儿童上消化道溃疡173例临床分析北大核心CSCD

目的 探讨儿童上消化道溃疡的临床表现和胃镜特点。方法 对2011年1月至2021年5月于中国医科大学附属盛京医院内镜中心完成胃镜检查并首次发现上消化道溃疡的0~14岁患儿进行回顾性研究。根据病因不同分为原发性溃疡组(简称原发组,n=148)和继发性溃疡组(简称继发组,n=25)。比较两组患儿的临床资料。结果 共纳入173例上消化道溃疡患儿,男女比例3.9∶1。与女孩相比,男孩的上消化道溃疡中十二指肠溃疡和原发性溃疡的占比较高(P<0.05)。与6岁以下儿童相比,6~14岁儿童十二指肠溃疡和原发性溃疡占比较高,巨大溃疡和多发溃疡少见。原发组148例患儿中,幽门螺杆菌的感染率为64.2%(95例);腹痛是最常见的临床症状,共101例(68.2%);十二指肠溃疡多见(115例,77.7%),其次为胃溃疡(25例,16.9%)及食管溃疡7例(4.7%);多发溃疡32例(21.6%);出现并发症的有70例(47.3%),其中最常见的为出血(63例,43.6%)。继发组25例患儿中,最常见的临床症状也是腹痛(9例,36%),但较原发组发生率低(P<0.05);引发继发性溃疡最常见的原因是消化道异物,共17例(68%),其次是腹型过敏性紫癜5例(20%)及克罗恩病3例(12%);出现多发溃疡及巨大溃疡的比例较原发组高(P<0.05)。结论 儿童上消化道溃疡男孩多发,且男孩多为十二指肠溃疡和原发性溃疡。年长儿的上消化道溃疡多为十二指肠溃疡和原发性溃疡,巨大溃疡和多发溃疡相对少见。原发性溃疡临床表现多样,以腹痛为主,十二指肠溃疡多见,并发症以出血为主;继发性溃疡的临床症状及内镜表现与其原发病因密切相关,并且更易诱发巨大溃疡和多发溃疡。     

Gastroduodenal ulcers in the Helicobacter pylori era

The aim of the study was to evaluate the current spectrum of gastroduodenal ulcers in children referred to a regional paediatric unit in the United Kingdom. During a 5-y period (1994-98), all children with a visibly discrete gastric and/or duodenal ulcer diagnosed at endoscopy were prospectively identified. Patients with ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori gastritis underwent repeat endoscopy 2-3 mo after medical treatment. Thirty-seven children, 21 boys and 16 girls of median age 11 y (range 7 mo to 16 y), had gastric and/or duodenal ulceration. Specific aetiological factors were identified in 21 of 22 with H. pylori negative ulcers, including Crohn's disease (n = 6), coeliac disease (n = 4) and treatment with ulcerogenic drugs (n = 4). Fifteen children (41%) had ulcers associated with H. pylori gastritis, including all 10 children with a chronic ulcer. Endoscopically confirmed ulcer healing was achieved in 14 of these using a 1 wk triple therapy regimen (omeprazole and a combination of two antibiotics). In conclusion, the recognized spectrum and the management of gastroduodenal ulceration have changed during the last decade. Although H. pylori gastritis is an important aetiological factor, a wide range of other conditions needs to be considered. Surgical intervention is only rarely necessary.     

Campylobacter pylori--associated gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in children

Specimens obtained at gastric biopsies performed for suspected acid peptic disease in patients 5 through 17 years of age were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of Campylobacter pylori (CP), a gram-negative bacillus associated with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in adults. Of 98 patients who underwent antral biopsy (the most reliably colonized site in the stomach), 40 had chronic gastritis histologically. Of those 40 patients, 22 (55%) had CP present on the gastric surface. None of the 58 patients without gastritis present in biopsy specimens had CP. The gastritis in children with CP was more severe than in those without the organism: 86% of those with moderate gastritis and 92% of those with severe gastritis had CP. Eight patients with duodenal ulcers and one patient with a gastric ulcer had CP on biopsy. Among those patients without CP, only one had a duodenal ulcer and eight had gastric ulcers. An additional nine patients found to have CP on gastric fundic biopsy were identified, for a total of 31 patients with CP identified by either antral (22) or fundic (nine) biopsy. Initial resolution of symptoms with standard acid-antagonist therapy was noted in the 25 of 31 CP(+) patients so treated, but a high relapse rate was noted within one to two years in the patients who also had gastritis and duodenal ulcer. These findings support a strong association between CP colonization of the stomach and the presence of chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer disease in children.     

