Angiodysplasia of the Colon

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(Colonic Angiodysplasia, Arteriovenous Malformations [AVM] of the Colon)

Definition

Angiodysplasia of the colon occurs when enlarged and fragile blood vessels in the colon result in occasional bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. If you think you may have this condition, contact your doctor immediately.
Normal Anatomy of the Intestines
Normal Anatomy of the Large and Small Intestine
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Causes

Angiodysplasia of the colon can be caused by:

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. If you are over 60 years old, you are at increased risk of having angiodysplasia of the colon.

Symptoms

People with angiodysplasia of the colon may or may not have symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to angiodysplasia of the colon. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Anemia
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dark, tarry stools

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:

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 cauterize (burn tissues with heat to seal bleeding blood vessels) the site of the bleeding 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.

Surgery

Surgery to remove the affected area of the colon may sometimes be necessary.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent angiodysplasia of the colon.

RESOURCES

AGS Foundation for Health in Aging http://www.healthinaging.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology http://www.cag-acg.org/

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation http://www.cdhf.ca

References

Angiodysplasia. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Updated October 30, 2012. Accessed November 5, 2012.

American Gastroenterological Association. AGA guideline: evaluation and management of occult and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastroenterology . 2000;118:197.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: Daus Mahnke, MD
  • Review Date: 11/2012 -
  • Update Date: 11/05/2012 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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