Oesophageal Ulcer

Oesophageal ulcers reflect significant damage to the lining of the oesophagus leading to holes witin the lining revealing the underlying tissues. In days prior to the advent of proton pump inhibitors large and even perforating oeasophageal ulcers were much more common. This is becaise historically the great majority of ulcers related to severe gastro-oesophageal reflux. Whilst some patients still have severe reflu leading to ulceration a number of other causes also manifest with oesophageal ulceation, includug infection (CMV, herpes) other infections or drugs such as oral bisphosphonates. Lithium ion (button) batteries may also cause ulceration.

Rarely gastrinomas may cause a combination of duodenal, gastric and oesophageal ulcers.