Childhood peptic ulcer disease in Jamaica

Thirty-one children with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) were diagnosed in two major hospitals in Jamaica between 1979 and 1988. There were 21 girls and 10 boys with a mean age of 9 years. There were 26 duodenal ulcers and 5 gastric ulcers. Five patients (19 per cent) with a duodenal ulcer had a family history of peptic ulcer. Recurrent abdominal pain was the predominant presenting feature in 68 per cent and pain was present for a mean of 20 months. Bleeding occurred in seven patients (23 per cent). Twenty-nine patients were successfully treated medically. Two with duodenal ulcers required surgery. The majority of patients have remained well after a mean follow-up of 14 months. Although uncommon in children peptic ulcers should be considered in patients with recurrent abdominal pain. The majority will respond to medical treatment.     

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori gastritis improves dyspeptic symptoms in children

BACKGROUND: In adults, the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection is only recommended for patients with active gastric or duodenal ulcers. It is not known whether similar guidelines can be applied to children because the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease in childhood is estimated to be much lower than in adults. The purpose of this study was to determine whether treatment of H. pylori gastritis would improve symptoms of dyspepsia in children. METHODS: Sixteen patients (5 boys, 11 girls) aged 14 +/- 1.2 years who had symptoms of dyspepsia were evaluated using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies to establish the diagnosis of H. pylori gastritis. They were treated for 2 weeks with clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and a proton pump inhibitor. Dyspepsia symptoms were evaluated by a questionnaire before and after treatment of the infection. The effect of H. pylori treatment on the total symptom score was analyzed with use of the Student t test. Values are presented as mean +/- SEM. RESULTS: All patients had antral nodularity and chronic active gastritis with spiral-shaped organisms but no evidence of peptic ulcer disease. Mean total symptom score decreased significantly at 2 to 4 weeks after treatment (12.6 +/- 0.9 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.5 P < 0.001), and it remained low (2.9 +/- 0.7) at follow-up 9.7 +/- 1.4 months (range, 2-24 months later). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the treatment of H. pylori gastritis can improve dyspeptic symptoms in children.     

Helicobacter pylori and associated duodenal ulcer.

Twenty three children with coexistent duodenal ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection were treated with either two weeks of amoxycillin (25 mg/kg/day) in addition to six weeks of cimetidine, or cimetidine alone. Endoscopy with antral and duodenal biopsies for urease test, microaerophilic culture, and histological studies were performed at entry, six weeks, 12 weeks, and at six months. Children with persistent H pylori infection at six weeks were given a further two weeks'' course of amoxycillin. H pylori persisted in all children not receiving amoxycillin treatment but cleared in six of the 13 children (46%) treated with amoxycillin. With failure of H pylori clearance at six months, only two out of six (33%) ulcers had healed and 50% of patients had experienced ulcer recurrence. In contrast, when H pylori remained cleared all ulcers healed and no ulcer recurred. Persistent H pylori infection was associated with persistent gastritis and duodenitis despite endoscopic evidence of ulcer healing. Detection and eradication of H pylori deserves particular attention in the routine management of duodenal ulceration in children.     

Chronic duodenal ulcer in children: clinical observation and response to treatment

Chronic duodenal ulcer is diagnosed more frequently in children since recent advances in panendoscopy techniques. From 1976 to 1986, chronic duodenal ulcer was diagnosed in 33 children in this hospital. There was a marked male preponderance (male: female = 4.5:1). Family history for peptic ulcer was positive in 36% of the patients. The important element of emotional stress was identified in 39% of the patients. Thirty patients received medical treatment, and 26 were observed for more than 1 year (1-10 years). In 11 children, medication was changed because of symptom recurrence and change in the mode of treatment. The patients were divided into three groups with different treatment regimens: antacid (12 cases), cytoprotective agent (sucralfate, 17 cases), and histamine H2-receptor antagonist (cimetidine, eight cases). The response to short-term (eight-week) therapy was similarly good (83-94%) in the three treatment groups. However, sucralfate is superior to antacid in the ongoing maintenance therapy of chronic duodenal ulcer in childhood. Because chronic duodenal ulcer recurred frequently, it is crucial to give long-term maintenance therapy.     

