Angiodysplasia
Angiodysplasia is a condition which can be defined as the abnormal or enlarged blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract which can be a source of gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia. Angiodysplasia of the colon is not related to cancers or other disease of the blood vessels. It is different than diverticulosis, another very common cause of bleeding in older adults. Although angiodysplasia is probably quite common, the risk of bleeding is increased in disorders of coagulation. These are abnormal collections of blood vessels within the gastrointestinal tract. These are also called arteriovenous malformations. Such lesions may cause slow bleeding. This can result in iron deficiency anemia. When these lesions are located within the gastrointestinal tract cauterization during endoscopy can be very effective treatment.
Angiodysplasia is most readily diagnosed by endoscopy. The lesions are typically discrete, flat or slightly raised, and bright red and are often stellate in appearance. Celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery injections may fail to demonstrate the lesions. Men and women are equally at risk for developing angiodysplasia of the colon. Most patients are older than 50 years.
Angiodysplasia Cause
Here are the list of
- trauma to the aorta
- inflammation of the wall of the aorta
- rare hereditary conditions such as Marfan's syndrome
Angiodysplasia Symptoms
Here are the list of Angiodysplasia Symptoms:
- anemia
- weakness
- atigue
- shortness of breath
Angiodysplasia Treatment
When intervention is needed, however, the colonoscope can cauterize (burn) the site of hemorrhage. This procedure can be done electrically, with heat or with a laser. Complications of this procedure include perforation of the colon, as well as possible treatment failure.
Angiodysplasia of colonic origin has been managed by endoscopic obliteration. Heater probe and multipolar electrocoagulation probe have been more successful than monopolar electrocoagulation. Rebleeding rates for monopolar electrocoagulation have been approximately 50%, with the transfusion requirement resembling that of patients receiving no therapy.
In patients who are not candidates for surgery, transcatheter embolization after selective cannulation of the branches of mesenteric artery has been successful. Selective infusion of vasopressin is less effective than embolization.
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