Endoscopic Management of Dieulafoy's Lesion

Case report: Dieulafoy's lesion as a rare cause of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Dieulafoy's lesion is a rare but serious cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, typically affecting older adults. It involves an aberrant arteriole eroding the gastric mucosa, resulting in severe, recurrent bleeding that poses diagnostic and management challenges. We present a case report of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage with hemodynamic instability associated with a Dieulafoy's lesion.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 55-year-old male with no significant medical history presented with gastrointestinal bleeding, showing signs of hematemesis and melena. He was hemodynamically unstable upon admission, with a hemoglobin level of 6 g/dL. After resuscitation and stabilization, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a 5 mm Dieulafoy lesion in the fundus, treated successfully with hemostatic clips. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the fourth day, with normal follow-up at one year and no complications.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Dieulafoy's lesion, a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, is found in 1-2 % of cases, primarily in males over 60 years old. First described by Dieulafoy, it results from an aberrant arteriole erosion, commonly in the upper stomach. Diagnosis is challenging during active bleeding and often requires multiple endoscopies. Mechanical hemostasis methods during endoscopy are effective, with recurrence rates of 8-10 %. Surgical intervention is reserved for severe, uncontrolled cases.

CONCLUSION

Dieulafoy's lesion, though rare, requires prompt diagnosis and effective endoscopic treatment to manage severe bleeding. Combining hemostatic techniques or surgical options may be necessary to address persistent cases and improve patient outcomes.

Sudden-onset gastrointestinal bleeding in a young adult: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of a Dieulafoy's lesion in the jejunum

BACKGROUND

A Dieulafoy's lesion in the jejunum is at an uncommon site but may be the cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding. It is characterized by a large, tortuous submucosal artery that erodes the overlying epithelium and presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its atypical location and presentation.

CASE

A 30-year-old male presented with sudden onset syncope and the passage of 200-300 ml of red blood-mixed stool. With no major comorbidities, he had hypotension with a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg, necessitating immediate transfusion of three units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Initial endoscopic evaluations, including an UGI endoscopy and colonoscopy, failed to locate the bleeding source. CT angiography identified an active bleed from the first jejunal branch leading to coil embolization. Persistent symptoms prompted capsule endoscopy, revealing angioectasia in the proximal jejunum. Despite haemoclip application and a total of 11 units of blood transfused, his symptoms persisted. He then underwent laparoscopic resection of the jejunal segment containing the polyp, followed by extracorporeal jejuno-jejunal anastomosis. Histopathology confirmed a benign polyp with central ulceration, consistent with a Dieulafoy's lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced diagnostic techniques like CT angiography and capsule endoscopy played a pivotal role in localizing the bleeding source. Surgical intervention proved curative when less invasive methods failed. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, highlighting the efficacy of a multidisciplinary approach. A high index of suspicion and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for successful outcomes.

Clinical, endoscopic and therapeutic features of bleeding Dieulafoy's lesions: case series and literature review

OBJECTIVE

Dieulafoy's lesions (DLs) are a rare but potentially life-threatening source of gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage. They are responsible for roughly 1%-6.5% of all cases of acute non-variceal GI bleeding.Here, we describe retrospectively the clinical and endoscopic features, review the short-term and long-term outcomes of endoscopic management of bleeding DLs and we identify rate and risk factors, of recurrence and mortality in our endoscopic unit.

DESIGN

Data were collected from patients presenting with GI haemorrhagic secondary to DLs between January 2018 and August 2023. Patients' medical records as well as endoscopic databases were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, risk factors, bleeding site, outcomes of endoscopy techniques, recurrence and mortality rate were taken into account.

RESULTS

Among 1170 cases of GI bleeding, we identified only seven cases involving DLs. Median age was 74 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.5. 75% of patients had significant comorbidities, mainly cardiovascular diseases. Only anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents were significantly associated with DLs. All patients were presented with GI bleeding as their initial symptom. The initial endoscopy led to a diagnosis in 85% of the cases. Initial haemostasis was obtained in all patients treated endoscopically. Nevertheless, the study revealed early recurrence in two out of three patients treated solely with epinephrine injection or argon plasma coagulation. In contrast, one of three patients who received combined therapy, experienced late recurrence (average follow-up of 1 year). Pathological diagnosis was necessary in one case. One patient (14%) died of haemorrhagic shock. Average length of hospital stay was 3 days.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, DLs may be responsible for active, recurrent and unexplained GI bleeding. Thanks to the emergence of endoscopic therapies, the recurrence rate has decreased and the prognosis has highly improved. Therefore, the endoscopic approach remains the first choice to manage bleeding DLs.

Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Its Endoscopic Management

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Clinical symptoms that patients may present with include: hematemesis, coffee-ground emesis, melena, and hematochezia. Clinical signs can range from tachycardia to shock. The anatomical landmark that differentiates upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds from lower bleeds is the ligament of Treitz. The first steps of treating a patient who presents with signs of UGIB are resuscitation with appropriate fluids and blood products as necessary. The consideration of endoscopy and the urgency at which it should be performed is also vital during initial resuscitation. Endoscopic therapy should ideally be performed within 24 hours of presentation after initial stabilization with crystalloids and blood products. Intravenous proton pump inhibitors are the mainstay in the initial management of upper GI bleeding from a non-variceal etiology, and they should be administered in the acute setting to decrease the probability of high-risk stigmata seen during endoscopy. Pro-kinetic agents can be given 30 minutes to an hour before endoscopy and may aid in the diagnosis of UGIB. There are 3 broad categories of endoscopic management for UGIB: injection, thermal, and mechanical. Each endoscopic method can be used alone or in combination with others; however, the injection technique with epinephrine should always be used in conjunction with another method to increase the success of achieving hemostasis. In this review article, we will review the steps of triage and initial resuscitation in UGIB, causes of UGIB and their respective management, several endoscopic techniques and their effectiveness, and prognosis with a primary focus limited to non-variceal bleeding.

Over-the-scope clip as a rescue treatment for massive bleeding due to Dieulafoy lesion at the colorectal anastomosis: A case report

RATIONALE

The bleeding of Dieulafoy lesion predominantly involves the proximal stomach and leads to severe gastrointestinal bleeding. However, these lesions have also been reported in the whole gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding of Dieulafoy lesions at the anastomosis was seldomly reported and was very easy to be ignored clinically.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We describe a 72-year-old woman with a past history of surgery for rectal carcinoma hospitalized with chief complaint of massive rectal bleeding. No gross bleeding lesion was found during the first emergency colonoscopy. Despite multiple blood transfusions, her hemoglobin rapidly dropped to 5.8 g/dL.

DIAGNOSIS

She was diagnosed with Dieulafoy lesion at the colorectal anastomosis during the second emergency colonoscopy.

INTERVENTIONS

Primary hemostasis was achieved by endoscopic hemostatic clipping. However, she experienced another large volume hematochezia 3 days later, and then received another endoscopic hemostatic clipping. She was improved and discharged. However, this patient underwent hematochezia again 1 month later. Bleeding was arrested successfully after the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) was placed during the fourth emergency colonoscopy.

OUTCOMES

This patient underwent 4 endoscopic examinations and treatments during 2 hospitalizations. The lesion was overlooked during the first emergency colonoscopy. The second and third endoscopes revealed Dieulafoy lesion at the colorectal anastomosis and performed endoscopic hemostatic clippings, but delayed rebleeding occurred. The bleeding was stopped after the fourth emergency colonoscopy using OTSC. There was no further rebleeding during hospitalization and after 2-year of follow-up.

LESSONS

As far as we know, there is no reported case of lower gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Dieulafoy lesion at the colorectal anastomosis, OTSC is a safe and effective rescue treatment for Dieulafoy lesions.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: A Possible Trigger for Dieulafoy's Lesion

Introduction

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a medical condition commonly seen in clinical practice due to variable etiologies and a multitude of presentations. The patients can present with hematemesis, melena, or hematochezia in case of severe bleeding. The initial evaluation should involve assessing the hemodynamic status with adequate resuscitation followed by diagnostic tests to identify the source and potentially treat it. Dieulafoy's lesion, sometimes referred to as Dieulafoy's disease, is a rare cause of upper GI bleeding with no clear risk factors, which makes it a diagnostic conundrum. Here we describe an unusual case of Dieulafoy's lesion developing following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement.

Case Presentation

We describe a case of a 70-year-old female patient with a past medical history of hyperlipidemia, well-controlled hypertension, and an ischemic cerebrovascular accident, which caused neurologic dysphagia and placement of a PEG tube 3 weeks prior. She presented to the emergency department due to melena, with hypotension of 90/50 mmHg, tachycardia of 126 beats/minute, and hemoglobin of 5.6 g/dl. An endoscopy revealed a Dieulafoy's lesion on the lesser curvature of the stomach just across the PEG tube, which was managed with epinephrine and hemoclips.

Conclusion

This is a rare case of Dieulafoy's lesion on the lesser curvature of the stomach, potentially developing due to PEG placement.

Usage of Padlock Over-the-Scope-Clip in Difficult-to-Control Recurrent Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to a Gastric Dieulafoy Lesion

Dieulafoy's lesions (DLs) are a rare cause of acute gastrointestinal bleeds (GIBs). Here we describe Over-the-Scope Clip Padlock System (OTSC-P) use to treat a gastric fundus DL with recurrent bleeding despite other interventions. The OTSC-P was created for full-thickness defect closure in the event of a perforation, but use has expanded to treatment of GIB. They consist of metal clips mounted on transparent caps, delivered via endoscope. Their size allows control of larger bleeding lesions, provides enhanced tissue stability and the firmer clip grasp reduces rebleeding or clip dislodgement.

