Immunohistochemical expression of filaggrin is decreased in proton pump inhibitor non-responders compared with proton pump inhibitor responders of eosinophilic esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic gastrointestinal disease that features eosinophilic infiltration of esophageal mucosa, but the role of barrier dysfunction of the epithelium in its pathogenesis remains to be elucidated. Clinically, EoE is divided into proton pump inhibitor-non-responders (PPI-NR) and PPI-responders (PPI-R). Our main aims were to investigate the differences of expression of epidermal differential complex (EDC) proteins and desmoglein that are considered to play important roles in formation of the epidermal skin barrier between these two conditions and to seek the usefulness of the differences in pathological diagnosis. Conventional histopathological findings and allergic background were also compared. METHODS: Twenty-nine PPI-NR and 44 PPI-R were recruited, and 35 reflux esophagitis patients were also enrolled. After clinical information and histopathological findings were reviewed, immunohistochemical expression of EDC proteins (filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin) and desmoglein in all three groups were examined and semi-quantitatively scored. RESULTS: Regarding allergic conditions, the prevalence of asthma was significantly higher in PPI-NR than in PPI-R. Other allergic conditions showed no differences. Histopathological findings did not exhibit the statistical difference between PPI-NR and PPI-R. However, immunostaining score of filaggrin in PPI-NR was significantly lower than in PPI-R, although the expressions of involucrin, loricrin and desmoglein demonstrated no differences. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a role of reduced filaggrin expression in the difference of effectiveness of PPI treatment between PPI-NR and PPI-R. Moreover, immunohistochemical determination of filaggrin expression in EoE patients could be informative in the clinical decision of how to treat the patients.

Fundic gland polyp prevalence according to Helicobacter pylori infection status.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The prevalence of fundic gland polyp (FGP) occurrence has not been clarified in individuals with Helicobacter pylori infection post-eradicated status. This study was performed to examine the relationship between FGP prevalence and H. pylori infection status. METHODS: We enrolled 3400 subjects (2185 male subjects and 1215 female subjects; mean age 54.7 ± 9.5 years) with known H. pylori infection status and who underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination as part of an annual check-up. Subjects without and with H. pylori infection numbered 1617 and 239, respectively, while 1544 had a post-eradication status. The presence of FGP and degree of gastric mucosal atrophy were determined in each subject using an endoscopic method. RESULTS: Endoscopy findings showed FGPs in 1029 (30.3%) of all subjects. The prevalence ratio of FGP positivity in H. pylori-negative, H. pylori-positive, and post-eradicated subjects was 51.9%, 1.7%, and 12.0%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender, older age, milder gastric mucosal atrophy, and anti-secretory therapy were significant risk factors for FGP occurrence. As compared with H. pylori-positive subjects, the odds ratios for H. pylori-negative and post-eradication status were 48.3 and 6.6, respectively (P < 0.001). In the post-eradication status subjects, longer duration following bacterial eradication was a significant risk factor for occurrence of FGPs. CONCLUSION: The risk of FGP occurrence in individuals who have undergone H. pylori eradication treatment is lower as compared with those who have never been infected. However, that risk increases over time following eradication.

Influence of Helicobacter pylori infection on periodontitis.

AIM: The relationship of Helicobacter pylori infection with periodontitis was examined. METHODS: The study subjects were 686 individuals (males 504, females 182; mean age 53.8 years) who underwent a screening test for periodontitis between April 2015 and March 2018 and whose H. pylori infection status could be determined. The periodontitis test was performed by examining saliva concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase and hemoglobin (Hb), with a lactate dehydrogenase level ≥ 350 U/L and/or hemoglobin level ≥ 2 µg/mL defined as positive for periodontitis. RESULTS: Among subjects found positive in screening for periodontitis, those classified as negative and positive for H. pylori infection, as well as post-eradicated were 81 (39.7%), 30 (14.7%), and 93 (45.6%), respectively, while those among subjects shown negative for periodontitis numbered 241 (50.0%), 52 (10.8%), and 189 (39.2%), respectively. Subjects noted as negative, positive, and post-eradicated for H. pylori infection comprised 25.2%, 36.6%, and 32.9%, respectively, of all shown positive for periodontitis. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the risk for positive in the periodontitis test was higher among subjects with H. pylori infection as compared with those without, while post-eradicated status tended to reduce that risk. Repeated examinations performed following H. pylori eradication showed that the number of subjects positive for periodontitis was decreased among those who underwent successful eradication. CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori infection increases the risk for occurrence of periodontitis, which can be reduced by successful eradication.

