Curling's ulcer: a rare condition.

A case of Curling's ulceration of the duodenum in a child with 50 per cent burns, requiring operative arrest of the bleeding, is reported, and this condition is reviewed. Inquiry among the surgical units treating burns in Great Britian showed that only 18 cases of alimentary bleeding had been seen in the course of treating some 32 500 patients. The incidence in Europe and Australia appears to be of the same order, but there is a much higher incidence in some burns units in North America. Possible reasons for these differences are examined. The occurrence and treatment of Curling's ulcer in childhood are considered.