Common Duodenitis—Of any Clinical Import?

Abstract

NOW that the technical capabilities of gastroenterology have been developed to the point that about two thirds of the duodenum are routinely accessible for both endoscopy and biopsy, the clinician is finding it necessary—really for the first time—to decide what the discovery of means for his patient. The older clinician no doubt remembers well his period of disillusionment over the importance of gastric mucosal inflammation generated during the World War II era by the gastroscopists and their wholly unrealistic interpretations of gastritis. Perhaps he also remembers how clarification of the practical clinical aspects of the whole concept came only after peroral mucosal biopsy techniques had been developed. Definition of Duodenitis Will common duodenitis eventually prove more than a diagnostic excuse for the clinician? Is there danger of being drawn into another gastritis trap? A definition is in order and, lest an error be repeated, it must be a