Racemose hemangioma presenting as a vitreous hemorrhage: case report / Hemangioma racemoso apresentando-se como hemorragia vítrea: relato de caso

ABSTRACT This report describes a case of retinal racemose hemangioma that first presented as a vitreous hemorrhage. The authors present the case of a 47-year-old woman with a sudden 5-day painless visual loss in her left eye. At the first visit, the best-correct visual acuities were 20/20 in the right eye and hand motions in the left eyes. Ultrasonography showed an attached retina and a massive vitreous hemorrhage. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed and a dilatation of large vessels was detected bulging from the optic disc. The best-correct visual acuities on day 30 postoperatively was 20/25 in the left eye. Fundus angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography showed anomalous arteriovenous communications with no intervening capillaries. The diagnosis was racemose hemangioma, an arteriovenous malformation of group 2 retina based on the Archer classification.

RESUMO Este relato descreve um caso de hemangioma racemoso da retina que se apresentou inicialmente como hemorragia vítrea. Os autores apresentam o caso de uma mulher de 47 anos com perda visual súbita e indolor 5 dias antes no olho esquerdo. Na primeira visita, a melhor acuidade visual corrigida foi de 20/20 no olho direito e movimentos das mãos no olho esquerdo. A ultrassonografia mostrou uma retina aderida e uma hemorragia vítrea maciça. Foi realizada vitrectomia pars plana, sendo detectada proliferação de grandes vasos salientes do disco óptico. A acuidade visual no dia 30 de pós-operatório foi de 20/25 no olho esquerdo. A angiografia de retina e a angiotomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral mostraram comunicações arteriovenosas anômalas sem capilares intermediários. O diagnóstico foi hemangioma racemoso, uma malformação arteriovenosa da retina do grupo 2 com base na classificação de Archer.

Uterine rescue in high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia treated with ema-co by uterine arteries embolization due to arteriovenous malformations / Resgate uterino em neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional de alto risco tratada com EMA-CO por embolização de artérias uterinas devido a malformações arteriovenosas

Abstract Complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) is a rare type of pregnancy, in which 15 to 20% of the cases may develop into gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). The diagnostic of GTN must be done as early as possible through weekly surveillance of serum hCG after uterine evacuation.We report the case of 23-year-old primigravida, with CHM but without surveillance of hCG after uterine evacuation. Two months later, the patient presented to the emergency with vaginal bleeding and was referred to the Centro de Doenças Trofoblásticas do Hospital São Paulo. She was diagnosed with high risk GTN stage/score III:7 as per The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics/World Health Organization (FIGO/WHO). The sonographic examination revealed enlarged uterus with a heterogeneous mass constituted of multiple large vessels invading and causing disarrangement of the myometrium. The patient evolved with progressive worsening of vaginal bleeding after chemotherapy with etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide and vincristine (EMA-CO) regimen. She underwent blood transfusion and embolization of uterine arteries due to severe vaginal hemorrhage episodes, with complete control of bleeding. The hCG reached a negative value after the third cycle, and there was a complete regression of the anomalous vascularization of the uterus as well as full recovery of the uterine anatomy. The treatment in a reference center was essential for the appropriate management, especially regarding the uterine arteries embolization trough percutaneous femoral

Resumo Mola hidatiforme completa (MHC) é um tipo raro de gravidez, na qual 15 a 20% dos casos podem desenvolver neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional (NTG). O diagnóstico de NTG deve ser feito o mais cedo possível, pelo monitoramento semanal do hCG sérico após esvaziamento uterino. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente primigesta, de 23 anos de idade, com MHC, sem vigilância de hCG após esvaziamento uterino. Dois meses depois, a paciente compareceu na emergência com sangramento vaginal, sendo encaminhada ao Centro de Doenças Trofoblásticas do Hospital São Paulo, onde foi diagnosticada com NTG de alto risco, estádio e score de risco III:7 de acordo com a The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics/Organização Mundial de Saúde (FIGO/OMS). O exame ultrassonográfico revelou útero aumentado com uma massa heterogênea constituída pormúltiplos vasos volumosos invadindo e desestruturando o miométrio. A paciente evoluiu com piora progressiva do sangramento vaginal após quimioterapia com o regime etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide and vincristine (EMA-CO). Ela foi submetida a transfusão de sangue e embolização das artérias uterinas devido aos episódios graves de hemorragia vaginal, com completo controle do sangramento. O hCG atingiu valor negativo após o terceiro ciclo, havendo regressão completa da vascularização uterina anômala, assim como recuperação da anatomia uterina. O tratamento em um centro de referência permitiu o manejo adequado, principalmente no que se refere à embolização das artérias uterinas através da punção percutânea da artéria femoral, que foi crucial para evitar a histerectomia, permitindo a cura da NTG e a manutenção da vida reprodutiva.

