An Unusual Cause of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Cecal Dieulafoy's Lesion

Abstract

Colonic Dieulafoy's lesions are an exceptionally rare cause of lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. These lesions are almost exclusively found in the upper GI tract based on previous reviews. We present a case of an 81-year-old man who presented with melena progressing to hematochezia and was found to have a cecal Dieulafoy's lesion on colonoscopy. Hemostasis with clipping was achieved and allowed for the resumption of anticoagulation. This case demonstrates the importance of considering this diagnosis in lower GI bleeding when evidence of more common causes may not be present, especially considering these lesions amenability to endoscopic therapy.

Keywords: colonoscopy; dieulafoy's lesion; endoscopic treatment; lower gastrointestinal bleed.