A 33-year-old woman presents with black stools. Laboratory studies demonstrate a hypochromic, microcytic anemia. Upper GI endoscopy reveals a duodenal ulcer. Which of the following best describes the stools in this patient with peptic ulcer disease?
Melena (black stool) is a symptom of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Blood from ruptured esophageal varices or a peptic ulcer is partially digested by hydrochloric acid. Hemoglobin is transformed into a black pigment (hematin), which imparts a typical "coffee-grounds" color to the stool. Hematemesis (choice A) is vomiting of blood. Hematobilia (choice B) is bleeding into the biliary passages, as a complication of trauma or neoplasia. Hematochezia (choice C) is passage of bloody stools caused by lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Steatorrhea (choice E) is passage of fatty stools caused by pancreatic disease and malabsorption.Diagnosis: Peptic ulcer disease
Hematemesis
Hematobilia
Hematochezia
Melena
Hemodynamics