Long-term effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on prevalence of reflux esophagitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aimed to clarify the long-term effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the prevalence of reflux esophagitis (RE). METHODS: We enrolled 8123 individuals (male 5286, female 2837; mean age 54.2 ± 9.3 years) who visited our medical center for an annual checkup between April 2016 and December 2018 and in whom the status of H. pylori infection could be determined. The presence of endoscopically proven RE was determined and compared based on that infection status. RESULTS: Reflux esophagitis was observed in 898 subjects (11.1%). The rates of prevalence in subjects without and with H. pylori infection and with a post-eradication status were 14.0%, 3.7%, and 10.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis of those positive for RE showed male gender, elevated body mass index, habitual drinking, habitual smoking, larger diaphragmatic hiatus size, and milder gastric mucosal atrophy to be significant risk factors. As compared with H. pylori negative, the odds ratios for H. pylori-positive and post-eradication status were 0.225 and 0.703, respectively. When post-eradication subjects were divided according to duration following eradication, RE prevalence was increased in association with a longer duration. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed longer duration after H. pylori eradication to be a significant risk factor for RE. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of RE developing in individuals following eradication of H. pylori is considered to be lower as compared with those never infected. However, the risk for RE increases as the period following H. pylori eradication is extended.

Effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on serum lipid levels.

The purpose was to clarify the effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication on the changes in serum lipid levels by comparing subjects with and without continuous H. pylori infection. The study subjects were 774 individuals (males 536, females 238, mean age 52.6 years) who visited between April 2013 and March 2016 for annual medical checkups. Serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and triglyceride levels, and LDLC/HDLC ratio were compared between the subjects with and without H. pylori infection, as well as those with H. pylori eradication subjects. The HDLC level in the H. pylori-positive group was significantly lower as compared to the H. pylori-negative group. The serum level of HDLC in subjects with successful eradication of H. pylori tended to be higher, while the serum levels of total cholesterol, LDLC, and triglycerides tended to be lower in comparison to subjects with continuous H. pylori infection. In addition, the LDLC/HDLC ratio in the H. pylori-positive group was significantly higher than that in the H. pylori-negative group, and successful H. pylori eradication tended to reduce that ratio. In conclusion, successful eradication of H. pylori may have favorable effects on lipid metabolism.

Specific locations of linear furrows in patients with esophageal eosinophilia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Linear furrows are the most frequently found endoscopic abnormality in patients with esophageal eosinophilia (EE); however, the precise endoscopic features remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we aimed to clarify the endoscopic features of EE, essential for the diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), by focusing on the specific locations of linear furrows in a Japanese population. METHODS: We enrolled 70 cases with EE (≥15 eosinophils/high-power field) who were diagnosed at our hospital and related facilities. Information regarding endoscopic findings and clinical parameters was retrospectively reviewed. Next, the position of linear furrows in relation to esophageal longitudinal folds (ridge or valley) was evaluated in each case and compared with the position of mucosal breaks in patients with reflux esophagitis. Finally, the relationship between linear furrows and eosinophilic infiltration was evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 70 EE patients, 63 (90%) had linear furrows. Those occurred in a radial pattern and were widespread throughout the lower to upper esophagus, and exclusively found in esophageal longitudinal mucosal fold valleys, not on ridges, which was different from the position of mucosal breaks in patients with reflux esophagitis. Increased eosinophilic infiltration was significantly more frequent in linear furrows in the valleys (93%) as compared to mucosa on adjacent ridges (60%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Investigation of these endoscopic characteristics, especially by focusing on linear furrows in esophageal mucosal fold valleys, may provide important clues for more accurate diagnosis of EoE.

