Serpiginous gastric erosions caused by aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Internal Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Erosive gastritis is common, but the morphology of gastric erosions lacks established etiological significance.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, are frequent causes of gastritis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristic features of gastric erosions associated with aspirin and NSAID use.
• To determine if specific erosion shapes can serve as diagnostic indicators for NSAID-induced gastritis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 12 cases of erosive gastritis linked to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Double-contrast upper gastrointestinal studies were used to characterize the morphology and location of gastric erosions.

Main Results:

• Incomplete linear and/or serpiginous erosions were observed in all 12 patients.
• These distinctive erosions were often focally clustered on or near the greater curvature of the stomach in nine cases.
• All symptomatic patients experienced significant clinical improvement within days of discontinuing the offending NSAID.

Conclusions:

• Incomplete linear or serpiginous gastric erosions, especially along the greater curvature, are highly suggestive of aspirin or NSAID-induced gastritis.
• Confirmation of recent NSAID ingestion and subsequent drug withdrawal can lead to rapid clinical recovery.