Atrophic body gastritis closely linked to thyroid disease

Patients with atrophic body gastritis should be examined for an occult autoimmune thyroid disease, due to the closely linked occurrence of the two.

In a cross-sectional study, researchers from the University La Sapienza in Rome and Latina, Italy examined data on 319 patients with atrophic body gastritis to determine the risk for and occurrence of autoimmune thyroid disease in this population.

The researchers collected data on factors such as anagraphics, lifestyle and family history, along with biochemical and histological information to determine patients’ thyroid status. They found that 89 (52.7%) of 169 (53%) patients with an associated thyroid disorder were unaware of their disease. Of the 169 patients with a thyroid disorder, 128 (75.7%) had autoimmune thyroid disease.

Women were highly prevalent in both the autoimmune (83.6%) and non-autoimmune (85.4%) thyroid disease populations, compared with those who had a healthy thyroid gland (55.3%, P<.001).

The researchers conclude that patients with atrophic body gastritis should be examined for autoimmune thyroid disease—in particular, women and those with positive parietal cell antibodies. – by Stacey L. Adams

Am J Med. 2008;121:136-141.

This study provides further evidence to support searching for hypothyroidism — commonly associated with autoimmune thyroiditis — in patients with autoimmune disease in general, and in those with atrophic gastritis associated with positive anti-parietal antibodies, in particular.

– Jeffrey Garber, MD

Endocrine Today Editorial Board member