Which test is commonly used to visualize Peptic Ulcers directly?

Upper endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is the test commonly used to directly visualize peptic ulcers. This procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera through the mouth and into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, allowing the physician to examine the inner lining of these structures in real time. Through upper endoscopy, any potential ulcers can be directly visualized, biopsies can be taken if necessary, and therapeutic interventions, such as cauterization or balloon dilation, can be performed.

Other imaging modalities, while useful in certain clinical situations, do not directly visualize ulcers. For instance, ultrasound is primarily used for assessing abdominal organs but typically does not provide detailed images of the gastrointestinal tract. A barium swallow study can visualize the upper GI tract and may show abnormalities, but it is not as definitive as an upper endoscopy for diagnosing peptic ulcers specifically. CT scans offer detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen but are more commonly used for assessing complications of ulcers, such as perforation or bleeding, rather than directly visualizing the ulcers themselves.