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Intestinal strictures presenting with gastrointestinal blood loss.
P Nanjundiah1, C H Lifschitz, G S Gopalakrishna
1Texas Children's Hospital, Houston.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Intestinal strictures can cause chronic gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia, even without significant obstruction. Consider strictures with ulcers in the differential diagnosis for unexplained blood loss.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Intestinal strictures typically present with obstructive symptoms like abdominal distention and vomiting.
- Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss from ulcers at stricture sites is not widely recognized as a primary manifestation.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with intestinal strictures showing minimal signs of obstruction.
- These patients exhibited significant GI bleeding and anemia as the main clinical features.
Findings:
- Intestinal strictures, particularly those with associated ulcers, can manifest primarily as chronic GI blood loss and anemia.
- Obstructive symptoms may be minimal or absent in such cases.
Implications:
- Intestinal strictures with ulcers should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with chronic GI bleeding and anemia.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary for persistent GI blood loss from strictures when other causes are ruled out.