[Lymphocytic gastritis]

Lymphocytic gastritis is a new histopathological entity characterized by a dense lymphocytic infiltration of the gastric surface and pit epithelium. The diagnosis relies upon lymphocyte counts which are always far beyond the values obtained in other types of gastritis. The clinical presentation of lymphocytic gastritis is characterized, in the majority of cases, by weight loss and anorexia. Endoscopically it corresponds to a complex pattern of enlarged rugae and often eroded (aphthoïd) nodules. Our studies have shown a close correlation between lymphocytic gastritis and diffuse or corporeal varioliform gastritis. On the contrary, there is no relationship between lymphocytic gastritis and antral varioliform gastritis which exhibits heterogeneous histological features. Lymphocytic gastritis is a chronic disease which can evolve over long periods; it can however cure spontaneously (about half of the cases) after a delay of one to two years. The aetiology and pathogenesis are unknown. The histological similarity with coeliac disease suggests a possible role of immunological factors.