Abnormalities of the hallux skin and nail in the course of very rare arteriovenous malformation / Anormalidades de unha e pele do hálux no decorrer de malformação arteriovenosa muito rara

Abstract Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are usually found in the pelvic area and the brain. These vascular anomalies are rarely reported in the toes. AVMs in the toes may be asymptomatic, but can also cause atypical symptoms. Congenital AVMs can expand as patients age and manifest in adulthood. They may be provoked by injury. Acquired AVM might be caused by iatrogenic factors, venous or arterial catheterization, percutaneous invasive vascular procedures, surgery, or degenerative vascular disorders. An AVM can damage surrounding tissues and can cause destruction of skin, nails and bones. The course of the disease is often unpredictable and diagnosis is usually delayed as a result.

Resumo As malformações arteriovenosas (MAVs) são geralmente encontradas na região pélvica e no cérebro.. Essas anomalias vasculares raramente são relatadas nos dedos dos pés. A MAV nesse local pode ser assintomática ou apresentar sintomas atípicos. MAVs congênitas podem evoluir com a idade e se manifestar na idade adulta. O fator provocante pode ser uma lesão traumática. Uma MAV adquirida pode ser causada por fatores iatrogênicos, cateterismo venoso e arterial, procedimentos percutâneos vasculares invasivos, cirurgias e alterações degenerativas vasculares. A MAV pode danificar tecidos adjacentes e pode causar destruição de pele, unhas e ossos. O curso da doença é muitas vezes imprevisível, e como resultado, atrasar o diagnóstico.

Malformación arteriovenosa pancreática como causa de pancreatitis aguda tratada por vía endovascular / Pancreatic arteriovenous malformation as cause of acute pancreatitis treated by endovascular access

La malformación arterio-venosa (MAV) en el páncreas es una anomalía anatómica poco frecuente que puede ser causa de pancreatitis aguda. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 46 años cuyo diagnóstico se sospechó por los hallazgos de la tomografía computarizada con contraste endovenoso y por resonancia magnética y se confirmó mediante una arteriografía del tronco celíaco y de la arteria mesentérica superior. El tratamiento recibido fue por vía endovascular, aunque la otra opción válida para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad es la resección quirúrgica. El objetivo de esta comunicación es presentar un caso de pancreatitis aguda por MAV tratada por vía endovascular.

Arteriovenous malformation in the pancreas is a rare anatomic abnormality that may produce acute pancreatitis. The diagnosis was suspected by computed tomography with intravenous contrast and by magnetic resonance imaging and it was confirmed by arteriography of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery. The treatment received was endovascular, although the other valid option for the treatment of this disease is the surgical resection. The objective of this communication is to present a case of acute pancreatitis due to arteriovenous malformation treated by endovascular approach.

Hemorragia gastrointestinal baja por malformación arteriovenosa yeyunal / Gastrointestinal bleeding due to arteriovenous malformation of the jejunum

Paciente varón de 21 años, sin antecedentes de importancia que ingresa a Emergencia por presentar deposiciones rojo oscuras, tendencia al sopor e hipotensión, con anemia importante procediéndose a realizar sucesivamente transfusión sanguínea, endoscopia digestiva alta, angiotomografía abdominal y arteriografía que, con diagnóstico clínico de lesión de Dieulafoy, motivó laparotomía exploratoria encontrándose una lesión vascular a nivel yeyunal con sangrado activo. Se discute el manejo de hemorragia digestiva severa con compromiso hemodinámico y la causa poco común de malformación arteriovenosa a nivel yeyunal hallada por patología.

