A Case of Massive Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage due to Ileal Varices

Jeong, Yong Ho; Lee, Chang Don; Chae, Hyun Suk; Kim, Jae Sung; Hang, Sang Won; Ahn, Kwan Hong; Shin, Seok Joon; Kim, Jeong Soo; Jeon, Hae Myung

Abstract

Ileal variceal bleeding is an uncommon complication which results from liver cirrhosis with portal hypertention. 1n cirrhotic patients, bleeding most commonly occurs from portal-venous shunts at the cardioesophageal junction but occurs also at any gastrointestinal tract. Ileal varices represent about one third of this ectopic varix affecting the digestive tract. The most prominent clinical features of ileal varix are hematochezia and tarry stool due to lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Superior mesenteric arteriography is regarded as important diagnostic method and on the venous phase enlarged and tortous vein is usually found. Intestinal resection of the area of variceal formation and portal-systemic shunt are recommended as a therapeutic method. We report a case of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to ileal varix with review of literature.