Effect of Timing of Proton Pump Inhibitor Administration on Acid Suppression.

BACKGROUND: Esomeprazole has been reported to show a strong acid suppression following preprandial as compared to postprandial administration, though no known study has compared the acid suppressing effects of other proton pump inhibitors between those administrations. The aim of this study was to compare intragastric pH levels following pre- and postprandial administrations of rabeprazole and esomeprazole. METHODS: In 15 Helicobacter pylori-negative healthy volunteers, we measured intragastric pH after 7 days of pre- and postprandial administrations of rabeprazole (10 mg) or esomeprazole (20 mg) using a 5-way crossover design. RESULTS: Preprandial administration of esomeprazole showed stronger acid suppression than postprandial administration. The values for percent time at pH >4.0 over a 24-hour period increased from 45.3% with postprandial administration of esomeprazole to 54.4% with preprandial administration, while the percent time at pH >4.0 during daytime was increased to a greater extent from 51.4 to 66.5% with preprandial administration (p = 0.05). On the other hand, the acid suppressing effect of rabeprazole was not influenced by the timing of administration. CONCLUSIONS: The acid suppressing effect of esomeprazole is influenced by administration timing. In contrast, the acid suppressing effect of rabeprazole is not augmented by preprandial administration.

Suitable biopsy site for detection of esophageal eosinophilia in eosinophilic esophagitis suspected cases.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Esophageal eosinophilia (EE) is the most important finding for the diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis. We conducted the present retrospective study to clarify the most suitable site of the esophagus to examine for EE detection. METHODS: We enrolled 4999 subjects who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy screening examinations as part of a detailed health check-up. When endoscopic esophageal abnormalities characteristic of eosinophilic esophagitis were observed, two or three biopsy specimens were obtained from the middle or lower esophagus, and endoscopic findings of fixed rings, exudates, furrows, edema, stricture, and crepe paper esophagus in biopsied sites were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-five subjects underwent histological examination for EE, of whom 20 showed positive findings in biopsied specimens. Higher grade endoscopic findings of exudates, furrows, and edema were observed in cases with EE in comparison to the 15 without EE, whereas statistically significant higher grade endoscopic findings of exudates, furrows, and edema were also observed in biopsied sites with EE in comparison to those without EE. In addition, a positive finding of EE in biopsied specimens from the lower esophagus was significantly more frequently noted as compared to those from the middle esophagus. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a lower esophagus biopsy site and severe exudates were significant factors related to a positive EE finding in biopsied specimens. CONCLUSION: The most suitable conditions for detection of EE are a lower esophagus biopsy site and the presence of exudates in cases suspicious of eosinophilic esophagitis shown by endoscopy.

Analysis of negative result in serum anti-H. pylori IgG antibody test in cases with gastric mucosal atrophy.

The purpose is to elucidate factors related to negative results of anti-H. pylori antibody test in cases with gastric mucosal atrophy. A total of 859 individuals without past history of eradication therapy for H. pylori (545 males, 314 females; mean age 52.4 years) who underwent an upper GI endoscopy examination and serological test were enrolled as subjects. Serological testing was performed using SphereLight H. pylori antibody J®, and endoscopic findings of gastric mucosal atrophy by the classification of Kimura and Takemoto and post-eradication findings were analyzed. The positive rates for the anti-H. pylori antibody test in subjects with and without gastric mucosal atrophy were 85.6% and 0.9%, respectively. In analysis of subjects with gastric mucosal atrophy, a low positive rate and serum titer was observed in subjects with C1, C2 and O3 atrophy. When the analysis was performed separately in male and female subjects, low positive rate was observed in males with O3 atrophy and females with C2 atrophy. Suspected post-eradication endoscopic findings were more frequently observed in cases with C2 atrophy. In conclusion, negative result of anti-H. pylori antibody test was frequently observed in middle-aged subjects with C1, C2 and O3 gastric mucosal atrophy.

Usefulness of computed tomography with air insufflation of the stomach prior to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure.

