Intestinal metaplasia and glandular atrophy in patients with chronic gastritis in Ilorin

Abstract

Background: Intestinal metaplasia and glandular atrophy are pre malignant conditions occurring as a complication of prolonged, untreated or poorly treated chronic gastritis. This study aims at detecting the presence and severity of intestinal and glandular atrophy. Method: A retrospective study of 316 cases meeting the inclusion criteria with a male to female ratio of 1.1:1 were enlisted into the study spanning a 5-year period. Results: Intestinal metaplasia was reported in 64 (20.2%) cases with majority 36 (56.3%) graded as mild intestinal metaplasia. Complete intestinal metaplasia was seen in 44(68.8%) and incomplete in 20(31.2%). Glandular atrophy was reported in 137(43.3%) cases with majority 97(70.8%) graded as mild. Patients that are 41 years and above were responsible for more than 70% of all cases of intestinal metaplasia and glandular atrophy. The result in this study is comparable to similar studies by sister institutions. Conclusion: It is our recommendation therefore that all patients that are 40 years and above with unresolving dyspepsia be referred to the gastroenterologist for a proper evaluation to prevent these complications and ultimately reduce the occurrence of gastric malignancies.

Keywords

• Dyspepsia
• glandular atrophy
• intestinal metaplasia