Diagnosis Of Bile Reflux Gastritis

Bile reflux gastritis can be diagnosed based on typical clinical symptoms combined with several supportive medical tests. Physicians often rely on the following diagnostic methods to confirm the condition:

Fecal Occult Blood Test

One of the initial indicators of bile reflux gastritis is a positive result in the fecal occult blood test. This suggests the presence of minor bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which may be caused by irritation or damage to the stomach lining.

Gastroscopy

During a gastroscopy, doctors can directly observe the inside of the stomach. In patients with bile reflux gastritis, bile may be seen flowing back into the stomach. The stomach lining often appears swollen, inflamed, and yellowish due to bile exposure. Additionally, signs such as erosion, bleeding, or mucosal damage may be visible.

Gastric Aspiration Analysis

This test involves measuring bile acid levels in the fluid extracted from the stomach. A fasting bile acid concentration higher than 30μg/ml, along with a low basal gastric acid output (less than 3.5mmol/h), is considered a strong indicator of bile reflux gastritis.

Isotope Imaging

Isotope scans are used to detect the presence and extent of bile reflux. This imaging technique helps visualize the movement of bile from the intestines back into the stomach, providing valuable information about the severity of the condition.

Color Doppler Ultrasound

This non-invasive method allows doctors to monitor the movement of gastric contents and detect abnormal backward flow of bile. It is particularly useful for evaluating the dynamics of bile reflux in real time.

Biopsy And Histological Examination

During gastroscopy, tissue samples may be taken for microscopic analysis. Typical findings include inflammatory cell infiltration, small areas of erosion or ulceration, intestinal metaplasia, and in some cases, atypical cell growth. These changes support the diagnosis of bile reflux gastritis and help rule out other conditions.