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Does the measurement of portal flow velocity have any value in the identification of patients with cirrhosis at risk of digestive bleeding?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a leading cause of death in patients with liver cirrhosis. In most cases haemorrhage originates from oesophageal varices or from congestive gastropathy, and the evaluation of the bleeding risk is based on oesophagogastroduodenoscopic data. The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether the measurement of portal flow velocity by Duplex-Doppler, compared with endoscopic data, can help in detecting patients with cirrhosis at risk of bleeding. One hundred and seventy-three patients underwent endoscopy to ascertain the size of the varices and the severity of congestive gastropathy. For each patient maximal portal flow velocity measurements were obtained. No difference in portal flow velocity was observed between patients with or without oesophageal varices or congestive gastropathy. During a 2-year observation period, 27 patients (15.6%) had at least one episode of acute digestive bleeding. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated a correlation between oesophageal varices and congestive gastropathy endoscopic grading and the incidence of bleeding; only the former was entered into the final regression equation (p < 0.001). No relationship between the max portal flow velocity value and incidence of bleeding was found. This study shows that portal flow velocity is unrelated to the degree of the endoscopic abnormalities in patients with liver cirrhosis and that it has no value in the identification of patients with cirrhosis at risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Adult↗

Topical adrenaline in the control of intraoperative bleeding in adenoidectomy: a randomised, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of topical racemic adrenaline (RA) (Micronefrin; Bird Products, Palm Springs, CA, USA) in the control of intraoperative bleeding and the prevention of postoperative bleeding, laryngeal spasm and postoperative pain in adenoidectomy among children <6 years of age. DESIGN: Prospective, randomised, blinded and placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Kanta-Hame Central Hospital, a district referral center in Finland. PATIENTS: A consecutive sample of 93 children undergoing outpatient adenoidectomy. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomised to receive topical gauze sponges soaked in either 1:500 RA or 0.9% sodium chloride (physiological saline) for 3 min after adenoidectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Amount of intraoperative bleeding (surgeons' subjective estimate), need for additional packings, need for electrocautery, laryngeal spasm, postoperative bleeding and pain, duration of procedure and duration of patients' stay in the operation room (OR). RESULTS: Adrenaline significantly decreased surgeons' subjective estimate of the amount of intraoperative bleeding (proportion of patients with significant decrease 67 versus 21%, P < 0.001), reduced the mean number of packings needed (0.6 versus 1.2, P < 0.001) and use of electrocautery (22 versus 45%, P = 0.015), and shortened the mean duration of the procedure (13 versus 18 min, P = 0.043) and the mean stay in the OR (31 versus 35 min, P = 0.058). The impact of adrenaline was even more pronounced among patients with extensive adenoids and/or profuse intraoperative bleeding. A slight elevation of heart rate was observed more often in the adrenaline group (P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Use of topical adrenaline can be recommended in adenoidectomy among children. It helps control the intraoperative bleeding, reduces the use of electrocautery and shortens the durations of procedure and stay in the OR.

Adenoidectomy↗

Emergency arteriography in acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

Emergency arteriography was carried out on 35 patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding, in 31 of them within two hours of active bleeding (a haematemisis; a diagnostic change in central venous pressure, pulse rate, or blood pressure; or gastric aspiration of fresh blood). A definite site of bleeding was identified in 27 patients (77%)-this being a small-intestinal vascular abnormality in three--and a probable site in three. Confirmation of the bleeding site was obtained in 20 out of 23 patients treated surgically. An intra-arterial vasoconstrictor infusion was given as a temporary measure before surgery in seven patients, only one of whom showed active bleeding at operation. An intra-arterial vasoconstrictor infusion was tried as definitive treatment in an additional 10 patients, but in four out of seven with a chronic ulcer bleeding recurred after 5-68 hours and was therefore treated surgically. We recommend the diagnostic use of arteriography in patients with reliable evidence of active bleeding if its site cannot be determined by endoscopy. We do not recommend its therapeutic use in those with a chronic ulcer, except to facilitate resuscitation before surgery; further studies are needed to define its role in those with an acute lesion.

