Angiodysplasia

Angiodysplasia is a vascular deformity of the gastrointestinal tract which predisposes to bleeding and iron deficiency anaemia. There is thought to be an association with aortic stenosis, although this is debated. Angiodysplasia is generally seen in elderly patients

Diagnosis

• colonoscopy
• mesenteric angiography if acutely bleeding

Management

• endoscopic cautery or argon plasma coagulation
• antifibrinolytics e.g. Tranexamic acid
• oestrogens may also be used