Anaemia in Waldmann's disease: A rare presentation of a rare disease

World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2015 May 16;7(5):567-72. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v7.i5.567.

Abstract

A 32-year-old female presented with 5-year history of iron deficiency anemia, marked pallor and edema of both lower limbs. Laboratory investigations including complete blood count, blood film, iron studies, lipid profile, ascitic fluid analysis, test of stool for occult blood and alpha 1 anti-trypsin. Upper, lower gastrointestinal (GIT) endoscopies, and enteroscopy were performed. Imaging techniques as abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography were done. Echocardiography, lymph node biopsy and bone marrow examination were normal. The case was diagnosed as Waldmann's disease with protein losing enteropathy and recurrent GIT bleeding. Management started with low fat diet with medium chain triglyceride, octreotide 200 μg twice a day, tranexamic acid and blood transfusion. Then, exploratory laparotomy with pathological examination of resected segment was done when recurrent GIT bleeding occurred and to excluded malignant transformation.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal bleeding; Iron deficiency anemia; Lymphangiectasia; Waldmann’s disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports