Case Reports Open access

A case of hemorrhagic shock due to massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding: from the differential diagnosis to the correct management

Authors

Published
8 September 2023
Section
Case Reports
DOI
10.4081/ecj.2023.11540

Abstract

Upper Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding (UGIB) spans from minor bleeding to life-threatening events. Identification of early signs of shock, proper management of hemodynamically unstable patients, and correct risk stratification are essential for an appropriate diagnostic workup and therapy. This case reports a young man admitted to the emergency department with haematemesis. His medical history was unremarkable, without any risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding. A few hours after admission, further episodes of haematemesis occurred, and the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated to irreversible shock. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed morphological features of chronic liver disease and oesophagal varices. The patient underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, confirming oesophagal varices with massive bleeding. Although promptly applied, endoscopic hemostasis was ineffective, and the patient died twenty-four hours after admission. Based on this case, we reviewed the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with massive UGIB and provided a practical approach to this life-threatening emergency.

Keywords

References

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Author Biographies

  • Beatrice Marziani, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara; School of Emergency Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara

     

     

  • Fabio Caputo, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara

     

     

  • Matteo Guarino, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara; School of Emergency Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara

     

     

  • Francesco Luppi, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara

     

     

  • Benedetta Perna, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara; School of Emergency Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara

     

     

  • Angelina Passaro, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara

     

     

  • Daniele Cariani, Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara

     

     

  • Alberto Merighi, Gastroenterology Unit, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara

     

     

  • Rosario Arena, Gastroenterology Unit, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara

     

     

  • Roberto De Giorgio, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara; School of Emergency Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara

     

     

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