[Clinico-morphologic features of giant stomach ulcers]

74 patients with GSU are studied. These ulcers occur more frequently than ordinary ulcers in aged persons against the background of various diseases. "True" GSU are localized mainly in the proximal regions. GSU combined with duodenal ulcers have a course with grave complications requiring urgent surgery. GSU located in the central parts are characterized by chronic ulcer symptoms, and those located at the periphery by the symptoms of acute ulcers (centrifugal progression). Confluence of adjacent ulcers occurs at the centripetal progression. Epithelization is lacking at the edges of the majority of GSU this indicating the predominance of the destructive processes.