ENDOSCOPY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION

Aim: To assess the value of endoscopy in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis. Method: Survey of recent studies. Results: There is no unanimity on the reliability of endoscopy in H. pylori-associated gastritis; a negative predictive value of 96.8% has been obtained but only an 85.5% positive predictive value. In particular, endoscopy is insufficient in dyspeptic patients. Conclusions: Although endoscopy is a useful diagnosis of H. pylori infection, it must be supported by gastric biopsy for an accurate diagnosis of H. pylori-associated gastritis.