Diagnostic upper GI endoscopy for hemetemesis in children: Experience from a pediatric gastroenterology centre in North India

Upper GI endoscopies were done in 236 children (upto 12 years of age) presenting with history of hemetemesis. Varices were the commonest lesions (in 39.41%) followed by esophagitis (23.73%). Gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and oesophageal ulcers were identified in 7.20%, 1.27%, 0.42% and 0.42% cases respectively. Cause of bleeding could not be ascertained in 27.54% cases. No significant premedication or procedure related complications were observed. Upper GI endoscopy is thus a safe and useful mode of investigation in cases of hemetemesis in children.     

小儿十二指肠溃疡合并急性上消化道大出血的手术治疗

目的 报道4例小儿十二指肠溃疡合并致命性上消化道大出血病例的手术抢救以及预后.方法 2002至2008年间收治的4例男性十二指肠溃疡合并急性上消化道大出血患儿,年龄2.5～4岁,均在内科治疗溃疡病期间发生不可控制的大出血而紧急手术治疗.手术发现溃疡分布于球部上壁1例,后壁1例,球后部2例,表现为动脉性喷射状大出血或溃疡边缘渗出性出血.所有病例均采用打开十二指肠直视下缝扎止血.彻底止血后妥善封闭十二指肠残端,行半胃切除、胃空肠毕Ⅱ式吻合术.结果 4例患儿全部痊愈出院.术后随访1～5年,术前消化道症状消失,未再复发溃疡或出血;患儿血红蛋白、血总蛋白及白蛋白水平维持在正常水平,饮食及生长发育状况良好.结论 小儿十二指肠溃疡病合并不可控制的大出血极为罕见,出血常由后壁溃疡腐蚀动脉引起,需紧急手术打开十二指肠在直视下控制出血.止血后溃疡可给予旷置,采用毕Ⅱ式吻合,胃切除范围应不同于成人,半胃即可.     

Is peptic ulcer a common cause of upper gastrointestinal symptoms?

 The aim of the study was to investigate retrospectively a cohort of children with peptic ulcer disease during a period that covers the recent changes in diagnosis and management of the disease. Over a period of 9 years, 2550 children underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for various reasons. All children, in whom a diagnosis of primary peptic ulcer was established, were included in the study. Previous and current medical history, family history, endoscopic and histological outcome were evaluated and the children were regularly followed-up on an out-patient basis. Primary peptic ulcer was diagnosed in 52 (10 gastric and 42 duodenal, 2%) out of 2550 children. The median age of children with gastric ulcer was 6.5 years, whereas of those with duodenal ulcer was 10.5 years (P=0.04). With regard to clinical symptoms no significant difference was found between children with and without ulcer. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was significantly higher in children with duodenal ulcer (62%) compared to those with gastric ulcer (20%; P<0.001). At first follow-up visit, 1 month after the end of treatment, 19 symptomatic children underwent a repeat endoscopy, which showed ulcer healing in 95% and failure in H. pylori eradication in 27%. During the long-term follow-up (median 3.5 years), six children became symptomatic. Two of them had duodenal ulcer associated with positive H. pylori. Conclusion Peptic ulcer disease is an uncommon disorder in childhood with non specific clinical features; it seems that efficient treatment and successful Helicobacter pylori eradication result in clinical improvement and cure as well as in long-term healing of ulcers. Received: 25 September 2000 and in revised form: 22 February and 28 March 2001 / Accepted: 29 March 2001     

Stenosing gastroduodenal ulcer in children. Apropos of 3 cases

Three cases of stenosing peptic ulcers in young children (age 21 months, 6 years and 8 years) are reported. During infancy, peptic ulcer is the main cause of pyloric stenosis after pyloric hypertrophy. The stenosis reveals or complicates primary gastric or duodenal ulcers. A complete cure can only be obtained with medical treatment.     

