Ulcerative-Obstructive Lesions of the Small Intestine

Abstract

Primary nonspecific ulceration of the small intestine is a unique and characteristic lesion. The ulcer, usually single, occurs in the wall of the ileum or jejunum and is frequently accompanied by an annular ring of fibrous tissue. Perforation, although not common, does occur. The presenting symptoms are generally those of small-bowel obstruction, and the treatment is surgical. This lesion was first described by Mattew Baillie in 1805, and since then has rarely been described in the medical literature. A review in 19631produced only 170 case reports. During the summer of 1964, a few scattered cases were reported describing a similar small intestinal lesion occurring in patients being treated with various formulations of potassium chloride or a diuretic for oral administration. In September and November 1964 two publications appeared, one by Lindholmer, Nyman, and Raf2from Stockholm, and the other by Baker, Schrader, and Hitchcock3from Minneapolis.