Peptic ulcers are defects in the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa that extend through the muscularis mucosae into deeper layers of the intestinal wall. The natural history of the disease ranges from spontaneous resolution to the development of complications with potential for significant morbidity and mortality, such as bleeding and perforation.
In uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease (PUD), the clinical findings are few and nonspecific. Upper abdominal pain is the most prominent symptom, with 80% of patients presenting with epigastralgia. "Alarm features" that warrant prompt gastroenterology referral include bleeding, anemia, early satiety, unexplained weight loss, progressive dysphagia or odynophagia, recurrent vomiting, and family history of GI cancer. When the underlying cause is addressed, the prognosis is excellent.
How much do you know about PUD? Test yourself with our quick quiz.
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Cite this: Jamie Shalkow. Fast Five Quiz: Review Key Aspects of Peptic Ulcer Disease - Medscape - May 11, 2017.
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