Bleeding Gastric Heterotopia of Cecal Diverticulum in an Adolescent: A Case Report

Abstract

Diverticular bleeding and gastric heterotopia (GHT) in the proximal lower gastrointestinal tract are rare in adolescents. Here, we report a case of cecal diverticular bleeding associated with GHT. A 17-year-old adolescent boy was discharged after treatment for cecal diverticular bleeding. Subsequently, he visited the hospital due to an episode of hematochezia and sustained pain in the right lower abdomen. A colon study showed a diverticulum causing external compression in the cecum. His hemoglobin level was 7.2 g/dL. Abdominopelvic computed tomography showed thickening of the ascending and transverse colon, suggesting non-specific colitis. Single-incision laparoscopic ileocecal resection was performed. Pathologic findings demonstrated congenital diverticulum with GHT in the cecum, and an ulcer with perforation in the cecal area. In cases of hematochezia among adolescents, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of rare diseases such as GHT.