Fundic argyrophil cell hyperplasia in atrophic gastritis: a search for a sensitive diagnostic method

Hypergastrinemia induces argyrophil cell hyperplasia in oxyntic mucosa (FACH) in patients with non-antral atrophic gastritis, with or without pernicious anemia. This proliferation favours the development of carcinoid tumours. In order to determine the most usual appropriate method to document FACH, we have studied 29 consecutive fundic biopsies from 26 patients with fundic chronic gastritis. The study encompassed gastrinemia levels, standard histology permitting the classification of chronic gastritis, demonstration of FACH by Grimelius stain, immunohistochemical studies using NSE, chromogranin A and by electron microscopy. The FACH was classified for each stain as slight, moderate or severe. The study displayed a relationship between the grade of gastritis and the density of argyrophil endocrine cells in oxyntic mucosa assessed by Grimelius stain (p < 0.0001) and chromogranin A (P < 0.01). There was also a relationship between the serum gastrin level and the density of argyrophil endocrine cells detected by these two stains (p < 0.001). A highly significant correlation was observed between Grimelius stain and chromogranin A (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, no significant correlation was noted with either NSE or electron microscopy. We conclude that Grimelius stain and immunohistochemical studies against chromogranin A were the best methods for the demonstration of FACH in atrophic gastritis. One of these two techniques is sufficient in current practice for defining the patients at risk for subsequent surveillance.