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Gastric atrophy is a form of gastritis, characterized by a thinning of the stomach lining. This condition often results from long-term damage to the stomach and can lead to a partial loss of glandular and secreting cells.1

When gastric atrophy affects the entire stomach, it may be associated with iron deficiency anemia. If the atrophy is specifically in the body and fundic regions, it can be linked to pernicious anemia due to antibodies interfering with the absorption of vitamin B12. Atrophy, in general, refers to a wasting away or degeneration.123

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