Dieulafoy's lesion: Is there still a place for surgery? About 2 cases

INTRODUCTION

Dieulafoy's lesion, a rare but life-threatening condition accounting for a small percentage of acute gastrointestinal bleeding cases, has historically posed diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this article, we present two cases that required surgical intervention due to unsuccessful attempts with endoscopy. Case 1 involved a 40-year-old patient with a history of treated duodenal ulcers, while Case 2 featured a 74-year-old woman with no notable medical history. Both patients exhibited severe bleeding, necessitating urgent surgical procedures. The surgical approach involved wide gastrotomy, careful inspection, and successful suturing of the bleeding vessel.

DISCUSSION

Dieulafoy lesions, discovered by French surgeon Georges Dieulafoy in 1885, constitute 1-2 % of acute gastrointestinal bleeding cases. These anomalies involve enlarged submucosal arteries, predominantly in the stomach, but occurrences in other sites are documented. Endoscopic methods, surpassing surgical intervention, are preferred for treatment, boasting success rates over 90 %. Surgical measures become a last resort for uncontrolled bleeding, with laparoscopic surgery emerging as a minimally invasive alternative, facilitated by various intra-operative localization techniques. Laparoscopic wedge resection, in particular, exhibits lower re-bleeding rates than traditional oversewing methods, although feasibility depends on lesion location.

CONCLUSION

While endoscopic methods are preferred, surgery remains a vital option when bleeding persists or endoscopic intervention fails. This report highlights the significance of surgical management in selected cases of Dieulafoy's lesion.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to Dieulafoy's lesion of the stomach: a rare case report

Dieulafoy's lesion is a life-threatening and rare vascular malformation of the submucosal vessel that protrudes to the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. The vessel is abnormally dilated, and if it ruptures, it can cause severe acute gastrointestinal bleeding. We report an upper GI bleeding case due to Dieulafoy's lesion in the gastric fundus of the stomach in a 76-year-old female. The patient presented with hematemesis and melena associated with anemia. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) was performed which showed profuse pulsatile bleeding at the gastric fundus. Following that, gastrotomy confirmed the diagnosis of Dieulafoy's lesion. Endoscopy is the main diagnostic and therapeutic tool for Dieulafoy's lesion. Endoscopic treatment includes injective, ablative and mechanical therapies. The majority of cases are treated endoscopically, while in some cases, surgical intervention is deemed to be necessary as it is currently the only definitive treatment of Dieulafoy's lesion.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding From a Transverse Colon Dieulafoy Lesion

Dieulafoy lesions are an extremely rare disease that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and colon bleeding. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding caused by a transverse colonic Dieulafoy lesion is extremely rare. This study describes the case of a 68-year-old woman who took oral rivaroxaban for atrial fibrillation and presented with massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding associated with a rare transverse colonic Dieulafoy lesion. Hemostasis was successfully achieved by thermal coagulation and the application of endoscopic hemoclips. Lastly, we reviewed previous literature on the diagnosis and treatment of colonic Dieulafoy disease.

Acquired Gastric Dieulafoy-Like Lesion due to Aberrant Blood Supply Diverted From the Left Phrenic Artery to an Enlarged Splenule

Dieulafoy lesion is an aberrant submucosal vessel that can erode into the overlying tissue leading to hemorrhage. It is a rare but important cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. We present a case of a patient who developed an acquired Dieulafoy lesion 39 years after splenectomy. Abdominal computed tomography showed an aberrant vessel from a branch of the left phrenic artery, coursing through the gastric fundus to supply a splenule. Angiography with embolization of the aberrant vessel resulted in no further bleeding.

Severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding caused by rectal Dieulafoy's lesion: Case reports and literature review

RATIONALE

Dieulafoy's lesion are relatively rare and can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding. A Dieulafoy's lesion is defined as an artery that erodes the overlying epithelium without the presence of an ulcer. Bleeding in Dieulafoy's lesion predominantly involves the proximal stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract and is rarely observed in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Case 1 was a 58-year-old woman complaining of sudden headache and vomiting who was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage. She underwent transcatheter embolization for intracranial aneurysm treatment but had an acute profuse hematochezia on the 11th day of admission. Case 2 was a 63-year-old man admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit because of fever with altered consciousness level for a week. He was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer that had metastasized to multiple organs one month prior. On the third day of admission, he had an attack of profuse hematochezia, and quickly developed shock and apathy.

DIAGNOSIS

Both patients were diagnosed with actively bleeding rectal Dieulafoy's lesion by bedside emergency colonoscopy.

INTERVENTIONS

Endoscopic hemostatic clipping was performed in 2 patients.

