Gastroduodenal Mucosal Changes in Chronic Uremia

Abstract

Upper gastrointestinal examinations were performed on 84 patients with severe renal insufficiency on dietetic treatment or undergoing chronic dialysis. In 65% a coarse mucosal relief was demonstrated as compared to only 12% in a control group. The typical localization was the distal part of the duodenal bulb and proximal half of the descending duodenum, but the stomach and the rest of the duodenum were also frequently affected. No correlation between clinical symptoms and radiologic findings could be demonstrated. Peak acid output was within normal limits, and only one patient had peptic ulcer. Changes were present in a great number of patients treated with diet alone, excluding dialysis as an etiologic factor.