Intestinal intussusception due to a pyogenic granuloma

Pyogenic granuloma (PG), also known as lobular capillary hemangioma, is a benign vascular tumor, most commonly arising on the skin and the oral mucosa. Gastrointestinal localization of PG, except for the oral cavity, is exceptionally rare. We describe a case of ileal PG occurring in a 13-year-old girl, presenting with intestinal obstruction. Histological examination revealed proliferation of capillary-sized vessels, with prominent intravascular component, involving the entire thickness of the intestinal wall. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for CD31, CD34 and von Willebrand factor, whereas immunostaining for glucose transporter-1 protein (GLUT1) and for human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) was negative. We suggest that PG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of childhood gastrointestinal polypoid lesions.