OUTCOMES

Hemostasis was successfully achieved in these 2 patients, and there was no recurrence of symptoms during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that hemostatic clipping is one of the options in the treatment of rectal Dieulafoy's lesions.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding from Dieulafoy's Lesion in the Cecum

Dieulafoy's lesion is a rare cause of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding comprising approximately 2% of all acute GI bleeds. It is an abnormal submucosal artery that has a tortuous course before protruding through the mucosa and leading to hemorrhage. Dieulafoy's lesions are most commonly located in the upper GI tract within the lesser curvature of the stomach. Lower GI tract Dieulafoy's lesions are remarkably rare. Our case describes an elderly gentleman who presented with fatigue and dyspnea several days prior to experiencing any evidence of GI bleeding. Initial laboratory investigation revealed severe anemia, requiring packed red blood cell transfusion. Endoscopic examination revealed a cecal Dieulafoy's lesion with active spurting of blood. Hemostasis was achieved through local epinephrine injection and hemostatic clipping. Previously reported cases of cecal Dieulafoy's lesions involve variable presentations including hematochezia, melena, or bright red blood per rectum. These lesions can be treated by angiography, surgically, or endoscopically via techniques that include epinephrine or ethanol injection, argon plasma coagulation, heater probe coagulation, hemostatic clips, or band ligation. Dieulafoy's lesions of the lower GI tract should be considered when no clear culprit is discovered, particularly with the concomitant use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants.

Diagnosis and Treatment of a Recurrent Bleeding Dieulafoy's Lesion: A Case Report

Dieulafoy's lesions are uncommon causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) that pose a life-threatening risk if not diagnosed promptly and treated appropriately. These lesions are composed of enlarged submucosal blood vessels that bleed despite any gross abnormality. Early intervention with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is necessary to avoid more invasive treatment with angiogram embolization or surgical removal. This paper aims to discuss a case regarding a patient with difficult-to-control recurrent bleeding from a Dieulafoy's lesion located in the gastric fundus of a previously healthy 60-year-old female. This case highlights the need for dual therapy and special considerations regarding antiplatelet medications and supplements when treating patients with Dieulafoy's lesions.

Therapeutic endoscopy of a Dieulafoy lesion in a 10-year-old girl: A case report

BACKGROUND

There are multiple causes of sudden gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Reports of Dieulafoy lesions (DLs) in children are scarce. DLs can be fatal without appropriate treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a retrospective analysis of the clinical manifestations, endoscopic features, and treatment of a Chinese girl with a DL, as well as a review of the relevant literature. A 10-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital with sudden massive hematemesis and melena. Abdominal computed tomography revealed suspected submucosal bleeding in the stomach. Finally, the disease was diagnosed with endoscopy due to the typical manifestations. We used electrocoagulation and hemoclips under endoscopy for hemostasis. No recurrence of hematemesis was identified during 4-wk’ follow-up.

CONCLUSION

DLs in children are rare but an important cause of sudden gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Many pediatricians are inexperienced and often miss or delay diagnosis. Endoscopy as early as possible is the first choice for diagnosis and treatment.

Rectal Dieulafoy's lesion: a comprehensive review of patient characteristics, presentation patterns, diagnosis, management, and clinical outcomes

Dieulafoy's lesion is an abnormally large, tortuous, submucosal vessel that erodes the overlying mucosa, without primary ulceration or erosion. Although these lesions predominantly involve the stomach and upper small intestine, they are being detected with increasing frequency in the rectum. We conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases for adult rectal Dieulafoy's lesion. After careful review of the search results, a total of 101 cases were identified. The data on patient characteristics, clinical features, colonoscopy findings, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. The mean age of presentation was 66±17 years (range, 18-94 years), with 54% of cases reported in males. Clinical presentation was dominated by acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the form of bright-red blood per rectum 47% and hematochezia 36%, whereas 16% of patients were admitted with symptoms related to other medical conditions. Major underlying disorders were hypertension 29%, diabetes mellitus 21%, and chronic kidney disease 16%. The average number of colonoscopies required for the diagnosis of rectal Dieulafoy's lesion was 1.5±0.7. In regard to treatment, endoscopic therapy was applied in 80%, direct surgical suturing in 12%, angiographic embolization in 4%, and endoscopic therapy followed by surgical ligation was performed in 4% of patients. The endoscopic treatment was a feasible choice for rectal disease, with a primary hemostasis rate of 88%. Although the overall mortality rate was 6%, the causes of death were unrelated to this entity. This review illustrates that patients with rectal Dieulafoy's lesion can have a favorable clinical outcome. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are of paramount importance to prevent serious hemodynamic complications. The best therapeutic modality remains to be determined but the data presented here support the use of mechanical endoscopic methods as safe and effective.

Role of imaging and endovascular radiology in endoscopically missed Dieulafoy’s lesion of stomach – A case report with review

Dieulafoy’s lesion is an uncommon cause of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleed from a dilated and tortuous submucosal artery. With the advent of endoscopy-guided intervention, the mortality of the condition has reduced significantly from 80 to 8%. Imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing them in endoscopically negative cases. Endovascular management can also be offered for unidentified lesions or failed endoscopic treatment. We report a middle-aged male with acute hematemesis where endoscopy was unable to reveal the source of the bleed. Contrast CT detected the lesion, which was embolised by endovascular route. The clinical details, imaging appearance and treatment of this uncommon lesion is presented.