Aged↗

Patterns of bleeding in adolescents with severe haemophilia A.

Eighty-two boys with severe haemophilia A who spent some time at Lord Mayor Treloar College during 1973-7 were studied. All episodes of bleeding that occurred during term time were recorded, along with the number of transfusions. The bleeding frequency among these boys, most of them aged 10-17 years, increased steadily from 8,31 episodes/100 days in 1973 to 12,63 episodes/100 days in 1977. At the same time there was a steady fall in bleeding frequency with age. Altogether 24% of bleeding episodes were into the elbow joint, 22% into the knee, and 15% into the ankle. As the boys grew older the proportion of bleeding episodes in the legs declined and that in the arms increased. The overall results reflect the fact that special schools now see only the severest cases of haemophilia. The pattern of bleeding during adolescence suggests that concepts of management of arm bleeding need modifying.

Adolescent↗

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with AIDS: a relatively uncommon condition associated with reduced survival.

To determine the cumulative incidence of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and its effect upon survival in patients with AIDS, 453 consecutive AIDS patients diagnosed in our hospital between June 1985 and March 1989 were followed for a median period of six months (maximum 42 months). The cumulative probability of acute gastrointestinal bleeding was 3% at six months and 6% at 14 months. This event was associated with significantly reduced survival. Independent risk factors for bleeding were: severe thrombocytopenia at the time of diagnosis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as the first clinical manifestation of AIDS. The potential causes of bleeding were investigated in all cases by emergency endoscopy or by necropsy examination in those patients whose clinical condition precluded the procedure. In nine of 15 patients, bleeding was due to lesions specifically associated with AIDS, but in the remainder the source of bleeding was not a direct consequence of HIV infection. We conclude that acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding rarely complicates the course of AIDS, but its occurrence is associated with decreased survival. As many of the causes are potentially treatable, a complete diagnostic approach is indicated in these patients, except those who are terminally ill.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Morbidity and treatment in elderly patients surviving hospital admission with bleeding peptic ulcer.

Bleeding peptic ulcer in the elderly is associated with use of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin, presenting a therapeutic dilemma for the treatment of survivors. To determine the longterm morbidity of patients surviving bleeding peptic ulcer and their treatment, with particular reference to NSAID use, this study followed up 487 patients aged over 60 years, who survived an episode of bleeding peptic ulcer in Nottingham during 1986 to 1991. Information was gathered by evaluation of general practitioner and hospital records, scrutiny of death certificates, and postal questionnaire to surviving patients. Of 487 patients surviving a bleeding peptic ulcer, 345 were alive at the follow up, a mean 34.2 months after discharge. Of these 201 (58%) had taken NSAIDs before their ulcer bleed (104 non-aspirin NSAIDs, 77 aspirin, 20 both). Compared with non-users, the patients using NSAIDs at the time of presentation were significantly more likely subsequently to consult their general practitioner with locomotor symptoms (56% v 35%, p < 0.001) and receive further NSAIDs (34% v 13%, p < 0.001), but significantly less likely to consult their general practitioner for dyspepsia (31% v 54%, p < 0.001). Antiulcer drug use was widespread in both groups, with an overall point prevalence of 44%. Seventy five patients received NSAIDs during the follow up period (69% with coprescription of antiulcer drugs, usually H2 antagonists). Recurrent peptic ulcer, ulcer complications, and ulcer related deaths were uncommon. Antiulcer drug use was lower in those with ulcer recurrence compared with the point prevalence in those without (17% v 44%, p < 0.05). Patient questionnaire responses confirmed a high level of locomotor symptoms especially in patients previously admitted with NSAID associated ulcer bleeding. In conclusion, in patients surviving peptic ulcer bleeding, recurrent ulcer complications and death seem to be lower than reported by studies that preceded the advent of antiulcer drugs. It is suggested that this low incidence may be a consequence of their use. Granted the low level of recurrent ulceration and the high level of locomotor symptoms in patients studied, current treatment may unduly emphasise the importance of stopping NSAIDs in this group of patients.

