Cushing ulcer
A Cushing ulcer, named after Harvey Cushing, is a gastric ulcer associated with elevated intracranial pressure. It is also called von Rokitansky-Cushing syndrome. Apart from the stomach, ulcers may also develop in the proximal duodenum and distal esophagus.Causes
Diagnosis
As Cushing ulcers have a higher incidence of developing after shock, sepsis or trauma, diagnosis should include recent medical history evaluation. Both endoscopy and angiography can be used to locate the lesion or ulcer, though endoscopy is more commonly used as a first-line diagnosis procedure.Treatment
Most episodes of Cushing ulceration resolve on medical intervention, consisting primarily of rinsing the area with saline and the administration of antacids.
Patients should also be put on proton pump inhibitors during the course of treatment until their intracranial pressure lowers to a normal level.
