Early and late radiological features of damage to the stomach caused by acid ingestion.

The early and late radiological features of damage to the stomach and duodenum caused by acid ingestion are described based on our experience with ten patients. The radiological features of early corrosive damage to the stomach caused by acid are: gastric atony, thickened mucosal folds and mural filling defects representing mucosal edema, mural hematoma and necrosis. Similar changes, although to a lesser degree, can be seen in the duodenum. Within a few weeks after ingestion there is rapid progression to antropyloric stenosis, leading to gastric outlet obstruction. The clinical and radiological picture of corrosive gastritis may closely resemble that of malignancy of the stomach. Acid ingestion, particularly with suicidal intent, is not a rare occurrence, and the radiologist has an important part in its diagnosis, evaluation and management.