Gastrointestinal haemorrhage from small bowel duplication.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Genetics

Background:

• Small bowel duplication is a rare congenital anomaly, typically diagnosed in infancy or childhood.
• Congenital duplications of the gastrointestinal tract can occur anywhere from the esophagus to the rectum.
• While most cases present in early life, adult presentations are exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A unique case of small bowel duplication in an adult patient presenting with significant gastrointestinal hemorrhage is reported.
• This presentation is notable due to the patient's age, as most documented cases occur in pediatric populations.
• The clinical manifestation of gastrointestinal bleeding highlights a potential, albeit uncommon, presentation of this anomaly.

Findings:

• The reported case represents the first documented instance of small bowel duplication presenting with gastrointestinal hemorrhage in an adult.
• Literature review indicates a strong predilection for diagnosis in younger individuals, making this adult case statistically significant.
• Pathogenesis of small bowel duplication, likely related to aberrant embryonic development, is discussed in the context of this adult presentation.

Implications:

• This case expands the known clinical spectrum of small bowel duplication, emphasizing the need for consideration in adult patients with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Understanding the pathogenesis may offer insights into developmental errors, potentially aiding in diagnosing and managing similar rare congenital conditions.
• The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for gastrointestinal bleeding in adults, including rare congenital anomalies.