Illustration of a child's translucent stomach with a gastric polyp.

Unexplained Bleeding? The Curious Case of Gastric Polyps in Young Children

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Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A rare yet critical look at gastric polyps in kids: early detection, treatment, and when to suspect the unexpected."


Gastric polyps, those abnormal growths in the stomach lining, aren't exactly headlining news in pediatrics. While we often hear about polyps in adults, their presence in children, especially those under five, is quite rare. These polyps can be solitary or multiple, harmless or potentially problematic, and their origins can be just as varied as their appearance. However, when a child presents with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, a gastric polyp, though uncommon, should be on the radar.

Most often, gastric polyps are discovered incidentally during an examination for something else entirely. Yet, in some instances, they can cause significant complications, such as severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Recognizing the potential for such unexpected presentations is essential for timely and effective intervention. This is the story of one such case, where a young girl's life-threatening anemia led doctors to uncover a rare gastric polyp.

In one local hospital, a seemingly healthy 5-year-old girl was admitted, initially exhibiting lethargy and pallor, symptoms that soon intensified with the appearance of melena, dark, tarry stools indicative of internal bleeding. With no prior history of vomiting or diarrhea, her condition rapidly deteriorated, requiring urgent medical attention. Her case underscores the critical importance of considering less common diagnoses when faced with alarming symptoms in pediatric patients.

A Rare Discovery: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Illustration of a child's translucent stomach with a gastric polyp.

Upon examination, the young girl showed signs of significant blood loss, including paleness and tachycardia (a rapid heart rate). A systolic heart murmur was detected but resolved following a blood transfusion. Initial lab results revealed a slightly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level of 38 mg/l, indicating inflammation, and a dangerously low hemoglobin level of 4.6 grams/dl, confirming severe anemia. Other tests, including renal function, coagulation screen, and liver function tests, came back within normal limits.

Despite the initial blood transfusion, the cause of the anemia remained elusive. An abdominal ultrasound yielded normal findings, and a Meckel's scan to detect Meckel's diverticulitis (a congenital abnormality of the small intestine) was negative. As her condition stabilized, doctors opted for an urgent gastroscopy. The procedure revealed an unexpected culprit: a large intragastric mass obstructing the pylorus, the opening between the stomach and the small intestine.

  • Symptoms: Lethargy, pallor, melena (dark stools).
  • Initial findings: Tachycardia, low hemoglobin (4.6 g/dl).
  • Imaging: Ultrasound and Meckel's scan were normal.
  • Diagnosis: Gastroscopy revealed a pyloric mass.
Following the gastroscopy, an MRI of the abdomen provided a clearer picture of the mass: a large, sessile (flat-based) gastric mass located in the pyloric lesser curvature, extending into the first part of the duodenum. To determine next steps for the patient, doctors held a multidisciplinary meeting, consulting with surgeons and radiologists. Given the size and location of the mass, surgical excision was determined to be the most appropriate course of action.

Conclusion: Rare But Real

While gastric polyps are a rare find in young children, this case highlights the importance of considering them in the differential diagnosis of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding. Early detection through procedures like gastroscopy, combined with prompt intervention, can significantly improve outcomes and prevent life-threatening complications. It's a reminder that even in the most unexpected circumstances, thorough investigation and vigilance are key to providing the best possible care for our youngest patients.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2572-0775.1000101, Alternate LINK

Title: Unusual Presentation Of Gastric Polyp In A Young Child: A Case Report

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Clinical Pediatrics: Open Access

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Taha I Yousif, Shoukry M, Suliman A, Blackburn S, Volonaki E

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

How often are gastric polyps found in young children, and what makes them a concern?

Gastric polyps in children, particularly those under five, are uncommon growths in the stomach lining. Although often found incidentally, they can sometimes lead to significant issues like gastrointestinal bleeding. While typically benign, their varied nature and potential for complications necessitate consideration in cases of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.

2

What were the initial symptoms and diagnostic findings in the case of the 5-year-old girl?

The 5-year-old girl exhibited lethargy, pallor, and melena (dark, tarry stools indicative of internal bleeding). Upon examination, she presented tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and dangerously low hemoglobin levels, confirming severe anemia. Although an abdominal ultrasound and Meckel's scan were normal, a gastroscopy revealed a large intragastric mass obstructing the pylorus.

3

Why is a gastroscopy such a valuable tool in diagnosing gastric issues in children?

A gastroscopy is a crucial diagnostic procedure involving the insertion of a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the stomach to visualize the lining. In the described case, gastroscopy enabled doctors to identify a large intragastric mass obstructing the pylorus, which was initially undetected by other imaging methods such as ultrasound and Meckel's scan. This demonstrates how gastroscopy facilitates direct visualization and detection of abnormalities in the stomach.

4

In the described case, what role did imaging play after the initial gastroscopy?

Following gastroscopy, an MRI of the abdomen provided more detailed imaging of the gastric mass. This mass was a large, sessile gastric mass located in the pyloric lesser curvature, extending into the first part of the duodenum. Because of the size and location of the mass, surgical excision was determined to be the most appropriate course of action for the patient.

5

What further research and considerations are important for understanding and managing gastric polyps in young children?

While this case highlights the successful identification and management of a gastric polyp in a young child, it also underscores the importance of ongoing research into the etiology and optimal management strategies for gastric polyps in pediatric patients. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the potential for recurrence or complications after treatment. Additionally, further investigation into the genetic and environmental factors contributing to gastric polyp formation in children could help to identify at-risk individuals and develop preventive measures.

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