Acute GI bleed due to leiomyoma of the jejunum: a case report

Abstract

Neoplasms of the small intestine are rare. Leiomyomas are the one of the benign neoplasms that can be found in the small intestine. These lesions usually remain asymptomatic and are often found incidentally; however, they can become symptomatic if obstruction occurs or the tumor outgrows its blood supply resulting mucosa. Their clinical manifestations can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, melena, a palpable abdominal mass and weight loss. Due to their vague presentation, leiomyomas of the small intestine are typically diagnosed after failed conservative therapy for other pathologies such as duodenal ulcers and diverticulosis. This case report describes a 34-year-old male who developed an acute GI bleed due to a symptomatic leiomyoma of the jejunum. He was initially treated with non-operative conservative management; however, his symptoms remained unresolved and he went on to require surgical intervention.