Colonic Angiodysplasia

Colonic angiodysplasia is a vascular malformation of the colon characterized by fragile, dilated blood vessels with thin vessel walls. This condition can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and iron deficiency anemia. Colonic angiodysplasias are most commonly located in the cecum and ascending colon and may be solitary or multiple. It is the second most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in older adults. In most cases, bleeding resolves spontaneously. Patients typically present with painless gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopic therapy is the primary treatment for controlling bleeding, although surgery may be required in severe or refractory cases.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology