Erosive gastritis is a form of injury of the gastric mucosa that occurs as a result of trauma, iatrogenic and infectious factors. Dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting are reported in symptomatic patients, whereas upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding can occur in severe cases. The diagnosis is made by endoscopy and treatment is focused on resolving the underlying cause, together with use of proton pump inhibitors or histamine-receptor antagonists.
Presentation
Patients with erosive gastritis may be initially asymptomatic, but most common symptoms include dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting and heartburn [1] [8]. The first sign, however, may be bleeding from the upper (hematemesis) and lower (melena) gastrointestinal tract and ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms usually develop within 12 hours after injury, whereas bleeding is seen after 2-5 days [1]. Acute stress gastritis is a severe form of erosive gastritis and is characterized by severe bleeding and is primarily encountered in critically ill patients as a result of hypoperfusion of the gastrointestinal tract [1].
Immune System
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Virchow's Node
node Laparoscopic Gastrectomy Krukenberg Tumor Gastric Cancer Therapy I Gastric Cancer Therapy II Gastric Lymphoma Metastasis to Stomach Gastric Ulcer 1 Gastric Ulcer 2 Gastric Ulcer 3 Gastric Ulcer 4 Gastric Ulcer 5 Erosive Gastritis Dieulafoy Zollinger [gastrointestinalatlas.com]
Gastrointestinal
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Abdominal Pain
Twenty-four patients presented with abdominal pain, for which no cause other than chronic erosive gastritis was found in 20 patients. Ten patients had pain for more than 1 yr. Three patients presented with painless vomiting. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Acute Gastritis, which can affect any individual, is characterized by abdominal pain, bleeding, or other gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and indigestion The treatment measures are generally symptomatic and involve the use of medications [dovemed.com]
Symptoms - Chronic erosive gastritis * Stomach lining lesions * Damage to the stomach lining * Abdominal pain * Weight loss Causes - Chronic erosive gastritis * Infection with Helicobacter pylori * Anti-inflammatories, e.g., ibuprofen or aspirin * Alcohol [checkorphan.org]
Absence of abdominal pain. Gastroscopy showed an axial hernia and a small ulceration in the antrum ventriculi. The patient was treated with Pantozol/Pantoprazol for 8 weeks. A follow-up examination (gastroscopy) after 8 weeks was recommended. [pathorama.ch]
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Gastropathy
A patient with chronic erosive gastritis and protein-losing gastropathy is reported. Presentation was with weight loss and abdominal discomfort. There were endoscopic and radiological features of erosive gastritis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[…] gastritis, and bleeding. 61 Longstreth GF 24703860 2014 8 Chaihu-Shugan-San, an oriental herbal preparation, for the treatment of chronic gastritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 61 Qin F...Yuan JH 23376045 2013 9 Cap-polyposis-like gastropathy [malacards.org]
Erosive Gastritis Erosive gastropathy (disorder) Gastritis (disorder) Gastritis [Ambiguous] Gastritis unspecified (disorder) Hemorrhagic Gastritis Idiopathic erosive/hemorrhagic gastritis (disorder) acute Gastritis acute gastric mucosal erosion (disorder [wikidata.org]
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Melena
His melena disappeared, and the gastric erosions were markedly decreased. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Patients suffering from acute forms may develop dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, while severe cases present with either upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding (hematemesis and melena, respectively). [symptoma.com]
Often, the first sign is hematemesis, melena, or blood in the nasogastric aspirate, usually within 2 to 5 days of the inciting event. [msdmanuals.com]
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Hematemesis
A 3 1/2-month-old male infant presented with hematemesis due to erosive gastritis following whole-cow's-milk feeding. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Date: 1990 Abstract: A 3 1/2 -month-old male infant presented with hematemesis due to erosive gastritis following whole-cow's-milk feeding. [ugspace.ug.edu.gh]
Patients suffering from acute forms may develop dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, while severe cases present with either upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding (hematemesis and melena, respectively). [symptoma.com]
[…] infections (Salmonella), severe stress (trauma, burns, surgery), ischemia and shock, acid/alkali ingestion as part of suicide attempts, gastric irradiation or freezing, mechanical trauma (nasogastric tube), distal gastrectomy Major cause of massive hematemesis [pathologyoutlines.com]
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Black Stools
Symptoms you may notice are: Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Pain in the upper part of the belly or abdomen If gastritis is causing bleeding from the lining of the stomach, symptoms may include: Black stools Vomiting blood or coffee-ground like material [nlm.nih.gov]
Those suffering from a severe case of erosive gastritis can show extreme symptoms like vomiting blood and passing black stool. [epainassist.com]
Urogenital
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Bladder Pain
I had stomach problems for years - gastritis, heartburn, h/pylori, gall bladder pain, IBS, etc. After researching, I realised I was deficient - probably from the meds I was on (Zantac, antibiotics, etc.) as well as the gastritis and H/pylori. [healthunlocked.com]
Neurologic
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Numbness of the Hand
I'm seeing a neurologist next week as I've been experiencing numbness in my hands the last six months, this for very bad in the new year where for two weeks my hands were numb every night and all day New Year's Day. [healthunlocked.com]
Workup
The diagnostic workup should start with a detailed patient history that may reveal the causative agent of erosive gastritis. Previous use of NSAIDs, alcohol or history of gastritis can suggest erosive gastritis in patients having GI symptoms and the diagnosis is confirmed by endoscopy [6]. Through this procedure, a direct view into the gastric mucosa can be obtained and the site of erosion can be identified. Additional studies may include H. pylori testing, either by serology, urea breath test, fecal antigen test or microscopic identification after obtaining a biopsy of the gastric mucosa.
