Author/Authors :
Santos, Vitorino M. Catholic University (UCB) - Internal Medicine, Brazil , Barcelos, Maria S. Armed Forces Hospital (HFA) - Internal Medicine, Brazil , Oliveira, Érika R. N. C. Armed Forces Hospital (HFA) - Internal Medicine, Brazil , Paz, Bruno C. S. Armed Forces Hospital (HFA) - Internal Medicine, Brazil , Almeida, Ana C. A. Armed Forces Hospital (HFA) - Internal Medicine, Brazil
Abstract :
A 45 year-old male with an antecedent of repeated vomiting followed by haematemesis and melena was admitted for diagnosis, investigation and treatment. He related a high daily ingestion of distilled and fermented alcoholic beverages. Physical examination revealed a pale and dehydrated patient, with hypotension and tachycardia. Thoracic and abdominal evaluations were unremarkable. Laboratory determinations showed moderate anaemia, mild elevations of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, and high levels of gama-glutamyl-transpeptidase. Upper digestive endoscopy disclosed acute mucosal erosions both on the distal oesophagus and at the oesophagus-gastric transition, and bleeding laceration without perforation (Figure 1). A conservative treatment was performed, and a rapid clinical improvement was followed by a good outcome (Figure 2).
