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Kwon HJ, Lee SH, Cho JH. Influences of etiology and endoscopic appearance on the long-term outcomes of gastric antral vascular ectasia. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:6050-6059. [PMID: 35949841 PMCID: PMC9254169 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i18.6050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) has diverse associations and presumed causes, which include liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune disease. This heterogeneity of underlying disorders suggests that the pathogenesis of GAVE may be variable.
AIM To compare the clinical features and long-term outcomes of GAVE according to endoscopic patterns and etiologies.
METHODS The medical records and endoscopic images of 23 consecutive patients diagnosed with GAVE by endoscopy at Yeungnam University Hospital from January 2006 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were allocated to cirrhosis (16 patients) and non-cirrhosis groups (7 patients). GAVE subtypes, as determined by endoscopy, were categorized as punctate (a diffuse, honeycomb-like appearance, 17 patients) or striped (a linear, watermelon-like appearance, 6 patients).
RESULTS All GAVE patients with cirrhosis (16/16, 100%) had a punctate pattern by endoscopy, whereas the majority of patients (6/7, 85.7%) without cirrhosis had a striped pattern (P < 0.001). Overt GAVE bleeding (10/23, 43%) was significantly more common in the non-cirrhosis group than in the cirrhosis group (6/7, 85.7% vs 4/16, 25.0%; P = 0.019), and more common in the striped group than in the punctate group (5/6, 83.3% vs 5/17, 29.4%; P = 0.052). However, mean numbers of admissions due to GAVE bleeding and argon plasma coagulation (APC) sessions to address overt bleeding were similar in the cirrhosis and non-cirrhosis groups and in the punctate and striped groups. All patients with GAVE bleeding were successfully treated by APC, and no patient died from GAVE-related blood loss during a median follow-up of 24 mo.
CONCLUSION Punctate-type GAVE is strongly associated with liver cirrhosis, and GAVE patients without cirrhosis tend to be more prone to overt bleeding. However, the presence of cirrhosis and endoscopic patterns did not influence long-term clinical courses or outcomes in cases of overt bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jin Kwon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, South Korea
| | - Si Hyung Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, South Korea
| | - Joon Hyun Cho
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, South Korea
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Ali SE, Benrajab KM, Cruz ACD. Outcome of gastric antral vascular ectasia and related anemia after orthotopic liver transplantation. World J Hepatol 2020; 12:1067-1075. [PMID: 33312430 PMCID: PMC7701976 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v12.i11.1067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a significant complication of cirrhosis. Numerous medical, surgical, and endoscopic treatment modalities have been proposed with varied satisfactory results. In a few small studies, GAVE and associated anemia have resolved after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).
AIM To assess the impact of OLT on the resolution of GAVE and related anemia.
METHODS We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of adult patients with GAVE who underwent OLT between September 2012 and September 2019. Demographics and other relevant clinical findings were collected, including hemoglobin levels and upper endoscopy findings before and after OLT. The primary outcome was the resolution of GAVE and its related anemia after OLT.
RESULTS Sixteen patients were identified. Mean pre-OLT Hgb was 7.7 g/dL and mean 12 mo post-OLT Hgb was 11.9 g/dL, (P = 0.001). Anemia improved (defined as Hgb increased by 2g) in 87.5% of patients within 6 to 12 mo after OLT and resolved completely in half of the patients. Post-OLT esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed in 10 patients, and GAVE was found to have resolved entirely in 6 of those patients (60%).
CONCLUSION Although GAVE and associated anemia completely resolved in the majority of our patients after OLT, GAVE persisted in a few patients after transplant. Further studies in a large group of patients are necessary to understand the causality of disease and to better understand the factors associated with the persistence of GAVE post-transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Emhmed Ali
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Karim M Benrajab
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Anna Christina Dela Cruz
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
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Cleac’h AL, Villeneuve JP, Sylvestre MP, Huard G, Giard JM, Ditisheim S. Gastric antral vascular ectasia is more frequent in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-induced cirrhosis. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2019; 2:84-90. [PMID: 35990220 PMCID: PMC9202753 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2018-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an uncommon cause of occult gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Based on clinical observations, we hypothesized that GAVE was more common in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis. METHODS We performed this retrospective study at Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM). We included all cirrhotic patients who had undergone an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) between 2009 and 2011. GAVE was diagnosed based on a typical endoscopic appearance. NASH cirrhosis was diagnosed in patients with a metabolic syndrome after excluding other causes of liver disease. GAVE was considered symptomatic if it required treatment. RESULTS We included 855 cirrhotic patients in the study. The median age was 58 (range 19-88) years. The etiology of cirrhosis was as follows: NASH in 18% (n = 154), autoimmune diseases in 15.1% (n = 129), hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 6.3% (n = 54), hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 19.4% (n = 166), alcohol in 25.7% (n = 220), alcohol plus HCV in 7.8% (n = 67), cryptogenic in 2.8% (n = 24), and other etiologies in 4.8% (n = 41). GAVE was more frequently observed among patients with NASH cirrhosis than in cirrhosis of other etiologies (29.2% vs. 9.4%, respectively; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, NASH was strongly associated with GAVE with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.73 (95% CI 2.36 to 5.90, p < 0.001), and the association was stronger with symptomatic GAVE (OR 5.77, 95% CI 2.93 to 11.38). CONCLUSIONS NASH cirrhosis is a major risk factor for GAVE and symptomatic GAVE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Le Cleac’h
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
| | - Jean-Pierre Villeneuve
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
| | - Marie-Pierre Sylvestre
