Objective: To investigate the pathological features of Helicobacter pylori associated gastric mucosal inflammation and to establish relevant histopathological assessment standards.
Methods: Biopsy specimens from the gastric antrum, body of stomach, and gastric angle were taken from 2 134 cases of H. pylori associated gastric mucosal inflammation. H. pylori was identified by means of rapid urase test and toluidine blue staining or immunohistological staining. The severity of mucosal inflammation was evaluated with HE staining. Ultrastucture evaluation was conducted for part of the specimens.
Results: In H. pylori positive cases lymphocytic infiltration could be observed in glandulous epithelium. which was not found in normal gastric mucosa. Scoring of severity of mucosal inflammation reflected the status of H. pylori infection and was not influenced by the biopsy site, size of specimen, and direction of sectioning. Severe active inflammation could be seen in 39.6% of the H. pylori positive cases, and 0.4% of the H. pylori negative cases. The severity score of inflammation was significantly correlated with the amount of H. pylori colonization.
Conclusion: Reflecting the real status of H. pylori associated mucosal inflammation. The grading method reported here is simple, reliable, and easy to master.