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Swanson E, Mahgoub A, MacDonald R, Shaukat A. Medical and endoscopic therapies for angiodysplasia and gastric antral vascular ectasia: a systematic review. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 12:571-82. [PMID: 24013107 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Few studies have compared the efficacy and complications of endoscopic or medical therapies for bleeding angiodysplasias or gastric antral vascular ectasias (GAVE). We conducted a systematic review to evaluate therapies. METHODS We performed a PubMed search for studies (written in English from January 1, 1980, through January 1, 2013) of medical or endoscopic treatment of bleeding angiodysplasias and GAVE. Measured outcomes included levels of hemoglobin, transfusion requirements, rebleeding rates, complications, treatment failures, and overall mortality. RESULTS We analyzed data from 63 studies that met inclusion criteria; 50 evaluated endoscopic treatment (1790 patients), 13 evaluated medical treatment (392 patients), and 12 were comparative studies. In patients with angiodysplasias, the combination of estrogen and progesterone did not significantly reduce bleeding episodes, compared with placebo (0.7/y vs 0.9/y, respectively), and increased mortality, compared with conservative therapy (33% vs 21%). A higher percentage of patients receiving octreotide were free of rebleeding at 1 and 2 years vs placebo (77% vs 55% and 68% vs 36%, respectively; P = .03). Thalidomide reduced the number of bleeding episodes (-8.96/y), compared with iron therapy (-1.38/y, P < .01), but neither treatment reduced mortality. More patients with GAVE treated by endoscopic band ligation were free from rebleeding (92%) than those treated with argon plasma coagulation (32%, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS In a systematic review, we found a low quality of evidence to support treatment of angiodysplasias with thalidomide or the combination of estrogen and progesterone and insufficient evidence to support treatment with octreotide. There is also insufficient evidence for endoscopic therapy of angiodysplasia or GAVE. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to study the efficacy and complications of medical and endoscopic treatments for patients with angiodysplasias or GAVE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Swanson
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Amar Mahgoub
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Section of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Roderick MacDonald
- Minnesota Evidence based Practice Center, Center for Chronic Disease and Outcome Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Aasma Shaukat
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Section of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Sami SS, Al-Araji SA, Ragunath K. Review article: gastrointestinal angiodysplasia - pathogenesis, diagnosis and management. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:15-34. [PMID: 24138285 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiodysplasia (AD) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an important condition that can cause significant morbidity and -rarely - mortality. AIM To provide an up-to-date comprehensive summary of the literature evaluating this disease entity with a particular focus on pathogenesis as well as current and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Recommendations for treatment will be made on the basis of the current available evidence and consensus opinion of the authors. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed. The search strategy used the keywords 'angiodysplasia' or 'arteriovenous malformation' or 'angioectasia' or 'vascular ectasia' or 'vascular lesions' or 'vascular abnormalities' or 'vascular malformations' in the title or abstract. RESULTS Most AD lesions (54-81.9%) are detected in the caecum and ascending colon. They may develop secondary to chronic low-grade intermittent obstruction of submucosal veins coupled with increased vascular endothelial growth factor-dependent proliferation. Endotherapy with argon plasma coagulation resolves bleeding in 85% of patients with colonic AD. In patients who fail (or are not suitable for) other interventions, treatment with thalidomide or octreotide can lead to a clinically meaningful response in 71.4% and 77% of patients respectively. CONCLUSIONS Angiodysplasia is a rare, but important, cause of both overt and occult GI bleeding especially in the older patients. Advances in endoscopic imaging and therapeutic techniques have led to improved outcomes in these patients. The choice of treatment should be decided on a patient-by-patient basis. Further research is required to better understand the pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Sami
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre & NIHR Biomedical research Unit, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recurrent bleeding from gastrointestinal (GI) angiodysplasia remains a therapeutic challenge. Identification of factors predicting poor outcome of haemorrhage from angiodysplasia would help us to select the patients who may likely benefit from further therapy. Thus, we analysed risk factors for recurrence of acute GI haemorrhage from angiodysplasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS 62 patients admitted consecutively with acute GI bleeding from angiodysplasia, between June 2002 and June 2006, were included. Bivariate, multivariate and survival analysis were performed to identify risk factors for recurrence of bleeding after hospital discharge. RESULTS Recurrence of acute haemorrhage after hospital discharge occurred in 17 of 57 (30%) patients (38 men; mean age: 74+/-6 years), after a mean follow-up (33+/-40 months). On Cox analysis, earlier history of bleeding with a high bleeding rate, over anticoagulation and the presence of multiple lesions were predictive factors of recurrence in a multivariate analysis. In contrast, endoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) therapy was not associated with lower rates of recurrent bleeding. CONCLUSION In patients with acute GI haemorrhage from angiodysplasia, earlier bleeding with a high bleeding rate, over anticoagulation and multiple angiodisplasic lesions predict an increased risk of recurrent bleeding. Although there is a trend towards better management with endoscopic APC therapy for the prevention of recurrence of bleeding, endoscopic APC therapy is not predictive of a lower rate of recurrence.
