Non-operative treatment for perforated gastro-duodenal peptic ulcer in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Clinical characteristics and complications of Duchenne muscular dystrophy caused by skeletal and cardiac muscle degeneration are well known. Gastro-intestinal involvement has also been recognised in these patients. However an acute perforated gastro-duodenal peptic ulcer has not been documented up to now.


METHODS
A 26-year-old male with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of acute perforated gastro-duodenal peptic ulcer is treated non-operatively with naso-gastric suction and intravenous medication. Gastrointestinal involvement in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and therapeutic considerations in a high risk patient are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-surgical treatment for perforated gastro-duodenal peptic ulcer should be considered in high risk patients, as is the case in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Patients must be carefully observed and operated on if non-operative treatment is unsuccessful.
Brinkman
Justus-Martijn
JM
Department of Orthopaedics, VU medical centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. jm.brinkman@zonnet.nl
Oddens
Jorg R
JR
Van Royen
Barend J
BJ
Wever
Jan
J
Olsman
Jan G
JG
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000150:complications*; D010439:Peptic Ulcer Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*