1228 Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding Secondary to Bleeding Jejunal Diverticulum

Abstract

Usually, the Jejunal diverticula appeared multiple and vary in size. These false diverticula lack the muscular coat of the normal intestinal walls, and most patients presented with it were asymptomatic. Although 10% of all patients develop complications such as perforation, obstruction, or bleeding, which then requires surgical intervention, but bleeding is relatively rare among these complications. A case of 74 years old lady was referred to our hospital because of persistent hematemesis and fresh melena. Her previous and recent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy both revealed only gastric erosions without any active bleeding. Also, previous, and recent colonoscopy was done but not completed due to the presents of fresh blood and blood clots along the colon, which led to improper visualization. Her selective mesenteric angiography was done together with upper and lower endoscopy, but none of them revealed the source of bleeding. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was undertaken, and a prominent single jejunal diverticulum with a prominent vessel entering it was noted, and no bleeding from other sites detected. Enterotomy was performed, and enteroscopy confirmed ulceration at the jejunal diverticulum site. Resection of the portion containing the diverticulum and primary anastomosis was done, and this cured the patient. The histopathological examination of the specimen showed an ulcerative lesion with an exposed vessel suggestive of the source of bleeding. Although jejunal diverticula incidence is rare, it is important to look for such lesions in patients with intestinal bleeding. Keywords: jejunal diverticulum, small intestine, intestinal bleeding.