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Abstract
Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is defined as an intermittent or continuous loss of blood in which the source has not been identified after upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. It constitutes a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the general internist and the gastroenterologist. This article provides an overview of the etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic modalities of OGIB including push enteroscopy, double balloon enteroscopy, wireless capsule endoscopy, enteroclysis, angiography, bleeding scanning with labeled red blood cells, and surgery with intraoperative enteroscopy. Therapeutic modalities including iron replacement, combined hormones, octreotide acetate, therapeutic endoscopy, and surgery are also discussed. In addition, a rational approach to patients with OGIB according to the clinical presentation is presented herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Concha
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine/Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
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Szilagyi A, Ghali MP. Pharmacological therapy of vascular malformations of the gastrointestinal tract. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2006; 20:171-8. [PMID: 16550261 PMCID: PMC2582970 DOI: 10.1155/2006/859435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular malformation (AVM) in the gastrointestinal tract is an uncommon, but not rare, cause of bleeding and iron deficiency anemia, especially in an aging population. While endoscopic coagulative therapy is the method of choice for controlling bleeding, a substantial number of cases require additional therapy. Adjunctive or even primary phamacotherapy may be indicated in recurrent bleeding. However, there is little evidence-based proof of efficacy for any agent. The bulk of support is derived from anecdotal reports or case series. The present review compares the outcome of AVM after no intervention, coagulative therapy or focus on pharmacological agents. Most of the literature encompasses two common AVMs, angiodysplasia and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Similarly, the bulk of information evaluates two therapies, hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and the somatostatin analogue octreotide. Of these, the former is the only therapy evaluated in randomized trials, and the results are conflicting without clear guidelines. The latter therapy has been reported only as case reports and case series without prospective trials. In addition, other anecdotally used medications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Szilagyi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Sir Mortimer B Davis Jewish General Hospital, McGill University School of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec.
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Warkentin TE, Moore JC, Anand SS, Lonn EM, Morgan DG. Gastrointestinal bleeding, angiodysplasia, cardiovascular disease, and acquired von Willebrand syndrome. Transfus Med Rev 2003; 17:272-86. [PMID: 14571395 DOI: 10.1016/s0887-7963(03)00037-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence points to isolated deficiency of the largest multimers of von Willebrand factor (VWF)-known as von Willebrand syndrome type 2A (VWS-2A)-as a risk factor for bleeding from gastrointestinal (GI) angiodysplasia. This disorder is not widely recognized, perhaps because most patients do not exhibit generalized hemostatic impairment (bleeding is generally restricted to GI angiodysplasia) and because all but the largest multimers of VWF remain detectable in the plasma (thus, routine screening tests for VWS-2A are usually normal). The "Rosetta stone" for elucidating this syndrome was the enigma of Heyde's syndrome (aortic stenosis plus bleeding GI angiodysplasia), particularly the striking observation that aortic valve replacement generally cures GI bleeding and that preoperative deficiency of the largest VWF multimers undergoes long-term normalization after valve replacement. We critically review the evidence implicating VWS-2A as a risk factor for bleeding GI angiodysplasia. We hypothesize that VWS-2A secondary to cardiovascular disease other than severe aortic stenosis, such as peripheral arterial occlusive disease, could explain why elderly patients often develop recurrent GI bleeding or iron deficiency anemia from GI angiodysplasia.
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Fogel R, Valdivia EA. Bleeding Angiodysplasia of the Colon. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002; 5:225-230. [PMID: 12003717 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-002-0044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Angiodysplasia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hematochezia, gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin, and chronic iron deficiency anemia. Although the current medical literature lacks well-designed studies of the various therapeutic modalities, several conclusions appear warranted. Diagnosis of the bleeding site during colonoscopy and the use of endoscopic hemostasis techniques (electrocautery or laser) controls bleeding and may prevent rebleeding. When rebleeding occurs, it may be from the previously treated site or a different location. Estrogen-progestin therapy has not been shown effective in controlled trials but is used when other options fail. Surgery should be considered only when endoscopic therapy fails and the site of bleeding is localized. With all therapies, patients should be cautioned regarding the risk of recurrent bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Fogel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humphrey Hodgson
- Department of Medicine, Royal Free and University College School of Medicine, London, UK.
