Analysis between symptoms of the upper gastrointestinal tract and endoscopic findings of patients undergoing upper digestive endoscopy in a reference center in the interior of Maranhão, Brazil.

PURPOSE: To analyze clinical and endoscopic aspects of dyspeptic patients submitted to upper endoscopy in a reference center in the interior of Maranhão, Brazil.

METHODS

Observational, descriptive, and analytical research through interviews and endoscopic reports of 80 patients with dyspeptic complaints submitted to upper endoscopy.

RESULTS

Among the respondents, 66.25% were women, most were aged ≥ 40 years old and had epigastric pain as their main symptom, and 29.75% had no appropriate indication to perform upper endoscopy. Mild enanthematous gastritis of the antrum was the most frequent finding, and 92.5% had non-significant findings. Rapid urease test was positive in 25%. The following findings showed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05): age < 40 years old, female gender, and gastric lesion with positive urease test; smoking with gastric lesion and age less than 40 years old with normal examination. Patients with significant findings had appropriate indications for upper endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

The correct indication of upper endoscopy is essential for satisfactory endoscopic yields and accurate diagnosis.