Association of Endoscopic Features of Gastric Mucosa with Infection in Chinese Patients.

The aim of this study is to identify and consolidate reliable endoscopic features associated with infection in gastric mucosa, which is one of the major causes of gastric cancer. A total of 256 Chinese patients with symptomatic stomach disturbances were enrolled. Pathological examination was conducted using a light microscope and biopsy specimens stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Endoscopic examination was performed using a high resolution video endoscope. The association between endoscopic features and pathological diagnosis was compared, and endoscopic features significantly associated with infection were identified. A total of 14 endoscopic features were observed. Six of the 14 endoscopic features, including mucus on the gastric mucosa, diffuse redness, spotty redness of fundic mucosa, enlarged fold, mucosal edema, and RAC (type D and type I), were highly associated with infection and were significantly sensitive and specific predictors for diagnosis. The type R RAC was not significantly associated with diagnosis. Our results indicate that conventional endoscopy features can be used to diagnose in Chinese patients and can help determine the risk factor for gastric cancer.