A 23-year old male patient with no history of importance was admitted to Emergency because of dark red stools, tendency to lethargy and hypotension, with significant anemia proceeding to perform on blood transfusion, upper endoscopy, abdominal angiotomography and arteriography with clinical diagnosis of Dieulafoy lesion motivated exploratory laparotomy finding injury vascular, the jejunum with active bleeding. The management of severe gastrointestinal bleeding with hemodynamic compromise and uncommon cause of arteriovenous malformation in the jejunum is discussed.

Malformación arteriovenosa en cavidad oral: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Arteriovenous malformation in the oral cavity: a case report and a literature review

Las malformaciones arteriovenosas (malformaciones A-V) de alto flujo en la cavidad oral no son una patología frecuente, existen pocos datos publicados sobre su tratamiento y sigue siendo muy controvertido debido a la alta tasa de complicaciones vitales que conlleva y la alta tasa de recurrencia. El único tratamiento curativo es la resección radical, con las consecuencias no sólo vitales, sino también desfigurativas que supone. Presentamos un caso de malformación A-V congénita en región submandibular, suelo de boca derecho y lengua, que tras varios episodios de dolor y aumento de tamaño, sin realizar ninguna medida agresiva, en el último control se observa trombosis espontánea de la misma. En este caso, la evolución con un tratamiento expectante sin cirugía, ha sido la trombosis con mejoría clínica, sin presentar nuevo episodio de aumento de tamaño, ni sangrado doce meses después, a pesar de seguir con una lesión de gran tamaño en el suelo de la boca.

he high-flow arteriovenous malformations (A-V malformations) in oral cavity are not a common disease, there are few published data on treatment and it remains highly controversial because of the high rate of vital complications and the high rate of recurrence. The only curative treatment is radical resection, with not only vital consequences but also the disfigurement involved. We present a case of congenital A-V malformation in right submandibular region, floor of the mouth and tongue. After several episodes of pain and enlargement, in the last control without any aggressive action, the lesion presented spontaneous thrombosis. In this case, despite following with a large lesion on the floor mouth, the evolution with an expectant non-surgical treatment has been the thrombosis with clinical improvement, without presenting new episode of enlargement, nor bleeding twelve months later.

Manejo odontológico da Síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber: relato de caso / Dental management of Rendu-Osler-Weber Syndrome: case report

A Telangiectasia Hemorrágica Hereditária (THH) ou Síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber (SROW) é uma displasia fibrovascular sistêmica que apresenta alterações na camada muscular da parede dos vasos sanguíneos. Isto faz com que os vasos sejam sujeitos a rupturas frequentes.Este diagnóstico pode ficar a cargo do cirurgião dentista visto que os primeiros sinais podem ser observados em boca. Podem ser identificados telangiectasias e hemorragias na mucosa bucal.Por segurança, o manejo odontológico deste paciente deve ser focado na sua condição de saúde geral. Assim, este artigo tem por objetivo a descrição de um caso clínico de tratamento odontológico de uma paciente com SROW, esclarecendo as principais características dessa síndrome e relatando as peculiaridades do seu manejo.

The Rendu-Osler-Weber Syndrome or Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare systemic fibrovascular dysplasia, which causes a defect in the elastic and muscle layer of the blood vessel wall, turning them more vulnerable to traumas and spontaneous ruptures. The dentists can play an important role in this diagnostic because the first signs often appear in the mouth, such as telangiectasia and recurrent bleeding in the oral mucosa. The management of this patient should be appropriate to its systemic profile to ensure the safety and effectiveness of dental treatment. This work aims to describe the main characteristics of this syndrome, its peculiarities and limitations of management during dental treatment, followed by the presentation of a clinical case.

Malformación arteriovenosa uterina: a propósito de un caso / Arteriovenous uterine malformation: a case report

Paciente de 37 años que acudió a urgencias por metrorragia, G3P1A2, el último de ellos un aborto tardío en gestación gemelar monocorial biamniótica de 20 semanas hacía dos meses. En la ecografía destaca en zona miometrial un área de marcada vascularización de 67 x 45 mm. Tras descartar proceso residual gestacional y ante la sospecha de malformación arteriovenosa uterina se solicitó resonancia magnética nuclear y angiotac, tras confirmar la malformación vascular se programó para embolización de ambas arterias uterinas con el fin de preservar la fertilidad.

