Angiodysplasia or arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is
the most common vascular anomaly of the GI tract.
Composed of an ectatic, dilated submucosal vein (usually
multiple occurrences), colonic angiodysplasia is responsible
for 20 to 30 per cent of cases of acute lower GI bleeding.
Occurrence is highest in persons over the age of 60, with
two thirds occurring in persons over 70.
Angiodysplasia is idiopathic; however, there does appear
to be an increased incidence inpatients with renal disease
and those with valvular heart disease. With increasing use
of anti-platelet agents and anticoagulants, a previously
innocuous vascular lesion may develop clinically significant
bleeding. In addition, the development of capsule
endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy, has resulted
in increased identification of bleeding lesions in the small
bowel.
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