Topographic mapping of collagenous gastritis

A 74-year-old woman was investigated for abdominal pain and diarrhea. Endos copic examinations including biopsies of the stomach and colon demonstrated the typical subepithelial deposits characteristic of collagenous gastritis and collagenous colitis. Histochemical and ultrastructural methods confirm ed the presence of collagen in the subepithelial deposits. The topographic distribution of these collagen deposits and their relationship to the infla mmatory process in the stomach were then defined by endoscopic mapping and multiple site biopsies of the mucosa in the gastric body and antrum. These studies indicate that collagenous gastritis not only is distinctive, but al so is a far more extensive and diffuse inflammatory process than has previo usly been appreciated.