[Duodenitis caused by Giardia lamblia].

Duodenitis produced by Giardia lamblia occurred in 4.5% of the patients hospitalized in our service. Often was associated with duodenal or gastric peptic ulcer, hiatus hernia and with some other parasitic diseases; particularly with ambiasis. Forty four patients were studied in whom the only cause to demonstrate or explain their symptomatology was the presence of Giardia lamblia in the duodenum. The complaints disappeared after the administration of specific treatment. The clinical manifestations remained an atypic ulcer syndrome without defined rhythm or periodicity; however, heartburn and regurgitation are frequently present. The physical exploration does not help to the diagnosis. Gastric acidity is normal. X-ray studies demonstrate irregular mucosa of the stomach and duodenum and some spastic waves. Duodenoscopy allows to watch inflammatory changes of the duodenal mucosa and rules out peptic ulcer. The diagnosis is confirmed by the demonstration of the parasite, present in the fluid aspirated from the duodenum during the endoscopy.