Early and accurate diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment plans are crucial for patients with gastrointestinal hemangiomas

Abstract

Gastrointestinal hemangioma (GIH) is clinically rare, accounting for 7%-10% of benign gastrointestinal tumors and 0.5% of systemic hemangiomas. GIH can occur as either solitary or multiple lesions, with gastrointestinal bleeding as a significant clinical manifestation. Understanding the clinical and endoscopic features of GIH is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy, particularly through endoscopy and selective arteriography, which are highly effective in diagnosing GIH and preventing misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Upon confirmed diagnosis, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate the patient's condition to determine the most suitable treatment modality—whether surgical, endoscopic, or minimally invasive intervention. The minimally invasive interventional partial embolization therapy using polyvinyl alcohol particles, proposed and implemented by Pospisilova et al, has achieved excellent clinical outcomes. This approach reduces surgical trauma and the inherent risks of traditional surgical treatments.

Keywords: Hemangioma; Gastrointestinal hemangioma; Gastrointestinal hemorrhage; Minimally invasive interventional treatment; Selective embolization

Core Tip: For patients presenting with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, recurrent melena, and chronic anemia, gastrointestinal hemangiomas should be highly suspected. Active endoscopic and other diagnostic examinations are essential to confirm the lesion and prevent misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. Following a confirmed diagnosis, a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition is necessary to determine the most suitable treatment method, whether surgical intervention, endoscopic therapy, or minimally invasive interventional therapy.