Endoscopic detection of peptic ulcer disease in cystic fibrosis

Abdominal pain is common among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and may be caused by a variety of conditions. Although peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has not been emphasized as a common cause of abdominal symptoms in CF, the risk for the development of PUD may be increased because of abnormal physiology. Contrast radiography appears to be an especially inaccurate method to document PUD in CF because the duodenal mucosa typically appears nodular and distorted with poor definition of the mucosal folds. These findings may obscure or mimic PUD. The first endoscopic diagnosis of PUD is reported in a CF patient. Based on this case and a review of the literature, endoscopy is the procedure of choice for evaluation of a CF patient who is suspected of having PUD.