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Angiodysplasia of the Colon

(Colonic Angiodysplasia, Arteriovenous Malformations [AVM] of the Colon)

by Krisha McCoy, MS

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition

Angiodysplasia of the colon occurs when enlarged and fragile blood vessels in the colon result in occasional bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. If you think you may have this condition, contact your doctor immediately.

Normal Anatomy of the Intestines

Normal Anatomy of the Large and Small Intestine

Causes

Angiodysplasia of the colon can be caused by:

Injury to the GI tract
Heart problems
Kidney problems
Lung problems
von Willebrand's disease (a disorder of the blood)
Blood vessel problems
Normal contractions of the colon

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. If you are over 60 years old, you are at increased risk of having angiodysplasia of the colon.

Symptoms

People with angiodysplasia of the colon may or may not have symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to angiodysplasia of the colon. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.

Bleeding from the rectum
Anemia
Weakness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Dark, tarry stools

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:

Colonoscopy
Upper endoscopy (EGD)
Radiology testing with CT scan
Angiography
Complete blood count (CBC)
Stool testing

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment may not be necessary, since about 90% of cases of angiodysplasia of the colon stop bleeding on their own. Treatment options include the following:

Your doctor can often cauterize (burn tissues with heat to seal bleeding blood vessels) the site of the bleeding during a colonoscopy.

The blood supply to the bleeding area can be clotted through angiography.

Hormonal therapy with estrogen can be helpful for some causes.

Surgery to remove the affected area of the colon may sometimes be necessary.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent angiodysplasia of the colon.

AGS Foundation for Health in Aging

http://www.healthinaging.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology

http://www.cag-acg.org/

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation

http://www.cdhf.ca

Angiodysplasia. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated October 30, 2012. Accessed November 5, 2012.

American Gastroenterological Association. AGA guideline: evaluation and management of occult and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastroenterology. 2000;118:197.

Last reviewed November 2012 by Daus Mahnke, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.