Changing concepts of duodenitis.

Nonspecific duodenitis exists as a clinical entity distinct from duodenal ulcer disease. Duodenoscopic findings take two general forms: 1. nodularity and erythema, 2. erosions and friability. Both forms usually tend to improve with time but do not necessarily disappear. Although frequently a mild illness, the hemorrhagic erosive form of duodenitis is a potentially serious complication causing marked gastrointestinal bleeding and should be considered in patients taking aspirin-alcohol or following severe physiologic stress. Lastly, most patients initially seem to respond to anticholinergic, tranquilizer or antacid therapy but clinical correlation with long-term treatment will require controlled studies.