Transluminal endoscopic electrosurgical incision of fenestrated duodenal membranes

Duodenal fenestrated membranes are traditionally treated by side-to-side diamond-shaped duodenoduodenostomy, or duodenotomy and resection. We describe an alternative endoscopic approach for its resolution. A flexible panendoscopy reaching the duodenal membrane was performed. A balloon was inserted to dilate its orifice. Traction was applied to the balloon to differentiate the border of the membrane forming the duodenal wall. After visualizing the ampulla, the membrane was incised using a sphincterotome or needle knife on two sites opposite to the bile duct. From May 2001 to August 2007, ten patients with a fenestrated duodenal membrane underwent transluminal endoscopic electrosurgical incision (TEEI). Mean patient age was 3.4 years (range 1 month to 15 years). The endoscopic procedure lasted from 30 to 60 min. Oral intake began 24 h postsurgery in eight patients and at 48 h postsurgery in two patients. Hospital stay lasted for 2-5 days. After 1 year of follow-up, eight patients were asymptomatic and thriving at present, and one had a double membrane, required a second endoscopy with TEEI, and has experienced occasional vomiting. An additional asymptomatic patient was lost after 3 months of follow-up. TEEI of fenestrated duodenal membranes is a feasible and effective procedure in children.     

Gastroduodenal endoscopic-histologic correlation in pediatric patients

The histopathologic abnormalities in endoscopic biopsies from the stomach and duodenal bulb were correlated with the visual findings of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in 94 children (mean age, 8.4 years; 51 boys and 43 girls) with a variety of complaints. Histology was graded by observers blinded to the endoscopic findings, and both endoscopy and histology were graded using scales reflecting increasing severity with increasing grade. In all three locations studied (gastric body, antrum, and duodenal bulb), endoscopic grade was significantly higher than the histologic grade. Correlation was especially poor with mild endoscopic findings such as erythema and granularity/nodularity, which had little predictive value for histologic inflammation. Few patients had severe disease with eight of 94 having ulcer by endoscopy and seven of 94 having greater than grade 2 histologic disease in any location. We conclude that endoscopy without biopsy should not be used to diagnose gastroduodenal inflammation in pediatric patients.     

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the natural history of duodenal ulcer disease.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal ulcer disease is strongly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection of the gastric mucosa. Eradication of H pylori from the gastric mucosa in adults is associated with long term healing of ulcers. AIMS: To follow a cohort of children with duodenal ulcer disease for a minimum of two years after the eradication of H pylori. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a three year period, all children diagnosed with duodenal ulcer disease had their symptoms documented and their H pylori status evaluated. The histories of these children were carefully screened to determine previous symptoms and to document previous treatment regimens. RESULTS: Sixteen children were diagnosed with ulcers and 15 were available for treatment and long term follow up. The median age at which symptoms first occurred was 10.5 years (range, 6-14) and the median duration of symptoms was 24 months (range, 2-60). Ten of the children had been treated with H2 receptor antagonists for a median of 3.5 months (range, 1-60). Duodenal ulcers healed in all children after eradication of H pylori and all children have remained asymptomatic for a median of 37 months (range, 26-62). No child has required subsequent admission to hospital. CONCLUSION: Eradication of H pylori is very effective in the long term healing of duodenal ulcer disease. H pylori eradication should be the standard treatment for all infected children who present with duodenal ulcer disease.     

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children in Southern Iran

Objective  To find out whether the causes of upper GI bleeding in our center in a developing country differed from developed countries. Methods  Children presenting to our center with upper GI bleeding from March 2002 to March 2007, were retrospectively evaluated. Informations were retrieved from patient’s history and physical examination and results of upper GI endoscopy regarding etiology of bleeding, managements, use of medications which might predispose patient to bleeding, and the mortality rate. Results  From 118 children (67 boys; with age of 7.7±4.7 yrs) who underwent upper GI endoscopies, 50% presented with hematemesis, 14% had melena and 36% had both. The most common causes of upper GI bleeding among all patients were gastric erosions (28%), esophageal varices (16%), duodenal erosions (10%), gastric ulcer (8.5%), Mallory Weiss syndrome tear (7.8%), duodenal ulcer (6.8%), esophagitis (1.7%) and duodenal ulcer with gastric ulcer (0.8%). The causes of bleeding could not be ascertained in 20.5% of cases. No significant pre-medication or procedure related complications were observed. Endoscopic therapy was performed in 13.5% of patients. In 14.4% of patients, there was a history of consumption of medications predisposing them to upper GI bleeding. Two deaths occurred (1.7%) too. Conclusion  The findings in the present study showed that half of upper GI bleedings in pediatric patients from south of Iran, were due to gastric and duodenal erosions and ulcers. This study concludes that the causes of upper GI bleeding in children in our center of a developing country, are not different from those in developed ones.     

