Subtypes of chronic gastritis in patients with celiac disease before and after gluten‐free diet

BackgroundCeliac disease (CD) often manifests with dyspeptic symptoms and chronic gastritis is a common finding.AimTo evaluate the frequency of lymphocytic gastritis (LG), chronic active gastritis (CAG), and chronic inactive gastritis (CIG) in patients with CD, before and after gluten-free diet (GFD).MethodsA five-year prospective study including all consecutive patients with a new diagnosis of CD was conducted. Gastric and duodenal biopsy specimens taken both at the time of the CD diagnosis and at the first endoscopic control after 18–24 months on GFD were evaluated.Results213 patients with CD were enrolled. At the time of the diagnosis, 42 patients (19.7%) showed normal gastric mucosa, 34 (15.9%) LG, 67 (31.5%) CAG, and 70 (32.9%) CIG. Out of the 34 patients with LG, all were Helicobacter pylori negative and the majority of them showed an improvement both of gastritis (94.1%) and duodenal lesions (82.3%) after GFD. GFD did not show significant effects on CAG and CIG.ConclusionsLG is present in 16% of CD...