[A safe alternative for the diagnosis of pernicious anemia--a contribution to medical economics (proceedings)].

Mucosal biopsies of corpus and antrum were performed in 17 patients with pernicious anemia. In all patients the corpus mucosa showed atrophic gastritis, while in 16 the antrum was normal or showed only superficial gastritis. This combination is conclusive for pernicious anemia. Over 80% of megaloblastic anemias are caused by pernicious anemia. It is therefore proposed that endoscopy and biopsy be performed as the first examination in these patients. In this way the diagnosis is simple, rapid and economical.