Angiodysplasia of the colon

Summary

  • Second most common cause of lower GI bleeding in patients >60 years of age.
  • Lesions may be single or multiple and are located most commonly in the ascending colon and caecum.
  • Bleeding stops spontaneously in >90% of cases.
  • Patients often complain of intermittent GI bleeding without pain.
  • Treatment is initially endoscopic coagulation; for severe cases, angiographic embolisation and surgical resection may be required.
Last updated: Mar 28, 2013
Top

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer