duodenal ulcer

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duodenal ulcer (DU) (dew-ŏ-deen-ăl) n. an ulcer in the duodenum, caused by the action of acid and pepsin on the duodenal lining (mucosa) of a susceptible individual. Symptoms include pain in the upper abdomen and vomiting; complications include bleeding (see haematemesis), perforation, and obstruction due to scarring (see pyloric stenosis). See also Helicobacter.

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