Duodenal ulcer
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Synopsis
NSAIDs are a common cause of duodenal ulcer. Mucosal injury due to chronic infection from Helicobacter pylori may be a cause. Smoking is a strong risk factor for developing ulcers. There are other much less common causes including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Patients can present with a variety of symptoms from duodenal ulcers. Epigastric abdominal pain and dyspepsia are most common. If eroded into a blood vessel, hematemesis, melena, or rarely bright red blood per rectum (if there is brisk bleeding) can be presenting symptoms.
Helicobacter pylori is a common worldwide infection predisposing to duodenal ulcers. Untreated, it is also a carcinogen associated with the development of gastric cancer.
Patients with concern for a duodenal ulcer, whether bleeding or not bleeding, should undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to confirm the diagnosis.
Codes
K26.9 – Duodenal ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation
SNOMEDCT:
51868009 – Duodenal ulcer disease
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Last Updated:03/18/2020
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