Dieulafoy lesion of the gallbladder presenting with bleeding and a pseudo-mirizzi syndrome: A case report and review of the literature

Progress in diagnosis and treatment of colorectal Dieulafoy's disease

Dieulafoy's lesion, also named calibre persistent submucosal artery, is one of the rare and fatal causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can occur throughout the digestive tract. About 4% of Dieulafoy's lesions are located in the colon and rectum, especially in the rectum, cecum, and ascending colon. At present, the etiology and pathogenesis of colorectal Dieulafoy's disease are still not completely clear. The main clinical manifestation of colorectal Dieulafoy's disease is recurrent and massive hematochezia, and there may be no clinical manifestation during the intermittent period of the hemorrhage. The diagnosis and treatment of Dieulafoy's disease mainly rely on endoscopy, but due to the operating difficulties, clinical characteristics, and other factors, the treatment and diagnosis of this disease remain a challenge to clinicians. In this paper, we will discuss the pathology, etiology, pathogenesis, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal Dieulafoy's lesion.

A galling disease? Dieulafoy's lesion of the gallbladder

INTRODUCTION

Dieulafoy's lesion is a rare vascular anomaly characterized by an abnormally large and tortuous submucosal arteriole leading to an area of mucosal defect with minimal inflammation. It is most often seen in the stomach but could occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Only five cases of gallbladder Dieulafoy's lesion have been published so far.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of Dieulafoy's lesion in the gallbladder in a 44 year-old patient who presented with calculous cholecystitis.

DISCUSSION

The clinical, radiologic and histologic findings are discussed in light of the existing literature on Dieulafoy's lesions of the gallbladder.

CONCLUSION

Gallbladder Dieulafoy's lesion has potentially serious complications and emergency surgery is often required. Due to the rarity of the entity, the diagnosis is often not considered.