Angiodysplasia
Description
Angiodysplasia is an abnormal dilatation of the gastrointestinal tract blood vessels; this blood vessel dilatation can cause small holes or tears in the blood vessel wall leading to blood leakage. Angiodysplasia is a very common cause of intestinal bleeding and most frequently affects people over fifty and its prevalence increases with age. Any part of the gastrointestinal tract can be affected by angiodysplasia, which is unrelated to any genetic, skin, or systemic diseases. The colon and small intestine are the most affected parts by intestinal bleeding.
Symptoms
Some people will not develop any symptoms, and the bleeding may stop on its own. However, it can occasionally result in mild to severe gastrointestinal bleeding, with or without blood in the rectum or stool. Normally, a gastrointestinal bleed brought on by angiodysplasia does not hurt, but if the bleeding is significant, the blood loss could result in anemia and other symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
When you have bleeding or anemia, your General Practice doctor (general practitioner) will order specific tests to check for this condition.
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View MoreCauses
The exact cause of angiodysplasia is unclear. However, because it mostly affects older persons, it is most likely connected to aging and the accompanying weakening of the blood vessel walls. Occasionally, angiodysplasia is linked to other blood vessel conditions and inherited features.
Diagnostics
- Colonoscopy or upper endoscopy
- X-rays that use a contrast dye to detect problems in the blood vessels
- CT angiography and magnetic resonance angiography
- Blood tests including a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia
- Stool testing to look for hidden blood
Treatment
In mild cases, treatment may not be needed as they will resolve on their own.
In moderate to severe cases, treatment is necessary to control blood loss and anemia. Treatment may involve some procedures to locate and block the bleeding blood vessel.
Some supportive treatments may be also used like iron supplements and blood transfusions.
