Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome as a Cause of Lower Digestive Bleeding. (5th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martinez, Carlos Augusto Real; Rodrigues, Murilo Rocha; Sato, Daniela Tiemi; Silveira Júnior, Paulo Pedroso; Gama, Rafael Fernandes; Mattavelli, Christian Bornia; Pereira, José Aires
• Other Names: Barnett C. Academic Editor.; Lal G. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in surgery. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-02-05
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative; General Surgery; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/683684
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6900

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction . Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is a rare disorder that is characterized by multiple recurrent vascular malformations that involve the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. The disease can present chronic anemia and severe episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Case Report . A 41-year-old man was admitted with recurrent episodes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia that had worsened over the last 3 months. The physical examination showed soft, diffuse, compressible, bluish nodules on all of the skin surfaces of the body. A biopsy from one of these skin lesions allowed a histological diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma. He submitted to a colonoscopy, which showed hemorrhoids and a plane vascular lesion mainly located on the right colon with recent signs of bleeding; this lesion was treated by local excision and sclerosis. The pathological study of the colon specimens also reflected the presence of cavernous hemangioma. The cutaneous hemangiomas and the presence of colonic venous malformations were compatible with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. The patient presented a favorable follow-up with clinical control of the anemia and without relapse of the gastrointestinal bleeding two years after the procedure. Conclusion . Although rarely diagnosed, blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome may be responsible for lower digestive bleeding.