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal & Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
| | - Geneviève Huard
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
| | - Jeanne-Marie Giard
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
| | - Saskia Ditisheim
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
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Smith E, Davis J, Caldwell S. Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia Pathogenesis and the Link to the Metabolic Syndrome. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2018; 20:36. [PMID: 29961911 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-018-0644-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a well-described source of chronic blood loss. We aim to review the previously hypothesized etiologies of GAVE and focus on recent proposed mechanisms, including metabolic syndrome. We will support these theories with newly discovered clinical associations and possible therapeutic implications. RECENT FINDINGS Historically, GAVE has been associated with connective tissue disease and liver disease. Based on these associations and its histologic appearance, GAVE has presumed to be caused by mechanical- and hormonally mediated injury. Recent findings have been notable for a clinical association with aspects of the metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the pathogenic etiology may be akin to aspects of the metabolic syndrome via microvascular injury and neoangiogenesis. The potential etiologies of GAVE include hypergastrinemia, mechanical injury, and microvascular injury with neovascular proliferation particularly in the metabolic syndrome. Further research is needed to evaluate these proposed mechanisms and potential targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Smith
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, JPA and Lee St., PO Box 800708, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0708, USA
| | - Jessica Davis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, JPA and Lee St., PO Box 800708, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0708, USA
| | - Stephen Caldwell
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, JPA and Lee St., PO Box 800708, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0708, USA.
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HSCT-GAVE as a Manifestation of Chronic Graft versus Host Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Existing Literature. Case Rep Transplant 2018; 2018:2376483. [PMID: 29721346 PMCID: PMC5867646 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2376483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric antral vascular ectasia or “watermelon stomach” is a significant cause of nonvariceal upper GI bleeding and is characterized by red, tortuous ectatic vessels along longitudinal folds in the gastric antrum. The existing literature links GAVE to patients with cirrhosis, scleroderma, bone marrow transplantation, and chronic renal failure among other associations, but its pathophysiology remains ill-defined. Over 30 cases of hematopoietic stem cell transplant-related GAVE (HSCT-GAVE) have been reported in the literature to date and there are likely many more that go undiagnosed or are attributed to another cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Interestingly, a busulfan-containing conditioning regimen has been the primary factor implicated in the etiology of HSCT-GAVE because this was common to all cases in the literature to date. Here, we present the first case of HSCT-GAVE in a patient that was treated with a non-busulfan-containing conditioning regimen. We propose a link between chronic GVHD and the development of HSCT-GAVE that is supported by a similar development of GAVE in patients with systemic sclerosis.
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Abstract
Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare but an important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and commonly presents as occult bleeding that manifests as iron deficiency anemia (IDA). GAVE is commonly associated with chronic illnesses, most frequently liver cirrhosis and connective tissue diseases. The pathogenesis of GAVE is still obscure, and many hypotheses such as mechanical stress, hormonal factors, and autoimmune factors, have been proposed. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has a major role in the diagnosis and treatment of GAVE.
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Rimševičius L, Galkauskas D, Lavinskas J, Šestelinska E, Mačionienė E, Laučytė-Cibulskienė A, Rėkutė S, Miglinas M. Gastric antral vascular ectasia should not be overlooked in erythropoietin resistance: a series of case reports. Acta Med Litu 2018; 25:219-225. [PMID: 31308827 DOI: 10.6001/actamedica.v25i4.3932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is currently recognized as an important cause of upper gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage, being responsible for about 4% of non-variceal upper GI haemorrhages and typically presents in middle-aged females. GAVE, also called "watermelon stomach", is diagnosed through esophagogastroduodenoscopy and is characterized by the presence of visible columns of red tortuous enlarged vessels along the longitudinal folds of the antrum. The pathogenesis is still obscure and many hypotheses have been proposed such as mechanical stress, humoral and autoimmune factors. In the last two decades, numerous therapeutic strategies have been proposed, including surgical, endoscopic, and medical choices, yet successful treatment of GAVE continues to be a challenge. Currently, given the rapid response, safety, and efficacy, endoscopic ablative modalities have largely usurped medical treatments as first-line therapy, particularly using argon plasma coagulation. The actual GAVE prevalence in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is not clear, yet in difficult cases it should be considered as a cause of erythropoietin resistance. Case presentation We report four clinical cases of GAVE syndrome patients diagnosed with stage 4 to 5 chronic kidney disease. All patients presented with anaemia and GI haemorrhage, the origin of which turned out to be GAVE syndrome. Conclusions GAVE syndrome is a serious condition in ESRD patients, especially in those presenting with treatment-refractory anaemia. Realization of its aetiology and characteristics is essential to suspect, diagnose, and treat gastric ectasia. Only proper diagnosis and well-timed disease treatment can significantly improve a patient's medical condition and future prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Skirmantė Rėkutė
- Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Marius Miglinas
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Licinio R, Losurdo G, Carparelli S, Iannone A, Giorgio F, Barone M, Principi M, Ierardi E, Di Leo A. Helicobacter pylori, liver cirrhosis, and portal hypertension: an updated appraisal. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2016; 38:408-413. [PMID: 27788611 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2016.1247855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer. However, H. pylori is even involved in extragastric diseases, and it has been hypothesized that H. pylori could be a risk factor for several hepatic diseases. For instance, a direct involvement of H. pylori in the development of portal hypertension (PH) in cirrhotic patients has been postulated. METHODS We performed a literature search in major databases to elucidate the relationship between H. pylori, portal hypertension, and liver cirrhosis. RESULTS The effect of H. pylori on PH may be multifactorial. Endothelial dysfunction, alterations in the vasodilating dynamics, and neoangiogenesis are the most appealing theories about this issue, but the proofs come mainly from experimental studies, therefore a solid pathophysiological basis is still to be demonstrated. Congestive gastropathy (CG) and gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) are two common endoscopic entities responsible for acute/chronic upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and a link with H. pylori has been hypothesized: the gastric mucosa, exposed to H. pylori, could develop both inflammatory microcirculatory alterations and thrombi, resembling the histologic pattern of GAVE. CONCLUSIONS Despite clues for an association between H. pylori and PH have been shown, these evidences are mostly experimental, therefore, in the absence of a direct proof on human beings, the role of H. pylori in the development of PH is uncertain. However, since this germ may be a cause of peptic ulcer, it should be found and eradicated in cirrhotic patients to reduce the risk of blood loss anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Licinio
- a Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation , Section of Gastroenterology, AOU Policlinico , Bari , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Losurdo
- a Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation , Section of Gastroenterology, AOU Policlinico , Bari , Italy
| | - Sonia Carparelli
- a Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation , Section of Gastroenterology, AOU Policlinico , Bari , Italy
| | - Andrea Iannone
- a Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation , Section of Gastroenterology, AOU Policlinico , Bari , Italy
| | - Floriana Giorgio
- a Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation , Section of Gastroenterology, AOU Policlinico , Bari , Italy
| | - Michele Barone
- a Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation , Section of Gastroenterology, AOU Policlinico , Bari , Italy
| | - Mariabeatrice Principi
- a Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation , Section of Gastroenterology, AOU Policlinico , Bari , Italy
| | - Enzo Ierardi
- a Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation , Section of Gastroenterology, AOU Policlinico , Bari , Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- a Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation , Section of Gastroenterology, AOU Policlinico , Bari , Italy
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Smith E, Tekola B, Patrie J, Cornella S, Caldwell S. Clinical Characterization of Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia: A Potential Manifestation of the Metabolic Syndrome. Am J Med 2016; 129:1329.e19-1329.e23. [PMID: 27476085 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Gastric antral vascular ectasia is a relatively common endoscopic finding. Past studies have shown an association of gastric antral vascular ectasia with cirrhosis and autoimmune disorders. We aimed to re-examine these associations and to investigate a possible association of gastric antral vascular ectasia with features of the metabolic syndrome. METHODS There were 135 patients with a diagnosis of gastric antral vascular ectasia from years 1995-2013 seen at the University of Virginia who were identified from a clinical data repository and age and sex matched to a cohort of patients without gastric antral vascular ectasia undergoing endoscopy within the same time frame as the index cases. The groups were compared for comorbidities including autoimmune disease, cirrhosis, vascular disease, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, and cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. RESULTS Sixty-four percent of gastric antral vascular ectasia patients were cirrhotic, compared with 14% of controls (P <.001). Vascular disease was more common in the gastric antral vascular ectasia cohort (57% vs 36%; P <.001). The mean BMI was also higher in the gastric antral vascular ectasia cohort (33.7 kg/m2 vs 28.8 kg/m2; P <.001). Diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis were more frequently observed in gastric antral vascular ectasia subjects (64% vs 29% in controls [P <.001] and 28% vs 2% [P <.001], respectively). There was not an increased prevalence of autoimmune disease in gastric antral vascular ectasia patients vs controls (15% vs 13%; P = .861). CONCLUSION These results confirm the association of gastric antral vascular ectasia with underlying cirrhosis and revealed a significant correlation of gastric antral vascular ectasia with features of metabolic syndrome such as diabetes, BMI, vascular disease, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis. The pathophysiology of gastric antral vascular ectasia remains uncertain, but we speculate that it may be a manifestation of the metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Smith
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Bezawit Tekola
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - James Patrie
- Division of Public Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Scott Cornella
- Division of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Stephen Caldwell
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
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Primignani M, Tosetti G. Portal hypertensive gastropathy after variceal eradication: more bleeding risk or just more reddening? Hepatol Int 2016; 10:847-850. [PMID: 27282878 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-016-9750-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Primignani
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giulia Tosetti
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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11
