Segmental dilatation of small bowel presenting with severe anaemia: A diagnostic puzzle

Abstract

A 7-year-old boy presented to Paediatric outpatient with worsening lethargy and tiredness. On examination he had extreme pallor. Blood investigations confirmed severe iron deficiency anaemia. He was started on iron supplements and received blood transfusion. However, the response to iron treatment was suboptimal, he therefore underwent extensive workup for the cause of iron deficiency anaemia. The barium meal showed dilated segments of ileum with two distal stenoses. The surgical resection of the involved segment was performed with end to end anastamosis. Histology of the resected segment was inconclusive of inflammatory bowel disease, malignancy or vascular malformation. The child has remained well since surgery with no further blood transfusion or iron therapy.