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Review article: asymptomatic duodenal ulcers—implications of heterogeneity
Author(s) -
PENSTON J. G.,
WORMSLEY K. G.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.1990.tb00503.x
Subject(s) - asymptomatic , medicine , duodenal ulcer , perforation , disease , gastroenterology , surgery , nonsteroidal , therapeutic approach , materials science , punching , metallurgy
SUMMARY The present review examines the evidence for the existence of an asymptomatic variant of duodenal ulcer disease, as well as its clinical significance and therapeutic implications. Asymptomatic duodenal ulcers have definitely been shown to occur only in patients treated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and in patients who have previously suffered from ulcer disease, especially if the latter have been subjected to gastric surgery or are receiving long‐term continuous (maintenance) treatment with drugs. It seems likely (although conclusive evidence is not yet available) that NSAID‐associated asymptomatic duodenal ulcers are predisposed to haemorrhage or perforation and should therefore be healed and kept in remission. Asymptomatic duodenal ulcers discovered during maintenance treatment appear to be clinically innocuous and do not therefore indicate therapeutic failure, nor require modification of therapy.