Is screening for and surveillance of atrophic gastritis advisable?

Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in many parts of the world. At present, prevention seems to be the most effective means to reduce its the incidence and mortality rate. Gastric atrophy is considered the first relevant step in the histogenesis of gastric adenocarcinoma. However, whether screening for and surveillance of atrophic gastritis is advisable is debated. The prevalence and pattern of chronic atrophic gastritis varies greatly from country to country, being higher and mainly diffuse pangastritis or localized in those countries with a high gastric cancer incidence. The only method available to detect gastric atrophy is histopathological examination of endoscopic specimens, but there is no consensus about diagnosis. Serum gastric secretion may be a marker of gastric atrophy, although it has high specificity but low sensitivity. Gastric atrophy is mainly related to chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Thus, the only effective strategy for gastric cancer prevention is eradication of H. pylori infection to arrest atrophy progression in selected populations. In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence to suggest screening for and surveillance of atrophic gastritis in the general population; however, this strategy should be applied in countries with a high incidence of gastric cancer.
(2007 S. Karger AG, Basel)