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Recurrent gastrointestinal hemorrhage: an unusual cause
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 1, 1982
Summary
Gastrointestinal bleeding in a young man, initially unexplained, was linked to pseudoxanthoma elasticum after skin lesions were observed. This highlights the importance of skin examination for obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Dermatology
- Genetics
Background:
- A young male patient presented with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Initial investigations including partial gastrectomy, barium studies, and blood work did not identify the source of bleeding.
Observation:
- The patient exhibited characteristic skin lesions on the neck.
- These dermatological findings prompted a re-evaluation of the gastrointestinal symptoms.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation and skin lesions led to the diagnosis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum.
- Pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a rare genetic disorder, was identified as the underlying cause of the obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical role of dermatological examination in diagnosing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Physicians should consider rare genetic conditions like pseudoxanthoma elasticum in patients with unexplained alimentary hemorrhage and concurrent skin abnormalities.