Which anatomical structure is most commonly eroded by a chronic posterior wall duodenal ulcer, leading to massive hemorrhage?

• A Splenic artery
• B Gastroduodenal artery ✓
• C Left gastric artery
• D Superior mesenteric artery

Explanation

Posterior duodenal ulcers lie against the pancreas and penetrate to erode the gastroduodenal artery, which runs behind the first part of the duodenum, causing torrential bleeding that may present without preceding pain. An anterior duodenal ulcer more typically perforates into the peritoneal cavity. The splenic artery is eroded by ulcers on the posterior gastric wall near the hilum, and the left gastric artery by lesser curve gastric ulcers.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.