Clinical characteristics and evaluation of patients with large hiatal hernia and Cameron lesions

Abstract

Objectives: Cameron lesions are located at the neck of large hiatal hernias, and are associated with anemia or overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and endoscopic properties of patients with Cameron lesions.

Methods: Eighteen patients were diagnosed as having large hiatal hernia and Cameron lesions. Patients with Cameron lesions (n = 18) were compared to patients with large hiatal hernias without Cameron lesions (n = 26), by means of presenting symptoms and endoscopic findings.

Results: The mean age of patients with Cameron lesions was significantly higher than patients without Cameron lesions (71.1 ± 11.63 vs 56.7 ± 17.4 years, P = 0.005). The ratio of female patients with Cameron lesions was higher compared to patients with large hiatal hernia without Cameron lesions (14/18 [77.7%] vs 12/26 [46.1%], P = 0.00). While 12 of 18 patients with Cameron lesions had overt GI bleeding, none of the patients with large hiatal hernia without Cameron lesions had signs of GI bleeding. Fifteen of 18 patients had ulcers in the hernia sac and the others had linear erosions. There was no significant difference between patients with and without Cameron lesions by means of hemoglobin levels (11.1 ± 2.20 vs 12.2 ± 2.5 g/dL, P = 0.157).

Conclusion: Most patients with large hiatal hernia and Cameron lesions presented with overt GI bleeding. Patients with Cameron lesions tend to be older females. In patients with anemia and GI bleeding, large hiatal hernia and Cameron erosions should also be considered.