Duodenal Lipoma As Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Presentation: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Duodenal lipomas (DLs) are rare benign nonepithelial tumors that account for 4% of all gastrointestinal (GI) lipomas. DLs can occur in any part of the duodenum but most commonly arise in the second part of the duodenum. They are usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally but may present with GI hemorrhage, bowel obstruction, or abdominal pain and discomfort. The diagnostic modalities can be based on radiological studies and endoscopy with the aid of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). DLs can be managed either endoscopically or surgically. We report a case of symptomatic DL presenting with upper GI hemorrhage along with a review of the literature. We report a case of a 49-year-old female patient who presented with a one-week history of abdominal pain and melena. Upper endoscopy revealed a single, large pedunculated polyp with an ulcerated tip in the first part of the duodenum. EUS confirmed features suggestive of a lipoma, including an intense homogeneous hyperechoic mass originating from the submucosa. The patient underwent endoscopic resection, with excellent recovery. The rare occurrence of DLs requires a high index of suspicion and radiological endoscopic assessment to rule out invasion into the deeper layers. Endoscopic management is associated with good outcomes and a decreased risk of surgical complications.