Lymphocytic gastritis is characterized by dense infiltration of lymphocytes on the surface and within the gastric pits of the gastric mucosa. It is associated with verrucous gastritis, which is endoscopically characterized by nodularity, thickened folds, and erosions. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) can significantly reduce intraepithelial lymphocyte infiltration, gastric body inflammation, and dyspeptic symptoms. Therefore, lymphocytic gastritis is considered a potential precancerous condition for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma associated with Hp infection.
Endoscopically, lymphocytic gastritis presents with thickened gastric mucosal folds, nodular and aphthous erosions (verrucous gastritis). Biopsy reveals an expanded lamina propria with infiltration of plasma cells and lymphocytes, occasionally accompanied by neutrophil infiltration.