A Rare Cause of Recurrent Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed: Colonic Dieulafoy’s Lesion

Dieulafoy’s lesion accounts for 1%-2% of acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding cases, and approximately 2% of Dieulafoy’s lesions are present in the colon. We report the case of an 83-year-old female who presented with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding from colonic Dieulafoy’s lesion located at the hepatic flexure. She initially presented four weeks prior with melena in the setting of Eliquis use for venous thrombosis, coronary artery disease, and end-stage renal disease. Upper endoscopy revealed esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis. Diagnostic colonoscopy and video capsule endoscopy both revealed blood in the colon without an identifiable source. During the second admission for recurrent melena with hemoglobin of 3.9 g/dL, Eliquis was discontinued, and the patient was resuscitated with three units of packed red blood cell transfusions. Repeat colonoscopy revealed a pulsating vessel with active oozing located at the hepatic flexure, consistent with a Dieulafoy’s lesion. Hemostatic endoclips and bipolar electrocautery were applied to achieve complete hemostasis. Colonic Dieulafoy’s lesions, albeit rare, should be considered in patients presenting with an acute obscure lower GI bleed. Primary hemostasis can be achieved with several endoscopic modalities including epinephrine, hemoclipping, thermocoagulation, or sclerotherapy.