Gastric Ulceration in the Pig Subjected to Haemorrhagic Shock

Abstract

Kivilaakso, E., Kalima, T. V. & Lempinen, M. Gastric ulceration in the pig subjected to haemorrhagic shock. Scand. J. Gastroent. 1974, 9, 685–690.

The evolvement of gastric ulcers as well as the morphology of mature lesions were studied in 17 piglets subjected to haemorrhagic shock (mean arterial pressure 40 mm Hg) of 3 hours’ duration. Five animals were discarded because of early death. In all but one of the surviving animals mucosal lesions developed. The first findings, as recorded by endoscopy during exsanguination, involved inhibition, and later, complete cessation of gastric motility, followed by a copious reflux of bile and duodenal contents into the stomach. The first mucosal changes, seen soon after establishment of the shock, comprised a network of ischaemic and hyperaemic areas with extravasation of blood. Towards the end of the shock period small mucosal haematomas developed within these areas. After transfusion these areas became intensely red-coloured with transient focal haemorrhages and, later, small superficial erosions could be seen at these sites. More extensive lesions, confined almost exclusively to the body of the stomach, were seen 24 hours after the shock, including ‘punched-out’ ulcers, superficial ulcerations, and areas of haemorrhagic gastritis.

Key-words::

• Gastric ulcer
• peptic ulcer
• shock, haemorrhagic
• stress