Necrotizing duodenitis--a stress-associated lesion?

We report three cases of stress ulceration exhibiting primarily mucosal abnormalities of the duodenum with duodenal ulceration and linear ulcerations on the duodenal folds which is unique in our experience. We hypothesize that vascular insufficiency during low flow states decreases the ability of mucosa to buffer back-diffused hydrogen ion, leading to mucosal injury and ulceration. The duodenal folds receive an end-arteriole supply and are thus affected before other areas of the duodenum. Given the degree of necrosis associated with these lesions on pathological examination, we have chosen the term necrotizing duodenitis to describe the lesions observed.