Characteristic endoscopic findings in diagnosis in clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION

is a major risk factor for gastric cancer. In addition to eradication therapy, early-phase detection of gastric cancer through screening programs using high-vision endoscopy is also widely known to reduce mortality. Although European and US guidelines recommend evaluation of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia by high-vision endoscopy and pathological findings, the guideline used in Japan - the Kyoto classification of gastritis - is based on endoscopic evaluation, and recommends the grading of risk factors. This system requires classification into three endoscopic groups: -negative, previous infection (inactive gastritis), and current infection (active gastritis). Major endoscopic findings in active gastritis are diffuse redness, enlarged folds, nodularity, mucosal swelling, and sticky mucus, while those in -related gastritis - irrespective of active or inactive status - are atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and xanthoma.

AREAS COVERED

This review describes the endoscopic characteristics of current infection, and how characteristic endoscopic findings should be evaluated.

EXPERT OPINION

Although the correct evaluation of endoscopic findings related to remains necessary, if findings of possible infection are observed, it is important to diagnose infection by detection methods with high sensitivity and specificity, including the stool antigen test and urea breath test.