Bleeding Dieulafoy's Lesion: Refractory to All Endoscopic Measures

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2023

Publication Title

American Journal of Gastroenterology

Abstract

Introduction: Dieulafoy’s lesion is a developmental vascular malformation often located in the stomach. One-third can have extra gastric location, frequently the duodenum. These account for 1%-2% of acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Prior to advancement in endoscopic techniques, mortality was as high as 80%. Endoscopic therapy success rate is reported to be 90%. We present a case of a bleeding duodenal Dieulafoy’s lesion refractory to endoscopic hemostasis. Case Description/Methods: 75-year-old man with a prolonged hospital course after mitral valve replacement for infective endocarditis developed large melanotic stools at day 21 of admission. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed a large bleeding Dieulafoy’s lesion in the second portion of the duodenum. Hemostasis was achieved with over the scope clip (OTSC). He continued to have low volume melena and required transfusion of 1-2 units of packed red blood cells (pRBC) every 1-2 days. EGD 2 weeks later showed active bleeding around edges of the OTSC, and was controlled by hemospray application. He continued to have melena and remained transfusion dependent. Interventional Radiology (IR) was consulted for empiric Gastro Duodenal Artery (GDA) embolization. Unfortunately, he had variant anatomy with duodenal vascularization from a Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) branch without active bleed. Empiric embolization was not performed due to concern of acute small bowel necrosis. Computed Tomography Angiography studies were negative. A third EGD revealed continued bleeding at the site of the OTSC. Attempts to attain hemostasis were made with 8 hemoclips and epinephrine injection but were unsuccessful. Temporary hemostasis was achieved with hemospray. At this point, all possible endoscopic means to achieve hemostasis were exhausted. IR was able to achieve definitive hemostasis after targeted embolization of the branch feeding the area of the Dieulafoy. Patient received a total of 38 units of pRBC in 50 days of hospitalization. Discussion: Dieulafoy’s lesions can cause life threatening bleeding. Endoscopic hemostasis is the mainstay therapy but this is not always successful. Imaging modalities help guide the embolization procedure but are not always reliable as seen in our case. Early angiographic and surgical intervention in refractory cases should be considered to prevent morbidity and mortality

Volume

118

Issue

10S

First Page

S1976

Comments

American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting, October 20-25, 2023, Vancouver, Canada

DOI

10.14309/01.ajg.0000961328.39916.1a

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS