BLUE RUBBER BLEB NEVUS SYNDROME (BEANS SYNDROME) - AN UNCOMMON CAUSE OF GASTROINTESTINAL-BLEEDING

A ten year old boy had six cutaneous angiomas and recurrent rectal ble eding responsible for iron deficiency anemia. Histological examination established the diagnosis of blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome. Endosc opy, arteriography, computed tomography, and angioscintigraphy disclos ed additional angiomas in the stomach and rectum and along the blood v essels in the lower limbs. The value of angioscintigraphy for identify ing angiomas escaping detection by other means was illustrated in this case. Embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery was successful i n preventing further rectal bleeding. Treatment of this disorder remai ns controversial.