Angioleiomyoma of the small intestine - a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

Background: Benign tumors are a rare cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage of which angioleiomyomas constitute a very small minority. They have been reported in literature to present with volvulus, bleeding or intussusceptions.

Case presentation: An interesting case of a patient presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding from an underlying angioleiomyoma is discussed along with its management options.

Conclusion: Angioleiomyoma though rare can be managed successfully by surgical and/or minimally invasive endovascular procedures.

Figure 1

Selective superior mesenteric artery angiogram showing large feeding artery to a mass in the right iliac fossa with extensive vascular blush.

Figure 2

Venous phase of selective superior mesenteric artery angiogram showing large draining vein from the mass.

Figure 3

Communication of the draining vein into the portal venous system.

Figure 4

Excised tumor, measuring approximately 70 × 65 × 50 mm.

Figure 5

Histology of the angioleiomyoma with H&E staining.