Bleeding Jejunal Diverticula: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Jejunal diverticulosis is an asymptomatic condition that is sporadically seen during radiological studies or laparotomy. Complications such as diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction or abscess formation are documented; on the other hand, bleeding from jejunal diverticula is rarely reported, albeit it should be considered in all cases of lower gastrointestinal bleeding with non-conclusive upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. Herein, we report a case of a 65 year old man presenting with massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Computed tomography (C.T.) scan, selective coeliac, superior mesenteric and inferior mesenteric angiography, and upper and lower endoscopy could not reveal the bleeding source. It was disclosed only during laparotomy, and surgical resection of the involved jejunal segment was performed. The objectives of this study are to highlight jejunal diverticula as the occult source of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and to review literature data concerning this complicated uncommon disorder.