Correlation between upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings and detection in gastric biopsy specimens: a retrospective study.

[INTRODUCTION] Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection of the gastric mucosa has become a problem of public importance. HP inhabits the gastrointestinal tracts of greater than half of inhabitants of Africa, which is the highest recorded for any region of the world. It is a risk factor for gastric cancer. Hence, diagnosis and prompt treatment are imperative in forestalling the ill-effects. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy allows direct visualization of Hp-related mucosal changes. This study explores the correlation between endoscopic findings and histological confirmation of Hp infection.

[METHODS] this retrospective, single-center descriptive study included all patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. Data collected included demographics, indications for gastroscopy, endoscopic findings, and gastric mucosal histopathology. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.

[RESULTS] a total of 1,147 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were performed during the study period, with 823 (71.7%) patients undergoing gastric biopsy. Of these, 377 (45.8%) were H. pylori-positive (Hp+), while 446 (54.2%) were negative (Hp-). Abnormal gastric and duodenal findings were significantly associated with Hp+ status, whereas normal mucosa correlated with Hp-status. Gastric erosions were more common in Hp+ patients (75.1% vs. 56.1%; χ= 33.8, p < 0.001), indicating a potential link. The sensitivity of gastric erosions for detecting Hp infection was 75%, though specificity was below 50%.

[CONCLUSION] gastric erosions were more prevalent at gastroduodenoscopy and correlated well with the presence of H. pylori at histology.