Massive gastrointestinal bleeding in Crohn's disease: successful control by intra-arterial vasopressin infusion.

A case of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding from Crohn's disease is reported. This is an uncommon complication of the disease and the literature is reviewed. Successful control of gastrointestinal bleeding by intra-arterial vasopressin infusion has not previously been reported in Crohn's disease. We suggest that this technique may be used in an attempt to avoid surgery.