Aged↗

Factors related to the failure of endoscopic injection therapy for bleeding gastric ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic injection therapy is effective in controlling initial haemorrhage from peptic ulcer, between 10% to 30% of patients suffer rebleeding. AIM: To assess the factors that may predict the failure of endoscopic injection in patients bleeding from high risk gastric ulcer. SUBJECTS: One hundred and seventy eight patients admitted for a gastric ulcer with a bleeding or a non-bleeding visible vessel were included. METHODS: Patients received endoscopic therapy by injection for adrenaline and polidocanol. Twelve clinical and endoscopic variables were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to ascertain their significance as predictive factor of therapeutic failure. RESULTS: Eighty seven per cent (155 of 178) of patients had no further bleeding after endoscopic therapy. Endoscopic injection failed in 23 (13%) patients: 20 (12%) continued to bleed or rebleed, and three (1%) patients could not be treated because of inaccessibility of the lesion. Logistic regression analysis showed that therapeutic failure was significantly related to: (1) the presence of hypovolaemic shock (p = 0.09, OR 2.38, 95% CI: 0.86, 6.56), (2) the presence of active bleeding at endoscopy (p = 0.02, OR 2.98, 95% CI: 1.12, 7.91), (3) ulcer location high on the lesser curvature (p = 0.04, OR 2.79, 95% CI: 1.01, 7.69), and (4) ulcer size larger than 2 cm (p = 0.01, OR 3.64, 95% CI: 1.34, 9.89). CONCLUSION: These variables may enable identification of those patients bleeding from gastric ulcer who would not benefit from injection therapy.

Aged↗

Anti-inflammatory drugs and variceal bleeding: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can have severe gastrointestinal effects and cause peptic ulcers to bleed. Acute bleeding from oesophageal varices is a major complication of cirrhosis of the liver. AIMS: To investigate the role, using a case-control study, of NSAIDs in first bleeding episodes associated with oesophageal or cardial varices in cirrhotic patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: A structured interview was conducted of 125 cirrhotic patients with bleeding mainly related to oesophageal varices and 75 cirrhotic controls with oesophageal varices who had never bled. RESULTS: Cirrhotic patients who were admitted for bleeding related to portal hypertension were more likely to have used NSAIDs during the week before the index day (31 of 125 (25%)) than the cirrhotic controls (eight of 75 (11%); odds ratio = 2.8, p = 0.016). Use of aspirin alone or combined with other NSAIDs was also more prevalent in the cases (21 of 125 (17%)) than in the controls (three of 75 (4%); odds ratio = 4.9, p = 0.007). Logistic regression analysis showed that NSAID use (p = 0.022, odds ratio = 2. 9, 95% confidence interval = 1.8 to 4.7) and variceal size (p<0.001, odds ratio = 4.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.4 to 11.5) were the only variables independently associated with the risk of bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin, used alone or combined with other NSAIDs, was associated with a first variceal bleeding episode in patients with cirrhosis. Given the life threatening nature of this complication, the possible benefit of this treatment should be weighed against the risk shown here. No firm conclusions could be drawn on non-aspirin NSAIDs used alone.

Adult↗

Risk of ulcer bleeding in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Helicobacter pylori is an independent risk factor for bleeding peptic ulcer in users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin. DESIGN: A prospective matched case-control study. SETTING: Odense University Hospital, Denmark. SUBJECTS: 132 patients with a bleeding peptic ulcer (n=124) or haemorrhagic gastritis (n=8) at endoscopy who had taken an NSAID in the previous week and 136 controls who had taken NSAIDs without gastrointestinal complications. The controls were recruited from rheumatology and geriatric outpatient clinics. MEASUREMENTS: H pylori status assessed by serology and 13C-urea breath test and regarded as positive if either test was positive. Data on potential confounding factors including smoking and alcohol were collected by interview. MAIN RESULT: H pylori was present in 57% of cases and 43% of controls. The adjusted odds ratio of bleeding from a peptic ulcer owing to H pylori infection in NSAID users was 1.81 (95% CI 1.02 to 3.21) and was similar in aspirin and non-aspirin NSAID users. Peptic ulcer bleeding was also statistically significantly associated with a history of previous ulcer bleeding, dyspepsia within the previous 3 months, drinking alcohol but not with smoking. About 16% of bleeding peptic ulcers in NSAID users could be attributed to H pylori infection. CONCLUSION: NSAID users infected with H pylori have an almost doubled risk of bleeding peptic ulcer compared with uninfected NSAID users.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Wireless capsule endoscopy: a comparison with push enteroscopy in patients with gastroscopy and colonoscopy negative gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: The development of wireless capsule endoscopy allows painless imaging of the small intestine. Its clinical use is not yet defined. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and technical performance of capsule endoscopy and push enteroscopy in a series of 50 patients with colonoscopy and gastroscopy negative gastrointestinal bleeding. METHODS: A wireless capsule endoscope was used containing a CMOS colour video imager, transmitter, and batteries. Approximately 50,000 transmitted images are received by eight abdominal aerials and stored on a portable solid state recorder, which is carried on a belt. Push enteroscopy was performed using a 240 cm Olympus video enteroscope. RESULTS: Studies in 14 healthy volunteers gave information on normal anatomical appearances and preparation. In 50 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding and negative colonoscopy and gastroscopy, push enteroscopy was compared with capsule endoscopy. A bleeding source was discovered in the small intestine in 34 of 50 patients (68%). These included angiodysplasia (16), focal fresh bleeding (eight), apthous ulceration suggestive of Crohn's disease (three), tumour (two), Meckel's diverticulum (two), ileal ulcer (one), jejunitis (one), and ulcer due to intussusception (one). One additional intestinal diagnosis was made by enteroscopy. The yield of push enteroscopy in evaluating obscure bleeding was 32% (16/50). The capsule identified significantly more small intestinal bleeding sources than push enteroscopy (p<0.05). Patients preferred capsule endoscopy to push enteroscopy (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study capsule endoscopy was superior to push enteroscopy in the diagnosis of recurrent bleeding in patients who had a negative gastroscopy and colonoscopy. It was safe and well tolerated.

Adolescent↗

Gastrointestinal bleeding: improved localization with cine scintigraphy.

Studies of gastrointestinal bleeding, done with technetium-99m-labeled red blood cells were performed in 52 consecutive patients to determine whether cinematic acquisition and display localized sites of bleeding more accurately than did conventional static imaging. Computerized images were obtained for 15 seconds per image in 15-minute sets. Interpretations based on a cinematic display were compared with those based on standard 1-minute images obtained every 5 minutes. Pathologic confirmation of a site of bleeding was obtained in 21 patients. The cinematic display demonstrated bleeding not seen on static images and yielded either more accurate localization or increased sensitivity in eight of 21 patients (38%). Linear regression showed that the cinematic correlation (r = .98) to the actual site of bleeding was better than either of two readers' interpretations of the static display (r = .93, P less than .02; and r = .88, P less than .0004). The mean error for cinematic localization of bleeding (0.4 anatomic segments +/- 0.6 [standard deviation]) was less than that for the static interpretations (1.1 anatomic segments +/- 1.4) (P less than .01). It is concluded that computerized cinematic acquisition and display of scintigrams improves localization and detection of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Adult↗

Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding: use of thrombolysis with anticoagulation in diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and diagnostic accuracy of a provocative protocol with heparin and urokinase to induce bleeding and determine the source in patients with chronic gastrointestinal hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients had gastrointestinal bleeding from an indeterminate source and had negative results from esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, small-bowel examination, and angiography. Ten provocative bleeding studies were performed prospectively. Patients had no clinical evidence of bleeding within 2 days before the study. Intravenous administration of heparin and urokinase was performed systemically during a 4-hour period while scintigraphy was performed continuously. Mesenteric angiography was performed immediately in patients in whom substantial gastrointestinal bleeding was detected at scintigraphy. RESULTS: The provocative protocol was successful in inducing scintigraphically detectable hemorrhage in four (40%) studies within 4 hours. In two of these four studies, the source of hemorrhage was determined and treated with embolization or surgery. Three (30%) studies demonstrated scintigraphic evidence of hemorrhage only at delayed imaging (8-24 hours after initiation of the study). The remaining three (30%) studies did not show active bleeding. No complications occurred, including hemodynamic instability or uncontrollable decreases in hematocrit. CONCLUSION: Since this protocol with heparin and urokinase enabled determination of the bleeding source in only two of 10 studies, protocol modifications are necessary before this intervention is used widely.

