Sonographic diagnosis of recurrent ulcer penetrating the anterior abdominal wall

Abstract

Penetration of a recurrent ulcer into the anterior abdominal wall after surgical treatment of peptic ulcer disease is a rare surgical emergency. Early diagnosis is essential, but there are no specific radiographic or endoscopic features. We report 2 cases of recurrent ulcer penetration into the anterior abdominal wall diagnosed preoperatively with transabdominal sonography. The ulcers appeared as cavity lesions, with hyperechoic bases that had destroyed the continuity of the stomach wall. Associated findings were a minimal amount of fluid around the ulcer cavity and a hypoechoic area considered secondary to inflammation or edema. The diagnoses were confirmed at laparotomy.