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Abstract
Vascular malformations of the gastrointestinal tract may be diagnosed at any age. They may present with bleeding, anaemia, or if they form a mass lesion, with intussusception. Many lesions remain asymptomatic. In a minority of patients there are well-defined genetic conditions present, such as hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. In others, particularly the angiodysplastic lesions that occur in the caecum in elderly patients, the lesions appear to be degenerative. Vascular malformations may affect any section of the gastrointestinal tract, and in some patients there are vascular anomalies elsewhere, particularly in the skin. Diagnosis is usually based on recognition endoscopically, or at angiography. Symptomatic lesions that are discrete and localized respond well to local treatment with laser or heat coagulation or sclerotherapy. Mass lesions, diffuse lesions and severe bleeding may require surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- F H Gordon
- Royal Free Hospital and Royal Free, University College School of Medicine, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
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Zuckerman GR, Prakash C, Askin MP, Lewis BS. AGA technical review on the evaluation and management of occult and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastroenterology 2000; 118:201-21. [PMID: 10611170 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-5085(00)70430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This literature review and the recommendations therein were prepared for the American Gastroenterological Association Clinical Practice and Practice Economics committee. The paper was approved by the committee on May 16, 1999, and by the AGA governing board on July 18, 1999.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Zuckerman
- Division of Gastroenterology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Lee JY, Korzenik JR, DeMasi R, Lih-Brody L, White RI. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: failure to palliate gastrointestinal bleeding. J Vasc Interv Radiol 1998; 9:994-7. [PMID: 9840048 DOI: 10.1016/s1051-0443(98)70439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J Y Lee
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Askin MP, Lewis BS. Push enteroscopic cauterization: long-term follow-up of 83 patients with bleeding small intestinal angiodysplasia. Gastrointest Endosc 1996; 43:580-3. [PMID: 8781937 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-5107(96)70195-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assessed the long-term effectiveness of push enteroscopic cauterization of bleeding intestinal angiodysplasia. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of patients who underwent push and sonde enteroscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and were diagnosed with intestinal angiodysplasias. RESULTS One hundred twelve patients bleeding from small intestinal angiodysplasias were identified. After excluding those lost to follow-up (29), data were collected from 83 patients. Fifty-five patients (29 men; mean age, 73 years; mean units of packed red blood cells transfused, 21.4; average bleeding history, 22 months) were cauterized. Twenty-eight patients (12 men; mean age, 71; mean units of packed red blood cells transfused, 15.8; average bleeding history, 22 months) were not cauterized. The noncauterized group (follow-up, 26 +/- 14 months; mean +/- SD) continued to bleed, requiring 2.16 +/- 3.86 units of packed red blood cells transfused per month (units/month) before and 0.97 +/- 1.46 units/month after diagnosis (NS). The cauterized group (follow-up, 30 +/- 18 months) significantly improved, requiring 2.40 +/- 2.97 units/month before treatment and 0.32 +/- 0.91 units/month after cauterization (p < 0.0001, paired t test). CONCLUSION Cauterization of endoscopically accessible small intestinal angiodysplasias may decrease rebleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Askin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, USA
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Abstract
Laser technology has been applied widely in the treatment of hemorrhoids, condylomas, and anorectal neoplasms. It is claimed by its proponents to result in less pain, improved healing, and more rapid recovery as compared with conventional surgery. Laser therapy, however, is expensive and potentially dangerous, and advantages generally have not been substantiated by controlled clinical trials. The possible benefits and potential risks of laser treatment of anorectal disorders are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Endres
- Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York
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14
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Abstract
To evaluate the quality of life and degree of palliation by laser photoablation for gastrointestinal cancer, a questionnaire was sent to general practitioners (GPs) and referring specialists. The response was 85%. General practitioners considered palliation by laser to be effective in 74% compared with 50% for referring specialists (p less than 0.001). Specialists felt themselves unable to answer in 17% compared with no GPs (p less than 0.001). The differences in assessment between specialists and GPs were most pronounced in colorectal cancers. There was a striking consensus of opinion about the rate of failed palliation among endoscopist, referring specialist, and GP. On the other hand, the rating of success by specialists and GPs was significantly lower than the endoscopist's evaluation. The endoscopist and GP were more at variance than the endoscopist and specialist. Above all, the GPs seemed to outweigh the burden against the benefits of treatment. Disagreement of the specialists and the GPs with the endoscopist about the outcome appeared to be related to unrealistic expectations, to a shift in presenting symptoms or to complications, misinterpreted as being laser-induced but mainly due to progression of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Mathus-Vliegen
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Affiliation(s)
- I Taylor
- University Surgical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, UK
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van Cutsem E, Rutgeerts P, Vantrappen G. Treatment of bleeding gastrointestinal vascular malformations with oestrogen-progesterone. Lancet 1990; 335:953-5. [PMID: 1970032 DOI: 10.1016/0140-6736(90)91010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
10 patients with frequent and severe bleeding from gastrointestinal vascular malformations took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of a daily dose of 0.05 mg ethinyloestradiol plus 1 mg norethisterone given by mouth. Each arm of the trial lasted 6 months. Oestrogen-progesterone significantly decreased the transfusion need from 10.9 to 1.1 units packed cells (p less than 0.003). While on oestrogen-progesterone 2 of 9 patients required transfusions (mean 1.1 units packed cells per patient over 6 months), whereas all patients had to be transfused while on placebo (mean 10.9 units per patient over 6 months; p = 0.002 for number of patients). No significant excess of side-effects was noted with the active agents. The findings indicate that oestrogen-progesterone is an effective treatment for severely bleeding gastrointestinal vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- E van Cutsem
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
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