Abnormal per rectal bleed

Arvinder Harbaksh Singh Singh1

  • 1AIMST University, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia. avinder.singh.r@gmail.com

Insights

A child experienced severe rectal bleeding and fainting after visiting a waterfall. Investigations revealed an unusual cause for this acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Acute per rectal bleeding in children can be alarming.
  • Recent environmental exposure, such as visiting waterfalls, may present diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old girl presented with acute per rectal bleeding and subsequent hypotension and syncope.
  • A history of visiting a waterfall was noted prior to the event.

Findings:

  • The case report details the diagnostic process for identifying the cause of severe rectal bleeding.
  • The investigation uncovered an unexpected etiology linked to the waterfall visit.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of thorough patient history, including environmental exposures, in pediatric emergencies.
  • Underscores the need for considering rare causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in children.
  • Emphasizes prompt and appropriate investigation in cases of acute rectal bleeding with hemodynamic compromise.

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