Bleeding Small Bowel Hamartoma: A Rare Cause of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2025

Publication Title

American Journal of Gastroenterology

Abstract

Introduction: Small bowel hamartomas are rare and benign lesions that are most commonly associated with hereditary syndromes such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Sporadic small bowel hamartomas are even more rare and often asymptomatic. While these hamartomas do not typically cause significant clinical manifestations, they can occasionally lead to gastrointestinal (GI) complications such as intussusception or bleeding. Case Description/Methods: A 75-year-old gentleman with history of aortic stenosis and Barrett’s esophagus presented after a witnessed syncopal episode at home. He denied any GI symptoms or bleeding. His vitals were stable and physical examination was unremarkable. Initial labs revealed a hemoglobin of 6.3 g/dL (baseline 9 g/dL). Despite multiple blood transfusions, his anemia persisted. Initial endoscopic evaluation including esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were negative. He then underwent video capsule endoscopy (VCE) which revealed a large actively oozing pedunculated jejunal mass. Abdominal computed tomography scan confirmed this small bowel mass. Push enteroscopy showed a large 4 cm multilobulated actively oozing lesion in the jejunum with a long (about 8 cm) stalk. The site was tattooed. The patient underwent surgical resection of 2 benign hamartomatous polyps. Rapid resolution of anemia was noted post operatively after which patient was discharged home in stable condition. On outpatient follow up, he continues to have improving hemoglobin several months later. Discussion: This patient exemplifies a rare instance of a bleeding jejunal hamartoma as a cause of significant iron deficiency anemia. Hamartomatous polyps are usually benign and asymptomatic. After negative esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy, further investigation with VCE and computed tomography were crucial in identifying the bleeding source. This case demonstrates the importance of including rate and benign lesions in the differential for obscure GI bleeding and shows the importance of advanced imaging techniques in diagnosing potential small bowel pathology when routine endoscopic evaluations are negative.

Volume

120

Issue

10S2

First Page

S1329

Comments

American College of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting, October 24-29, 2025, Phoenix, AZ

Last Page

S1329

DOI

10.14309/01.ajg.0001153404.45364.d3

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS