Gastric ulcer

A mucosal defect in the gastric lining extending through the muscularis mucosa, typically >5 mm in diameter, caused by disruption of gastric mucosal defenses and injury from acid, infection, medications, or excessive acid secretion.

Causes

• Helicobacter pylori infection

• NSAIDs

• ICU patients: Major trauma, burns, or critical systemic disease

• Smoking

• Acid hypersecretion disorders

  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

  • Gastrin-secreting tumors