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BACKGROUND: Gastricmucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is associated withHelicobacter pylori infection, and regression of the tumor has been describedafter its eradication. OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of EUS, in addition toother clinical/endoscopic features, in predicting the response of low-gradeMALT lymphoma to H pylori eradication. DESIGN: A retrospective, single-centerstudy. SETTING AND PATIENTS: Twenty-two patients with primary gastric MALTlymphoma were identified through a retrospective review of charts of patientsseen at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Only 19 patientswith histopathologically confirmed gastric MALT lymphoma and H pylori infectionwho had EUS staging were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:Regression of the gastric MALT lymphoma as determined by follow-up endoscopyand mucosal biopsies. RESULTS: Patients with disease restricted to the gastricmucosa had a significantly higher rate of complete remission after H pylorieradication compared with patients who had disease infiltrating into thegastric submucosa (77.8% vs 12.5%, P value .007). There was no statisticaldifference in terms of the mean follow-up time to achieve such response (Pvalue .212). Age, sex, location of the tumor within the stomach, and endoscopicappearance did not correlate with the probability of complete remission of theMALT lymphoma. LIMITATIONS: The limitations include a retrospective design anda relatively small sample population. CONCLUSION: EUS determination of theinvasion depth of gastric MALT lymphoma helps predict a complete response to Hpylori eradication. Leggil'articolo
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