Refractory lower gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient with parkes weber syndrome: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Parkes Weber syndrome (PWS) is a rare disorder of limb hypertrophy and vascular abnormalities, including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a refractory lower gastrointestinal bleeding due to AVMs in a patient with PWS. We describe the case of a 54-year-old woman with PWS who presented with refractory lower gastrointestinal bleeding due to extensive AVMs in the sigmoid colon and rectum. We review her colonoscopy and computed tomography imaging and ultimate surgical management, including a low anterior resection and diverting loop ileostomy. In rare cases, PWS can cause severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding. It is imperative to understand the role of surgical intervention in such cases of refractory lower gastrointestinal bleeding.