Hematochezia due to Angiodysplasia of the Appendix

Ann Coloproctol. 2016 Jun;32(3):117-9. doi: 10.3393/ac.2016.32.3.117. Epub 2016 Jun 30.

Abstract

Common causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding include diverticular disease, vascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, neoplasms, and hemorrhoids. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding of appendiceal origin is extremely rare. We report a case of lower gastrointestinal bleeding due to angiodysplasia of the appendix. A 72-year-old man presented with hematochezia. Colonoscopy showed active bleeding from the orifice of the appendix. We performed a laparoscopic appendectomy. Microscopically, dilated veins were found at the submucosal layer of the appendix. The patient was discharged uneventfully. Although lower gastrointestinal bleeding of appendiceal origin is very rare, clinicians should consider it during differential diagnosis.

Keywords: Angiodysplasia; Appendix; Gastrointestinal hematochezia; Hemorrhage; Lower gastrointestinal tract.