Clinical and pathologic features of the nodular duodenum

Nodular duodenum, frequently described as nodular duodenitis, is endoscopically characterized by multiple erythematous nodules in the proximal duodenum and may represent a variant of duodenal inflammation. This study examines the incidence, clinical presentation, histologic correlates, natural history, and response to therapy of nodular duodenum in 83 patients who presented with epigastric pain, heartburn, early satiety, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding. There was a previous history of peptic ulcer disease in 58% of patients and gastroesophageal reflux in 33%. None of the patients had associated end-stage renal disease. Endoscopically, in addition to nodular duodenum, esophagitis was found in 17% of patients and gastritis in 32%. Histology of duodenal nodules revealed chronic inflammation in 58% of patients, Brunner's gland hyperplasia in 9%, gastric heterotopia in 7%, and normal mucosa in 26% of patients. In a group of 34 patients studied prospectively, high dosage (300 mg orally bid) therapy with the H2-antagonist ranitidine for 8 wk significantly improved symptoms and endoscopic appearance (p < 0.05). In 26 patients who completely or partially failed H2-antagonist therapy, continuation of therapy with omeprazole (40 mg orally qd) for 8 wk significantly improved symptoms and endoscopic findings (p < 0.05) in 10 patients. These therapeutic approaches led to improvement in the endoscopic findings, but to no statistically significant changes in the underlying histologic appearance of the duodenum. We conclude that nodular duodenum is an endoscopically distinct entity that may respond clinically to antisecretory therapy, but remains difficult to eradicate completely.