Beyond the Usual Suspects: Appendiceal Bleeding as the Surprising Cause of Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding.

Abstract

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common clinical condition typically associated with diseases like diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. However, rarer etiologies such as appendiceal hemorrhage can present similarly, complicating diagnosis and management. This case report discusses a 42-year-old male who presented with severe rectal bleeding. Despite a comprehensive diagnostic workup, including colonoscopy and CT angiography, the underlying cause was identified as an obscure appendiceal hemorrhage. This atypical presentation underscores the importance of considering a broad differential diagnosis, even in cases with seemingly straightforward clinical features. While laparoscopic appendectomy is the standard surgical approach for managing appendiceal hemorrhage, a conservative management strategy was successfully employed in this particular case, highlighting the importance of individualized patient care and judicious clinical decision-making. This case report emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, involving careful clinical assessment, advanced imaging, and endoscopic evaluation, to accurately diagnose and manage complex cases of gastrointestinal bleeding. By recognizing and addressing uncommon etiologies, clinicians can improve patient outcomes and minimize unnecessary interventions.