Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

Treatment of sirolimus in the pathological femoral fracture related to blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare condition with characteristic vascular malformations of the skin, most frequently lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, and less often, the musculoskeletal system. We report a 5-year case of BRBNS complicated with pathological femoral fracture that was successfully treated with sirolimus.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report the case of a 1-week-old girl with a diagnosis of BRBNS who had multiple venous malformations over her body. She also presented with right lower-limb swelling and complicated with a pathological femoral fracture.

DIAGNOSES

BRBNS with the complication of pathological femoral fracture.

INTERVENTIONS

Treatment with low-dose sirolimus as an antiangiogenic agent was administered, combined with hip spica protection.

OUTCOMES

The vascular lesion was reduced after about 6 months and the fracture site had healed around 2.5 years after initiation of sirolimus therapy. There were no drug adverse effects at the 5-year follow-up point. The patient showed excellent spirit and no obvious sequelae were found.

LESSONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful use of sirolimus in a patient with a pathological femoral fracture related to BRBNS complications.

Atypical Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus in an African-American Male

Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome (BRBNS), also known as Bean Syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by vascular ectasias that typically present systemically. Most diagnoses are made in early childhood due to cutaneous lesions in Caucasians with familial inheritance. Treatment is usually patient centered due to the wide variance in clinical presentation of the disease. Here, we present a case of BRBNS in a 65-year-old African-American patient with episodic gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding with no previous history. This case emphasizes the need for a higher clinical suspicion of the disease in patients with recurrent GI bleeding.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: Presentation of a case and review of the literature

Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by skin lesions caused by vascular malformations most frequently associated with lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, although rare, it can present with lesions in the central nervous system, thyroid, liver, spleen and lungs; common symptoms are: digestive tract bleeding and iron deficiency anemia. The main manifestation are skin lesions that are characterized by being button-like, with a bluish tint, covered by skin, called blue nevus with a rubbery consistency due to its rubber-like consistency. We present a case of Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome with involvement in the central nervous and gastrointestinal systems.

Treatment strategies for inferior vena cava aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

An inferior vena cava (IVC) aneurysm is a rare but potentially life-threatening entity. We successfully embolized an IVC aneurysm in a patient with history of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome, a rare syndrome with multiple venous malformations. This new case was added to a literature review of previously reported cases, to analyze the management algorithm.

METHODS

A PubMed search for all English-language articles and abstracts of IVC aneurysm were conducted. A comprehensive descriptive analysis, including etiology, presentation, classification, comorbidities, and treatment options of our case joining all previously published cases, is presented and discussed.

RESULTS

Including our new case, a total of 74 (44 males) IVC aneurysms were analyzed. The average age was 39.0 ± 21.1 years (range, 0.4-89 years). Forty-nine (66.2%) were symptomatic; common symptoms include abdominal or back pain (24/74, 32.4%) and leg swelling or heaviness (20/74, 27.0%). Nineteen (19/59, 33.2%) were complicated with vena cava thrombosis, and 14 (14/59, 23.7%) were complicated with deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities. Thirty-two (43.2%) accepted surgical or endovascular intervention. There were 26 type I, 13 type II, 31 type III, and 4 type IV aneurysms. In type I group, 25 of 26 were treated conservatively, 2 deaths were reported. In type II group, 5 of 13 accepted conservative treatment. In type III group, 9 of 31 accepted conservative treatment, and 1 death was reported. In type IV group, 3 of 4 accepted conservative treatment, and 1 death was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative management can be conducted in type I and type IV groups with close surveillance. For type II and III groups, considering the high incidence of vena cava thrombosis and risk of rupture, more active treatment should be considered.

Endoscopic treatment of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome in a 4-year-old girl with long-term follow-up: A case report

BACKGROUND

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare vascular disease, difficult to diagnose and choose a treatment method, especially in young children. There are several limiting factors to the use of enteroscopy for diagnostics and treatment in pediatric patients, in general. The literature on BRBNS cases is limited and presents various therapeutic approaches.

