Pyogenic granuloma of the colon

Gastrointestinal Pyogenic Granuloma (Lobular Capillary Hemangioma): An Underrecognized Entity Causing Iron Deficiency Anemia

Pyogenic granuloma (PG), more accurately known as lobular capillary hemangioma, is a benign vascular tumor that usually occurs in the skin or oral mucosa. This lesion is rarely reported in the gastrointestinal tract but is known to bleed if not resected. We herein describe a case series with the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings of four cases of gastrointestinal PG at our institution. In addition, we provide a review of the literature and summation of all reported cases of PG specific to the gastrointestinal tract. Based on our experience, we suggest that the actual incidence of gastrointestinal PG may in fact be higher than reported because PG can be unrecognized or improperly diagnosed. It is important for the clinician to properly recognize this lesion as a source of anemia and its propensity to bleed during biopsy or resection.

Pyogenic granuloma: an unusual cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding from the small bowel

Small bowel hemorrhage is responsible for approximately 4% of all cases of gastrointestinal bleeding. The etiology of bleeding from the small bowel is a tumour in approximately 10% of cases. Pyogenic granuloma is a common inflammatory vascular tumour of the dermis, which rarely occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. Pyogenic granuloma is a rare cause of overt or obscure small bowel bleeding. The present paper reports the first case of pyogenic granuloma presenting as a massive gastrointestinal bleed, and reviews the relevant literature to date regarding the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of this rare gastrointestinal lesion.