p = 0.001) and a lower serum PG I/II ratio (p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for the presence of H. pylori antigen in stool. CONCLUSIONS: A high serum PG level denotes an ongoing current H. pylori infection with positive stool H. pylori antigen test findings. Seropositive subjects with increased gastric secreting ability tend to have H. pylori in their fecal material as reflected by a positive stool H. pylori antigen test finding.
Academic Medical Centers ; Diagnosis ; Endoscopy ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; Helicobacter pylori ; Helicobacter* ; Immunoglobulin G ; Pepsinogen A ; Prospective Studies* ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study examined the accuracy of endoscopic evaluation for determining the Helicobacter pylori infection status in patients with mild atrophy who might not exhibit characteristic endoscopic findings. METHODS: Forty endoscopists determined the H. pylori infection status of 50 randomly presented H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative cases on the basis of a list of established findings. RESULTS: The median clinical endoscopy experience was 7 years (range, 1–35 years), including 22 board-certified endoscopists (55%) of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. The mean accuracy rate of endoscopic diagnosis was 67% and was unrelated to experience status (experienced vs. trainee: 69% vs. 65%, p=0.089) and total years of experience (R 2 =0.022). The most frequently selected endoscopic findings were regular arrangement of collecting venules (59%), atrophy (45%), and red streak (22%), which had fair accuracy rates of 67%, 65%, and 73%, respectively. By contrast, the accuracy rates of nodularity (89%) and mucosal swelling (77%) were highest. The 20 endoscopists who more frequently identified these findings diagnosed H. pylori infection significantly more accurately than did the other endoscopists (71% vs. 64%, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Careful attention to nodularity and mucosal swelling in patients with mild atrophy may enhance diagnosis, enable prompt treatment, and avoid possible long-term carcinogenesis.
Atrophy ; Carcinogenesis ; Diagnosis* ; Endoscopy ; Gastritis, Atrophic* ; Helicobacter pylori* ; Helicobacter* ; Humans ; Japan ; Venules

No abstract available.
Diagnosis* ; Gastritis, Atrophic* ; Helicobacter pylori* ; Helicobacter*

We report a patient who was diagnosed as subacute combined degeneration (SCD) with elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels in the situation of a spurious elevation of the vitamin B12 concentration. A false-positive elevation of the vitamin B12 level could lead to a delayed diagnosis and cause irreversible changes in the nervous systems. We therefore suggest that the homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels should be checked in patients with a normal or elevated vitamin B12 level for whom there is a high clinical suspicion for vitamin B12 deficiency, as a further evaluation for SCD.
Delayed Diagnosis ; Gastritis, Atrophic* ; Homocysteine ; Humans ; Methylmalonic Acid ; Nervous System ; Subacute Combined Degeneration* ; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency ; Vitamin B 12* ; Vitamins*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori eradication is recommended in patients with early gastric cancer. However, the possibility of spontaneous regression raises a question for clinicians about the need for “retesting” postoperative H. pylori status. METHODS: Patients who underwent curative gastrectomy at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and had a positive H. pylori status without eradication therapy at the time of gastric cancer diagnosis were prospectively enrolled in this study. H. pylori status and atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) histologic status were assessed pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients (mean age, 59.0 years; 60.7% male) underwent subtotal gastrectomy with B-I (65.0%), B-II (27.1%), Roux-en-Y (4.3%), jejunal interposition (0.7%), or proximal gastrectomy (4.3%). Preoperative presence of AG (62.9%) and IM (72.9%) was confirmed. The mean period between surgery and the last endoscopic follow-up was 38.0±25.6 months. Of the 140 patients, 80 (57.1%) were found to be persistently positive for H. pylori, and 60 (42.9%) showed spontaneous negative conversion at least once during follow-up. Of these 60 patients, eight (13.3%) showed more complex postoperative dynamic changes between negative and positive results. The spontaneous negative conversion group showed a trend of having more postoperative IM compared to the persistent H. pylori group. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of spontaneous regression and complex dynamic changes in H. pylori status were observed after partial gastrectomy, especially in individuals with postoperative histological IM. It is better to consider postoperative eradication therapy after retesting for H. pylori.
Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrectomy ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; Helicobacter pylori* ; Helicobacter* ; Humans ; Metaplasia ; Prospective Studies ; Seoul ; Stomach Neoplasms*

OBJECTIVETo analyze the efficacy of endoscopic screening for gastric cancer in rural population in high risk areas of upper gastrointestinal cancer in Henan province.

METHODSSubjects aged 40-69 years in the high risk areas were selected to participate in the endoscopic screening based on the cluster sampling, and screening-positive subjects were sampled for pathological examination. The data of screening were summarized and the detection rates of severe chronic atrophic gastritis, severe intestinal metaplasia, low grade intraepithelial neoplasia, high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, early and middle-late cancer were calculated, and the constituent ratio of early cancer cases was calculated. The detection rates and early diagnosis rates for the first round screening and follow-up screening were compared.

RESULTSIn the 5 years, a total of 88 263 subjects were endoscopically examined in the first round screening and 4 004 subjects were diagnosed with low grade intraepithelial neoplasia or above (the detection rate was 4.54%), in which 3 256 cases were with low grade intraepithelial neoplasia (the detection rate of 3.69%), 366 cases with high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (the rate of 0.41%), 199 cases with early cancer (the rate of 0.22%) and 183 cases with middle-late cancer (the rate of 0.21%). The number of cases of high grade intraepithelial neoplasia and early cancer was 565 and the early diagnosis rate was 75.53%. 1 894 subjects with severe chronic atrophic gastritis, severe intestinal metaplasia and low grade intraepithelial were followed up with a compliance of 66.32%. A total of 45 cases of early cancer were diagnosed, with a detection rate of 2.38% and early diagnosis rate of 100%. The detection rate and early diagnosis rate in the follow-up screening were both statistically significantly higher than that in the first round screening (P<0.01 for both).

CONCLUSIONThe efficacy of endoscopic screening for gastric cancer is significant in high risk areas of upper gastrointestinal cancer, and improving the quality of follow-up screening will achieve a better performance of the screening.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma in Situ ; diagnosis ; pathology ; China ; Chronic Disease ; Early Detection of Cancer ; statistics & numerical data ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; diagnosis ; Gastroscopy ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Middle Aged ; Rural Population ; Stomach Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology