Successful surgery using recombinant factor VIIa for recurrent, idiopathic nonulcer duodenal bleeding in a patient with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia.

A 68-year-old man with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia suffered from recurrent cryptogenic bleeding originating in the upper duodenal flexure. Extensive endoscopic procedures and medical treatments were unsuccessful and proximal duodenectomy was proposed. In preceding years platelet transfusions had often had a suboptimal result and were complicated by allergic reactions.