十二指肠降部黏膜免疫荧光试验辅助诊断过敏性紫癜的价值及临床局限性

目的 探讨十二指肠降部免疫荧光试验与黏膜病变程度在过敏性紫癜（HSP）辅助诊断中的价值和临床局限性。 方法 收集2014年4月至2015年12月复旦大学附属儿科医院消化科以腹痛为主要症状初诊的HSP或怀疑HSP,且辅助诊断至少有胃镜检查并行十二指肠降部黏膜免疫荧光试验的患儿,从病史中查阅紫癜的记录情况,采集HSP患儿行胃镜检查时十二指肠黏膜病变程度及其组织荧光试验结果;本文以胃镜直视下充血、水肿为轻度病变,糜烂和溃疡为中重度病变;本文以典型皮肤紫癜出现在胃镜检查前为早出紫癜,之后为晚出紫癜;根据免疫荧光试验结果分为阴性和阳性。 结果 符合本文纳入和排除标准的54例HSP患儿进入本文分析,男31例,女23例;平均（8.1±2.7）岁;门诊病例14例,住院病例40例;早出紫癜36例（76.7%）,晚出紫癜18例。十二指肠降部黏膜均受累,免疫荧光阳性31例（57.4%）,阴性23例（其中弱阳性6例）。十二指肠降部黏膜轻度病变14例（25.3%）,重度病变40例（其中糜烂19例,溃疡21例）。免疫荧光阴性的HSP患儿中黏膜中重度病变的比例明显多于阳性,差异有统计学意义［91.3%（21/23） vs61.3%（19/31）,P=0.013］;早出紫癜的HSP患儿黏膜轻度病变免疫荧光阳性比例(10/31,32.2%)多于阴性(2/23,8.7%),差异有统计学意义(P=0.039);不论免疫荧光结果阳性与否：早或晚出紫癜HSP患儿黏膜病变轻度与中重度比例差异均无统计学意义、晚出紫癜的HSP患儿黏膜轻度病变的比例差异无统计学意义、早出或晚出紫癜的HSP患儿黏膜中重病变的比例差异亦均无统计学意义。 结论 十二指肠降部黏膜较皮肤组织免疫荧光试验阳性率低,可能与取活检处黏膜的病变严重程度有关,不排除与取活检的部位、数量、深度及器械等多种因素有关。     

Esophageal Crohn disease in children: a clinical spectrum

BACKGROUND: The incidence of esophageal Crohn disease (ECD) in adults ranges from 0.2% to 11.2% and in children is up to 43%. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical and endoscopic spectrum of ECD and its prevalence in our patient population. METHODS: Chart review of children with Crohn disease (CD). Esophageal Crohn disease was defined by accepted endoscopic and/or histologic findings. RESULTS: 210 children with CD were identified; 27 of those children had ECD. Nine children presented with specific upper GI symptoms; dysphagia, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and odynophagia. Esophagoscopy in children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms revealed deep ulcers (n = 2), aphthous ulcers (n = l), erosions (n = l), edematous nodules, (n = l) and normal mucosa (n = 4). In asymptomatic children aphthous ulcers (n = 5), erosions (n = 3), deep ulcers (n = 3), and normal looking mucosa (n = 7) were seen. Twenty children also had gastric lesions, 3 children had duodenal lesions, and 3 children had both duodenal and gastric involvement. All 27 children had evidence of ileo-colonic or colonic disease. Acid suppressive medications were given only to children with upper GI symptoms and endoscopic esophageal lesions. The mean duration of follow-up from diagnosis of CD was 3.02 years (range 2 months-11.7 years). At last follow-up review, 7 children were receiving acid suppression and no children were receiving steroids. There were no complications related to ECD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of endoscopic ECD is 7.6% but as many as 17.6% of our patient population had histologic evidence of ECD. The clinical and endoscopic spectrum of ECD are highly variable and poorly correlate with each other.     

