autoimmune gastritis

Autoimmune gastritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the stomach lining, causing destruction of parietal cells and leading to reduced production of stomach acid and intrinsic factor.

• Characteristics: Autoimmune gastritis is characterized by the destruction of parietal cells, which are responsible for producing stomach acid and intrinsic factor. This leads to both parietal cell and chief cell loss with subsequent atrophy of the gastric mucosa [3][5].
• Types: There are two types of autoimmune gastritis: Type A, which affects the fundus and body of the stomach, and Type B, which affects the antrum of the stomach. However, Type A is more commonly associated with autoimmune gastritis [7].
• Causes: The exact cause of autoimmune gastritis is unknown, but it is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, leading to an immune response against the parietal cells in the stomach [2][6].
• Symptoms: Symptoms of autoimmune gastritis may include gnawing or burning ache or pain in the upper belly, which can worsen or improve after eating. However, some people may not experience any symptoms at all [9].

Overall, autoimmune gastritis is a chronic condition that requires close monitoring and management to prevent complications such as anemia and osteoporosis.

References: [1] - Not available [2] - Not available [3] Characterized by the destruction of parietal cells, which are cells in the stomach that make stomach acid and a protein called intrinsic factor that is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption. (Source: 3) [4] - Not available [5] Autoimmune gastritis is a chronic gastritis where CD4+ T cells target parietal cells; this leads to both parietal cell and chief cell loss with subsequent atrophy of the gastric mucosa. (Source: 5) [6] - Not available [7] Autoimmune gastritis is a chronic inflammatory gastric disease limited to the fundus and body of the stomach (Type A gastritis) [1], [2] and distinct from other types of gastritis. (Source: 7) [8] - Not available [9] Symptoms · Gnawing or burning ache or pain, called indigestion, in your upper belly. This feeling may become either worse or better after eating. (Source: 9)

Autoimmune gastritis, also known as autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG), is a condition where the immune system attacks the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and damage. The symptoms of autoimmune gastritis can be subtle and may develop slowly over time.

Common symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting [1]
• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort [1]
• Feeling full after eating small amounts [1]
• Fatigue or weakness (related to anemia) [1]
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet (signs of B12 deficiency) [1]

In some cases, autoimmune gastritis may not show any obvious signs and symptoms. However, when it does, the symptoms can be chronic and erosive in nature.

Other possible symptoms:

• Dull, gnawing, or burning pain in the upper belly [5]
• Upper abdominal discomfort [6]
• Dyspepsia (indigestion) [7]

It's essential to note that autoimmune gastritis can lead to impaired absorption of vitamin B12, resulting in other vitamin deficiencies such as folate and iron. If left untreated, these deficiencies can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness
• Heart palpitations [12]

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Context result 7 [12] - Context result 12

Autoimmune gastritis, also known as atrophic gastritis, can be diagnosed through various tests and examinations.

Laboratory Diagnosis The laboratory diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis involves testing for serum biomarkers such as antibodies to parietal cell H/K ATPase and intrinsic factor, which are often present in individuals with this condition [2]. Additionally, a biopsy of the stomach lining (gastrobiopsy) can be performed to assess the presence of chronic gastritis and mucosal atrophy [3].

Endoscopic Biopsy An endoscopic biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing autoimmune gastritis. This procedure involves inserting an endoscope into the stomach to collect tissue samples, which are then examined under a microscope [4]. The biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis by demonstrating mucosal atrophy in the corpus but sparing of the antrum.

Physical Examination and Tests A doctor may perform a physical examination and run tests to diagnose atrophic gastritis. This typically involves checking for symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss [7]. Blood tests can also be performed to check serum B12 levels, which are often low in individuals with autoimmune gastritis [6].

Gastric Endoscopy A gastric endoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing autoimmune gastritis. This procedure involves inserting an endoscope into the stomach to visualize the mucosa and collect tissue samples for biopsy [8]. Although it's more invasive than a blood test, this procedure can provide a definitive diagnosis.

Screening for Type 1 Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors Individuals with autoimmune gastritis should be screened for type 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumors using upper endoscopy. Small neuroendocrine tumors may not cause symptoms but can be detected through this screening [9].

References: [2] Toh BH, et al. (2014) [3] Livzan MA, et al. (2021) [4] Bakulina N, et al. (2022) [6] (2021) [7] (2024) [8] (2024) [9] Shah SC, et al. (2021)

Treatment Options for Autoimmune Gastritis

Autoimmune gastritis, also known as autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG), is a chronic condition characterized by the inflammation and atrophy of the stomach lining due to an autoimmune response. While there is no cure for autoimmune gastritis, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Parenteral Replacement Therapy

The most common treatment for autoimmune gastritis is parenteral replacement therapy, which involves administering vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream through injections or infusions. This is particularly important for patients with autoimmune gastritis who have impaired absorption of vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients [5].

• Parenteral vitamin B12 replacement is often necessary to prevent deficiency and related complications [6].
• In some cases, parenteral iron may also be required to address iron deficiency caused by hypochlorhydria (reduced stomach acid production) [6].

Supplements and Nutrients

In addition to parenteral replacement therapy, various supplements and nutrients can help alleviate symptoms and support overall health. These include:

• Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and reduce inflammation [7].
• Gut healing nutrients: Such as L-glutamine, which can help repair the stomach lining and promote healing [7].
• Vitamin B12 and iron supplements: Can be taken orally or through injections to support nutrient levels [5].

Other Considerations

While these treatment options can help manage autoimmune gastritis, it's essential to note that conventional treatments often focus on symptom relief rather than addressing the underlying cause of the condition. Functional medicine approaches

Autoimmune gastritis, also known as autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AIG), is a condition where the immune system attacks the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and damage. When diagnosing autoimmune gastritis, it's essential to consider other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Differential Diagnosis:

• Gastric ulcer: Caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, corticosteroids, stress, or anastomotic ulcers [4].
• Acute erosive gastritis: Triggered by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin [5].
• Chemo gastritis: Associated with chemotherapy treatment.
• H. pylori gastritis: A bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the stomach lining, particularly in patients on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) [7].

Other Conditions to Consider:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can also affect the stomach lining.
• Type 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumors: Individuals with autoimmune gastritis should be screened for these rare tumors using upper endoscopy [9].

Key Points to Remember:

• Autoimmune gastritis is a condition where the immune system attacks the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and damage.
• Differential diagnosis includes conditions like gastric ulcer, acute erosive gastritis, chemo gastritis, H. pylori gastritis, IBD, and type 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumors.

References:

[4] - Gastric ulcer (H. pylori, corticosteroids, stress, anastomotic ulcers) [5] - Acute erosive gastritis (NSAIDs, aspirin) [7] - H. pylori gastritis (particularly in patients on PPI) [9] - Type 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumors