Published online Oct 14, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i38.6490
Revised: June 1, 2013
Accepted: June 8, 2013
Published online: October 14, 2013
Duodenal duplication cysts are benign rare congenital anomalies reported mainly in the pediatric population, but seldom in adults. Symptoms depend on the type and location and can present as abdominal pain, distension, dysphagia or dyspepsia. They have been reported to be responsible for duodenal obstruction, pancreatitis and, in rare cases, gastrointestinal bleeding. We present a case of a duodenal duplication cyst in a 43-year-old man presenting as melena. Initial gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy did not reveal any bleeding focus. However, the patient began passing melena after 3 d, with an acute decrease in hemoglobin levels. Subsequent studies revealed a duplication cyst in the second portion of the duodenum which was surgically resected. Histology revealed a duodenal duplication cyst consisting of intestinal mucosa. There was no further bleeding and the patient recovered completely. In rare cases, duodenal duplication cysts might cause gastrointestinal bleeding and should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Core tip: Duodenal duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies that have been seldom reported in adults. Most cases of duodenal duplication have been associated with pancreatitis or jaundice and few have been reported as a cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We submit a case of duodenal duplication cyst causing gastrointestinal hemorrhage. In rare cases, duodenal duplication cysts may cause gastrointestinal bleeding and must be included in the differential diagnosis.