American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 164, 283-286, Copyright © 1995 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease
JP Cello
3C-31 GI Unit, San Francisco General Hospital, CA 94110.
Since William Beaumont's classic description of gastric physiology in 1847,
the focus of clinical practice and basic research concerning gastric and
duodenal ulcers has centered on the secretion of acid and pepsin. In
addition to these well-known factors (largely determined by heredity, age,
and oral intake), the search for other agents that alter the mucosal
barrier has identified a bacillus, Helicobacter pylori, as a significant
agent in the development of chronic gastritis and benign gastric and
duodenal ulcers. This review explores the scientific evidence for an
important causal role of H. pylori in the development of peptic ulcers on
the basis of pathologic, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic data.