Gastric adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation: an unexpected cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

A 78-year-old male with previous medical history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia and colectomy for colon adenocarcinoma 16 years earlier presented to emergency department with melena for approximately 2 weeks. He denied hematemesis or hematochezia. He also denied other symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, anorexia or weight loss. Usual medications included silodosin, simvastatin, losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, pantoprazole and midazolam. He denied recent intake of iron supplements or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Physical examination was unremarkable except for pale skin. Laboratory studies revealed the presence of anemia (hemoglobin level: 7.1 g/dL). Leukocyte and platelet counts, liver tests, renal function, electrolyte levels, C-reactive protein and coagulation studies were all normal. Upper digestive endoscopy revealed red blood and blood clots in gastric lumen and a polypoid lesion with a diameter of approximately 20 mm located at the greater curvature of the proximal body with active oozing hemorrhage (Figure 1). Bleeding was successfully controlled with injection of diluted epinephrine at the base of the polyp and the patient was admitted in intermediate care unit for close monitoring. During the following days,