Background and Study Aims: It is still controversial whether certain e
ndoscopic features can be used to diagnose Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-re
lated gastritis. To clarify this issue, we performed two consecutive p
rospective studies. Patients and Methods: In the first study, we tried
to identify endoscopic criteria associated with Hp-related gastritis
from a total of 66 predefined gastric features on endoscopy. These fea
tures were selected by a stepwise logistic regression analysis in 101
patients. The validity of these features gained from this first study
was then evaluated in a second study in 86 patients (40 with Hp gastri
tis, 8 with Hp-unrelated gastritis and 38 with normal gastric mucosa).
Results: Three features, namely an abnormal antral surface texture, a
mammillated corpus surface, and white antral erosions, were identifie
d in the first study as independent predictors of Hp-related gastritis
. However, the sensitivity and specificity of these three criteria, as
assessed in the second study, were only 75% and 63% respectively. Con
clusions: We conclude that it is not possible to diagnose Hp-related g
astritis on the basis of the endoscopic appearance alone. The diagnosi
s should be based on other criteria, such as a rapid urease test, or a
histological examination of gastric biopsies, or both.