ENLmedical.com: Conditions And Concerns: Medical Encyclopedia: Angiodysplasia of the colon

Angiodysplasia of the colon

Causes and Risks:
The cause is unknown, but many affected people have a history of previous surgery for loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract. It affects people over 50 years old most frequently, with a prevalence of about 2% of that population.

Prevention:
unknown

Symptoms:

painless gastrointestinal bleeding , usually self-limiting
melena (tar-like stools)

Signs and Tests:

mesenteric arteriography
gastroscopy
a positive stool guaiac (a test for occult blood)
a CBC that shows iron deficiency anemia

Treatment:
During arteriography, procedures used to control bleeding may be cautery, laser treatment, or blocking the affected vessel in other ways. If massive bleeding occurs, the affected portion of the colon may need surgical resection (partial excision).

Prognosis:
The probable outcome is usually good with treatment

Complications:

severe loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract
anemia

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health provider if rectal bleeding or tarry stools occur.