SUMMARY Lymphocytic gastritis is a histopathological entity characterised by the accumulation of small lymphocytes in the surface and foveolar epithelium. In order to investigate the correlation between endoscopy and histology in this condition, 192 observations selected on the basis of a presumed diagnosis of erosive or varioliform gastritis were reviewed. Ninety two instances corresponded to lymphocytic gastritis, while 100 did not show any particular microscopic feature and were labelled non-specific gastritis. There was a good correlation (48 of 58) between the diagnosis of the so-called varioliform gastritis and the histological evidence of lymphocytic gastritis. The correlation was even better when nodules, erosions, and enlarged folds were considered. Lymphocytic gastritis has a typical endoscopical appearance consisting of nodules, erosions, and large folds predominating in the gastric body. This contrasts with non-specific gastritis, which affects the antrum and produces erosions on a flat mucosa.We have previously described a histopathological form of gastritis characterised by a dense epithelial lymphocytic infiltration. Using this criterion for further research, this entity has been labelled 'lymphocytic gastritis'.'Our preliminary investigations have suggested the presence of a correlation between lymphocytic gastritis and the endoscopical features of nodules, thickened rugal folds, and erosions. These features appeared unusual and different from those seen in chronic gastritis.23The aims of the present retrospective study are to evaluate the correlation between endoscopic erosive or nodular forms of gastritis and the histological picture of lymphocytic gastritis, and to define the basic endoscopical lesions indicating a diagnosis of lymphocytic gastritis. Methods MATERIALThis retrospective study is based on the cases of