X-Ray
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Gastric Varices
Varices Gastric Varices 2 Hypertensive Gastropathy PEG Gastric Polyps 1 Gastric Polyps 2 Normal Stomach Stomach Miscelaneous Post Acid Buming Intragastric Balloon Obesity Nissen Fundoplication Gastric GIST Gastric Schwannoma Gastric Angiodysplasia Watermelon [gastrointestinalatlas.com]
Gastroscopy
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Gastric Lesion
The prostaglandin E1 analog drug, Cytotec (misoprostol) has proven to be an effective preventative medication for gastric lesions associated with high-dose aspirin or ibuprofen therapy. [rarediseases.org]
Lesion of Chronic Gastritis With Acute Exacerbation or Gastric Ulcer Completed NCT01190657 Phase 4 Selbex;Selbex 11 A Phase IV Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Vitamin B12 Contains Extract of Lamb's Stomach in Treatment of Chronic Atrophic [malacards.org]
Treatment
Treatment principles may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the extent of erosion. In general, first-line therapy includes administration of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or pantoprazole and H2-receptor blockers such as cimetidine or ranitidine [1]. Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 agonist, has shown to be effective in reducing the extent of symptoms [11]. Antimicrobial therapy, as well as administration of PPIs are sometimes necessary if H. pylori is the causative agent. Gefarnate is a drug that disrupts prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin synthesis and has shown significant results in alleviating chronic erosive gastritis [12], while octreotide, a somatostatin analog, has been used in the setting of erosive gastritis associated with pancreatitis [13]. In the case of bleeding that does not respond to therapy, of if significant amounts of blood are lost, endoscopic hemostasis is necessary to stop further blood loss and several techniques are described, including adrenaline injection, thermal coagulation and band ligation procedures [14].
Prognosis
Etiology
Although Helicobacter pylori infection is known to be the most common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, chronic use of NSAIDs are more commonly associated with erosive gastritis, as they reduce mucosal defense by inhibiting synthesis of prostaglandins [2]. Alcohol consumption, stress, radiation therapy, gastric hypoperfusion in the setting of trauma and instrumentation are also known causes of this form of gastric injury [1]. In most cases, especially if H. pylori is the cause, erosions are more frequently seen in the gastric antrum [7].
Epidemiology
Data regarding the presence of erosive gastritis is scarce and the majority of information is turned to peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Previous studies have shown that erosive findings were found in 0.5-11% of patients who underwent endoscopic examination [8]. A multicenter study from China that included almost 9000 patients showed that more than 40% of patients who report gastrointestinal symptoms were found to have erosive changes in the gastric mucosa [6]. Diabetes mellitus is considered to be a risk factor for this condition [5]., as is high body mass index and obesity, whereas fast eating speed has also been implicated as a harmful factor [4]. An increased rate of this condition is observed in patients with cardiovascular and other somatic diseases and their correlation remains to be elucidated [9].
Pathophysiology
Under physiological conditions, hydrochloric and various digestive enzymes are secreted in the stomach for proper food digestion and create a highly acidic environment (pH in the stomach is around 1) [2]. To protect the gastric mucosa from these vigorous conditions, mucosal cells secrete a thick layer of mucin and a layer of pH-neutral fluid containing bicarbonate [13]. Normally, this balance is constantly maintained, but in the presence of some stimuli that either enhance gastric acid secretion or reduce synthesis of protective mucosal layers, erosion occurs. Alcohol directly stimulates gastrin and hydrochloric acid secretion [10]., and Helicobacter pylori causes similar effects through its ability to survive in acidic conditions. NSAIDs are the most common iatrogenic factor that contributes to erosive gastritis, presumably due to inhibition of prostaglandins that are normally synthesized in order to repel gastric acid [2].
Prevention
At-risk patients can be prophylactically treated with either PPIs or histamine-receptor antagonists to reduce the incidence of erosive gastritis, in particularly the acute stress form [1]. Use of NSAIDs should be carefully considered, especially if chronic use is necessary, whereas heavy alcohol consumption mandates significant reductions.
