Appendiceal bleeding caused by vascular malformation: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common occurrence in clinical practice. However, appendiceal bleeding is an extremely rare condition that can easily be overlooked and misdiagnosed. The preoperative detection of appendiceal bleeding often poses challenges due to the lack of related guidelines and consensus, resulting in controversial treatment approaches. CASE SUMMARY We presented a case of a 33-year-old female who complained of hematochezia that had lasted for 1 d. Colonoscopy revealed continuous bleeding in the appendiceal orifice. A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed immediately, and a pulsating blood vessel was observed in the mesangium of the appendix, accordingly, active bleeding into the appendicular lumen was considered. Pathological examination revealed numerous hyperplastic vessels in the appendiceal mucosa and dilated capillary vessels. CONCLUSION The preoperative detection of appendiceal bleeding is often challenging, colonoscopy is extremely important, bowel preparation is not routinely recommended for patients with acute LGIB or only low-dose bowel preparation is recommended. Laparoscopic appendectomy is the most appropriate treatment for appendiceal bleeding.