Peptic ulcer in childhood.

Peptic ulcer in childhood has been considered a relatively rare disease although sporadic reports of its occurrence have appeared. It has not usually been included in the differential diagnosis of conditions causing recurrent abdominal pain or vomiting in the pediatric patient. These data indicate that peptic ulcer is of frequent occurrence and constitutes an important pediatric problem. Psychogenic elements probably play an important role in the disease. The possible relationship of peptic ulcer to cyclic vomiting is suggested.