The Exact Site and Extent of Duodenal Ulceration

Abstract

1. In 43 cases of duodenal ulcer accurate surgical findings and measurements have been correlated with radiological findings. 2. In 527 cases of duodenal ulcer, the radiological evidence of the site and extent of duodenal ulceration have been analysed. 3. In about 35 per cent of cases no ulcer crater could be demonstrated. The size of an ulcer crater measured radiographically bears little relation to the size when measured at operation. A polyp-like filling defect rather than a crater is seen in some cases. In the presence of chronic duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcers may not be seen radiologically. 4. Definite evidence of contraction and scarring of the whole first part of the duodenum can be detected in about 15 per cent of duodenal ulcer cases. In a further 16 per cent of cases gross deformity of the bulb alone is often evidence of double duodenal ulcer. 5. There is a high incidence of distal duodenal ulcers in hospital cases in this part of South India when compared to Western figures.