# Acute Rectal Bleeding in a COVID-19 Patient: Chasing a Diagnosis

**Authors:** Hudson P Franca, Sahar S Abdelmoneim, Priscila Sole, Matthew Razavian, Odalys Frontela

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66596 · Cureus · 2024-08-10

## TL;DR

A patient with severe rectal bleeding and COVID-19 was successfully treated with angiography and embolization.

## Contribution

Highlights the effectiveness of early angiography in managing severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding in complex cases.

## Key findings

- Angiography and embolization successfully stabilized a patient with severe acute rectal bleeding.
- Early angiography is recommended for initial hemostasis in severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding cases.
- A coordinated approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment in complex clinical scenarios.

## Abstract

Guidelines for managing lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) can vary significantly, posing challenges in clinical settings. This case involves a previously healthy man who presented with severe acute rectal bleeding, along with COVID-19 positivity, Janeway lesions, and splinter hemorrhages. His condition rapidly deteriorated, with evidence suggesting a diverticular bleed. Treatment with angiography and embolization successfully stabilized him, resulting in an excellent outcome. Accurate diagnosis and stabilization necessitate a coordinated approach tailored to each patient’s condition. Early angiography should be considered for initial hemostasis in severe cases of LGIB, as demonstrated in this case.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** COVID-19 (MONDO:0100096)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Janeway lesions (MESH:D009059), Rectal Bleeding (MESH:D012002), hemorrhages (MESH:D006470), COVID-19 (MESH:D000086382), LGIB (MESH:D006471), diverticular bleed (MESH:D000076385)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11385089/full.md

## References

13 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11385089/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11385089