ANGIODYSPLASIA OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Abstract

Angiodysplasia is recognized as an important cause of acute and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. The term angiodysplasia is frequently used to describe an acquired and degenerative lesion characterized by vascular ectasia of the bowel mucosa and submucosa which may lead to bleeding . Angiodysplasia of the gastrointestinal tract is common in the population 60 years of age and older. The clinical presentation varies from an incidental finding in an otherwise asymptomatic person to occult bleeding or an acute massive hemorrhage.