title: Common features of patients with autoimmune atrophic gastritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AIG) is characterized by immune-mediated chronic inflammation of the gastric body and fundus, leading to hypo-achlorhydria and vitamin B12 deficiency. We analyzed the clinical features of AIG and sought to identify factors that might be used in diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We collected and analyzed clinical data from 99 consecutive patients (age, 59 ± 17 y) who were diagnosed with AIG, based on histologic factors and the presence of autoantibodies against gastric parietal cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinical factors that led to a diagnosis of AIG included hematologic findings related to vitamin B12 deficiency (n = 37), incidental histologic evidence in gastric biopsy specimens (n = 34), immune disorders (n = 18; 9 were celiac disease), neurologic symptoms (n = 6), and a family history of AIG (n = 4).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on an analysis of 99 consecutive patients with AIG, this disorder is not solely a condition of the elderly. Other features to look for in making a diagnosis of AIG include vitamin B12 deficiency, histologic factors, and immune disorders.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Emanuela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Miceli
authors.forename: Marco Vincenzo
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Lenti
authors.forename: Donatella
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Padula
authors.forename: Ombretta
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Luinetti
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vattiato
authors.forename: Claudio Maria
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Monti
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Stefano
authors.forename: Gino Roberto
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Corazza
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D001706:Biopsy; D005757:Gastritis, Atrophic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010295:Parietal Cells, Gastric / Q000276:immunology; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000175:diagnosis; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D014805:Vitamin B 12