CASE SUMMARY

We present here a case of BRBNS involving a 4-year-old female, whose intestinal venous lesions were successfully treated by endoscopic sclerotherapy and aethoxysklerol foam. Skin lesions, typical for BRBNS, appeared on the 8^th d of the child’s life and their number increased over the next several months. The child also experienced episodes of critical decrease in hemoglobin level (by as much as 52 g/L) for several years, requiring iron supplementation and several blood transfusions. Video capsule endoscopy revealed numerous vascular formations in the small bowel. The combined findings of gastrointestinal venous formations and skin lesions prompted BRBNS diagnosis. Single-balloon enteroscopy was used to perform sclerotherapy, with aethoxysklerol foam. A positive effect was observed within 19 mo of follow-up. We continue to monitor the patient’s hemoglobin level, every 2 wk, and it has remained satisfactory (> 120 g/L).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic sclerotherapy can be effective in the clinical management of gastrointestinal manifestations of BRBNS in young children.

Japanese clinical practice guidelines for vascular anomalies 2017

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety, and systematizing treatment, employing evidence-based medicine (EBM) techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQs) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for literature searches were set for each CQ and literature published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (JCRM). The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System (MINDS) technique. A total of 33 CQs were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence-based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome with the complication of intussusception: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is an extremely rare disorder characterized by multifocal venous malformations involving various organs such as the skin and gastrointestinal tract. Severe complications of BRBNS, such as intussusception, volvulus, and intestinal infarction are rarer and require surgery. This report describes a 33-year-old male of BRBNS complicated with intussusception that was successfully diagnosed and treated with surgery.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 33-year-old Chinese man presented with persistent, colicky pain accompanied by nausea, abdominal distension, and dizziness. The patient presented with sporadic bluish nodules on his skin involving his head, neck, thorax, abdomen, and planta pedis.

DIAGNOSES

BRBNS with the complication of intussusception.

INTERVENTIONS

An emergency laparotomy was performed, and postoperative management included blood transfusions and oral iron supplementation for 2 weeks.

OUTCOMES

The patient's postoperative course of hospitalization was uneventful. During the 4-month follow-up, the patient showed no signs of intussusception recurrence.

LESSONS

Patients diagnosed with BRBNS who present with acute abdominal pain and distension should raise suspicion for the presence of intussusception, which requires emergent surgical intervention.

Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety and systematizing treatment, employing evidence‐based medicine techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQ) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for published work searches were set for each CQ, and work published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina databases. The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System technique. A total of 33 CQ were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence‐based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Japanese clinical practice guidelines for vascular anomalies 2017

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety, and systematizing treatment, employing evidence-based medicine (EBM) techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQs) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for literature searches were set for each CQ and literature published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (JCRM). The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System (MINDS) technique. A total of 33 CQs were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence-based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Diagnosis and management of children with Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome: A multi-center case series

BACKGROUND

Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare, severe, sporadically occurring disorder characterized by multiple venous malformations.

AIMS

To present and analyze a case series of pediatric patients with BRBNS and to describe diagnostic approaches and management options applied.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Multicenter, retrospective study, evaluating the diagnosis and management of children with BRBNS.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients diagnosed with BRBNS were included. Cutaneous venous malformations were observed in 78% and gastrointestinal venous malformations in 89%. Lesions were also found in other organs including muscles, joints, central nervous system, eyes, parotid gland, spine, kidneys and lungs. Gastrointestinal lesions were more common in the small intestine than in stomach or colon. The management varied significantly among centers. Endoscopic therapy and surgical therapy alone failed to prevent recurrence of lesions. In younger children and in patients with musculoskeletal or other organ involvement, sirolimus was used with 100% success rate in our series (5 patients treated) although poor compliance with subtherapeutic sirolimus trough levels led to recurrence in a minority.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the multi-organ involvement in BRBNS, diagnosis and management requires a multidisciplinary approach. The treatment includes conservative, medical, endoscopic and surgical options. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to identify the optimal management of this rare condition.

Diagnosis of chronic anaemia in gastrointestinal disorders: A guideline by the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO) and the Italian Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP)

Anaemia is a common pathologic condition, present in almost 5% of the adult population. Iron deficiency is the most common cause; other mechanisms can be involved, making anaemia a multi-factorial disorder in most cases. Anaemia being a frequent manifestation in the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, patients are often referred to gastroenterologists. Furthermore, upper and lower endoscopy and enteroscopy are pivotal to the diagnostic roadmap of anaemia. In spite of its relevance in the daily clinical practice, there is a limited number of gastroenterological guidelines dedicated to the diagnosis of anaemia. For this reason, the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists and the Italian Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition commissioned a panel of experts to prepare a specific guideline on anaemia and its diagnostic roadmap in the gastroenterological scenario. The panel also discussed about the potential involvement of gastroenterologists and endoscopists in the management of patients with anaemia, with particular attention to the correct use of investigations. The panel paid particular attention to practical issues with the aim to support gastroenterologists in their clinical practice when dealing with patients with anaemia.

