VASCULAR AND IMMUNOLOGICAL DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION

Helicobacter pylori, the main aetiological factor for gastritis and pe ptic ulcer has been associated with some extradigestive diseases. In p articular; vascular disorders, such as ischaemic heart disease, primar y Raynaud phenomenon and headache appear to be related to the presence of the bacterium. Moreover; some autoimmune diseases, such as Henoch- Schonlein purpura, Sjogren syndrome and others have been shown to have a link with Helicobacter pylori infection. Probably, in subjects with a particular predisposition, the release of substances with a vasoact ive and proinflammatory activity, which is determined by Helicobacter pylori infection, may influence some extradigestive districts.