We examined the results of computed tomography (CT) with and without air insufflation of the stomach prior to performing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). We retrospectively analyzed 366 patients who underwent PEG. CT images obtained with and without air insufflation were examined for the presence or absence of contact between the gastric anterior wall and abdominal wall. PEG outcome based on CT findings was also examined. CT with and without air insufflation was performed in 272 and 94 patients, respectively. Contact between the gastric anterior wall and abdominal wall was shown in 254 (93.4%) with and 45 (47.9%) without air insufflation, all of whom underwent a successful PEG procedure. In patients without contact between the gastric anterior wall and abdominal wall, PEG was not successful in 3 of 49 (6.1%) examined by CT without and 6 of 18 (33.3%) examined with air insufflation (p = 0.004). Values for diagnostic accuracy for contact between the gastric anterior wall and abdominal wall shown by CT with and without air insufflation in successful PEG cases were 0.96 and 0.51, respectively. In conclusion, CT with air insufflation more often revealed contact between the gastric anterior wall and abdominal wall as compared to CT without air insufflation, which may help to predict PEG procedure success.

Endoscopic diagnosis of gastric mucosal atrophy: multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gastric atrophy is one of the important pathological states that cause gastric cancer. As atrophic gastritis is related to the risk of gastric cancer, it is important to diagnose atrophic gastritis. In the present study, we tried to establish endoscopic criteria for atrophic gastritis. METHODS: A multicenter study of prospectively collected patients was conducted in 24 participating facilities. Two hundred and seventy-five patients received endoscopic examination and 15 endoscopic features, including diffuse redness, swelling of areae gastrica, and mucosal swelling, were evaluated. Biopsy specimens were taken from five points recommended by the Updated Sydney System, and evaluated by a single pathologist for atrophy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC/ROC) of each endoscopic finding to histological atrophy were calculated. Pepsinogen I/II ratios of these patients were measured and compared to the endoscopic features. RESULTS: There was no single endoscopic feature that is highly specific for histological atrophy. In the corpus, the combination of visibility of vascular pattern and swelling of areae gastrica by indigocarmine chromoendoscopy showed the highest AUC/ROC (0.83). In the antrum, the combination of visibility of vascular pattern and mucosal swelling showed the highest AUC/ROC (0.70). These endoscopic findings correlated very well to the pepsinogen I/II ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of endoscopic findings can improve diagnostic accuracy, and endoscopic diagnosis of atrophy is improved especially with new endoscopic criteria, such as swelling of areae gastrica or mucosal swelling.

Prevalence of Gastric Epithelial Tumors in Helicobacter pylori-uninfected Individuals Undergoing a Medical Checkup.

Objective This study investigated the prevalence of gastric epithelial tumor in Helicobacter pylori-uninfected subjects who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) as part of an annual checkup. Methods A total of 20,540 EGD examinations of H. pylori-uninfected individuals (12,917 men, 7,623 women; mean age 51.5±9.2 years old) were performed between April 2016 and March 2023. The prevalence of gastric epithelial tumor discovery and the size and location of each lesion type were analyzed. Results According to 20,540 examinations, 61 gastric epithelial tumors were endoscopically and histologically diagnosed in 58 of the subjects, with a prevalence rate of 0.28%. These tumors included signet-ring carcinoma (n=10, 0.05%), gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland type (n=10, 0.05%), intestinal-type well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (n=2, 0.01%), and raspberry-type gastric foveolar tumors (n=36, 0.18%). One subject had two intestinal-type well-differentiated adenocarcinomas, and two each had two raspberry-type gastric foveolar tumors. The mean sizes of the signet-ring carcinomas, gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland type, intestinal-type well-differentiated adenocarcinomas, and raspberry-type gastric foveolar tumors were 6.4, 4.7, 5.0, and 3.4 mm, respectively. Each lesion was located at a specific site in the stomach characteristic of its type. Conclusion In the present H. pylori-uninfected subjects, the prevalence of gastric epithelial tumors found on an EGD examination was 0.28%. Endoscopic examination should be performed in H. pylori-uninfected individuals to detect such tumors in characteristic locations.