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Wang J, Stine JG, Cornella SL, Argo CK, Cohn SM. Patients with Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE) Are at a Higher Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Absence of Cirrhosis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2015; 3:254-9. [PMID: 26807380 PMCID: PMC4721892 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2015.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is commonly found in patients with cirrhosis, but it is also associated with other diseases in the absence of cirrhosis. Whether GAVE confers a different severity of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding between patients with and without cirrhosis remains unknown. We aim to examine whether there is a difference in clinically significant GI bleeding due to GAVE in patients with or without cirrhosis. METHODS This is a retrospective case-control study of patients who were diagnosed with GAVE between January 2000 and June 2014. Patients were categorized into cirrhosis and noncirrhosis groups, and those with an additional GI bleeding source were excluded. Univariate comparisons and multivariable models were constructed using logistic regression. RESULTS In total, 110 patients diagnosed with GAVE on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were included in our analysis; 84 patients had cirrhosis (76.4%) and 26 (23.6%) did not. Active GI bleeding was more prevalent in patients without cirrhosis (63.4% vs. 32.1%, p=0.003) despite similar indications for EGD, and endoscopic treatment with argon plasma coagulation (APC) was required more often in this group, approaching statistical significance (27% vs. 10.7%, p=0.056). There was no difference in bleeding severity, as evidenced by similar re-bleeding rates, surgery, or death attributed to uncontrolled bleeding. The strongest independent risk factor for GI bleeding was the absence of cirrhosis (odds ratio (OR): 5.151 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-24.48, p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS Patients with GAVE in the absence of cirrhosis are at higher risk for active GI bleeding and require more frequent endoscopic treatment than similar patients with cirrhosis. It may be worthwhile to treat GAVE in this population even in the absence of active bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Jonathan G. Stine
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Correspondence to: Jonathan G Stine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, JPA and Lee Street, MSB2145, PO Box 800708, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0708, USA. Tel: +1-434-243-7741, Fax: +1-434-244-7529, E-mail:
| | - Scott L. Cornella
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Curtis K. Argo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Steven M. Cohn
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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12
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Elhendawy M, Mosaad S, Alkhalawany W, Abo-Ali L, Enaba M, Elsaka A, Elfert AA. Randomized controlled study of endoscopic band ligation and argon plasma coagulation in the treatment of gastric antral and fundal vascular ectasia. United European Gastroenterol J 2015; 4:423-8. [PMID: 27403309 DOI: 10.1177/2050640615619837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is characterized by mucosal and submucosal vascular ectasia causing recurrent hemorrhage and thus, chronic anemia, in patients with cirrhosis. Treatment with argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an effective and safe method, but requires multiple sessions of endoscopic therapy. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) was found to be a good alternative for APC as a treatment for GAVE, especially in refractory cases. The aim of this prospective randomized controlled study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EBL, as compared to APC, in the treatment of GAVE and gastric fundal vascular ectasia (GFVE). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 88 cirrhotic patients with GAVE were prospectively randomized to endoscopic treatment with either EBL or APC, every 2 weeks until complete obliteration was accomplished; then they were followed up endoscopically after 6 months, plus they had monthly measurement of hemoglobin levels during that period. RESULTS We describe the presence of mucosal and submucosal lesions in the gastric fundal area that were similar to those found in GAVE in 13 patients (29.5%) of the EBL group and 9 patients (20.5%) of the APC group; we named this GFVE. In these cases, we treated the fundal lesions with the same techniques we had used for treating GAVE, according to the randomization. We found that EBL significantly decreased the number of sessions required for complete obliteration of the lesions (2.98 sessions compared to 3.48 sessions in the APC group (p < 0.05)). Hemoglobin levels increased significantly after obliteration of the lesions in both groups, compared to pretreatment values (p < 0.05), but with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05); however, the EBL group of patients required a significantly smaller number of units of blood transfusion than the APC group of patients (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in adverse events nor complications between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study described and histologically proved the presence of GFVE occurring comcomitantly with GAVE in cirrhotic patients. We showed that GFVE can be successfully managed by EBL or APC. Our study revealed that EBL is more effective and is comparable in safety to APC, in the treatment of GAVE and GFVE in cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samah Mosaad
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tanta University Hospital, Egypt
| | | | - Lobna Abo-Ali
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tanta University Hospital, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Enaba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tanta University Hospital, Egypt
| | - Aymen Elsaka
- Department of Pathology, Tanta University Hospital, Egypt
| | - Asem A Elfert
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tanta University Hospital, Egypt
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13
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Garg H, Gupta S, Anand AC, Broor SL. Portal hypertensive gastropathy and gastric antral vascular ectasia. Indian J Gastroenterol 2015; 34:351-8. [PMID: 26564121 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-015-0605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) are gastric mucosal lesions that mostly present as chronic anemia and rarely cause the acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Despite similar clinical manifestations, their pathophysiology and management are entirely different. PHG is seen exclusively in patients with portal hypertension, but GAVE can also be observed in patients with other conditions. Their diagnosis is endoscopic, and although generally each of them has a characteristic endoscopic appearance and distribution, there are cases in which the differential is difficult and must rely on histology. This review focuses on the management of both entities. The mainstay of management of PHG is based on portal-hypotensive pharmacological treatment while GAVE benefits from hormonal therapy, endoscopic Nd:YAG laser, and argon plasma coagulation. More invasive options should be reserved for refractory cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitendra Garg
- Center for Liver and Biliary Disease, Indra Prastha Apollo Hospital, Mathura Road, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, 110 076, India.
