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[Rupture of ileal varices in a type C liver cirrhosis patient: a case report]

Takahisa Suzuki1, Mutsumi Murayama, Masataka Shinoda

  • 1Department of Gastroenterogy, Toyota Memorial Hospital, Japan. takahisa@mail.toyota.co.jp

Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi = the Japanese Journal of Gastro-Enterology
|August 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Bleeding from small intestinal varices is rare but should be considered in liver cirrhosis patients with unexplained melena. This case highlights ileal varices as a potential source of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Liver cirrhosis frequently leads to gastrointestinal bleeding, typically from esophageal varices.
  • Non-variceal sources of bleeding in cirrhosis patients can be challenging to diagnose.

Observation:

  • A 74-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis presented with recurrent massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Imaging revealed ileal varices (small intestinal varices) and associated collateral veins.

Findings:

  • Ileal varices were surgically resected, with exposed vessels on the mucosal surface identified as the bleeding source.
  • This case demonstrates small intestinal varices as a cause of significant gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Implications:

  • Small intestinal varices should be included in the differential diagnosis for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis.
  • Advanced imaging and surgical intervention may be necessary for diagnosis and management.

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