[Psychoautonomic and somatic correlations and clinical significance in patients with chronic gastritis]

Examination of 102 patients with chronic gastritis (CG) showed in 49% neurotic or neurosis-like disorders accompanied by changes in the segmental and suprasegmental parts of the autonomic nervous system. These patients were characterized by a prolonged, often monotonous course of disease with frequent and marked exacerbations which were resistant to routine therapy. Besides patients with psycovegetative disturbances usually had extensive and marked structural changes in the gastric mucosa, distinct disturbances in acetylcholine and histamine metabolism and in motor-tonic function of the gastroduodenal zone. A conclusion was made of the necessity of early detection of psychovegetative disturbances in CG patients (particularly in a prolonged and grave course of disease) and a search for ways of their adequate correction during therapeutic and rehabilitation measures.