Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

Abstract

A 26-yr-old man was admitted with malaise and melena. During the physical examination, six hemangiomas were spotted on the skin, and laboratory evaluations proved the existence of severe iron deficiency anemia (Hb 2.9 g/dl). Upper endoscopy and small bowel follow-through revealed no pathology. Colonoscopy documented the presence of a blue-red cavernous hemangioma, 1 cm in diameter, at the splenic flexura. The skin and colonic lesions were typical; thus, blue-rubber-bleb-nevus syndrome was diagnosed. The patient was given blood transfusions followed by oral iron supplementation. He refused further evaluation or surgery and is still fine after a follow-up period of 6 months. Here, we present a discussion of this case, together with a detailed review of the literature.