Solitary jejunal cavernous hemangioma causing intermittent melena: A case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance

Hemangioma of the small intestine is a rare disease that causes acute and chronic intestinal bleeding and is difficult to diagnose before surgery. This report presents a case of a cavernous hemangioma confined to the jejunum of a man with intermittent melena.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old man presented with an episode of melena one and a half month ago. He had similar symptoms a year ago and had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominopelvic computed tomography, but the results were normal. Abdominopelvic computed tomography performed after hospitalization showed a small intraluminal protruding mass in the jejunum. A jejunal hemangioma was found during laparoscopy and was successfully treated with intestinal resection.

Clinical discussion

It is difficult to identify the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding preoperatively in patients with normal esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominopelvic computed tomography results. Small bowel tumors, especially small hemangiomas, should be considered as a cause. Laparoscopy may be one option for finding and treating lesions of the small intestine in hospitals where capsule endoscopy or double-balloon intestinal enteroscopy is not available.

Conclusion

This report presents a case of a cavernous hemangioma localized in the jejunum of a 38-year-old man with intermittent melena that was successfully treated with laparoscopy and intestinal resection, thereby emphasizing the usefulness of laparoscopy in hospitals where capsule endoscopy or double-balloon intestinal enteroscopy is not available.

Highlights

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  Hemangioma of the small intestine is difficult to diagnose before surgery.

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  A 38-year-old male Korean resident in Malaysia presented with an episode of melena.

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  The main treatment for hemangiomas is surgical resection of affected areas.

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  Laparoscopy is a viable option under limited facilities.