Ultrasonic features of duodenal ulcer

Five cases of duodenal peptic ulcers studied by ultrasound are presented. In all 5 patients, a hyperechoic area in various shapes and sizes corresponding to ulcers in x-ray was identified adjacent to gallbladder and head of the pancreas. This hyperechoic center was surrounded by a hypoechoic halo in various thicknesses representing duodenal wall edema and infiltration. While not recommending ultrasonography in the detection of ulcer disease, the ultrasonographic pattern of an ulcer should be recognized so that when it is seen, an upper gastrointestinal series can be performed as the next diagnostic study.