Massively bleeding Dieulafoy lesion and unique rescue: a video based case report from National Liver Institute, Menoufia University

Background

Dieulafoy arteriole is a lamina propria vessel that unlike the other arterioles is getting bigger and bending into the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Such anatomic aberration is unusual cause for life threatening gastrointestinal bleeds.

Case presentation

Herein, we report a case of an elderly gentleman, who had massively bleeding Dieulafoy lesion and endoscopic hemostasis of the spurting Dieulafoy by the use of the over-the-scope clip (OVESCO, Tübingen, Germany) has been successfully undertaken.

Conclusion

The endoscopic management of Dieulafoy related bleeds can be enriched by the use of over-the-scope clip, OVESCO, technique.

Incidental massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by a rectal Dieulafoy's lesion

A Dieulafoy's lesion is a rare cause of massive gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. It represents an abnormally dilated submucosal artery that erodes the overlying epithelium in the absence of a primary ulcer. These lesions are usually located in the stomach, nevertheless, they have been found in all areas of the GI tract, including the oesophagus, duodenum and colon. Bleeding episodes are often self-limited, although bleeding can be recurrent and profuse. The case describes a 50-year-old woman who developed haemorrhagic shock secondary to a rectal Dieulafoy's lesion and discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Intragastric Single-Port Surgery: An Innovative and Multipurpose Technique for the Therapy of Upper Digestive Tract Lesions

Background: Endoscopic treatment can represent a technical challenge for several special situations, such as resecting gastric tumors with larger size or in unfavorable sites and performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This study aims to describe an innovative and multipurpose technique, intragastric single-port surgery (IGS), which can be applied for abovementioned special situations and for assessing its safety, feasibility, and efficacy. Methods: IGS technique was performed through a 2-3 cm skin incision, where the stomach wall is exteriorized and fixed to the skin. The single-port device is inserted and intragastric access is gained for laparoscopic or endoscopic instruments. Three purposes of IGS were performed: (1). gastric intraluminal lesions resection; (2). to perform ERCP after RYGB; and (3). revision of pancreaticogastric anastomosis after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Results: IGS was performed successfully in 20 patients. Ten patients underwent gastric intraluminal lesion resection, mostly for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (n = 7, 70%); all pathological specimens were with negative margin, mean operation time was 102.3 ± 43.5 minutes, and mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.6 ± 1.5 days. Nine patients underwent ERCP after RYGB, cleaning of the bile duct was successful in all patients (100%), and mean operation time and mean postoperative hospital stay were 140.6 ± 46.3 minutes and 4.4 ± 2.6 days, respectively. One patient underwent pancreaticogastric anastomosis revision. There were no mortalities in our series. Conclusions: IGS is a safe, feasible, and effective technique for gastric intraluminal lesion resection and for performing ERCP after RYGB, while it has the potential for other future applications.

Jejunal Dieulafoy's Lesion: A Systematic Review of Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Management

Jejunal Dieulafoy's lesion is an exceedingly rare but important cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. It frequently presents as a diagnostic and therapeutic conundrum due to the rare occurrence, intermittent bleeding symptoms often requiring prompt clinical action, variability in the detection and treatment methods, and the risk of rebleeding. We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases regarding jejunal Dieulafoy's lesio from inception till June 2020. A total of 136 cases were retrieved from 76 articles. The mean age was 55 ± 24 years, with 55% of cases reported in males. Patients commonly presented with melena (33%), obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding (29%), and hemodynamic compromise (20%). Hypertension (26%), prior gastrointestinal surgery (14%), and valvular heart disease (13%) were the major underlying disorders. Conventional endoscopy often failed but single- and double-balloon enteroscopy identified the lesion in 96% and 98% of patients, respectively. There was no consensus on the treatment. Endoscopic therapy was instituted in 64% of patients. Combination therapy (34%) with two or more endoscopic modalities, was the preferred approach. With regard to endoscopic monotherapy, hemoclipping (19%) and argon plasma coagulation (4%) were frequently employed procedures. Furthermore, direct surgical intervention in 32% and angiographic embolization was performed in 4% of patients. The rebleeding rate was 13.4%, with a mean follow-up duration of 17.6 ± 21.98 months. The overall mortality rate was 4.4%. Jejunal Dieulafoy's lesion is still difficult to diagnose and manage. Although the standard diagnostic and therapeutic modalities remain to be determined, device-assisted enteroscopy might yield promising outcomes.

Dieulafoy disease with gastric MALT lymphoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Dieulafoy lesion (DL), a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, is easily covered by blood scab formation on the mucous membrane for its small size, which makes it difficult to be identified under endoscope. In clinical practice, it is also very easy to miss gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma that exhibits atypical early manifestations under gastroendoscope and is difficult to be diagnosed by routine superficial biopsy. Most patients only experience nonspecific dyspepsia symptoms.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 68-year-old man suffering from repeated melena for 6 years arrived at our hospital. The patient had undergone gastroscopy and capsule endoscopy at other hospitals for several times and received symptomatic treatment, but his melena still continued to recur. At our hospital, the capsule endoscopy displayed that there existed large hemorrhage in the stomach, after which a gastrointestinal decompression tube was placed, so the bright red blood was drained. Subsequently, a sunken vascular malformation tissue in the anterior wall of the gastric fundus was observed under emergency endoscope. Pulsating blood flow appeared immediately after biopsy, and over-the-scope clip (OTSC) was quickly applied to stop the bleeding. Near the bleeding point, scar-like tissue that was surrounded by interrupted mucosa was discovered, and biopsy was performed at this site.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of DL and gastric MALT were determined by the digestive endoscopy and biopsy pathology.