Novel Endoscopic Findings of Lesions with a Short White Hair-like Appearance in the Lower Esophagus.

Objective The presence of a short white hair-like appearance in the lower esophagus has recently been noted during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at our institution. Histological findings showed that this formation was a spiked protrusion of the esophageal papilla. The results regarding the prevalence of such lesions in individuals who underwent EGD examinations as part of medical checkup procedures are herein presented. Methods The EGD results of 14,338 individuals (9,225 males, 5,113 females; mean age 54.0±9.8 years) were examined. The findings related to the presence of multiple lesions with a short white hair-like appearance in the lower esophagus of patients with reflux esophagitis, esophageal squamous papilloma, or gastric mucosal atrophy (GMA), as well as the hiatal hernia width, were investigated. Results Endoscopic findings indicating short white hair-like appendages in the lower esophagus were noted in 167 patients, with a prevalence rate of 1.2%. A female sex, younger age, lower body mass index, lower percentages of habitual smoking and drinking, and the presence of esophageal squamous papilloma were characteristic features of cases with such findings. In addition, a significantly lower prevalence of reflux esophagitis and a smaller diaphragmatic hiatus size were observed. A multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that a female sex, absence of reflux esophagitis, presence of esophageal squamous papilloma, and a smaller diaphragmatic hiatus were factors significantly related to the presence of these short white hair-like appendages. An analysis of circumferential localization revealed the main location to be the left-posterior wall. Conclusion This study is the first to report the prevalence of multiple short white hair-like appendages in the lower esophagus. The occurrence of such lesions is inversely associated with the presence of reflux esophagitis.

Multicenter study of invasive gastric cancer detected after 10 years of Helicobacter pylori eradication in Japan: Clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic characteristics.

Objectives: Gastric cancer can be diagnosed even in patients long after Helicobacter pylori eradication. Most cases involve intramucosal lesions; however, some are invasive and require surgery. To clarify appropriate long-term surveillance methods, this study compared invasive gastric cancer diagnosed ≥10 and <10 years after eradication. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included 14 institutions. We included 377 patients with gastric cancer with submucosal or deep invasion after surgical or endoscopic resection. Ordered logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors contributing to the pathological stage and histological type. Results: Invasive gastric cancer was detected in 84 patients (Group L) and 293 patients (Group S) ≥10 and <10 years after H. pylori eradication, respectively. Endoscopic mucosal atrophy at the time of cancer detection was similar in both groups; 50% of the patients had severe atrophy. Annual endoscopy correlated with early pathological stage (odds ratio [OR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-0.54, p < 0.001). Group L exhibited an independent correlation with the advanced pathological stage (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.06-4.88, p = 0.035) and the undifferentiated type (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.16-3.90, p = 0.015). The pure differentiated type and early pathological stage significantly (p = 0.001) correlated with severe mucosal atrophy in Group S but not in Group L. Conclusions: Invasive cancers diagnosed ≥10 years after H. pylori eradication were likely to be more malignant in histological type and pathological stage. Gastric cancer surveillance should continue regardless of endoscopic atrophy, particularly ≥10 years after eradication.

Continuous imaging of esophagogastric junction in patients with reflux esophagitis using 320-row area detector CT: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is evaluated using an esophageal manometric study. However, information regarding the surrounding organs is difficult to obtain with use of a sensor catheter. We investigated the utility of 320-row area detector computed tomography (CT) to evaluate morphological changes of the esophagogastric junction and surrounding organs. METHODS: The study subjects were 18 healthy volunteers and 29 patients with reflux esophagitis (RE). Immediately after swallowing a diluted contrast agent, continuous imaging of the esophagogastric junctional area was performed for 15 s. Using CT images, the presence or absence of esophageal hiatal hernia, His angle before and after swallowing, size of the diaphragmatic hiatus, morphologically identified-LES (MI-LES) length, intraluminal horizontal area of MI-LES during relaxation phase, MI-LES thickness, abdominal esophagus length, subcutaneous fat area, visceral fat area, and esophagogastric junction fat area were evaluated. RESULTS: Analysis of CT images showed more frequent occurrence of hiatal hernia, greater His angle, and a larger diaphragmatic hiatus in patients with severe RE, while the lengths of MI-LES and abdominal esophagus were shorter in those patients. Visceral and esophagogastric junction fat areas tended to be greater in patients with RE. In all subjects, the posterior wall of the MI-LES was thicker than the anterior wall. CONCLUSION: Continuous imaging with 320-row area detector CT is useful to evaluate morphological changes in the esophagogastric junction area in both normal individuals and patients with reflux esophagitis.

