Ulcers

• GI ulcerations are common occurrences with reportedly up to 15% of the adults affected at some point during their life.
• The vast majority occur in duodenum and stomach, and are caused by H. pylori, NSAIDS.
• When multiple ulcers or ulcers distal to the proximal duodenum are discovered, other rarer etiologies must be entertained.
• Causes
• Fluoroscopy, using either single or double contrast, is the imaging study of choice for evaluating small bowel ulcerations:
  • Barium pools in the ulcer base.
  • Ulcers may appear aphthoid, linear, "punched-out," "bull's-eye," depending on the etiology.
  • Pancreatic pseudocysts, diverticula may mimic the appearance of ulcers.