(Colonic Angiodysplasia, Arteriovenous Malformations [AVM] of the Colon)
Definition
Definition
Angiodysplasia of the colon occurs when blood vessels in the colon enlarge. They may become fragile and result in occasional bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Normal Anatomy of the IntestinesCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
Angiodysplasia of the colon is caused by dilated connections between veins and capillaries or arteries in the large intestine (colon).
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your risk of angiodysplasia of the colon include:
- Increasing age
- Excessive or abnormal contractions of the colon
- Injury to the GI tract
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Lung problems
- von Willebrand’s disease—a disorder of the blood
- Blood vessel problems
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms of angiodysplasia of the colon may include:
- Dark, tarry stools
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Anemia
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your bodily fluids and waste may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
Your internal structures may need to be viewed. This can be done with:
- Colonoscopy
- Upper endoscopy (EGD)
- Radiology testing with CT scan
- Angiography
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment may not be necessary, since about 90% of cases of angiodysplasia of the colon stop bleeding on their own. Treatment options include the following:
Colonoscopy
Your doctor can often treat tissues with heat to seal bleeding blood vessels during a colonoscopy.
Angiography
The blood supply to the bleeding area can be clotted through angiography.
Medical Therapy
Hormonal therapy with estrogen can be helpful for some causes.
Medications called somatostatin analogs may be used to prevent bleeding in some people.
Surgery
Surgery to remove the affected area of the colon may sometimes be necessary.
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent angiodysplasia of the colon.
RESOURCES:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation http://www.cdhf.ca
References:
AGA guideline: Evaluation and management of occult and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastroenterology. 2000;118:197.
Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 2, 2014. Accessed June 16, 2014.
6/19/2014 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Jackson CS, Gerson LB. Management of gastrointestinal angiodysplastic lesions (GIADs): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2014;109(4):474-483.
Last Updated: 6/19/2014