Endoscopic diagnosis of gastric mucosal activity and inflammation.

AIM: Gastritis is an important pathological state that causes gastric atrophy and cancer. The Sydney System is a well-used classification for histological evaluation for gastritis. However, there is no concordance with endoscopic findings. In the present study, we tried to establish endoscopic criteria and diagnosis for the inflammation activity of gastric mucosa. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was conducted and 24 facilities participated. Two hundred and seventy patients received endoscopic examinations and 15 endoscopic features were evaluated. Biopsy specimens were taken from five points, and evaluated by a single pathologist for mononuclear cell infiltration and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, area under curve of receiver operating characteristics (AUC/ROC) of each endoscopic finding to histological gastritis were calculated. RESULTS: There was no single endoscopic finding that was highly specific for mononuclear cell infiltration and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration. In the corpus, the combination of swelling of areae gastrica by the indigo carmine contrast method (IC method) and lack of a regular arrangement of collecting venules (RAC) in angle for mononuclear cell infiltration (0.887), and the combination of swelling of areae gastrica by the IC method and diffuse redness for polymorphonuclear cell infiltration (0.851) showed the highest AUC/ROC. In the antrum, the combination of diffuse redness and visibility of a vascular pattern for mononuclear cell infiltration (0.780), and the combination of visibility of vascular pattern and swelling of areae gastrica by the IC method for polymorphonuclear cell infiltration (0.795) showed the highest AUC/ROC. CONCLUSION: Combination of endoscopic findings can improve diagnostic accuracy, and sensitivity of examination for inflammation.

Changes in endoscopic findings of gastritis after cure of H. pylori infection: multicenter prospective trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Successful eradication of H. pylori changes pathological findings of gastritis dramatically. However, change of endoscopic mucosal findings is not fully understood. To clarify the short-term changes of endoscopic mucosal findings after cure of H. pylori infection, a multicenter prospective trial was conducted. METHODS: One hundred and forty-seven patients with H. pylori infection from 12 institutions were enrolled into this prospective cohort trial. Nineteen endoscopic findings using high-resolution white light electronic endoscopy were assessed before and 2-4 months after eradication treatment of H. pylori. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by pathology of three stomach sites using hematoxylin-eosin stain or H. pylori-specific immunostaining. Endoscopic features of the successful eradication group and the failed eradication group were compared. The change of severity of endoscopic features before and after H. pylori eradication were compared between successful eradication and failed eradication. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-six patients were analyzed. Eradication rate was 81% (102/126). Non-transparency of gastric juice, diffuse redness of fundic mucosa, enlarged fold, spotty redness of fundic mucosa, flat erosion of stomach, and hemoglobin index of fundic mucosa were significantly different between the successful eradication group and the failed eradication group. Gastric flat erosion was of higher frequency in the successful eradication group. When eradication was successful, spotty redness of fundic gland improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Assessment of endoscopic findings of spotty redness after eradication treatment is useful in the diagnosis of H. pylori eradication.

Case-control study of association of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders with Helicobacter pylori infection in Japan.