Adult↗

Octreotide in the control of post-sclerotherapy bleeding from oesophageal varices, ulcers and oesophagitis.

Bleeding from oesophageal varices, oesophageal ulcers or oesophagitis is occasionally massive and difficult to control. Octreotide, a synthetic analogue of somatostin lowers portal pressure and collateral blood flow including that through varices, increases lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, and inhibits the gastric secretion of acid as well as pepsin. Our current experience suggests it is effective in controlling acute variceal haemorrhage. Therefore we have examined the efficacy of octreotide in the control of post-sclerotherapy bleeding from oesophageal varices, oesophageal ulcers and oesophagitis. During the study period 77 patients experienced a significant gastrointestinal bleed (blood pressure < 100 mm Hg, pulse > 100 beats per min or the need to transfuse 2 or more units of blood to restore the hemoglobin level) following injection sclerotherapy of oesophageal varices. The source of bleeding was varices in 42 patients, oesophageal ulcers in 31 and oesophagitis in 4. All patients received a continuous intravenous infusion of octreotide (50 micrograms/h) for between 40-140h. If bleeding was not controlled in the first 12h after commencing octreotide hourly bolus doses (50 micrograms) for 24h were superimposed on the continuous infusion. Haemorrhage was successfully controlled by an infusion of octreotide in 38 of the 42 patients with bleeding from varices, in 30 of 31 patients with oesophageal ulceration, and all patients with oesophagitis. In the 1 patient with persistent bleeding from oesophageal ulceration and in 2 of the 4 with continued haemorrhage from varices, haemostasis was achieved by hourly boluses of 50 micrograms octreotide for 24h in addition to the continuous infusion. No major complications were associated with octreotide administration. The results of this study clearly indicate that octreotide is a safe and effective treatment for the control of severe haemorrhage after technically successful injection of sclerotherapy.

Adult↗

Wireless capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: a single-centre, one-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Wireless capsule endoscopy (CE) is increasingly being used in the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, but some studies have found that many of the bleeding lesions recognized by this technique are within the reach of conventional endoscopy. METHODS: The results of CE performed in the authors' centre in a 12 month period for obscure GI bleeding were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients with obscure GI bleeding, CE found a definite or probable cause in 19 (41%) and a possible cause in another 10 (22%), with an overall diagnostic yield of 63%. One of these lesions was found to be within reach of conventional gastroscopy, two were within reach of push enteroscopy, four were within reach of colonoscopy and one was within reach of retrograde enteroscopy through a stoma. The percentage of patients with a bleeding source within reach of routine endoscopy but missed during pre-CE endoscopy was significantly higher for those patients having endoscopy only in the community (30% [eight of 27]) versus in the authors' centre (0% [zero of 19]). CONCLUSIONS: CE was valuable for diagnosing bleeding lesions not only within the small bowel, but also in the stomach and colon. However, "second-look" endoscopy may be considered before ordering CE for obscure GI bleeding when local expertise is available.

Adult↗

[Influence of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastroduodenal ulcers or erosions in patients with liver cirrhosis].

INTRODUCTION: Peptic ulcer disease, with or without complications, is more common in patients with liver cirrhosis than in the general population. Factors associated with portal hypertension are involved in its pathogenesis. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with liver cirrhosis and the general population is similar. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the etiology of bleeding peptic ulcer disease in patients with liver cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 35 patients with liver cirrhosis and gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastroduodenal ulcers or erosions (group A), 125 noncirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastroduodenal ulcers or erosions (group B), and 70 patients with liver cirrhosis who were admitted to hospital without gastrointestinal bleeding (group C). All patients were questioned about NSAID consumption, including aspirin, during the week prior to hospital admission. RESULTS: NSAID consumption was reported by 15 patients (42.8%) in group A, 102 patients (58.2%) in group B, and 6 patients (8.5%) in group C. Statistically significant differences were obtained when the results for group A were compared with those for group C. CONCLUSIONS: NSAID consumption in patients with liver cirrhosis without gastrointestinal bleeding was low (8.5%) and was much lower than that observed in patients with cirrhosis admitted to hospital for bleeding due to gastroduodenal ulcers or erosions (42.8%). As occurs in the general population, NSAIDs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of bleeding due to peptic ulcer disease in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Aged↗