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the natural history of duodenal ulcer disease

BACKGROUND—Duodenal ulcer disease is strongly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection of the gastric mucosa. Eradication of H pylori from the gastric mucosa in adults is associated with long term healing of ulcers.AIMS—To follow a cohort of children with duodenal ulcer disease for a minimum of two years after the eradication of H pylori.PATIENTS AND METHODS—Over a three year period, all children diagnosed with duodenal ulcer disease had their symptoms documented and their H pylori status evaluated. The histories of these children were carefully screened to determine previous symptoms and to document previous treatment regimens.RESULTS—Sixteen children were diagnosed with ulcers and 15 were available for treatment and long term follow up. The median age at which symptoms first occurred was 10.5 years (range, 6-14) and the median duration of symptoms was 24 months (range, 2-60). Ten of the children had been treated with H₂ receptor antagonists for a median of 3.5 months (range, 1-60). Duodenal ulcers healed in all children after eradication of H pylori and all children have remained asymptomatic for a median of 37 months (range, 26-62). No child has required subsequent admission to hospital.CONCLUSION—Eradication of H pylori is very effective in the long term healing of duodenal ulcer disease. H pylori eradication should be the standard treatment for all infected children who present with duodenal ulcer disease.     

十二指肠霜斑样溃疡的组织学观察

目的　探讨儿童十二指肠霜斑样溃疡的性质及临床病理特征。方法　观察 117例十二指肠霜斑样溃疡的内镜表现 ,对其胃窦部及十二指肠球部标本均行HE染色 ,观察病理改变 ,Giemsa染色诊断HP感染 ,十二指肠黏膜兼作AB(pH值 2 5 ) /PAS染色 ,观察十二指肠胃上皮化生 ,并进行治疗随访。结果　 117例霜斑样溃疡均表现为在充血、水肿的黏膜面有点状或片状的白色霜斑苔覆盖 ,检出率占同期 5 10 6例内镜检查数的 2 2 9% ,同期 2 38例十二指肠溃疡的 4 9 2 %。病理形态学以淋巴细胞、浆细胞及中性粒细胞浸润为主 ,常伴有浅表糜烂。病理诊断为慢性活动性十二指肠炎 6 1例 ,慢性十二指肠炎 5 0例 ,嗜酸性十二指肠炎 6例。 6 1例慢性活动性十二指肠炎中伴有浅表糜烂 4 5例。十二指肠霜斑样溃疡中窦部HP检出率 5 8 1% (6 8/ 117) ,球部HP检出率 11 1% (13/ 117) ;球部胃上皮化生检出率 31 1% (37/ 117) ;均明显高于同期球部正常及慢性十二指肠炎标本 (P均 <0 0 0 1)。 2 1例经抑酸或加抗菌治疗后 4周内镜复查 ,病变愈合 ,无瘢痕形成。结论　儿童十二指肠霜斑样溃疡是十二指肠炎症或糜烂的一种特殊表现 ,不是真正溃疡 ,其发生与窦部或球部HP感染、胃酸分泌增加有关 ,治疗以抑酸抗菌为主 ,预后良好     

Primary gastroduodenal ulcers in children. A multicenter study of 58 cases of endoscopic or surgical diagnosis

A retrospective cooperative survey allowed analysis of 58 endoscopically (56) or surgically (2) proven ulcers in children. Drugs or stress induced lesions and ulcers in neonates were excluded from the study. The distribution was as follows: 39 (67%) males, 19 (33%) females, 42 (72%) duodenal, 16 (28%) gastric; 45 children were older than 7 years; a family history of ulcer was present in parents and/or siblings of 12 patients (38%). Ulcer was diagnosed on the occasion of a complication in 39 children (67%). Endoscopy performed in 53 children first detected the ulcer in 51 (in 5 instances at the second examination only). In the remaining 5 children, ulcer was proven endoscopically after radiologic examination was performed. The endoscopic and radiologic data were compared at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up. 31 children were checked endoscopically 3 months after diagnosis and lesions were still present in 21. 10 children were operated on. In these children, evolution is unpredictable and endoscopic check-ups are necessary.