[The "blue rubber bleb nevus" (Bean's syndrome): uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding]

Abstract

A ten year old boy had six cutaneous angiomas and recurrent rectal bleeding responsible for iron deficiency anemia. Histological examination established the diagnosis of blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome. Endoscopy, arteriography, computed tomography, and angioscintigraphy disclosed additional angiomas in the stomach and rectum and along the blood vessels in the lower limbs. The value of angioscintigraphy for identifying angiomas escaping detection by other means was illustrated in this case. Embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery was successful in preventing further rectal bleeding. Treatment of this disorder remains controversial.