Gastroduodenal artery coiling to curb upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Peptic ulcers are rare in children and can cause severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Endoscopy is used for diagnosis, but angiography is key for definitive bleeding control.
• The efficacy of coil embolization for pediatric peptic ulcers is not well-established.

Observation:

• A 15-year-old male with a history of peptic ulcer disease presented with significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Angiography identified the bleeding source, leading to coil embolization of the gastroduodenal artery.
• While coils eroded into the intestinal lumen, hemorrhagic control was achieved.

Findings:

• Coil embolization of the gastroduodenal artery is a viable option for managing severe bleeding from pediatric peptic ulcers.
• Successful hemorrhage control was achieved despite an unusual complication of coil erosion.

Implications:

• This case suggests coil embolization can be an effective treatment for pediatric peptic ulcer bleeding.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and safety of this procedure in pediatric patients.