Gastric intestinal metaplasia: can we abandon random biopsies

10.1055/a-1783-9081Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a precancerous condition from which gastric cancer may develop. Usually after chronic Helicobacter pylori infection, damage to the stomach glands occurs, leading to gastric atrophy. In some cases, the substitution with intestinal tissue causes GIM that is the most reliable marker for the development of dysplasia and gastric cancer [1]. Genetic or familial factors aside, GIM, especially in its extensive form involving both the gastric antrum and body, is the phenotype considered to be high risk for neoplastic changes. Performing five random biopsies during white light gastroscopy, following the updated Sydney System [2], used to be the standard for the diagnosis and staging of GIM, as well as for other gastrointestinal conditions for which use of random biopsies performed during white light endoscopy are still widespread.

Publication History

Article published online:
14 April 2022

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