Gastrointestinal bleeding and protein-losing enteropathy after the fontan operation

Am J Cardiol. 2006 Sep 1;98(5):666-7. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2006.03.049. Epub 2006 Jul 7.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal bleeding has not been reported in patients with protein-losing enteropathy. The investigators describe 3 patients with protein-losing enteropathy and gastrointestinal bleeding after Fontan operations. Bleeding occurred at the onset of protein-losing enteropathy, was macroscopic, led to anemia, and required blood transfusion in all patients. Invasive testing failed to demonstrate gastrointestinal pathology as a source of bleeding. In conclusion, unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding may be part of the clinical spectrum of protein-losing enteropathy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fontan Procedure / adverse effects*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage*
  • Prognosis
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies / etiology*