[Chronic gastritis].

Chronic gastritis is a histological diagnosis, relying on separate biopsies from antral and fundic mucosa. According to Strickland type A gastritis corresponding to pernicious anemia should be differentiated from type B gastritis, maybe induced by duodeno-gastric reflux. Intensity of inflammatory infiltration and atrophy of the specific glands correlate by and large with acid secretion, however, not with alcohol or nicotine abuse or iron deficiency. Chronic atrophic gastritis may lead to gastric carcinoma of the intestinal type, in gastric ulcer patients localization of the ulcer crater is determined by the spread of gastritis. The histological diagnosis of chronic gastritis has no therapeutic consequences; however, in type A gastritis regular endoscopic follow-up studies in 2-5 year intervals seem advisable.