Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome: Laser Photocoagulation of Colonic Hemangiomas in a Child with Microcytic Anemia

This is a case report and review of the literature on the blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. The clinical features of the syndrome are discussed, with emphasis on chronic gastrointestinal bleeding and resulting anemia. A new therapeutic modality, colonoscopy with laser photocoagulation, is recommended as a safe, effective, and less invasive method of controlling bleeding from colonic hemangiomas than surgical resection and repeated transfusions. This technique is less helpful for patients with prominent involvement of the small intestine.