atrophic gastritis, a chronic inflammation of the stomach, associated with degeneration of the gastric mucosa. There are two types: a type associated with Helicobacter pylori and autoimmune, which is characterized by antiparietal and antiintrinsic factor antibodies. Autoimmune atrophic gastritis is seen in elderly patients and in persons with pernicious anemia; it rarely causes epigastric pain. See also pernicious anemia.