Recent studies have suggested that decrease in Helicobacter pylori infection may predispose to allergic diseases. However, there are few reports of the relationships of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs), especially eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), with H. pylori infection. We investigated the possible influence of H. pylori infection on EGIDs in Japanese patients. We performed a case-control study to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with EGIDs. Eighteen with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and 22 with EGE were enrolled. For each patient, 3 age- and gender-matched normal controls (n = 120) were randomly selected from a population who received a medical check-up between April 2010 and December 2011 at the Shimane Institute of Health Science. The mean ages of the EoE and EGE patients were 50.9 ± 17 and 49.2 ± 20 years, respectively. Males were more frequently seen in the EoE group, while there was no significant gender difference in regard to EGE. Of the patients with EoE, 22.3% were infected with H. pylori, as compared to 55.5% of their age- and sex-matched normal controls. The odds ratio for EoE patients to have an H. pylori infection was 0.22 (p<0.05). In addition, 22.7% of the patients with EGE and 48.5% of their matched controls were infected with H. pylori, with odds ratio for EGE patients to have an H. pylori infection shown to be 0.31 (p<0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly lower in EGE and EoE patients in Japan as compared to normal control subjects.

Degree of Gastric Mucosal Atrophy Correlated Well with Gastric Cancer Occurrence in Patients with Helicobacter pylori-eradicated Status.

Objective This study was performed to clarify the association of the degree of gastric mucosal atrophy (GMA) with the occurrence of gastric cancer in patients with Helicobacter pylori-eradicated status. Methods The subjects were 3,058 patients (2,035 men, 1,023 women; mean age 57.9 ± 9.5 years old) with H. pylori eradication who underwent esophago-gastroduodenal endoscopy examinations as part of medical checkups conducted between April 2013 and March 2022. The gender, age at eradication, time since eradication, usage of anti-secretory drugs, degree of endoscopic GMA, and the fundic gland polyp (FGP) prevalence were compared between subjects with and without gastric cancer occurrence. Results Gastric cancer was newly detected in 26 subjects (0.85%) during the study period, with an older age at H. pylori eradication and severe grade of endoscopic GMA being significant risk factors for its occurrence. The gender, smoking history, and usage of anti-secretory drugs were not significantly different between subjects with and without gastric cancer occurrence. A Cox regression analysis showed that an older age at eradication and the degree of GMA were risk factors significantly related to occurrence. Furthermore, the degree of GMA was inversely correlated with FGP development, and gastric cancer was not detected in 467 subjects with FGP prevalence. Conclusion An older age at the time of H. pylori eradication and the degree of GMA are significant risk factors for gastric cancer occurrence in H. pylori-eradicated patients. The FGP prevalence in subjects with H. pylori eradication was inversely associated with GMA, suggesting it was negatively related with gastric cancer occurrence.

Prevalence of Raspberry-type Gastric Foveolar-type Tumor in Individuals Undergoing Medical Checkups.

Objective This study was performed to clarify the prevalence of raspberry-type gastric foveolar-type tumors, along with the time-course changes in the size and clinical course. Methods The subjects were 10,663 consecutive patients who underwent a medical checkup between April 2016 and March 2022, including an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) examination and determination of Helicobacter pylori infection status (uninfected, positive, post-eradication). The presence of characteristic reddish polypoid lesions in the stomach was investigated, and a diagnosis of raspberry-type gastric foveolar-type tumor was made based on histological findings. Results Thirty-eight cases had gastric polyps with a raspberry-like appearance on endoscopy, with 29 lesions in 28 cases endoscopically and histologically diagnosed as a raspberry-type gastric foveolar-type tumor. All of the affected subjects were determined to be H. pylori-uninfected. The prevalence of this type of lesion in all subjects was 0.26%, while that in the 6,635 H. pylori-uninfected subjects was 0.42%. An older age and the presence of a fundic gland polyp were found to be significant risk factors associated with the occurrence of the tumor. The mean size was 3.8±1.9 (range: 2-10) mm, and the location was in a fundic gland area in all affected subjects. Furthermore, examinations of previous EGD images revealed that two-thirds of the lesions had not changed in size, while follow-up EGD findings showed that lesions ≤5 mm in size had disappeared after a biopsy procedure. Conclusion The prevalence of raspberry-type gastric foveolar-type tumors was 0.42% in H. pylori-uninfected subjects. More than half of the lesions were too small to be removed by an endoscopic biopsy.