Diffuse idiopathic colonic varices presenting with lower gastrointestinal bleeding in an elderly patient : a case report and review of the literature
| Journal | Volume 69 - 2006 |
| Issue | Fasc.1 - Case reports |
| Author(s) | E. Simvoulakis, N. Viazis, P. Pipis, G. Stefanidis, A. Avgerinos |
| Full article |
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| (1) 2nd Department of Gastroenterology, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens ; (2) Department of Gastroenterology, Athens Naval Hospital and Veterans ; (3) 2nd Department of Internal Medicine Propeadeutic, University of Athens, Greece. |
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We report a case of lower gastrointestinal bleeding caused by idiopathic colonic varices. A 74-year-old woman presented with rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed numerous varices of the entire colon, which, after an extensive work-up, proved to be idio- pathic. No specific therapy or transfusions were required and there has been no further bleeding to date (follow-up 10 months). Review of the literature demonstrates that diffuse idiopathic colonic varices are a rare cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, especially as the first presentation in an elderly patient. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2006, 69, 15-19). |
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© Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica. |