A Newborn with Gastric Hemangioma Treated Using Propranolol

Gastric hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors that can cause severe gastrointestinal system bleeding. We presented the case of a neonate with fresh bleeding and melena from the orogastric tube and detected gastric hemangioma in esophagogastroduodenoscopic examination. Propranolol is widely used in treatment of cutaneous hemangiomas and non-gastric gastrointestinal system hemangiomas. However, the surgical approach is preferred for treating gastric hemangiomas, and there are few reports of gastric hemangiomas associated with non-surgical treatment. Gastric hemorrhage decreased with antacid and somatostatin treatment. Propranolol treatment was initiated before the surgery decision. After three weeks of treatment, we observed regression in the hemangioma with endoscopic evaluation. During the course of treatment, the patient's gastrointestinal system bleeding did not recur, and there were no side effects associated with propranolol.

A 10-year delayed diagnosis of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome characterized by refractory iron-deficiency anemia: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare vascular disorder consisting of multifocal venous malformations. Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis frequently occurs in patients without typical cutaneous lesions or gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms. This article reports a 10-year case of delayed diagnosis of BRBNS detected by capsule endoscopy.

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS

A 15-year-old girl presented with refractory iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) for 10 years, without any hemorrhagic signs or noticeable cutaneous lesions, which led to her obvious physical growth retardation. Capsule endoscopic examination revealed dozens of vascular blebs distributed from the jejunum to the ileum and a site of active bleeding. Hence, she was diagnosed with BRBNS.

INTERVENTIONS

Laparotomy was performed with resection of the small bowel lesions, and iron supplementation was prescribed for 3 months. Postoperatively, the patient had an uncomplicated course.

OUTCOMES

On follow-up after 3 years, IDA in this patient was cured and she did not require further blood transfusion and showed excellent vigor.

LESSONS

A high index of suspicion for BRBNS and adequate endoscopy examination will help to identify the origin of refractory IDA in older children, particularly in patients with vascular lesions of the skin.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: our experience and new endoscopic management

The aim of our study is to enhance the awareness of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) through the patients in our hospital and introduced a new measure of endoscopic intervention.A retrospective review of 5 patients, who were diagnosed as BRBNS in our hospital from January 2013 to January 2017, was conducted. Data were collected with regard to demographics, clinical presentation, endoscopic and imaging findings, management, and follow-up data.In total of 5 patients, the mean age was 28.8 years, range 16 to 44 years (male/female, 1/4) with the average initial age of onset 15.4 years. No family history was identified in our group. Physical examination showed multiple cutaneous lesions in 2 patients (40%, 2/5). All the 5 patients had gastrointestinal tract vascular malformations; stomach involved in 2 cases, large intestine in 2 cases, and small intestine involved in 3 cases. Lesions in the visceral organs and tissue were found in 1 patient. Gastrointestinal bleeding was its main symptom (3/5, 60%). Laboratory investigations revealed anemia in 4 patients and abnormality of coagulopathy in 2 patients with severe anemia. Conservative approach was recommended in 3 cases that included iron supplementation, drug hemostasis, and/or blood transfusion. An innovatively therapeutic approach with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedure was used successfully in 1 patient with 2 polypoid BRBNS lesions in rectum.BRBNS is a very rare vascular malformation syndrome with unclear etiopathogenesis and noncurative treatments. ESD procedure was a feasible approach to remove the partial gastrointestinal lesions.

Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children

This article provides an overview of the evaluation and management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) in children. The common etiologies at different ages are reviewed. Conditions with endoscopic importance for diagnosis or therapy include solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, polyps, vascular lesions, and colonic inflammation and ulceration. Diagnostic modalities for identifying causes of LGIB in children include endoscopy and colonoscopy, cross-sectional and nuclear medicine imaging, video capsule endoscopy, and enteroscopy. Pre-endoscopic preparation and decision-making unique to pediatrics is highlighted. The authors conclude with a summary of current and emerging therapeutic hemostatic techniques that can be used in pediatric patients.