A 37-year-old patient came to the emergency due to metrorrhagia, G3P1A2, the last of them a late abortion in a 20 weeks monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy two months ago. Ultrasound revealed an intramiometrial area of 67 x 45 mm with increased vascularization area. A diagnosis of an arteriovenous malformation was considered. In order to confirm the diagnosis pelvic magnetic resonance and angiogram was performed. Once the vascular malformation was confirmed the patient was scheduled for transcatheter arterial embolization in order to preserve fertility.

Malformación arterio venosa cervical compleja sintomática / Complex arteriovenous malformation of the neck

Background: Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary system and forming arterial, venous and capillary nests. Case report: We report a female consulting for the first time at the age of 15 for an AVM located in the left posterior region of the neck. The patient was operated at that time, performing an extensive excision of the lesion and covering the defect with a skin flap. The lesion relapsed three years later. Vascular imaging revealed the malformation with afferent arteries from the subclavian, vertebral and left occipital arteries and a great posterior cervical nest that drained through a great anomalous vein to the subclavian vein. A surgical ligation of all the anomalous branches of the subclavian vein was performed, to perform a local excision in a second intervention. The patient got pregnant, delaying the intervention and had a normal delivery at the age of 19. At 21 years of age, she consulted again due to a great growth of her AVM, with repeated bleeding episodes, requiring transfusions. The patient was treated with embolization of the nest and the afferent arteries. Finally at 23 years of age, the lesion was excised again and the defect was covered with a skin flap. The patient had a good postoperative evolution.

Introducción: Las Malformaciones Arterio-Venosas (MAV) son alteraciones estructurales congénitas del desarrollo del sistema vascular en que se observan comunicaciones anómalas arterio-venosas conformando un "nido" arterio-venoso-capilar. Caso Clínico: Mujer que consulta a los 15 años de edad por una MAV en la región cervical posterior izquierda desde su nacimiento. Se efectúa una resección amplia de la lesión hasta el plano aponeurótico cubriendo el defecto con un colgajo de rotación cutáneo-adiposo. Evoluciona bien, pero recidiva luego de tres años. Un estudio vascular a los 18 años de edad evidencia la MAV con arterias aferentes desde la arteria subclavia, vertebral y occipital izquierdas, un gran "nido" cervical posterior que drena por una gran vena anómala hacia la vena subclavia izquierda. Se efectúa una ligadura quirúrgica de todas las gruesas ramas anómalas de la arteria subclavia, para efectuar una nueva resección local en un segundo tiempo. Sin embargo, esto se pospone pues la paciente se embaraza y tiene un parto normal a los 19 años. Vuelve a consultar a los 21 años por un gran crecimiento de su MAV con hemorragias a repetición, algunas muy profusas que obligan a transfundirla. Una AngioRNM confirma la MAV con un gran nido cervical posterior con nuevas aferencias. Se efectúa embolizaciones directas locales con espuma de polidocanol y micropartículas, y finalmente con alcohol. Una vez reducido el nido se emboliza además las principales aferencias por vía endovascular y se efectúa a los 23 años una amplia resección de la MAV cubriendo el defecto con un colgajo miocutáneo de dorsal ancho izquierdo. Ha evolucionado bien hasta ahora. Conclusión: El diagnóstico y tratamiento de una MAV compleja representa un gran desafío al equipo médico tratante que acompaña y atiende al paciente en el transcurso del tiempo, y a veces por el resto de la vida.

Arterio Venous Malformation of Tongue Presenting with Bleeding in Pregnancy.

Arterio venous malformation (AVM) of the tongue is a rare craniofacial vascular anomaly. It occurs due to the failure of complete involution of fetal capillary bed leading to the development of abnormal connections between arteries and veins. It can present with diff erent clinical presentations and radiographic findings. It may be overlooked at birth due to its innocent appearance. Progression of the AVMs is commonlyinduced by puberty, trauma, and pregnancy. Furthermore, some forms of treatment, including ligation of arterial feeders, partial excision, incomplete arterial embolization, and laser treatment can trigger progression of quiescent AVMs. Progression of AVMs in pregnancy can sometimes lead to torrential hemorrhage. Th is can endanger the life of the mother and fetus. We report a case of a 22-year-old primigravida referred of our institution at 35 weeks 3 days gestation with intrauterine fetal death and severe anemia, due to profuse bleeding from an AVM of the tongue.