| | - Subhash Gupta
- Center for Liver and Biliary Disease, Indra Prastha Apollo Hospital, Mathura Road, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, 110 076, India
| | - A C Anand
- Center for Liver and Biliary Disease, Indra Prastha Apollo Hospital, Mathura Road, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, 110 076, India
| | - S L Broor
- Center for Liver and Biliary Disease, Indra Prastha Apollo Hospital, Mathura Road, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, 110 076, India.,Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indra Prastha Apollo Hospital, Mathura Road, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, 110 076, India
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Lesiones vasculares gástricas en la cirrosis: gastropatía y ectasia vascular antral. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2015; 38:97-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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15
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Approach to the management of portal hypertensive gastropathy and gastric antral vascular ectasia. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2014; 43:835-47. [PMID: 25440929 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2014.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) and portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) are important causes of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. These gastric mucosal lesions are mostly diagnosed on upper endoscopy and can be distinguished based on their appearance or location in the stomach. In some situations, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, a diffuse pattern and involvement of gastric mucosa are seen with both GAVE and severe PHG. The diagnosis in such cases is hard to determine on visual inspection, and thus, biopsy and histologic evaluation can be used to help differentiate GAVE from PHG.
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McGorisk T, Krishnan K, Keefer L, Komanduri S. Radiofrequency ablation for refractory gastric antral vascular ectasia (with video). Gastrointest Endosc 2013; 78:584-8. [PMID: 23660565 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2013.04.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a cause of upper GI bleeding and chronic anemia. Although upper endoscopy with argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an accepted therapy for GAVE, many patients continue to bleed and remain transfusion dependent after therapy. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may provide an alternative therapeutic option for GAVE. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy and safety of RFA for patients with GAVE who remain transfusion dependent after APC treatment. DESIGN Open-label prospective cohort study of patients with GAVE refractory to APC. SETTING Academic tertiary referral center. PATIENTS GAVE patients with previous failed APC therapy, chronic anemia, and transfusion dependence. INTERVENTIONS Endoscopic RFA to the gastric antrum using the HALO(90) ULTRA ablation catheter until transfusion independence is achieved or a maximum of 4 sessions are performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Transfusion requirements before and after RFA. Secondary outcomes are hemoglobin before and 6 months after RFA completion, number of RFA sessions, and complications. RESULTS Twenty-one patients underwent at least 1 RFA session with ablation of GAVE lesions. At 6 months after completion of the course of RFA therapy, 18 of 21 patients (86%) were transfusion independent. Mean hemoglobin increased from 7.8 to 10.2 in responders (n = 18). Two adverse events occurred (minor acute bleeding and superficial ulceration); both resolved without intervention. LIMITATIONS Single-center, single-operator, and nonrandomized design. CONCLUSIONS RFA is safe and effective for treating patients with refractory GAVE after attempted APC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim McGorisk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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17
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Abstract
Gastric antral vascular ectasia is the source of up to 4% of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It can present with occult bleeding requiring transfusions or with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and has been associated with such underlying chronic diseases as scleroderma, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Approximately 30% of cases are associated with cirrhosis. We report two cases of gastric antral vascular ectasia with two strikingly different endoscopic appearances. We further describe the clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and therapeutic aspects of this entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Papia Kar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin USA
| | - Subhashis Mitra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin USA
| | | | - Camille F. Torbey
- Department of Gastroenterology, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin USA
- Corresponding Author: Camille F. Torbey, MD, FACP, AGAF, Department of Gastroenterology, 1000 North Oak Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449, Tel: 715-221-7833, Fax: 715-387-5663,
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Post-transplant gastric antral vascular ectasia after intra-venous busulfan regimen. Int J Hematol 2013; 98:135-8. [PMID: 23632949 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-013-1342-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2012] [Revised: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an angiodysplastic disorder that causes gastric bleeding. GAVE can develop as a complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT-GAVE), and it has been suggested that it may be associated with oral administration of busulfan. We report two cases of HSCT-GAVE after a conditioning regimen containing intra-venous busulfan (ivBu), not oral busulfan. The first case, a 42-year-old woman with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm, underwent second allogeneic HSCT with conditioning regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) and ivBu (12.8 mg/kg). HSCT-GAVE developed on day 84 post-transplant, and argon plasma coagulation (APC) was performed successfully. The second case, a 60-year-old woman with acute myelogenous leukemia, underwent allogeneic HSCT with the conditioning regimen consisting of ivBu (12.8 mg/kg) and fludarabine (150 mg/kg). She developed melena and was diagnosed with GAVE by endoscopy on day 145 post-transplant. Although complete hemostasis was not achieved despite four administrations of APCs, the melena spontaneously terminated on day 235 post-transplant. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing HSCT-GAVE after ivBU-based HSCT. Although there is no established therapy for HSCT-GAVE, APC may be an option for HSCT-GAVE.
