Gastritis of the herniated stomach in patients with esophageal hiatus hernia.

Seven illustrative cases of gastritis of the herniated stomach in patients with sliding esophageal hiatus hernia are reported. Five had superficial gastritis (three mild, one moderate and one severe); two had atrophic gastritis. Gastritis was present in two patients whose mucosa appeared normal at esophagoscopy. Interstitial hemorrhage into the lamina propria was present in four of the seven biopsy specimens. The possibility that interstitial hemorrhage may be related to the development of gastric erosions is considered. The pathogenesis of this form of gastritis is discussed.