What is the preferred method for diagnosing peptic ulcer disease (PUD)?

Upper GI endoscopy is the preferred method for diagnosing peptic ulcer disease (PUD) because it allows for direct visualization of the gastrointestinal mucosa, enabling physicians to identify the presence of ulcers, their size, and their location. This method is highly accurate and can differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. During the procedure, biopsy samples can also be collected if necessary, which aids in evaluating potential complications and ruling out malignancy.

While barium swallow studies can provide some information about the upper gastrointestinal tract and detect abnormalities, they do not allow for direct visualization of the mucosa or the ability to perform biopsies. CT scans of the abdomen are useful in assessing complications of ulcers, such as perforation or abscess formation, but they are not the first-line diagnostic tool for identifying ulcers themselves. Ultrasound of the abdomen is generally not effective for diagnosing PUD, as it has limited utility in visualizing the gastric and duodenal mucosa compared to endoscopy. Thus, upper GI endoscopy stands out as the most effective and comprehensive approach to diagnosing peptic ulcer disease.