Idiopathic small-bowel and colonic varices are a rare source of bleeding from the
gastrointestinal tract. To date there are only eight published case series of familial
idiopathic small-bowel and colonic varices. We present a case series detailing three
affected siblings who presented with significant lower gastrointestinal bleeding and
had multiple varices on endoscopy and imaging. Though not confirmed, consanguinity
in the parents suggests an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. We summarize the
literature to date and describe our institution’s experience of endoscopy, diagnostic
imaging, and treatment in these patients.
