Therapeutic endoscopy of a Dieulafoy lesion in a 10-year-old girl: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND There are multiple causes of sudden gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Reportsof Dieulafoy lesions (DLs) in children are scarce. DLs can be fatal withoutappropriate treatment.CASE SUMMARYWe present a retrospective analysis of the clinical manifestations, endoscopicfeatures, and treatment of a Chinese girl with a DL, as well as a review of therelevant literature. A 10-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital with suddenmassive hematemesis and melena. Abdominal computed tomography revealedsuspected submucosal bleeding in the stomach. Finally, the disease wasdiagnosed with endoscopy due to the typical manifestations. We used electroco-agulation and hemoclips under endoscopy for hemostasis. No recurrence ofhematemesis was identified during 4-wk’ follow-up.CONCLUSIONDLs in children are rare but an important cause of sudden gastrointestinalhemorrhage. Many pediatricians are inexperienced and often miss or delaydiagnosis. Endoscopy as early as possible is the first choice for diagnosis andtreatment.