Erosive prepyloric changes in dyspeptics and non-dyspeptics in a defined population. The Sørreisa Gastrointestinal Disorder Study.

In this population-based endoscopic survey we found erosive prepyloric changes (EPC) in 38.5% of dyspeptics and 35.1% of non-dyspeptics. EPC were observed more frequently in men than in women in both groups. Occurrence of Helicobacter pylori was not associated with EPC. No common gastrointestinal symptoms were found to be associated with EPC. Endoscopic duodenitis of the duodenal bulb was found more frequently in subjects with EPC of the two highest grades than in subjects without EPC. Only the highest grade of EPC was associated with chronic gastritis. EPC were associated with cigarette smoking and, among women, also use of alcohol. We conclude that EPC constitute an endoscopic finding without relation to specific symptoms. These changes therefore do not represent a clinical entity, and it is doubtful whether this finding will give the clinician a better understanding of dyspepsia.