Angiodysplasia of the colon

Colonic angiodysplasia is a degenerative vascular malformation of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by fragile and leaky blood vessels.

Second most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients >60 years of age.

Lesions may be single or multiple and are located most commonly in the ascending colon and cecum.

Bleeding stops spontaneously in >90% of patients.

Patients often complain of intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding without pain.

Treatment is initially endoscopic coagulation; for severe cases, angiographic embolization and surgical resection may be required.

A degenerative vascular malformation of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by fragile and leaky blood vessels. Subsequently, gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia occur. Lesions, single or multiple, are located most commonly in the cecum and ascending colon.