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19
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Hirayama M, Azuma E, Nakazawa A, Iwamoto S, Toyoda H, Komada Y. Simultaneous occurrence of gastric antral vascular ectasia and protein-losing enteropathy in chronic graft-versus-host disease. Int J Hematol 2013; 97:529-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-013-1279-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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20
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Fuccio L, Mussetto A, Laterza L, Eusebi LH, Bazzoli F. Diagnosis and management of gastric antral vascular ectasia. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2013; 5:6-13. [PMID: 23330048 PMCID: PMC3547119 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an uncommon but often severe cause of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, responsible of about 4% of non-variceal upper GI haemorrhage. The diagnosis is mainly based on endoscopic pattern and, for uncertain cases, on histology. GAVE is characterized by a pathognomonic endoscopic pattern, mainly represented by red spots either organized in stripes radially departing from pylorus, defined as watermelon stomach, or arranged in a diffused-way, the so called honeycomb stomach. The histological pattern, although not pathognomonic, is characterized by four alterations: vascular ectasia of mucosal capillaries, focal thrombosis, spindle cell proliferation and fibrohyalinosis, which consist of homogeneous substance around the ectatic capillaries of the lamina propria. The main differential diagnosis is with Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy, that can frequently co-exists, since about 30% of patients with GAVE co-present a liver cirrhosis. Autoimmune disorders, mainly represented by Reynaud’s phenomenon and sclerodactyly, are co-present in about 60% of patients with GAVE; other autoimmune and connective tissue disorders are occasionally reported such as Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, primary biliary cirrhosis and systemic sclerosis. In the remaining cases, GAVE syndrome has been described in patients with chronic renal failure, bone marrow transplantation and cardiac diseases. The pathogenesis of GAVE is still obscure and many hypotheses have been proposed such as mechanical stress, humoural and autoimmune factors and hemodynamic alterations. In the last two decades, many therapeutic options have been proposed including surgical, endoscopic and medical choices. Medical therapy has not clearly shown satisfactory results and surgery should only be considered for refractory severe cases, since this approach has significant mortality and morbidity risks, especially in the setting of portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis. Endoscopic therapy, particularly treatment with Argon Plasma Coagulation, has shown to be as effective and also safer than surgery, and should be considered the first-line treatment for patients with GAVE-related bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Fuccio
- Lorenzo Fuccio, Liboria Laterza, Leonardo Henry Eusebi, Franco Bazzoli, Department of Clinical Medicine, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis: a review. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:2743-54. [PMID: 22661272 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2229-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-variceal gastrointestinal (NVGI) bleeding in cirrhosis may be associated with life-threatening complications similar to variceal bleeding. AIM To review NVGI bleeding in cirrhosis. METHODS MEDLINE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched, using the textwords "portal hypertensive gastropathy," "gastric vascular ectasia," "peptic ulcer," "Dieulafoy's," "Mallory-Weiss syndrome," "portal hypertensive enteropathy," "portal hypertensive colopathy," "hemorrhoids," and "cirrhosis." RESULTS Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and gastric vascular ectasia (GVE) are gastric lesions that most commonly present as chronic anemia; acute upper GI (UGI) bleeding is a rare manifestation. Management of PHG-related bleeding is mainly pharmacological, whereas endoscopic intervention is favored in GVE-related bleeding. Shunt therapies or more invasive techniques are restricted in refractory cases. Despite its high incidence in cirrhotic patients, peptic ulcer accounts for a relatively small proportion of UGI bleeding in this patient population. However, in contrary to general population, the pathogenetic role of Helicobacter pylori infection remains questionable. Finally, other causes of UGI bleeding include Dieulafoy's lesion, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, and portal hypertensive enteropathy. The most common non-variceal endoscopic findings reported in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding are portal hypertensive colopathy and hemorrhoids. However, the vast majority of studies are case reports and, therefore, the incidence, diagnosis, and risk of bleeding remain undefined. Endoscopic interventions, shunting procedures, and surgical techniques have been described in this setting. CONCLUSIONS The data on NVGI bleeding in liver cirrhosis are surprisingly scanty. Large, multicenter epidemiological studies are needed to better assess prevalence and incidence and, most importantly, randomized studies should be performed to evaluate the success rates of therapeutic algorithms.
