Russell Body Gastritis and Associated Pathologies
Summary
Russell body gastritis is an uncommon chronic inflammatory condition of the stomach, distinguished by abundant intramucosal plasma cells containing eosinophilic inclusions of condensed immunoglobulin, termed Russell bodies. These intracytoplasmic globules form within dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae as a consequence of sustained antigenic stimulation. Endoscopic findings range from erythematous or nodular gastric mucosa to subtle erosions, most frequently affecting the antrum. Histopathological assessment is crucial to differentiate this reactive phenomenon from malignancies such as signet ring cell carcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma; demonstration of polyclonal plasma cell populations and absence of light chain restriction confirm its benign nature. Although Helicobacter pylori infection is the leading aetiological factor, Russell body gastritis may also arise in H. pylori–negative patients, including those with altered immune status or concurrent hepatitis C or HIV infection. Management typically centres on eradication of H. pylori when detected, with follow-up endoscopy to document lesion resolution and to screen for potential progression to lymphoproliferative disease.
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Russell Body Gastritis and Associated Pathologies publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in russell body gastritis and associated pathologies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Russell body: An intracytoplasmic, eosinophilic inclusion composed of condensed immunoglobulins within plasma cells.
Plasma cell: A differentiated B lymphocyte specialised for high-rate immunoglobulin production.
Helicobacter pylori: A Gram-negative bacterium that chronically infects the gastric mucosa and drives local inflammation.
Mott cell: A plasma cell variant containing multiple Russell bodies, giving a grape-like appearance.
References
- Russell Body Typhlitis: A Case Report and Literature Review. International Journal of Surgical Pathology (2021).
- Russell Body Gastroenteritis: An Aberrant Manifestation of Chronic Inflammation in Gastrointestinal Mucosa. Case Reports in Medicine (2013).
- Surveillance of Russell body inflammation of the digestive tract: a case report and review of literature. Diagnostic Pathology (2022).
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