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Published on: February 7, 2015

Helicobacter pylori-associated atrophic gastritis and carotid intima-media thickness: is there a link?

E Altintas1, E Ucbilek, O Ulu

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey. enginaltintas@mersin.edu.tr

International Journal of Clinical Practice
|March 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced atrophic gastritis does not significantly impact carotid intima-media thickness, a marker for cardiovascular disease risk. This study found no association between H. pylori infection and this specific measure of arterial health.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chronic infections, including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), are linked to cardiovascular diseases.
  • H. pylori infection can lead to chronic active gastritis and subsequent atrophic gastritis.
  • Atrophic gastritis is a condition affecting the stomach lining.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between H. pylori-induced atrophic gastritis and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).
  • To determine if CIMT, a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, is associated with H. pylori-induced atrophic gastritis.

Main Methods:

  • Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed on 123 patients.
  • H. pylori status was confirmed via histological examination and rapid urease testing.
  • Patients were categorized into H. pylori-positive non-atrophic gastritis and H. pylori-positive atrophic gastritis groups.

Main Results:

  • Of 123 patients, 92 had H. pylori-positive non-atrophic gastritis and 31 had H. pylori-positive atrophic gastritis.
  • No statistically significant difference was observed in carotid intima-media thickness between the two H. pylori-positive groups.

Conclusions:

  • Carotid intima-media thickness is not associated with H. pylori-induced atrophic gastritis.
  • The findings suggest that H. pylori-induced atrophic gastritis may not be a direct risk factor for increased CIMT.

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