[Digestive tract hemorrhage secondary to jejunal angiodysplasia associated with jejunal diverticulosis]

Abstract

The most important factor in the management of alimentary tract bleeding is the adequate localization of the lesion. Small bowel bleeding is a rare entity and determination of the specific anatomic site is difficult. Once stomach, duodenum, or colon origin has been discharged through endoscopy, methods such as angiography and Tc99m RBC scans are appropriate. We present a patient with lower gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to jejunal angiodysplasia associated with jejunal diverticular disease. In the present case, Tc99m RBC scans were used to identify the bleeding site. In cases of lower gastrointestinal bleeding of undetermined origin, we suggest the consideration of both diagnoses (angiodysplasia or diverticular disease) with exploratory celiotomy to resolve these pathologies, particularly in the elderly patient.