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22
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Singh YP, Prasad BNS, Agarwal V. Unusual cause of anaemia in scleroderma: Gastric antral vascular ectasia. INDIAN JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0973-3698(11)60086-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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23
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Ripoll C, Garcia-Tsao G. The management of portal hypertensive gastropathy and gastric antral vascular ectasia. Dig Liver Dis 2011; 43:345-51. [PMID: 21095166 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2010.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertensive gastropathy and gastric antral vascular ectasia are gastric mucosal lesions that can cause chronic gastrointestinal haemorrhage and, consequently, chronic anaemia, in patients with cirrhosis. Although chronic anaemia is the most common clinical manifestation, these entities may also lead to acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite similar clinical manifestations, their pathophysiology and management are entirely different. Their diagnosis is endoscopic and although generally each of them has a characteristic endoscopic appearance and distribution, there are cases in which the differential is difficult and must rely on histology. This review focuses on the management of both entities. The mainstay of management of portal hypertensive gastropathy is based on portal-hypotensive pharmacological treatment whilst gastric antral vascular ectasia benefits from endoscopic therapy. More invasive options should be reserved for refractory cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ripoll
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain
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24
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Ripoll C, Garcia-Tsao G. Management of gastropathy and gastric vascular ectasia in portal hypertension. Clin Liver Dis 2010; 14:281-95. [PMID: 20682235 PMCID: PMC2916868 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2010.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertensive gastropathy and gastric antral vascular ectasia may cause gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension. Whereas the former presents exclusively in patients with portal hypertension, gastric antral vascular ectasia can also be observed in patients with other conditions. Diagnosis is established with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, although some cases may require a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The most frequent manifestation is ferropenic anemia, which may become transfusion dependent. Treatment in portal hypertensive gastropathy is focused on portal pressure reducing drugs, mainly nonselective beta-blockers, whereas in gastric antral vascular ectasia treatment is based on endoscopic ablation. More invasive options can be used if first-line therapies fail, although these should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Corresponding author: Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao, M.D., Digestive Diseases Section, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street – 1080 LMP, New Haven, CT 06510, , Tph: 203 737 6063, Fax: 203 785-7273
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25
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Chaves DM, Sakai P, Oliveira CV, Cheng S, Ishioka S. Watermelon stomach: clinical aspects and treatment with argon plasma coagulation. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2007; 43:191-5. [PMID: 17160233 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-28032006000300007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2005] [Accepted: 01/26/2006] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric antral vascular ectasia is a disorder whose pathogenetic mechanism is unknown. The endoscopic treatment with argon plasma coagulation has been considered one of the best endoscopic therapeutic options. AIM To analyze the endoscopic and clinical features of gastric antral vascular ectasia and its response to the argon plasma coagulation treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eighteen patients were studied and classified into two groups: group 1--whose endoscopic aspect was striped (watermelon) or of the diffuse confluent type; group 2--diffuse spotty nonconfluent endoscopic aspect. RESULTS Group 1 with eight patients, all having autoimmune antibodies, but one, whose antibodies were not searched for. Three were cirrhotic and three had hypothyroidism. All had gastric mucosa atrophy. In group 2, with 10 patients, all had non-immune liver disease, with platelet levels below 90,000. Ten patients were submitted to argon plasma coagulation treatment, with 2 to 36 months of follow-up. Lesions recurred in all patients who remained in the follow-up program and one did not respond to treatment for acute bleeding control. CONCLUSION There seem to be two distinct groups of patients with gastric antral vascular ectasia: one related to immunologic disorders and other to non-immune chronic liver disease and low platelets. The endoscopic treatment using argon plasma coagulation had a high recurrence in the long-term evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalton M Chaves
- Endoscopy Service, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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26
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Abstract
The discovery of Helicobacter pylori and its intimate role in the development of the most common form of chronic gastritis has elicited a much-needed interest in non-neoplastic gastric pathology. This has been paralleled by an increase in upper endoscopic examinations, which allow recognition of novel patterns and distribution of mucosal injury. Numerous attempts at classification have been made, most based on the acuteness or chronicity of gastric mucosal injury. In this review, we will not offer a new classification but present a detailed description of the major clinicopathological entities, based either on the salient morphological features or the underlying aetiologies, i.e. iatrogenic, autoimmune, vascular or idiopathic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Srivastava
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, NH, USA
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27
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Sabljak P, Velicković D, Stojakov D, Bjelović M, Ebrahimi K, Spica B, Sljukić V, Pesko P. [Less frequent causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding]. ACTA CHIRURGICA IUGOSLAVICA 2007; 54:119-23. [PMID: 17633871 DOI: 10.2298/aci0701119s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding represents emergency which despites modern advances in treatment still carry substantial mortality. Mortality remained relatively constant in the last 50 years at approximately 12%. Peptic ulcers remain the most common cause of upper GI bleeding and account approximately 50% of all cases. Next leading causes are esophageal and gastric varices, and gastroduodenal erosions. Mallory Weiss tears, angiodysplasia and gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE)-Watermelon stomach are less frequent but important causes of upper GI bleeding that contribute substantially to the overall morbidity and mortality. Recognition of such lesions is crucial to provide effective hemostasis. In most cases endoscopic therapy is procedure of choice which significantly improved the outcome of patients. In cases where endoscopic hemostasis is not effective, or patients rebleed after initial control surgical therapy may be required. This article will review recent advances in diagnosis and therapy of upper GI bleeding caused by Mallory Weiss tears, angiodysplasia or Watermelon stomach.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sabljak
