The prevalence of gastroduodenal mucosal injuries in aspirin users.

Aspirin is a widely used medication for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The gastrointestinal risks of aspirin are well known, but the frequency of gastroduodenal mucosal injuries in aspirin users in Thailand is currently unknown. The present study was performed to investigate the prevalence of gastroduodenal mucosal injuries in asymptomatic aspirin users. Asymptomatic patients taking low doses ofaspirin without gastroprotective medication were enrolled and underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy One hundred four patients were endoscoped. The prevalence of gastroduodenal mucosal injuries (erosions or ulcer) was 63.5%. The prevalence of gastroduodenal mucosal injuries was very high in asymptomatic aspirin users.