Radiographic findings of intractable gastric ulcers with H2-receptor antagonists.

BACKGROUND

To clarify the radiographic characteristics of intractable gastric ulcers with H2-receptor antagonists.

METHODS

The radiographic findings at the time of starting treatment were compared between 42 patients with gastric ulcers that did not heal within eight weeks of starting treatment with H2-receptor antagonists (the intractable group) and 58 patients whose ulcers healed within the eight-week period (the tractable group).

RESULTS

The following radiographic findings in the intractable group were observed at a significantly higher incidence than those in the tractable group and included: an ulcer located on the angle, linear ulcers, a greater depth, an uneven mound surrounding an ulcer, prominent folds' convergence, an overhanging gastric mucosa, an irregular ulcer base, a shortening of the lesser curvature and a U-shaped deformity of the angle. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the following three factors had a significant and independent delaying effect on healing: a U-shaped deformity of the angle, an uneven mound surrounding an ulcer and prominent folds' convergence. The relative risk of these factors were 12.7, 14.4 and 12.5, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Intractable gastric ulcer with H2-receptor antagonists can be predicted based on the characteristic radiographic findings at the start of treatment.