Le cavernome portal : cause rare d’hémorragie digestive et d’ictère

Abstract

IntroductionRupture of esophageal varices due to schistosoma induced portal hypertension remains the major etiology of non ulcer gastrointestinal bleeding in Madagascar. The author reports two cases of portal cavernoma, a rare etiology of gastrointestinal bleeding.We want to increase the knowledge of this pathology and to discuss its management in our centre.ObservationThe first patient had esophageal varices diagnosed 6 years ago and the second one had a history of jaundice of unclear etiology 6 years ago. Both were admitted for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed stage III esophageal varices. Abdominal ultrasonography led to the diagnosis of portal cavernoma. The exploration of an associated portal biliopathy was not feasible in our centre due to the lack of transhepatic or retrograde endoscopic cholangiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. We medically managed the gastrointestinal bleeding. Betablocker drugs were prescribed to prevent the recurrence of any gastrointestinal bleeding.ConclusionPortal cavernoma is a rare but possible etiology of gastrointestinal bleeding and jaundice. Management of these two complications is difficult in our country due to the lack of investigation and therapeutic tools.