Primary ulcer of the jejunum

Summary

• 1. Primary jejunal ulcer is reported quite infrequently in the medical literature.

• 2. A proven case of Primary jejunal ulcer of the “Simple” type with successful surgical removal is here reported.

• 3. There are no pathognomonic signs or symptoms of the lesion. Absorption of blood within the small intestine is often associated with disproportionately high temperature, as in the case reported.

• 4. The occasional occurrence of primary chronic ulcer of the jejunum must be kept in mind, when there is a clinical impression of ulcer and gastro-duodenal X-ray and gastroscopic findings are negative.

• 5. In case of excruciating pain and abdominal signs of ruptured viscus in the upper half of the abdomen, the occasional occurrence of ruptured primary jejunal ulcer must be remembered.

• 6. In cases of hemorrhage from the upper gastrointestinal tract, conservative management should be tempered with careful watchfulness and due regard for the fact that the occasional bleeding primary jejunal ulcer has an overwhelming tendency to rupture and is therefore probably best handled surgically.