Etiology and course of acute bleeding esophageal ulcers

J Clin Gastroenterol. 1992 Jun;14(4):342-6. doi: 10.1097/00004836-199206000-00015.

Abstract

Twenty (2%) of 1,140 patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding had esophageal ulcers. Patients with esophageal ulcers most commonly had either melena (40%) or melena and hematemesis (40%). Fifty percent had orthostatic hypotension, and 80% required transfusions. Ulcers were associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use in 50%, hiatal hernia in 60%, and esophagitis in 40%. Endoscopic stigmata of recent hemorrhage consisted of oozing blood (35%) and adherent clot (25%). Six patients had multiple ulcers. The majority of ulcers (90%) were in the distal esophagus. Nine patients were endoscopically treated without complications except for rebleeding in 1 patient. Endoscopic therapy was associated with decreased duration of hospitalization. Overall mortality was 45% in these patients, but no deaths were related to bleeding. Although uncommon, esophageal ulcers are a cause of significant acute gastrointestinal bleeding that appears to respond to endoscopic treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
  • Barrett Esophagus / complications
  • Esophageal Diseases / etiology*
  • Esophageal Diseases / mortality
  • Esophageal Diseases / therapy
  • Esophagitis / complications
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hernia, Hiatal / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulcer / etiology
  • Ulcer / mortality
  • Ulcer / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal