Rare Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report of Pancreatic Arteriovenous Malformation.

BACKGROUND Arteriovenous malformation is an unusual cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in the pancreas. A definitive treatment strategy is not yet established. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 37-year-old man with underlying hypertension and no significant family history who presented with a 3-month history of intermittent epigastric pains and unintentional weight loss of 5 kg in 2 months. The upper endoscopy showed a large duodenal ulcer, which was uncontrolled with a standard dose of proton pump inhibitors. An abdominal computed tomography scan with contrast was indicated and revealed an enhanced mass of 2.5×3.5×4 cm in size, located on the second and third parts of the duodenum and head of the pancreas, indicating an arteriovenous malformation. On day 10 of hospitalization, the patient suddenly had melena and a drop of hemoglobin level to 5.6 g/dL; angiography intervention was successful to control the bleeding. However, gastrointestinal bleeding recurred after 2 weeks, and the patient successfully underwent a Whipple procedure. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis and therapeutic management of arteriovenous malformations are uniquely challenging; therefore, pancreatic arteriovenous malformations should be listed on the differential diagnosis, particularly in those cases with non-healing and large duodenal ulcers. Otherwise, early imaging modalities should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. In particular, angiography can temporarily control bleeding before proceeding with more definitive therapy.

Vietnam Association of Gastroenterology (VNAGE) consensus on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is prevalent and has a rapidly increasing antibiotic resistance rate in Vietnam. Reinfection is quite common, and gastric carcinoma remains one of the most common malignancies, which is not uncommon to develop after successful eradication. The purpose of this consensus is to provide updated recommendations on the management of H. pylori infection in the country. The consensus panel consisted of 32 experts from 14 major universities and institutions in Vietnam who were invited to review the evidence and develop the statements using the Delphi method. The process followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The consensus level was defined as ≥80% for agreement on the proposed statements. Due to the limited availability of high-quality local evidence, this consensus was also based on high-quality evidence from international studies, especially those conducted in other populations in the Asia-Pacific region. The panel finally reached a consensus on 27 statements after two voting rounds, which consisted of four sections (1) indications for testing and selection of diagnostic tests (2), treatment regimens, (3) post-treatment confirmation of H. pylori status, and (4) reinfection prevention methods and follow-up after eradication. Important issues that require further evidence include studies on third-line regimens, strategies to prevent H. pylori reinfection, and post-eradication follow-up for precancerous gastric lesions. We hope this consensus will help guide the current clinical practice in Vietnam and promote multicenter studies in the country and international collaborations.