Case Report
The value of double balloon enteroscopy in diagnosing blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome: a case report
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* Corresponding author: John V Reynolds reynoljv@tcd.ie
1 Department of Clinical Surgery, Trinity Centre, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
2 Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Centre, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
Cases Journal 2010, 3:29 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-3-29
Published: 18 January 2010Abstract
Blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome is a rare vascular disorder associated with multiple gastrointestinal haemangiomas that have the potential for life-threatening haemorrhage. These may be difficult to diagnose, and have classically been described using computed tomographic studies and/or mesenteric angiography. Resected surgical specimens of these lesions, especially in the small bowel, have often been extensive and poorly localized. The recent advent and progressive development of double balloon enteroscopy has allowed the direct visualization and marking of these enteric lesions and serves as a valuable adjunct not only in diagnosis but also planning prior to surgery to allow accurate estimate of the extent of resection.