Collagenous gastritis

Collagenous gastritis (CG) is a rare condition that primarily affects the digestive system. People with CG have increased buildup of collagen in the subepithelial layer of the stomach. This condition typically affects children and young adults up to 22 years, or older adults over 35 years of age.

Epidemiology

Since the disease was first reported in 1989, only 60 cases have been documented in the English literature.

Recently, it is reported that the overall annual incidence of collagenous colitis ranges from 1.1 to 5.2 cases per 100000 population and it is a relatively frequent cause of chronic diarrhea in elderly patients.

Cause

The cause of the condition is unclear.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms appear to vary depending on the age group. Initial symptoms in children and young adults often include anemia and abdominal pain, whereas older adults often have chronic watery diarrhea associated with collagenous colitis, celiac disease or both. Adult collagenous gastritis is also associated with autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren syndrome, lymphocytic gastritis, lymphocytic colitis, and ulcerative colitis.Other signs and symptoms of CG may include nausea and vomiting, weight loss, abdominal distention, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Diagnosis

On endoscopy, nodular changes were seen in the stomach. Subepithelial collagen deposits and inflammatory infiltration of the lamina propria were observed on histological examination.

Treatment

Because collagenous gastritis is very rare and its cause is unknown, there is currently no established standard therapy for the condition. Various therapies have been attempted with limited success. These have included anti-secretary agents, steroids, iron supplementation, and hypoallergenic diets. Several other therapies have also been tested. A few affected people have shown improvement of symptoms, but no randomized, controlled trials have been performed. More studies are needed to establish a standard treatment strategy.

Prognosis

The course and long-term outlook (prognosis) for people with collagenous gastritis (CG) is unclear. There has not yet been a comprehensive review of outcomes, and large variations in the course of the disease have been reported. In the majority of adults, the condition seems to follow a chronic, intermittent course, with no significant mortality risk or severe progression. Diarrhea may resolve with or without treatment, although relapses may occur. In children, a less controllable course has been suspected. However, CG in children seems to follow a generally benign course, with limited long-term morbidity and no increased mortality reported to date.A few reports have documented that the abnormal collagen band in affected people persists (with or without medication) despite symptoms improving.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Collagenous gastritis

Collagenous gastritis is a rare disease.

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