In search of the Cause of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia from obscure gastrointestinal bleeding source can at times present a diagnostic challenge with no identifiable source of blood loss by conventional investigations. A small intestinal pathology is highly likely in such cases. We report here a case of iron deficiency anemia due to gastrointestinal blood loss which turned out to be due to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of jejunum on enteroscopy. The case highlights the pitfalls of conventional investigation modalities in detecting a small intestinal pathology and the need for more sophisticated imaging/endoscopic techniques in such cases.