ENDOSCOPIC STUDIES ON ATROPHIC GASTRITIS IN THE CARDIAC PORTION OF STOMACH ; RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXPANSION OF ATROPHIC GASTRITIS AND THE EXTENT OF CARDIAC GLANDS

Abstract

Relationship between the expansion of atrophic gastritis in the cardiac portion of the stomach and the extent of cardiac glands was studied in 38 cases with closed Type I and II of cardiac Congo-red pattern classified by Suzuki et al by means of endoscopic Congo-red test and histological analysis of biopsy specimens taken from some points close to esophago-gastric junction on the lesser curvature. Histological findings showed a good correlation with Congo-red test. “Non-discolored area” of Congo-red characterized by the absence of acid secretion consisted mainly of atrophy of the fundic glands and it increased with age, namely from Type I to Type II. This finding supported an established theory that atrophic gastritis in the cardiac portion spread to the lower. The incidence of cardiac glands found in biopsy specimens taken from the site most close to esophago-gastric junction in Type II (50%) was significantly higher than that in Type I (13.3%). And it was very interesting to recognize cardiac glands in 22.2% of biopsy specimens from Congo-red border in Type II. These results may indicate the fact that an area of cardiac glands is expanded in the process of the development of atrophy of fundic glands in the cardiac portion.