Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Gastrointestinal Arteriovenous Malformations
A gastrointestinal arteriovenous malformation is a rare defect of tangled veins and arteries in the intestine. This defect can occur anywhere in the intestine. The defect creates an abnormal collection of blood vessels that can put pressure on other parts of your body that are close by. It causes blood vessels to expand (dilate) over time and sometimes bleed. Many people with this defect never have any symptoms.
What are the causes?
The cause of this condition is not known. This defect may be present at birth (congenital). It may be related to genetic causes or other factors.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Blood in your stool.
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Black or dark red stools.
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Weakness or tiredness.
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Shortness of breath.
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Iron deficiency anemia.
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Dizziness or fainting.
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Abdominal pain.
How is this diagnosed?
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X-ray.
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CT scan.
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Angiogram. This is a procedure used to examine the blood vessels. In this procedure, contrast dye is injected through a thin tube (catheter) into an artery. X-rays are then taken, which show if there is a blockage or problem in a blood vessel.
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Endoscopy. In this procedure, your health care provider passes a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) through your mouth and down your esophagus into your stomach. A small camera is attached to the end of the tube. Images from the camera appear on a monitor in the exam room.
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Small bowel enteroscopy. This is a procedure that uses a long thin scope to visualize areas in the small bowel.
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Capsule endoscopy. In this procedure, you will swallow a small capsule that has a tiny camera and transmitter in it. This capsule naturally travels through your digestive system. The camera takes photos of the small intestine along the way.
How is this treated?
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Procedures to stop the bleeding or to destroy the affected vessels.
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Abdominal surgery to remove the affected section of the digestive system.
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Blood transfusion to replace blood loss.
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Iron supplements for iron deficiency anemia.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. This includes iron supplements, if you are told to use them.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have streaks of blood in your stool for a long time.
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Your stool is black or deep red.
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You have signs of anemia such as weakness, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
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You have new symptoms.
Get help right away if:
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You see bright red blood during a bowel movement.
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You become dizzy or faint.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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Gastrointestinal arteriovenous malformation refers to an abnormal collection of blood vessels that can put pressure on other parts of your body that are close by. It causes blood vessels to dilate over time and sometimes bleed.
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Many people with this defect never have any symptoms.
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The goal of treatment is to stop blood loss and prevent any future bleeding.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