INTERVENTIONS

With the diagnosis of DL and gastric MALT, the hemorrhagic spot was treated by OTSC. After the patient's condition was stable, anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment was performed.

OUTCOMES

After the corresponding treatment, the 6-month follow-up revealed that the lymphoma was not completely cured, but no further bleeding occurred. There was no bleeding in the epigastric region and the patient was in good condition.

LESSONS

From endoscopy, it is easy to miss DL. When the hemostatic equipment is fully prepared, biopsy can be performed. After biopsy, pulsatile bleeding is convincing evidence for Dieulafoy disease. OTSC represents an effective and low-risk method for DL and it could replace surgery. Moreover, the mucosa surrounding Dieulafoy disease should be carefully observed to exclude coexisting diseases such as lymphoma or gastric cancer.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection to treat active Dieulafoy's disease: A case report

BACKGROUND

At present, minimally invasive endoscopic treatment is mostly used for patients with actively bleeding Dieulafoy’s lesions, , as it has the advantages of minimal trauma, short operation time and good hemostatic effect, although bleeding can easily recur postoperatively. Recently, extensive gastric cuneiform resection has been advocated for use in these patients because the constant-diameter artery follows a long path to the gastric mucosa.

CASE SUMMARY

A 47-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for repeated hematemesis and black stool, and he was diagnosed with Dieulafoy’s disease. We chose a method that not only simulates surgical gastric cuneiform resection but also reduces trauma. We performed enlarged local endoscopic full-thickness resection of the gastric wall and abdominal constant-diameter artery and sutured the gastric wall. Postoperative follow-up showed that the constant-diameter artery had been resected from the gastric wall, which was confirmed to have no blood flow signals by endoscopic ultrasonography.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic full-thickness resection of the gastric wall and abdominal constant-diameter artery with suturing of the gastric wall has demonstrated potential as a new treatment for Dieulafoy's disease.

A case of the lower gastrointestinal bleeding due to Dieulafoy’s ulcer in the cecum

Gastrointestinal Dieulafoy’s ulcer is a rare disease of unknown etiology. Dieulafoy’s ulcer often presents in the stomach and is thought to cause about 5% of all gastrointestinal bleeds in adults, but can be found in any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Dieulafoy’s ulcer corresponds to an arterial malformation in the submucosal space and can cause life-threatening hemorrhage. We report a case of the lower gastrointestinal bleeding from a cecal Dieulafoy’s ulcer that was successfully treated with endoscopic clips. An 82-year-old woman had been diagnosed with hypertension and cerebral infarction. She had been using aspirin to prevent recurrent infarction. She was admitted to our hospital with hematochezia. Urgent colonoscopy revealed a small, reddish vascular malformation in the cecum. The lesion was suggestive of Dieulafoy’s ulcer and was treated with endoscopic clips. The patient has since been discharged from our hospital without experiencing any further bleeding. Endoscopy is a useful method for diagnosing and treating Dieulafoy’s ulcer.

Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding From a Jejunal Dieulafoy's Lesion

Dieulafoy's lesion is a histologically normal arteriole that has failed to progressively narrow as it navigates through the submucosa. It is a rare cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding, occurring most often in the stomach, with only 1% of lesions occurring in the jejunum. We present the case of a 21-year-old man who presented with massive hematochezia ultimately attributed to a distal jejunal Dieulafoy's lesion, identified via an intraoperative surgically assisted deep enteroscopy. This case is unique not only regarding the unusual location of the lesion but also regarding the multidisciplinary approach necessitated for the management of this catastrophic hemorrhage that avoided surgical resection.

Dieulafoy lesion: two pediatric case reports

Background

Massive gastrointestinal bleeding in children is uncommon. Dieulafoy lesion is an uncommon disease which may lead to massive and repeated upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We report two cases of gastric Dieulafoy lesion successfully treated with either band ligation or endoscopic hemoclipping.

Case presentation

First case report: A previously healthy 18-month-old female infant with E. coli sepsis, pneumonia and respiratory failure with bilateral pneumothorax requiring chest drainage. Over a few days, the patient presented hematemesis and melena with progressively worsening anemia. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an arterial vessel with eroded apex located between the body and the fundus of the stomach. Two elastic bands were applied which resulted in resolution of hematemesis and melena and improvement of the anemia.

Second case report: A 8-year-old male was admitted to our department with sudden massive hematemesis and melena. Clinical examination revealed anemia (hemoglobin, 6.8 g/dl). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a mucosal erosion with visible vessel located along the small curvature, close to the antrum. Three hemostatic clips were placed on the Dieulafoy lesion and hemostasis was obtained.

