Learn About Angiodysplasia of the Colon

View Main Condition: Arteriovenous Malformation

What is the definition of Angiodysplasia of the Colon?

Angiodysplasia of the colon (large intestine) is swollen, fragile blood vessels in the colon. These can result in bleeding and blood loss from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Angiodysplasia can also occur in the small intestine with similar causes and symptoms.

What are the alternative names for Angiodysplasia of the Colon?

Vascular ectasia of the colon; Colonic arteriovenous malformation; Hemorrhage - angiodysplasia; Bleed - angiodysplasia; Gastrointestinal bleeding - angiodysplasia; G.I. bleed - angiodysplasia; AVM

What are the causes of Angiodysplasia of the Colon?

Angiodysplasia of the colon is mostly related to the aging and breakdown of the blood vessels. It is more common in older adults. It is almost always seen on the right side of the colon.

Most likely, the problem develops due to normal movement of the colon that causes the blood vessels in the area to enlarge. When this swelling becomes severe, a tiny passageway develops between a small artery and vein. This is called an arteriovenous malformation. Bleeding can occur from this area in the colon wall. Other causes include certain heart and lung conditions.

Rarely, angiodysplasia of the colon is related to other diseases of the blood vessels. One of these is Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. The condition is not related to cancer. It is also different from diverticulosis, which is a more common cause of intestinal bleeding in older adults.

What are the symptoms of Angiodysplasia of the Colon?

The symptoms vary.

Older people may have symptoms such as:

  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath due to anemia

They may not have noticeable bleeding directly from the colon.

Other people may have bouts of mild or severe bleeding in which bright red or black blood comes from the rectum.

There is no pain associated with angiodysplasia.

Not sure about your diagnosis?
Check Your Symptoms
What are the current treatments for Angiodysplasia of the Colon?

It is important to find the cause of bleeding in the colon and how fast the blood is being lost. You may need to be admitted to a hospital. Fluids may be given through a vein, and blood products may be required.

Other treatment may be needed once the source of bleeding is found. In most cases, the bleeding stops on its own without treatment.

If treatment is needed, it may involve:

  • Angiography to help block the blood vessel that is bleeding or to deliver medicine to help cause the blood vessels to tighten to stop the bleeding.
  • Burning (cauterizing) the site of the bleed with heat, argon plasma coagulation, or laser using a colonoscope.
  • Medicines: A medicine called octreotide can be injected to help treat the problem.

In some cases, surgery is the only option. You may need the entire right side of the colon (right hemicolectomy) removed if heavy bleeding continues, even after other treatments have been tried. Medicines (thalidomide) may rarely be used to help control the disease in some people.

Who are the top Angiodysplasia of the Colon Local Doctors?
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology

Temple Faculty Practice Plan Inc

3401 N Broad St, 
Philadelphia, PA 
 8.3 mi
Offers Telehealth

David Weinberg is a Gastroenterologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Weinberg and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Angiodysplasia of the Colon. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colonic Malakoplakia, Angiodysplasia of the Colon, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology

Amh Medical Staff Service Fund

1200 Old York Rd, 
Abington, PA 
 2.3 mi

Daniel Ringold is a Gastroenterologist in Abington, Pennsylvania. Dr. Ringold and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Angiodysplasia of the Colon. His top areas of expertise are Choledocholithiasis, Acute Pancreatitis, Bile Duct Obstruction, Colonoscopy, and Pancreatectomy.

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
Learn More
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
2352 Philmont Ave, 
Huntingdon Valley, PA 
 0.8 mi
Offers Telehealth

Roberto Panis is an Internal Medicine provider in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. Dr. Panis and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Angiodysplasia of the Colon. His top areas of expertise are Empyema, Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Ureteroscopy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Angiodysplasia of the Colon?

People who have bleeding related to this condition despite having had colonoscopy, angiography, medicine, or surgery are likely to have more bleeding in the future.

The outlook remains good if the bleeding is controlled.

What are the possible complications of Angiodysplasia of the Colon?

Complications may include:

  • Anemia
  • Death from excessive blood loss
  • Side effects from treatment
  • Severe loss of blood from the GI tract
When should I contact a medical professional for Angiodysplasia of the Colon?

Contact your health care provider if rectal bleeding occurs.

How do I prevent Angiodysplasia of the Colon?

There is no known prevention.

What are the latest Angiodysplasia of the Colon Clinical Trials?
Prevalence of Gastric Motor Dysfunction and Upper GI Symptoms in Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasias

Summary: The researchers are trying to find out more about Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE). This is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the stomach, leading to their enlargement and possible bleeding. It can also cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. By participating in this study, you will help us learn how often these symptoms occur and how they relate to stomach functioning.

Match to trials
Find the right clinical trials for you in under a minute
Get started
Impact of Von Willebrand Factor and Its Multimers on Angiogenesis

Summary: The study aims to study the expression of numerous proteins involved in angiogenesis in 70 patients with von Willebrand disease in order to try to identify markers of interest. Secondly, the investigators plan to investigate whether there is a relationship between the proteins tested, the distribution of multimers and the clinical phenotype of the patients, in particular by looking for the presenc...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: December 31, 2023
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Kwah J, Brandt LJ. Vascular lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 38.

Ibanez MB, Munoz-Navas M. Occult and unexplained chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. In: Chandrasekhara V, Elmunzer J, Khashab MA, Muthusamy VR, eds. Clinical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 18.