The Importance of an Integrated Approach in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Gastritis: Clinical Observation

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is the first stage of gastric carcinogenesis, which is why early diagnosis of the disease is important. The main etiological factors of CAG are Helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmune gastritis (AIG). The prevalence of H. pylori in the world is up to 43.1%, and in Russia – 36.4%. The prevalence of AIG is significantly lower and ranges from 0.5 to 4.6% and tends to increase. AIG is often diagnosed in the late stages of the disease due to an asymptomatic or low-symptomatic course, which should increase the alertness of endoscopists and gastroenterologists regarding this disease. Patients need long-term dynamic follow-up with EGDS and assessment of the stage of atrophy and the degree of inflammation according to OLGA (Operational Link for Gastritis Assessment). With AIG, the risk of developing neuroendocrine gastric tumors of the first type increases two to four times in comparison with healthy people. At the moment, there is no etiopathogenetic treatment for AIG. Symptomatic therapy with vitamin B12 and iron preparations is recommended if their deficiency is detected.