Conclusions

we showed that, similar to gastric DL in adult patients,, gastric DL in pediatric patients can be successfully treated with endoscopic therapy, and both hemoclipping and band ligation are suitable techniques.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la hemorragia digestiva alta por enfermedad de Dieulafoy

La enfermedad de Dieulafoy constituye menos del 2 % de las causas de hemorragia digestiva alta. Corresponde a la presencia de un vaso sanguíneo arterial de trayecto tortuoso, que protruye a través de un defecto mucoso localizado, generalmente, proximal en el estómago. Se presenta como una hematemesis masiva, a veces recurrente, con inestabilidad hemodinámica. La endoscopia es el método diagnóstico y terapéutico de elección. Si esta fracasa, está indicado practicar una angiografía selectiva que permita identificar el punto sangrante y producir un embolismo. En algunas ocasiones, ninguna de estas dos técnicas consigue detener la hemorragia, en cuyo caso está indicada una cirugía urgente. Se deben practicar resecciones gástricas limitadas (gastrectomías en cuña o tubulares) a la zona sangrante localizada mediante las pruebas anteriores; así, se evitan grandes gastrectomías que implican la práctica de anastomosis por el gran riesgo de dehiscencia que estas últimas cuando hay inestabilidad hemodinámica. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con hemorragia digestiva alta secundaria a enfermedad de Dieulafoy, que precisó intervención quirúrgica urgente por la imposibilidad de resolver el sangrado mediante endoscopia. Se describen el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Dieulafoy como causa de hemorragia digestiva alta en el adulto, y se presenta una revisión de la literatura científica.

Finding the Dieulafoy's Lesion: A Case of Recurrent Rectal Bleeding in an Immunosuppressed Patient

A Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is rare cause of acute gastrointestinal bleeding defined as a vascular abnormality of the submucosa. With a high prevalence for the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract, it is rarely observed in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Its prevalence is rare accounting for less than 2% of all cases of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. The etiology of DL is unknown. Common comorbidities include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, alcohol abuse, liver disease, and chronic NSAID use. Few cases involving chronic steroid use and immunosuppressive treatment have been reported. The most common diagnostic and treatment modality is endoscopy with refractory cases treated with arterial embolization by angiography. We present a case involving a patient with significant comorbidities on chronic immunosuppression with a life-threatening, massive lower gastrointestinal bleed from a DL in the rectum.

Recurrent Gastrointestinal Bleeding from Dieulafoy's Lesions in a Patient with Type 1 von Willebrand Disease: A Rare Association

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most prevalent hereditary bleeding disorder, affecting 0.6-1.3% of the population. While gastrointestinal bleeding from angiodysplasia is a well-known complication of vWD, the same is not true for Dieulafoy's lesions (DLs). We report the case of a 21-year-old black male with type 1 vWD and 2 previous hospital admissions for severe anemia with no visible blood loss. In both episodes, DLs were identified and treated endoscopically, one in the stomach and another in the duodenum. The patient presented to the emergency department in September 2016 with dizziness, fatigue, and again no visible blood loss. He was hemodynamically stable, and laboratory workup showed a hemoglobin level of 3.4 g/dL. After transfusion of packed red blood cells, intravenous iron, and von Willebrand factor/factor VIII concentrate infusions, the patient underwent upper endoscopy and colonoscopy, which were normal. Small-bowel capsule endoscopy showed dark blood and a fresh clot in the proximal jejunum. At this site, push enteroscopy identified a pulsatile vessel with an overlying minimal mucosal defect, consistent with a DL, type 2b of the Yano-Yamamoto classification, which was successfully treated with adrenaline and 2 hemoclips. The patient remains stable after 18 months of follow-up, with a hemoglobin level of 13.2 g/dL. This is a case of recurrent severe occult gastrointestinal bleeding from multiple DL in a young patient with vWD who is otherwise healthy. Three other cases of DL bleeding in the setting of vWD have been reported in the literature, suggesting a possible association between these 2 entities.

Endoscopic management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Endoscopic therapy is the mainstay of treatment for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). Injection plus mechanical or thermal therapy continues to be the most widely used option. New endoscopic devices such as the use of an inert powder or a new class of over-the-scope clip system have demonstrated encouraging results as a rescue therapy for difficult hemostasis. Emerging data suggest that Doppler ultrasound-guided endoscopic therapy may improve the outcome of peptic ulcer bleeding. This review sumarizes the recent advances in the management of NVUGIB. With increasing use of anti-platelet agents and anti-coagulants, the management of NVUGIB in patients on anti-thrombotic therapy is also discussed.

Massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to a Dieulafoy's lesion inside a duodenal diverticulum

In relation to the article published in this journal by Valdivielso Cortázar et al., we have recently diagnosed a massive digestive hemorrhage secondary to a Dieulafoy's lesion inside a duodenal diverticulum. This was successfully treated with endoscopy.

