Vascular malformation of the jejunum presenting as obscure gastrointestinal haemorrhage: detection with multidetector CT angiography

Singapore Med J. 2010 Jun;51(6):e103-6.

Abstract

Vascular malformation of the small bowel is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Phlebectasia or venous ectasia is a rare benign vascular anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. We report a 39-year-old Egyptian man presenting with multiple jejunal phlebectasia, liver haemangioma and port-wine naevus. Despite recurrent melaena, the results of various routine investigations, including repeated endoscopic procedure, were negative. The site and aetiology of bleeding was detected using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography and was further confirmed by double-balloon enteroscopy. This report emphasises the potential of MDCT angiography in the diagnosis of small intestine lesions presenting as obscure bleeding.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Double-Balloon Enteroscopy / methods
  • Endoscopy / methods
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemangioma / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Jejunum / abnormalities
  • Jejunum / diagnostic imaging
  • Jejunum / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Port-Wine Stain
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Malformations / diagnosis*
  • Vascular Malformations / diagnostic imaging