Massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient with a duodenal diverticulum: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Diverticula of the duodenum occur in approximately 2% to 5% of individuals who have had upper gastrointestinal (GI) series; the majority of these patients are asymptomatic. These diverticula occasionally result in the obstruction of the biliary and pancreatic ducts, which leads to jaundice and pancreatitis. Other complications such as hemorrhage, perforation, sepsis, and death can occur. This article reports a case of upper GI bleeding in a patient who was found to have duodenal diverticula by upper GI series and endoscopy. Diverticulectomy was performed, and microscopic examination of the specimen showed dilated blood vessel suggestive of angiodysplasia.