Endoscopic treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia

Ugeskr Laeger. 2022 Dec 19;184(51):V07220459.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Gastric antral vascular ectasia is characterized endoscopically by stripes of dilated blood vessels in the antrum. It is a well-known cause of gastrointestinal blood loss, anaemia, and recurrent need for blood transfusion. The treatment may be challenging, and an overview is given in this review. Pharmacological treatment has not been effective, endoscopic treatment is more tolerable than abdominal surgery. The endoscopic modalities, including argon plasma coagulation, endoscopic band ligation, and radiofrequency ablation are safe and relative efficient. Comparative studies are sparse but indicate the modalities as equally effective.

Publication types

  • Review
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anemia* / etiology
  • Argon Plasma Coagulation / adverse effects
  • Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia* / complications
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Gastroscopy / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome