Autoimmune gastritis in childhood: clinical, morphological and pathogenetic aspects

Autoimmune gastritis (Type A) is a relatively rare form of chronic gastritis in pediatric patients. It is characterized by immune-mediated damage to the gastric parietal cells, leading to achlorhydria, glandular atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and impaired vitamin B₁₂ absorption. The disease is frequently associated with other autoimmune disorders. This article discusses the clinical and morphological features of autoimmune gastritis in children, explores potential etiological factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection and Epstein–Barr virus, and describes early histological changes in the gastric mucosa.