Massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage from a duodenal diverticulum: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Bleeding duodenal diverticulum is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, which sometimes can be massive and life threatening. We report one such case and the management, with a successful outcome. Different diagnostic techniques and management options available are also discussed.

Introduction Duodenum is the commonest site of diverticulae in the small bowel with a reported prevalence rate of up to 25% in autopsy studies [1]. The majority of them are asymptomatic and usually identified as an incidental finding at endoscopy or in barium studies. Complications from duodenal diverticulae occur due to mechanical pressure effects or due to diverticulitis [2].