Esophageal embolization for hemostasis in cancer patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of antiplatelet therapy: A case report

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common cause of hospitalization in older patients and carries high morbidity and mortality if not managed properly. Risk factors for developing UGIB include advanced age, <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection, medication use (NSAIDs, aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors, anticoagulants, and steroids), and esophageal cancer, which, although less common, is an important cause in clinical practice. Hemostatic intervention is mandatory for these patients, with various methods available, including endoscopic hemostasis, transarterial embolization, and surgery. We report the case of a 75-year-old male patient on anticoagulant therapy after coronary stenting who presented with UGIB due to an esophageal tumor and underwent timely hemostatic embolization. This case highlights the role of endovascular intervention in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding who are on anticoagulant therapy.