[The histological diagnosis of chronic gastritis. A German proposal for an integrated nomenclature].

The Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the German Pathological Society has drawn up a proposal for a unifying nomenclature for the graduation and classification of gastritis. The severity of chronic gastritis is divided into 4 grades (minimal, light, moderate and severe) and the activity of the process is characterized by 3 grades (grade 1, 2 and 3 activity). In addition, the presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori (formerly Campylobacter pylori), the extent and type of intestinal metaplasia, and the degree of glandular atrophy are recorded. To the two already well established types of gastritis (type A and type B) a third type is added, type C gastritis due to biliary reflux or other chemical, mechanical or toxic influences.