Enteroscopic sclerotherapy in blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare syndrome characterized by multiple vascular malformations of varying size and appearance that present predominantly on the skin and within the gastrointestinal tract and, less often, in other internal organs. Gastrointestinal lesions of BRBNS can cause acute or chronic bleeding, and the treatment is challenging. In this case, we reported a successful treatment of vascular malformations in all segments of gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine, by endoscopic sclerotherapy, in a 10-year-old boy with BRBNS.

Blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome: a rare cause of iron deficiency anaemia

We report a case in an adolescent male patient with a history of chronic fatigue, headache and unexplained iron deficiency anaemia since 2007. Numerous bluish-black lesions were found over his body surface. A surgical scar from a previous lumpectomy with a small lump were noted at the left submandibular region and another smaller lesion on the left lobe of the thyroid was also palpated. His most recent blood indices displayed the presence of moderately severe iron deficiency anaemia. Endoscopic evaluation exhibited multiple vascular lesions throughout the gastrointestinal tract. MRI of the brain revealed an irregular intracranial vascular lesion at the cerebellopontine angle. Further work-up with abdominal CT demonstrated the absence of similar lesions in the extraintestinal abdominal organs. Putting these together with histological findings, the diagnosis of blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome was confirmed. The patient was treated conservatively at this point and future management planning was discussed with him.

The management of ophthalmic involvement in blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

Objective: Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is a rare vascular disease most commonly associated with venous malformations of the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. Few ophthalmic cases have been reported to date, and no clear treatment regimen exists. We describe the case of a 59-year-old man, along with a review of literature, to help in the future diagnosis and treatment of patients with the disease.

Methods: This paper is an observational case report and a review of medical literature on the syndrome from 1981 to present.

Results: Our patient developed a dural arteriovenous fistula in his orbit after being diagnosed with a familial form of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. Multiple endovascular embolization procedures eliminated all of his ocular symptoms. Surgical procedures were also successful in other cases reviewed, and similar symptoms were seen across cases.

Conclusions: Comparing our case with other ophthalamic reports in literature, surgical intervention appears to be a plausible long-term treatment for optic manifestations of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. Systemic therapies, including sirolimus and corticosteroids, have had limited success in the long-term treatment of other forms of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome, and therefore are not recommended in the treatment of ocular symptoms.

Association of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome and placenta previa: report of a case

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare disorder characterized by multiple recurrent vascular malformations. Herein we report the case of a patient with BRBNS and placenta previa. Sonography and MRI clearly identified several hemangiomas located adjacent to the uterus with none adjacent to the anterior lower uterine segment. This preoperative information helped us perform the uterine wall incision safely during the cesarean delivery. The presence and location of hemangiomas adjacent to the uterus should be carefully examined in a pregnant woman with BRBNS prior to elective or emergency cesarean delivery.

Radical resection of intestinal blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare systemic vascular disorder characterized by multiple venous malformations involving many organs. BRBNS can occur in various organs, but the most frequently involved organs are the skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI lesions of BRBNS can cause acute or chronic bleeding, and treatment is challenging. Herein, we report a case of GI BRBNS that was successfully treated with a combination of intraoperative endoscopy and radical resection.

Blue rubber bleb nevus: an uncommon cause of intestinal intussusception

The blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome or Bean syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by cutaneous and gastrointestinal vascular malformations. A 5-year-old girl with Bean syndrome hospitalized in a pediatric unit came under our observation with abdominal pain and vomiting. An X-ray of the abdomen showed an intestinal occlusion and an ultrasonography showed a suspected intestinal invagination. She underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery using three trocars. Laparoscopy revealed a huge ascitis and multiple vascular lesions located on the loops and on the parietal peritoneum, and we identified also an ileo-ileal invagination. We performed a laparoscopic disinvagination that showed one huge vascular lesion producing the invagination and causing a stenosis of intestinal lumen. We performed an intestinal resection after exteriorizing the loops through the umbilicus as well as a termino-terminal ileal anastomosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case shows that an intestinal invagination due to Bean syndrome is extremely rare in pediatric patients but possible. In the emergency, laparoscopy seems to be a safe and effective procedure to confirm the diagnosis and to perform the disinvagination mini-invasivally. In addition, laparoscopy permits to have a clear picture of other intra-abdominal lesions linked to Bean syndrome.