Recurrent lower gastrointestinal bleeding from congenital arteriovenous malformation in the terminal ileum mimicking intestinal varicosis: a case report

J Korean Med Sci. 2007 Aug;22(4):746-9. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2007.22.4.746.

Abstract

We report on an exceptional vascular cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. A 30-yr-old man was admitted because of recurrent hematochezia. Colonoscopy showed circumferential, erythematous, and nodular vascular distensions with hematocystic spots in the terminal ileum resembling varicosis and subsequent computed tomography with 3-dimensional angiographic reconstruction revealed a vascular architecture around the terminal ileum. No other potential source of bleeding was identified. The patient was treated by ileocecectomy and the final diagnosis was of an arteriovenous malformation confined to the terminal ileum. He has been followed up without a further hemorrhagic episode.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / complications
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Ileum / abnormalities*
  • Intestines / blood supply*
  • Male
  • Recurrence
  • Varicose Veins / etiology
  • Varicose Veins / pathology*