Malformación arterio-venosa uterina y hemorragia obstétrica: diagnóstico y manejo en tres casos clínicos / Uterine arteriovenous malformation and obstetric hemorrhage: diagnosis and management in three cases

Las malformaciones vasculares uterinas son muy infrecuentes y se presentan asociadas a metrorragia con riesgo vital. Su incidencia no es conocida porque las series son de pocos casos. Presentamos tres pacientes con hemorragia obstétrica cuyo estudio diagnóstico con ultrasonido y angiografía, demostró malformación arteriovenosa uterina. En un caso, dada la extensión de la lesión, el tratamiento fue con embolización bilateral de arterias uterinas seguida de histerectomía. Otras dos pacientes, por preservación de fertilidad, fueron sometidas solo a embolización. La evolución clínica y las imágenes confirmaron que los procedimientos fueron exitosos. Se discute la importancia de la interpretación correcta de las imágenes para el diagnóstico, la adaptación de los métodos terapéuticos al caso individual y el manejo multidisciplinario.

The uterine vascular malformations are very infrequent and associated to maternal hemorrhage with vital risk. The incidence is unknown because the published series are little with few cases. We described three cases with obstetrical hemorrhage and the image study with ultrasound and angiography showed an arteriovenous malformation. One patient, for the extensive lesion, was treated with bilateral embolization of uterine arteries and then, histerectomy. The others patients, for preservation her fertility, were treated with embolization only. The clinical evolution and the vascular images study confirm the success of the procedures. We discuss the importance of images analysis for the diagnosis, the individual application of therapeutic methods and a multidisciplinary approach for this scope.

A case of ruptured renal cortical arteriovenous malformation of the right testicular vein in hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an acute viral disease characterized by fever, hemorrhage, and renal failure. Among the various hemorrhagic complications of HFRS, the spontaneous rupture of an arteriovenous malformation of the testicular vessels with a retroperitoneal hematoma is a rare finding. Here, we report a case of HFRS complicated by a massive retroperitoneal hematoma that was treated with transcatheter arterial embolization.

Malformación arteriovenosa del íleon medio, identificada por cápsula endoscópica: reporte de caso / Ileal vascular malformation, identified by capsule endoscopy: case report

Forty-nine year-old-man, diabetes mellitus Type 2, bone marrow transplantation 10 years ago due to chronic myelocytic leukemia, deep vein thrombosis and placement of cava vein filter 6 years ago, chronic use of Aspirin (100 mg). He presents with melena and abdominal pain. Upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, angio- CT and angiography were negative. Capsule endoscopy (PillCamTMSB) shows two segments of vascular malformation with active bleeding from the second segment in the middle-ileum. Laparotomy was performed founding at the level of the middle-ileum two vascular lesions of variceal type in the intestinal wall. Surgical resection of 15 cm of middle ileum and a primary anastomosis was performed. Histopathology reports, submucosal arteriovenous vascular malformation (AVM).

Hombre de 49 años, con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, trasplante de médula ósea hace 10 años por leucemia mieloide crónica, trombosis venosa profunda e instalación de filtro de vena cava inferior hace 6 años, usuario crónico de Aspirina® 100 mg/día. Presenta melena y dolor abdominal difuso. Es transfundido y se realizan estudios de endoscopia alta, colonoscopia, AngioTC y angiografía sin hallazgos del sitio de sangrado. Paciente ingiere cápsula endoscópica (PillCamTMSB) que muestra dos segmentos en intestino delgado, íleon medio y medio distal con malformaciones vasculares tipo várices, identificando sangrado activo en el segundo segmento. Se realiza laparotomía y a nivel del íleon medio se observan dos paquetes varicosos en la pared intestinal. Se realiza resección quirúrgica de 15 cm de íleon medio, y anastomosis primaria término-terminal. El paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente sin recurrencia de sangrado. El estudio histopatológico e histoquímico con tinción de Van Gieson-elástica reporta malformación vascular arteriovenosa (AVM) submucosa de la pared del intestino delgado.

Hemorragia intramedular (Hematomielia)no traumática: revisión / Non traumatic intramedullary hemorrhage (hematomyelia): a review

La hemorragia intramedular (hematomielia) no traumática es el sangrado producido en el interior del tejido medular en ausencia de trauma, su primera descripción clínica aparece reportada por Tellegen en 1850, se le considera la más infrecuente de las hemorragias intraespinales y rara si la comparamos con la frecuencia en que ocurren las hemorragias intracerebrales. La incidencia es alta en los varones (relación hombre-mujer 1,5:1) y muy relacionada con la entidad patológica condicionante. Esta obedece a múltiples causas: malformaciones arteriovenosas, cavernomas, tumores, cuagulopatias, inflamatoria, etc. La disfunción aguda del cordón espinal junto a las imágenes por resonancia magnética son elementos decisivos para el diagnóstico. El tratamiento aun sujeto de controversias, médico o quirúrgico (precoz o tardío), dependerá de la etiología del sangrado y del estatus neurológico en el momento del diagnóstico, hallándose los resultados más favorables en aquellos pacientes a los cuales se les realizó un pronto diagnóstico seguidos de una cirugía temprana.

Non traumatic intramedular hemorrhage (hematomyelia) is the blood found in the medullar tissues in absence of trauma, its first clinical description was reported by Tellegen in 1850.Is considered to be the most infrequent of intraespinales hemorrhage. The incidence is high in men and is related with conditionate pathological entity. Its do to multiples causes: Arteriovenos malformation, cavernomas, tumors, coagulopathies, inflammations, etc. The acute dysfunction of the spinal cord and magnetic resonance imaging are decisive in the diagnosis. The treatment though subject to controversies, medical or surgery (early or late), will depend on the bleeding etiology and the neurological status in the moment of the diagnosis, finding the most favorable result in those patients that were diagnosed earlier following an early surgery.

Muerte súbita de origen neuropatológicos: (II parte) / Sudden death of neuropathological origin: (Part II)

En la primera parte del presente artículo, en el número anterior de esta Revista, se discutió ampliamente el concepto de muerte súbita de origen neuropatológico. Tomando en cuenta el mismo, se realizó este análisis de las autopsias y reportes de neuropatología de 1998 al 2006 de la Sección de Patología Forense del Departamento de Medicina Legal para establecer las causas de muerte más frecuentes y el perfil epidemiológico de los fallecidos. Esto para recomendar aspectos útiles para el manejo este tipo de casos para el personal directamente involucrado. Después de revisar las causas de muerte de 23099 autopsias que se efectuaron en el período en estudio, 338 casos coincidieron con la definición propuesta de muerte súbita de origen neuropatológico y en términos generales hubo concordancia entre lo que se anota en la literatura mundial y lo que se ha presentado en nuestro país en el intervalo analizado.

In the first section of these report, on the previous edition of these magazine, it was discussed widely the concept of the neuropathological origen of the sudden death. Taking that preview this analysis was made from the autopsies and the neuropathological reports from 1998 to 2006 from the "Sección de Patología Forense" of costarican "Departamento de Medicina Legal" to establish the most frequent causes of death and the epidemiologic profile of the deceased. These to advice usefull aspects for the management of those cases by the involved staff. After reviewing the causes of death of 23099 autopsies made on the chosen period, 338 cases achived the definition of neuropathological sudden death proposed. In general there was found agreement between the findings on worldwide literature and the findings of our country during these period.

Endoscopic Treatment of Dieulafoy Lesions and Risk Factors for Rebleeding

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dieulafoy lesions are an important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of endoscopic treatment for these lesions and to identify the possible predictive factors for rebleeding associated with clinical and endoscopic characteristics. METHODS: Records from 44 patients admitted with Dieulafoy bleeding between January 2006 and December 2007 were reviewed. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and endoscopic findings and then correlated the rebleeding risk factors with Dieulafoy lesions. RESULTS: Primary hemostasis was achieved by endoscopic treatment in 39 patients (88.6%). There were no significant differences between the rebleeding and non-rebleeding groups with respect to age, gender, initial hemoglobin levels, presence of shock, concurrent disease, location of bleeding, or initial hemostatic treatment methods. However, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants (p=0.02) and active stages in the Forrest classification (p<0.01) were risk factors for rebleeding after endoscopic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy is effective and safe for treating Dieulafoy lesions, and it has both short- and long-term benefits. Early identification of risk factors such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants and the Forrest classification of bleeding predict the outcome of Dieulafoy lesions.