ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Nodular duodenitis is defined as two or more erythematous nodules in the duodenum, with surrounding inflammation and with or without apical erosions. But the clinical features and natural history of nodular duodenitis remain largely undefined, therefore we examined clinical, endoscopic and pathologic features of nodular duodenitis in children to find about its natural history, relationship between endoscopic and pathologic findings, relationship between Helicobacter pylori and nodular duodenitis as well as clinical response to antisecretory therapy. METHODS: Forty-nine children presented with chronic abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion showed nodular duodenitis on gastroduodenoscopic examinations at the Department of pediatrics of Hangyang University Hospital from January 1995 to August 1997. Endoscopic and pathologic findings were graded and the correlation coefficient between endoscopic and pathologic grades were analyzed. Clinical responses to therapy were compared between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-associated and non H. pylori-associated children. RESULTS: The chief most common complaint was chronic abdominal pain and this disease was most commonly developed in females and in school-aged children. In endoscopic examinations, Grade 1 was the most commonly noted, while in pathologic examinations, Grade 2 was most common. The correlation coefficient between endoscopic and pathologic findings was 0.278 (P= 0.053). Clinical symptoms were improved by H2-blocker or anti-H. pylori therapy in most patients. CONCLUSION: There was no significant correlation between endoscopic and pathologic grades. H. pylori infection may be an etiologic factor of nodular duodenitis in some cases.