Healing and recurrence of duodenal ulcers in relation to the acid-secreting area.

The relation of the gastric acid-secreting area to the healing and recurrence of duodenal ulcers was examined in 67 patients with duodenal ulcers. Studies were made by the endoscopic Congo red test developed at this institute. Results indicate a close correlation between the healing and recurrence of duodenal ulcers, and the extent of the acid-secreting area. In general, when the acid-secreting area was large, the ulcers did not heal satisfactorily within 4 weeks after initiation of medical treatment and frequently recurred. In contrast, when the acid-secreting area was small, the ulcers tended to heal rapidly and not to recur.