Congestive and hemorrhagic lesions of duodenal mucosa. Critical evaluation

In 34 patients congestive, hemorrhagic lesions were detected by endoscopy. It was considered that trauma was not responsible for these lesions. In all of the patients except four, histology showed no inflammatory reaction. Most of the patients were hypochlorhydric and one was achlorhydric. Serum gastrin levels appeared within a normal range under fasting and stimulated conditions. Twenty-four patients were followed up two years later. Only 1 patient had developed a duodenal ulcer. The endoscopic picture appeared unmodified in the reendoscopized patients. It is concluded that the hemorrhagic lesions of the duodenum may result from local vascular disorders without any inflammation.