Recurrent gastrointestinal blood loss of obscure origin: report of an exceptional case
Journal | Volume 61 - 1998 |
Issue | Fasc.3 - Case reports |
Author(s) | I. Samyn, H. Reynaert, B. Op de Beeck, Ch. Simoens, D. Verbeelen |
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Departments of Internal Medicine (1), Radiology (2) and Surgery (3), University Hospital AZ-VUB, Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium. |
A 66-year old tailor was admitted because of venous insufliciency of the left lower leg. During the hospital course, recurrent severe gastrointestinal blood loss developed. A classical approach was extended by enteroscopy and radionuclide scanning, followed by exploratory laparatomy with removal of two intra-abdominal sewing needles and a jejunal leiomyoma. After surgery, bleeding did not recur. This case illustrates the difficult diagnostic work-up of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. It also shows that intra-abdominal sewing needles may migrate in the intestinal tract and remain silent during many years, eventually causing gastrointestinal bleeding. |
© Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica. |