Summary
Erosive gastritis is a condition in which injury of the mucosal lining of the stomach occurs. Helicobacter pylori (the causative agent of peptic ulcer disease in vast majority of cases), Campylobacter jejuni and cytomegalovirus are recognized as causative agents, but this form is more commonly associated with chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), radiation, alcohol consumption, stress and instrumentation [1]. The pathogenesis model still remains incompletely understood, but an imbalance between protective mucosal defenses and exposure to injurious factors has been proposed as the main disease mechanism [2]. Secretion of hormones such as gastrin, insulin and thyroxine, increased intragastric pressure, presence of Helicobacter pylori and increased concentrations of biliary acids contribute to disruption of the mucosa, resulting in epithelial erosions [3]. High body mass index and high eating speed or overeating are shown to be significant risk factors for all gastrointestinal diseases, including erosive gastritis [4]., as is diabetes mellitus type 2 [5]. The clinical presentation may significantly vary depending on the severity and extent of erosions. In general, erosive gastritis may be divided into acute and chronic. Patients suffering from acute forms may develop dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, while severe cases present with either upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding (hematemesis and melena, respectively). Bleeding may be mild or quite severe and can necessitate rapid therapeutic measures. Acute stress gastritis is a specific subtype that occurs in approximately 5% of patients that are critically ill, presumably as a result of diffuse hypoperfusion of the GI tract [1]. Chronic erosive gastritis, on the other hand, is often asymptomatic. Signs and symptoms supported by patient history and evaluation of potential risk factors such as chronic NSAID use, alcohol abuse or previous H. pylori infection, can aid the physician in making a presumptive diagnosis, but endoscopy is considered as the gold standard for diagnosis [6]. Direct visualization of erosions is achieved through this diagnostic method, after which appropriate treatment measures can be taken. Treatment depends on the severity of gastritis. Conservative measures such as fluid administration and use of proton pump inhibitors or histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists may be sufficient in patients who experience mild symptoms, while bleeding, especially in severe cases, requires endoscopic hemostasis that attempts to stop the bleeding from the eroded mucosa.
Patient Information
Erosive gastritis is a form of injury of the stomach lining that can occur due to various reasons. In contrast to classical forms of gastritis, where Helicobacter pylori is by far the most common cause, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol consumption, stress and radiation therapy are shown to be important causes, in addition to infection. To digest food and battle against various threats, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and various digestive enzymes that create a highly acidic environment, which poses a major threat to the stomach epithelium. To sustain acid pH, the mucosal lining produces abundant amounts of fluid that are pH-neutral and secretes other compounds that protect the stomach from injury. But in the case of increased gastric acid production or reduced capacity for protective fluid synthesis, which may be induced by any of the mentioned causes, injury of the epithelium occurs and symptoms may appear. In initial stages, patients may not complain of any symptoms, but indigestion, nausea and vomiting are most frequently reported. Bleeding may occur, although it is seen only in severe cases. Blood may be found in vomit or in stool and may require rapid diagnostic and therapeutic measures. To make the diagnosis, initial suspicion can be based on signs and symptoms, but to confirm erosive gastritis, endoscopy is the main diagnostic method. Endoscopy comprises insertion of a tube with a camera through the throat and into the stomach, which can easily identify the site of erosion and bleeding. Therapy depends on the severity of symptoms. Use of drugs that reduce production of gastric acid such as proton pump inhibitors or histamine-receptor antagonists is considered to be first-line therapy, whereas endoscopic management of erosions is recommended in cases of bleeding. The prognosis of erosive gastritis with proper therapy is generally good, but severe bleeding from gastric erosions requires prompt treatment, especially in the setting of acute stress gastritis, a form of erosive gastritis that is seen in patients who are severely ill due to other causes. Fluid administration and blood transfusions may be necessary to restore blood that is lost. High risk patients, such as those who are undergoing radiation therapy or those with a history of gastritis, may benefit from prophylactic use of drugs that reduce gastric acid production.
References
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- Kim M-K, Ko BJ, Kim E-Y, et al. Fast Eating Speed Increases the Risk of Endoscopic Erosive Gastritis in Korean Adults. Korean J Fam Med. 2015;36(6):300-304.
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- Du Y, Bai Y, Xie P, et al. Chronic gastritis in China: a national multi-center survey. BMC Gastroenterology. 2014;14:21.
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- Pazzi P, Gamberini S, Scagliarini R, et al. Misoprostol for the treatment of chronic erosive gastritis: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol. 1994;89(7):1007-1013.
- Du YQ, Su T, Hao JY, et al. Gastro-protecting effect of gefarnate on chronic erosive gastritis with dyspeptic symptoms. Chin Med J (Engl). 2012;125(16):2878-2884.
- Yabuki K, Maekawa T, Satoh K, et al. Extensive hemorrhagic erosive gastritis associated with acute pancreatitis successfully treated with a somatostatin analog. J Gastroenterol. 2002;37(9):737-741.
- Liu JJ, Saltzman JR. Endoscopic hemostasis treatment: How should you perform it? Can J Gastroenterol. 2009;23(7):484.