Definition

A condition marked by chronic inflammation and thinning of the inner lining of the stomach. It may also involve the loss of gland cells in the stomach lining that release substances that help digest food. Atrophic gastritis may be caused by an infection with the bacteria H. pylori that continues or gets worse over a long period of time or by certain autoimmune conditions. People who have atrophic gastritis may have an increased risk of stomach cancer or gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.