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Cavernous haemangioma of the jejunum. Long-standing anaemia in a child
U Hansen1, S Boesgaard, J Andersen
1Department of Pathology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
A rare jejunal cavernous hemangioma caused lifelong iron deficiency anemia in a 15-year-old boy. Surgical intervention confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Malformations
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Occult gastrointestinal bleeding can present insidiously, leading to chronic iron deficiency anemia.
- Lifelong anemia in adolescents necessitates thorough investigation into potential underlying causes.
- Vascular malformations, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained bleeding.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male presented with a history of nearly lifelong iron deficiency anemia.
- The anemia was attributed to occult gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Initial diagnostic efforts did not immediately identify the source of bleeding.
Findings:
- Abdominal surgery revealed a cavernous hemangioma of the jejunum as the source of bleeding.
- This rare vascular tumor was the underlying cause of the patient's chronic anemia.
- A systematic diagnostic approach was crucial for identifying this unusual pathology.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare gastrointestinal lesions in cases of persistent unexplained bleeding.
- Emphasizes the role of surgical exploration when less invasive diagnostic methods are inconclusive.
- Underscores the need for a comprehensive diagnostic strategy for pediatric patients with chronic anemia.
Abstract:
A 15-year-old boy who had been examined for almost lifelong iron deficiency anaemia caused by occult gastrointestinal bleeding was eventually, by abdominal surgery, found to have a cavernous haemangioma of the jejunum. A diagnostic approach is described and the importance of systematic evaluation and subsequent diagnosis in such patients is stressed.