In search of the Cause of Iron Deficiency Anemia

  • P Baburaj Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, East Fort, Thrissur, Kerala.
  • T K Joseph Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, East Fort, Thrissur, Kerala
  • P T Hijaz Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, East Fort, Thrissur, Kerala
Keywords: Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, GIST, Enteroscopy

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia from obscure gastrointestinal bleeding source can at times present a diagnostic challenge with no identifiable source of blood loss by conventional investigations. A small intestinal pathology is highly likely in such cases. We report here a case of iron deficiency anemia due to gastrointestinal blood loss which turned out to be due to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of jejunum on enteroscopy. The case highlights the pitfalls of conventional investigation modalities in detecting a small intestinal pathology and the need for more sophisticated imaging/endoscopic techniques in such cases.

Author Biographies

P Baburaj, Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, East Fort, Thrissur, Kerala.

Professor, Department of Medicine & Unit Head

T K Joseph, Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, East Fort, Thrissur, Kerala

Associate Professor, Medical Gastroenterology

P T Hijaz, Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, East Fort, Thrissur, Kerala

Department of Medicine

Published
2015-03-26
How to Cite
Baburaj, P., Joseph, T., & Hijaz, P. (2015). In search of the Cause of Iron Deficiency Anemia. Kerala Medical Journal, 8(1), 38-40. https://doi.org/10.52314/kmj.2015.v8i1.357
Section
Case Series / Case Report