Epigastric pain relating to menses can be a symptom of bowel endometriosis

Sao Paulo Med J. 2008 Jul;126(4):242-4. doi: 10.1590/s1516-31802008000400012.

Abstract

Context and objective: Endometriosis is a common affliction that may affect the intestinal tract. The objective of this case report was to describe an unusual clinical presentation of this form of the disease.

Case report: The patient was a 35-year-old woman with epigastric pain that only occurred during menstruation, who had a history of bladder endometriosis. Endoscopy of the upper digestive tract showed normal results. Transvaginal ultrasound and nuclear magnetic resonance of the pelvis showed a lesion involving the ileocecal junction and appendix, measuring 30 x 22/x/13/mm, that was suggestive of endometriosis. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection of the bowel segment affected by the disease, followed by anastomosis of the ileum and ascending colon for immediate restoration of intestinal transit. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Conclusions: In young women, recurrent epigastric pain should be evaluated with regard to its relationship to menstruation, particularly if there is a history of endometriosis, since this may be a clinical sign that the disease is affecting the intestinal transit.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO:: A endometriose é uma doença freqüente que pode acometer o trato intestinal. O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever forma pouco usual de apresentação clínica.

RELATO DE CASO:: Paciente de 35 anos tinha queixa de dor em região epigástrica somente durante o período menstrual e antecedente de endometriose vesical. Endoscopia digestiva alta era normal, e ultra-sonografia transvaginal e ressonância nuclear magnética da pelve demonstravam lesão em transição íleo-ceco-apendicular de 30 × 22 × 13 mm sugestiva de endometriose. A paciente foi submetida a ressecção laparoscópica do segmento intestinal afetado pela doença com imediata reconstrução do trânsito intestinal através da confecção de anastomose íleo-cólon ascendente. A análise histológica confirmou o diagnóstico de endometriose.

CONCLUSÕES:: Dor epigástrica recorrente deve ser caracterizada quanto à sua relação com o período menstrual em mulheres jovens, especialmente se houver antecedente de endometriose, pois pode ser um sinal clínico da doença acometendo o trato intestinal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Endometriosis / complications*
  • Endometriosis / diagnosis
  • Endometriosis / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Diseases / complications*
  • Intestinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Diseases / surgery
  • Menstrual Cycle