Rare case of a giant duodenal ulcer penetrating the pancreas during antiangiogenic treatment. Issue 5 (6th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Palmela, Carolina; Gouveia, Catarina; Fidalgo, Catarina; Ferreira, Alexandre Oliveira
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 12:Issue 5(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-05-06
• Subjects: ulcer -- drugs: gastrointestinal system -- endoscopy -- stomach and duodenum; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-228612
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We report a case of a patient with renal cell carcinoma on pazopanib, who presented with severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopy showed a giant bulbar ulcer with a visible vessel of 4 mm. Due to unavailability of surgical rescue backup, large calibre vessel treatment was delayed. Endoscopy was repeated after 48 hours and showed a reduction in the vessel diameter. Endoscopic adrenalin injection and electrocoagulation were performed. However, the vessel increased in size and became pulsatile. The patient was operated, confirming a giant bulbar ulcer penetrating the pancreas with active bleeding from the gastroduodenal artery. Pazopanib therapy was suspended, and the patient is asymptomatic. Antiangiogenic treatment has been associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation and fistulisation. Although we cannot confirm the causal association between the penetrating ulcer and pazopanib, the absence of Helicobacter pylori infection or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and the reported cases of gastrointestinal bleeding during these therapies favour a possible association.