Abstract

Background: Nodular gastropathy (NG) is a common finding during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and Helicobacter
pylori (H. pylori) infection is an endemic infection in developing countries. Aims: To define the relationship between NG and
H.pylori as a causative agent, assess the presence of NG in relation to various demographic parameters of patients, and
determine the prevalence of H. pylori among patients who underwent EGD.
Patients and Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study that included 353 patients, classified into two groups: nodular
and non-nodular gastropathy (NNG), based on the presence of nodularity
of the gastric mucosa during EGD. Various methods document the existence of H. pylori. Other information, such as the
patient’s age, BMI, smoking status, and history of H. pylori eradication, was included.
Result: H.pylori was present in 213 patients (60.3%); 229 (64.9%) patients were female, with a significant association between
female sex and NG (p < 0.001). The mean age of our patients is 33.7 ± 15.2 years. There is a significant negative association
between smoking and NG (P value <0.001). Most patients with NG had a BMI of less than 30 (68 patients, 87.2%), and 72 patients (92.3%) with NG had an H. Pylori infection. NG had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and
negative predictive value (NPV) of 33.8%, 95.7%, 92.3%, and 48.7%, respectively.
Conclusion: A strong association exists between NG and H. pylori during EGD. NG should be regarded as clear indicator of
H.pylori infection, particularly in young female patients.