Somatostatin in the treatment of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

The efficacies of somatostatin and octreotide have been widely studied in the control of bleeding from oesophageal varices. It has also been suggested that these drugs may be useful for the control of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding, including that from peptic ulcers. In approximately 80% of patients presenting with non-variceal UGI bleeding, haemorrhage ceases spontaneously and does not recur. However, the remaining 20% of patients require active treatment. Results from recent studies have indicated that somatostatin is an effective treatment for the control of non-variceal UGI bleeding in high-risk patients, i.e. those in whom haemorrhage does not cease spontaneously or is likely to recur. In contrast there is no good evidence available at present to support a role for octreotide in this indication. The efficacy of somatostatin in controlling bleeding in patients with non-variceal UGI bleeding at high risk of mortality upon admission, or rebleeding following endoscopy, coupled with an excellent safety and tolerability profile, suggests that it may be a valuable therapeutic option in the management of non-variceal bleeding.

Digestive System↗

Drug therapy for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Assessment of options.

The efficacy of somatostatin and octreotide have been widely studied in the control of bleeding from oesophageal varices. It has also been suggested that these drugs may be useful for the control of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding, including that from peptic ulcers. In approximately 80% of patients presenting with non-variceal UGI bleeding, haemorrhage ceases spontaneously and does not recur. However, the remaining 20% of patients require active treatment. Results from recent studies have indicated that somatostatin is an effective treatment for the control of non-variceal UGI bleeding in high-risk patients, i.e. those in whom haemorrhage does not cease spontaneously or is likely to recur. In contrast there is no good evidence available at present to support a role for octreotide, histamine (H(2) antagonists) or proton pump inhibitors in this indication. The efficacy of somatostatin in controlling bleeding in patients with non-variceal UGI bleeding at high risk of mortality upon admission, or rebleeding following endoscopy, coupled with an excellent safety and tolerability profile, suggests it may be a valuable therapeutic option in the management of non-variceal bleeding.

Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage↗

Migrating site of bleeding in a right colon demonstrating angio-dysplasia following a segmental resection of the colon. A unique variant of angiodysplasia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: A case of angiodysplasia of the right colon presenting with a migrating site of bleeding following a segmental resection of the colon in a 38-year-old Japanese is herein reported. METHODS: The case records of a patient with severe intestinal bleeding and multiple surgeries were reviewed, and then the histologic features were compared with the operative findings. The patient received many units of packed red blood cells and had also undergone three segmental colectomies and most recently a curative ileocolostomy. Despite an exhaustive evaluation, the bleeding sites could not be detected clinically. RESULTS: Ectatic, tortuous submucosal veins were presented in four sections of the colon (cecum, ascending colon and transverse colon, respectively) out of a total of 30 sections that were examined. These veins pierced the proper muscle layer of the colon, but did not traverse the muscularis mucosa. Our case of segmental microscopic angiodysplasia may represent a previously unreported unique variant, because the angiodysplastic lesions were present in the segmental colon and they developed bleeding from the distal remnant colon immediately after each segmental colectomy until an extended right hemicolectomy containing the oral part of the descending colon was done. In spite of the severe bleeding, the mucosa of the colon appeared to be essentially normal during a macroscopic inspection. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal bleeding from angiodysplasia is generally assumed to arise from macroscopically visible vascular lesions within the mucosa. However, angiodysplastic lesions are often unrecognizable and multiple in the gastrointestinal tract, and especially tend to affect both the cecum and ascending colon. When this disease process is recognized, a subtotal colectomy may thus be called for to control bleeding.

Adult↗