A Rare Case of Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding From a Rectal Dieulafoy Lesion

Abstract

A Dieulafoy lesion (DL) is defined as a dilated sub-mucosal vessel that erodes the overlying epithelium without evidence of a primary ulcer or erosion. DL lesions of the rectum are a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that is difficult to identify and subsequently manage. We present an 84-year-old man, who presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to a DL of the rectum. An 84-year-old man with a medical history significant for End-stage renal disease(ESRD), and hypertension presented to our emergency department with multiple episodes of rectal bleeding mixed with bowel movements. On physical examination, he was hemodynamically stable, with rectal examination notable for bright red blood on the examining finger. His initial complete blood count showed a hemoglobin of 8.4 g/dL, with other normal indices. The patient was rapidly prepped for colonoscopy. Colonoscopy revealed an actively spurting Dieulafoy lesion in the distal rectum just proximal to the pectinate line associated with underlying friable mucosa. Hemostasis was achieved with injection of 3cc of 1:10000 epinephrine, and application of 3 hemostatic clips. He remained stable, with no subsequent rectal bleeding and was discharged home. DLs first described by Gallard in 1884, is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.They are believed to account for an estimated 1-2% of all cases of acute GI bleeding and can be associated with high mortality rate. The etiology of Dieulafoy lesions are unknown. Risk factors associated with their development include male gender, hypertension, and ESRD, which were present in our patient. With regards to location, DLs are most commonly encountered in the stomach and the gastroesophageal junction. DLs of the rectum is a rare entity, observed in a mere 2% of reported cases in the literature. Bleeding episodes of DL are usually self-limited, however, they are usually recurrent and can lead to profuse rectal bleeding. Diagnosis of DLs, both gastric and rectal, can often time be challenging for the clinician. Endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis, but is only successful in 70% of cases, requiring the need for repeat endoscopy to establish the diagnosis. Treatment of rectal DLs is best accomplished endoscopically using a combination of epinephrine injection with bipolar probe coagulation, hemoclip placement, or thermal coagulation. Rarely angiograph and surgery is indicated in failed endoscopic therapy.1991_A Figure 1. An actively bleeding dieulafoy lesion in the distal rectum, just proximal to the pectinate line.1991_B Figure 2. Hemostasis achieved with 3 hemostatic clips.