Non-Helicobacter pylori, Non-NSAID Peptic Ulcer Disease: An Important Consideration in the Evaluation of Patients with Gastric or Duodenal Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are common although the pattern of aetiology is changing. The traditionally most frequent causes of Helicobacter pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory toxicity are likely to assume less relative importance as the proportion of cases attributed to other causes rises. Primary care physicians should be aware the pathogenesis of peptic ulceration in non-H. pylori non-NSAID induced disease. This article considers the various less prevalent causes of peptic ulcers and outlines their evaluation and management. Greater awareness of such conditions will improve patient care when traditional causes and remedies are absent.