Double Balloon Enteroscopy Identifies Occult Gastrointestinal Bleeding after Prolonged Diagnostic Uncertainty: A Case Report

Abstract This case report outlines the prolonged diagnostic journey of a 61-year-old woman who suffered from chronic anemia for 15 years, requiring multiple blood transfusions. Despite extensive evaluations, no clear source of bleeding was identified. Her medical history included diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, and coronary artery disease, which had been managed with coronary artery bypass grafting. Laboratory re-sults indicated severe anemia; however, endoscopic and imaging studies failed to reveal any source of bleeding. Given the persistence of her anemia, double balloon enteroscopy was performed, which ulti-mately uncovered a bleeding polyp in the mid-ileum. Following polypectomy, the patient's anemia im-proved during follow-up, and she no longer required additional blood transfusions. This case underscores the significance of advanced diagnostic tools, such as double balloon enteroscopy, in identifying obscure sources of gastrointestinal bleeding. It highlights their role in enhancing patient outcomes and resolving prolonged diagnostic uncertainty.