endoscopic and morphometric study of the gastric and duodenal mucosa in asymptomatic volunteers

ABSTRACT

In order to establish reliable diagnostic criteria for gastroduodenal mucosal disease, the visual appearance and morphometric parameters of normal mucosa need to be defined. Thirty six asymptomatic volunteers were endoscoped and biopsies were taken from stomach and duodenal cap for morphometric measurements. A wide variation in visual appearance of the gastroduodenal mucosa was noted. In addition three subjects had incidental duodenal erosions, one a chronic duodenal ulcer and another small antral submucosal mass of undefined nature. Morphometry showed significantly more round cells in the antrurn than the body of the stomach [p < 0.02], and in the duodenum than either area of the stomach [p< 0. 00 1]. In view of the wide range of findings, it is felt that age-matched control groups are important in studies involving the gastroduodenal mucosa