Small Bowel Hemangioma in a 2-Year-Old Female With Recurrent Anemia

Ochsner J. 2018 Winter;18(4):428-432. doi: 10.31486/toj.18.0099.

Abstract

Background: Hemangiomas of the small bowel are rare tumors that present with melena, hematochezia, or signs of anemia. Because of the rarity of gastrointestinal hemangiomas, they are not commonly considered in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients with anemia.

Case report: We present a case of small bowel hemangioma in a 2-year-old female with recurrent episodes of severe anemia. After resection of a 4.5 cm × 2 cm benign hemangioma, the patient's hemoglobin level steadily improved. The patient did not experience recurrence and has had no problems with activities of daily living.

Conclusion: Small bowel hemangiomas can cause serious life-threatening anemia or obstruction of the small bowel and should be considered in cases of pediatric anemia unresponsive to medical management.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage; intestine–small; pediatrics; vascular neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports