Endoscopy 2007; 39: E58
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-945129
Unusual cases and technical notes

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Capsule endoscopy in Klippel - Trenaunay syndrome

R. K. Weersma1 , W. J. Thijs2 , G. D. C. Vosmaer2 , J. J. Koornstra1
  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
  • 2Deparment of Gastroenterology, Scheper Hospital, Emmen, The Netherlands
Further Information

J. J. Koornstra, MD, PhD

University Medical Center Groningen

PO Box 30001
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands

Fax: +31-50-3619306

Email: j. j.koornstra@int.umcg.nl

Publication History

Publication Date:
26 February 2007 (online)

Table of Contents

A 53-year-old man, with known Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS), presented with massive life-threatening gastrointestinal blood loss. After hemodynamic resuscitation, upper endoscopy and ileocolonoscopy were performed. These did not reveal the source of bleeding. Video capsule endoscopy was subsequently performed using the Given (Yoqneam, Israel) system. This revealed a large number of small-bowel hemangiomas (Figure [1]). However, none of the lesions showed signs of active or recent bleeding. The clinical course was favorable, with spontaneous resolution of the blood loss. It remains unclear what may have precipitated the bleeding episode.

Zoom Image

Figure 1 Capsule endoscopy findings in a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

KTS is a rare congenital vascular anomaly characterized by limb hypertrophy, cutaneous hemangiomas, and venous malformations. Gastrointestinal bleeding is a potentially serious complication of diffuse hemangiomatous involvement of the gut in KTS. Several cases have been described in the literature, mostly concerning bleeding hemangiomas in the colorectum [1]. Reports of involvement of the small intestine are extremely rare [2]. However, it must be noted that most cases published date from the era before the introduction of wireless video capsule endoscopy. Our case illustrates the diagnostic value of capsule endoscopy in establishing suspected small-bowel hemangiomas in KTS syndrome.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AC_2AB

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References

  • 1 Wilson C L, Song L M, Chua H. et al . Bleeding from cavernous angiomatosis of the rectum in Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: report of three cases and literature review.  Am J Gastroenterol. 2001;  96 2783-2788
  • 2 Sato T, Ohta K, Ohyama S. et al . Klippel - Trenaunay - Weber syndrome and duodenal hemorrhage.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2003;  58 756-757

J. J. Koornstra, MD, PhD

University Medical Center Groningen

PO Box 30001
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands

Fax: +31-50-3619306

Email: j. j.koornstra@int.umcg.nl

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References

  • 1 Wilson C L, Song L M, Chua H. et al . Bleeding from cavernous angiomatosis of the rectum in Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: report of three cases and literature review.  Am J Gastroenterol. 2001;  96 2783-2788
  • 2 Sato T, Ohta K, Ohyama S. et al . Klippel - Trenaunay - Weber syndrome and duodenal hemorrhage.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2003;  58 756-757

J. J. Koornstra, MD, PhD

University Medical Center Groningen

PO Box 30001
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands

Fax: +31-50-3619306

Email: j. j.koornstra@int.umcg.nl

Zoom Image

Figure 1 Capsule endoscopy findings in a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.