Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a novel endoscopic system which can provide approximately 1000-fold magnification of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Previous studies have demonstrated its diagnostic value for Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) with the use of a contrast agent.Recently, Cresyl violet (CV) has been used in CLE to visualize tissue architecture in human ileum, colon or myenteric plexus.No investigation has reported the characterization of GIM imaged with CLE when using CV as staining dye

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients who had long-lasting upper gastrointestinal symptoms and aged 40 years or above
• patients with H. pylori infection, or known GIM or atrophic gastritis

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with a history of GI surgery
• advanced gastric carcinoma or any other malignancy in the GI tract
• acute upper GI bleeding
• patients with contraindications to CLE examination, such as coagulopathy, pregnancy, breast feeding, impaired renal or liver function
• patients refused to provide informed consent