Dieulafoy lesion

Dieulafoy lesion

This is essentially a gastric arterial venous malformation that has a characteristic histological appearance. Bleeding due to - this malformation is one of the most di ffi cult causes of upper - gastrointestinal bleeding to treat. The lesion itself is covered by normal mucosa and, when not bleeding, it may be invisible. If it can be seen while bleeding, all that may be visible is profuse bleeding coming from an area of apparently normal mucosa. If this occurs, the cause is instantly recognisable. If the lesion - can be identified endoscopically ( Figure 67.23 ) bleeding can be stopped by injection of sclerosant or application of endo - scopic clips. If it is identified at operation, only local excision - is necessary .