ANGIODYSPLASIA AS THE CAUSE OF MASSIVE LOWER GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE IN A YOUNG-ADULT - REPORT OF A CASE

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to clarify the importance of bleedi ng vascular ectasia of the colon as the etiology of massive lower gast rointestinal hemorrhage in patients 40 years of age or younger. METHOD S: An otherwise healthy 21-year-old male was admitted to a tertiary me dical center with massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Technetiu m-labeled red blood cell scan, selective visceral angiography, and col onoscopy identified the source of bleeding as vascular abnormality of the descending colon. Segmental colonic resection was performed. RESUL TS: Histologic review of the specimen demonstrated a vascular ectasia. The patient recovered uneventfully and has had no further stigmata of hemorrhage. A review of the literature was undertaken to make clear t he significance of vascular ectasia as the source for massive colonic hemorrhage in the young adult. CONCLUSION: This is the first report th at documents histologically a vascular ectasia as the source of massiv e lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in an otherwise healthy patient le ss than 40 years of age. Vascular ectasia is an uncommon cause of lowe r gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the young adult.