Angiodysplasia
Angiodysplasia
Angiodysplasia (pronounced: an-gee-oh-dis-pla-see-uh) is a medical condition characterized by abnormal or malformed blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract.
Etymology
The term "Angiodysplasia" is derived from the Greek words angeion (meaning vessel), dys (meaning bad or difficult), and plasis (meaning formation). Thus, it refers to the poor formation of blood vessels.
Definition
Angiodysplasia is a condition where there are small, fragile blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract that can occasionally result in significant bleeding. It is one of the most common causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly.
Symptoms
Symptoms of angiodysplasia can vary, but may include anemia, melena (dark, tarry feces due to bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract), hematochezia (passage of fresh blood through the anus), and hematemesis (vomiting blood).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of angiodysplasia typically involves endoscopy, a procedure that allows a doctor to view the inside of the body's hollow organs, such as the stomach and intestines. Other diagnostic tools may include colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, or angiography.
Treatment
Treatment for angiodysplasia can involve endoscopic therapy, argon plasma coagulation, or surgery. Medications such as estrogen or thalidomide may also be used.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Angiodysplasia
- Wikipedia's article - Angiodysplasia
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