Endoscopic Management of Nonvariceal, Nonulcer Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Nonvariceal, nonulcer upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) is a less common cause for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. However, nonvariceal, nonulcer UGIH is an important entity to identify and treat appropriately to prevent bleeding-related morbidity and mortality. Over the past 40 years, there has been a revolution in gastrointestinal endoscopy and a similar revolution in the management of UGIH. The aim of this article is to focus on the endoscopic management of nonvariceal, nonulcer UGIH, with a focus on the newer diagnostic and treatment modalities currently available.

A Retrospective Analysis of Cyanoacrylate Injection versus Hemoclip Placement for Bleeding Dieulafoy's Lesion in Duodenum

Background

Duodenal Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is a rare disease that may lead to lethal hemorrhage in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The best technique for endoscopic intervention still remains unclear. In the present study, we performed a retrospective analysis of cyanoacrylate injection versus hemoclip placement for treating bleeding DLs.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed eighteen patients from three medical centers between October 2008 and February 2016; six patients received cyanoacrylate injection, while hemoclips were placed in 12 patients during the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Results

All patients received first endoscopic examination and/or endotherapy within 12 hours of admission to hospital. No difference was observed in the primary hemostasis rate or the recurrent hemorrhage rate between the cyanoacrylate injection (CI) group and the hemoclip placement (HP) group, except that in one patient from the HP group melena was found three days after the first endotherapy. This patient received cyanoacrylate injection once again.

Conclusion

Both cyanoacrylate injection and hemoclip placement are effective in treating duodenal DL, and neither of them causes significant side effects.

Dieulafoy's lesion of the duodenum: a comparative review of 37 cases

Dieulafoy's lesion is an abnormally large, tortuous, submucosal vessel that erodes the overlying epithelium without primary ulceration or erosion. The lesion predominantly occurs in the proximal stomach but it is also reported in extragastric sites. The pathogenesis and precipitating factors are poorly understood. Patients frequently present with gastrointestinal haemorrhage that can range from being self-limited to massive life threatening. Although there are no standard guidelines, endoscopy has significantly impacted the diagnosis and management. This review outlines our current understanding of the epidemiology of and risk factors for Dieulafoy's lesion of the duodenum, the pathophysiology of this disorder, and currently available approaches to diagnosis and management.

Dieulafoy's lesion of the colon and rectum: a case series and literature review

Dieulafoy's lesion is a dilated, aberrant, submucosal vessel that erodes the overlying epithelium without obvious ulceration. It is most commonly located in the lesser curvature of the stomach but rare occurrences in extragastric sites have also been reported. Herein, we describe a case series of three patients who presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed a caliber-persistent tortuous submucosal artery protruding into the lumen of the colon or rectum. The patients were diagnosed with Dieulafoy's lesion and primary haemostasis was achieved with the endoscopic haemoclip application. The purpose of this review is to summarise the available data on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with Dieulafoy's lesion of the colon and rectum.

Dieulafoy's lesion of the rectum: a case report and review of the literature

One patient with Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) of the rectum who had a history of anal receptive intercourse is described and the relevant literature reviewed. DL is rare in clinical practice and is extremely rare in the rectum. It often affects patients with no history of cirrhosis or gastrointestinal disease and occurs with abrupt or recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Visible vessels can usually be found by endoscopy and coinstantaneous treatments are essential while surgical interventions can occur when necessary. The diagnosis of DL is mainly based on clinical manifestations and endoscopic features, and endoscopic treatment is the first option for hemostasis.

Postural Syncope and Constipation: An Unusual Presentation of a Duodenal Dieulafoy's Lesion

Dieulafoy lesions are a rare etiology of gastrointestinal bleeding from a large caliber-persistent tortuous submucosal artery. They account for 1-2% of all causes of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage with 80%–95% of these lesions located in the stomach along the lesser curvature. One-third of these lesions present at an extragastric location, with the proximal duodenum accounting for 15% of them. We present a 21-year-old male with no significant past medical history or risk factors, who presented with repeated syncopal episodes followed by hematemesis, found to have a Dieulafoy lesion located at the duodenal bulb. This lesion was diagnosed and successfully treated via upper endoscopy with epinephrine injection and the application of 2 endoscopic clips.

The Hidden Culprit in a Massive Episode of Hematemesis: A Dieulafoy's Lesion

A Dieulafoy's lesion is described as a tortuous, dilated aberrant submucosal vessel that can penetrate through the mucosa and rupture spontaneously, resulting in severe gastrointestinal bleeding. The lesion is most commonly found in the proximal stomach. Historically, it has had up to an 80% mortality rate because of its tendency to cause intermittent but severe bleeding and diagnostic challenges. We report a case of a young male with recurrent severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding with extensive prior investigations failing to reveal the source of bleeding. Computed tomography angiography of the abdomen correctly identified Dieulafoy's lesion of the stomach, and it was subsequently confirmed and successfully treated with interventional radiology (IR)-guided mesenteric angiography and embolization.