Reversibility of Atrophic Gastritis and Intestinal Metaplasia by Eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

Although there are many guidelines recommending Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy for atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM), there have been contradictory reports regarding the reversibility of precancerous lesions such as AG and IM after eradication of H. pylori. There have been many reports that have shown AG seems to improve upon eradication of H. pylori to some extent. In contrast, IM has been regarded as 'the point of no return' according to previous reports. However, as recent studies have suggested the improvement of intestinal metaplasia as well, early eradication therapy for reversible histological status is important and necessary for the prevention of gastric cancer. In this review, we focused on the progress of gastritis resulting in AG and IM mainly by H. pylori, the relationship of AG and IM with gastric cancer, the subtype of IM, and the reversibility of AG and IM by eradication of H. pylori. Finally, we introduced the recent extension of indications for H. pylori eradication with coverage by medical insurance, which was published by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare in January 2018.