Published online Feb 26, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i6.1966
Peer-review started: August 16, 2021
First decision: October 22, 2021
Revised: October 27, 2021
Accepted: January 14, 2022
Article in press: January 14, 2022
Published online: February 26, 2022
Processing time: 191 Days and 1.5 Hours
There are multiple causes of sudden gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Reports of Dieulafoy lesions (DLs) in children are scarce. DLs can be fatal without appropriate treatment.
We present a retrospective analysis of the clinical manifestations, endoscopic features, and treatment of a Chinese girl with a DL, as well as a review of the relevant literature. A 10-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital with sudden massive hematemesis and melena. Abdominal computed tomography revealed suspected submucosal bleeding in the stomach. Finally, the disease was diagnosed with endoscopy due to the typical manifestations. We used electrocoagulation and hemoclips under endoscopy for hemostasis. No recurrence of hematemesis was identified during 4-wk’ follow-up.
DLs in children are rare but an important cause of sudden gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Many pediatricians are inexperienced and often miss or delay diagnosis. Endoscopy as early as possible is the first choice for diagnosis and treatment.
Core Tip: Dieulafoy lesions (DLs) are vascular abnormalities consisting of tortuous, dilated aberrant submucosal vessels. We present a 10-year-old girl with acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to a DL. We used electrocoagulation and hemoclips under endoscopy for hemostasis. This case highlights that while DLs in children are rare, they can be an important cause of sudden gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Many pediatricians are inexperienced and often miss or delay diagnosis. Endoscopy as early as possible is the first choice for diagnosis and treatment.