Benign schwannoma of the small intestine: an unusual cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Neurogenic tumors of the small intestine are exceedingly rare accounting for less than 1% of all neoplasms involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These lesions may remain clinically silent for years, but usually manifest by the 5th or 6th decade of life. Occult transient hemorrhage from the GI tract interspersed by relatively long asymptomatic periods is the most common presentation. This report describes a case of a patient with a solitary benign duodenal schwannoma and no prior symptoms presenting as an acute life-threatening upper GI hemorrhage. Small bowel tumors of neurogenic origin represent an unusual cause of GI hemorrhage. The diagnosis should be considered in such cases to insure appropriate and timely management.