RESUMO
To find out the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in the local population presenting with dyspeptic symptoms but having normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings. This descriptive study was carried out in gastroenterology department of Military Hospital Rawalpindi. The study was conducted in the department of gastro intestinal of Military Hospital Rawalpindi from November 2004 to September 2005. Hundred cases of dyspepsia having normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were taken as study population. Although the gold standard for presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori infection is culture but in this study the diagnostic method used was histopathology of gastric antrum. The male and female ratio was 2:1. Majority of the patients were either 40 years of age or less, mean age being 40.52 [sd +/- 13.22]. The chief symptoms were pain epigastrium [46%] and upper abdominal discomfort [27%]. Helicobacter pylori gastritis was found in 51% of cases. We conclude that Helicobacter pylori infection is quite common in dyspeptic patients apparently having normal endoscopic gastric mucosal findings. Eradication therapy should be instituted in positive cases to avoid its long-term complications