[Lymphocytic gastritis]

Lymphocytic gastritis is characterised by an accumulation of lymphocytes in the epithelium of the gastric mucosa. This form accounts for 4.5% of chronic B-gastritis and manifests itself by dyspepsia, anorexia and weight loss. The course is benign, as 12 of 19 patients recovered within 24 to 36 months in Haot's studies. Macroscopically it appears with nodules, erosions, thickened mucosal folds, or diffuse varioliform pattern. The gastric corpus is preferentially involved. The etiology is unknown. Some authors have hypothesized an abnormal immune response to a local antigen, i.e. Campylobacter pylori.