HIGH-RISK GASTRIC PATHOLOGY AND PREVALENT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES IN PATIENTS WITH PERNICIOUS ANEMIA

ABSTRACT Objective: Pernicious anemia (PA) develops from atrophic gastritis due to autoimmune destruction of parietal cells and results in achlorhydria, vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies, anemia, neurologic deficits, and premalignant and malignant stomach lesions. We report the presentation, diagnosis and gastric complications of PA in patients from an endocrinology practice. Methods: Thirty-four patients (31 female, 3 male) with PA who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or gastrectomy were identified. Pertinent clinical, laboratory, and pathology findings were reviewed and summarized. Results: The mean age of patients was 58.6 ± 14.2 years; the onset of PA was age 50.2 ± 15.3 years. Anemia reflected vitamin B12 and/or iron deficiencies. Parietal cell antibodies (PCA) were detected in 97% of patients, and intrinsic factor blocking antibody (IFBA) was found in 52%. Fasting gastrin and chromogranin A levels were elevated (1,518.0 ± 1,588.3 pg/mL, and 504.9.1 ± 1,524.9 ng/mL respectively). Autoimmune...