DU
Medical abbreviation · Gastroenterology
| Stands for | Duodenal ulcer |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
DU stands for Duodenal ulcer, a gastroenterology abbreviation.
Peptic ulcer in the first part of the duodenum, usually the bulb, historically more frequent than gastric ulcers. Pain often eases with food and returns two to three hours after meals or at night; H. pylori is found in most cases not caused by NSAIDs.
Example: EGD: 8 mm clean-based DU in the bulb, rapid urease test positive, start bismuth quadruple therapy.
Usage notes
A bleeding ulcer on the posterior wall of the bulb can erode the gastroduodenal artery, a classic cause of massive upper GI hemorrhage. Endoscopists grade bleeding stigmata with the Forrest classification, which guides whether endoscopic therapy is needed. Because malignancy is rare, the ulcer itself is not routinely biopsied.
Related abbreviations
More gastroenterology abbreviations
- CP – Chronic pancreatitis
- CRC – Colorectal cancer
- CTC – Computed tomographic colonography
- CTP – Child-Turcotte-Pugh score
- CVS – Cyclic vomiting syndrome
- DILI – Drug-induced liver injury
- EGD – Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- EMR – Endoscopic mucosal resection
- EoE – Eosinophilic esophagitis
- EPI – Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- ERCP – Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- ESD – Endoscopic submucosal dissection
See all 85 gastroenterology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.