- Centar za hirurgiju jednjaka, I Hirurska klinika, Institut za bolesti digestivnog sistema, KCS, Beograd
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Takahashi T, Miya T, Oki M, Sugawara N, Yoshimoto M, Tsujisaki M. Severe hemorrhage from gastric vascular ectasia developed in a patient with AML. Int J Hematol 2006; 83:467-8. [PMID: 16787883 DOI: 10.1532/ijh97.06052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Kuroiwa Y, Suzuki N, Mizue N, Hori T, Endo T, Yoshida Y, Tsutsumi H. Gastric antral vascular ectasia in 2-yr-old girl undergoing unrelated cord blood stem cell transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2005; 9:788-91. [PMID: 16269052 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2005.00364.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and is often related to acute graft-vs.-host disease (aGVHD). Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), recently recognized as a complication after HSCT, is a rare cause of severe gastrointestinal bleeding, which has only been reported in adult patients so far. We report a 2-yr-old girl who developed GAVE after unrelated cord blood stem cell transplantation (CBSCT) as treatment of intractable Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH). Her conditioning regimen for CBSCT consisted of etoposide, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide. She was doing well after CBSCT without recurrence and developed only grade I aGVHD. She suddenly developed coffee ground emesis, tarry stools and severe anemia 76 days after CBSCT. As antacids were ineffective, esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed and revealed GAVE on day 97. Endoscopic coagulation therapy was performed twice; subsequently, she needed no further transfusions and there was no clinical recurrence of GAVE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kuroiwa
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
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30
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Selinger RRE, McDonald GB, Hockenbery DM, Steinbach G, Kimmey MB. Efficacy of neodymium:YAG laser therapy for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) following hematopoietic cell transplant. Bone Marrow Transplant 2005; 37:191-7. [PMID: 16284614 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We determined the incidence of severe bleeding from gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) after myeloablative hematopoietic cell transplant and the outcomes after treatment with endoscopic neodymium:YAG laser photocoagulation. From 1992 to 2005, the incidence of severe bleeding from GAVE was 6/4491 (0.13%). All patients had received oral busulfan and four had sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. Gastrointestinal bleeding began a median of 53 days after transplant (range 15-2952). After GAVE was diagnosed by endoscopic and histologic findings, a median of three (range 2-7) sessions of laser therapy were required to control the bleeding with a median of 2737 J (range 1117-6160 J) per session. A median of 16 units (range 4-44) had been transfused prior to laser therapy and a median of four additional units (range 0-113) were transfused until bleeding was controlled. All patients were followed for at least 70 days after the last laser therapy session, with no further episodes of bleeding. Complications were mild and included abdominal pain and asymptomatic ulceration; however, one patient required gastrectomy due to gastric necrosis following transarterial embolizations. In summary, severe bleeding from GAVE is rare following hematopoietic cell transplant. Treatment with endoscopic therapy using the Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R E Selinger
- Division of Gastroenterology, The University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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31
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Mathou NG, Lovat LB, Thorpe SM, Bown SG. Nd:YAG laser induces long-term remission in transfusion-dependent patients with watermelon stomach. Lasers Med Sci 2004; 18:213-8. [PMID: 15042426 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-003-0284-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2003] [Accepted: 11/21/2003] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Watermelon stomach (gastric antral vascular ectasia) is a rare cause of gastric bleeding which can render patients transfusion-dependent. Laser therapy can be used to stop bleeding but the long-term success of this approach is not well described. We present a retrospective analysis of 24 consecutive transfusion-dependent patients who were treated in a national referral centre with Nd:YAG laser over an 18 year period. Laser therapy stopped all bleeding in 20 patients (83%) after a median of two sessions. Median follow up was 55 months (range 9-127). Patients remained transfusion free for a median of 16 months and a second course of treatment succeeded in all those who re-bled. One gastric perforation occurred early in the series and two patients developed pyloric stenosis which was successfully treated with balloon pyloric dilatation. Oestrogens were not used in these patients. Our experience shows that long-term remission from blood transfusion is seen in most patients treated with Nd:YAG laser. If bleeding recurs, further laser treatment is usually successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Mathou
- National Medical Laser Centre, Department of Surgery, Royal Free and University College Medical School, UCL, 67-73 Riding House Street, W1W 7EJ, London, UK
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32
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Blanc P, Phelip JM, Bertolino JG, Atger J, Roblin X. L’estomac pastèque : une cause rare d’anémie ferriprive, de traitement chirurgical ; un nouveau cas et revue de la littérature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 128:462-4. [PMID: 14559197 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-3944(03)00175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The authors report a new case of water-melon stomach, without portal hypertension, and responsible for a iron deficiency anemia cured by antrectomy. Water-melon stomach is a particular form of gastric antral vascular ectasia, characterized by a specific and striking endoscopic aspect. The diagnostic, histologic, pathogenic and therapeutic aspects are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blanc
- Service chirurgie viscérale, CH Gap, 1, place Auguste-Muret, 05000 Gap, France.
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33
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Ohashi K, Sanaka M, Tu Y, Egawa N, Ohashi K, Funata N, Okuyama Y, Hiruma K, Tanaka Y, Mori S, Akiyama H, Sakamaki H. Clinical features and treatment of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-associated gastric antral vascular ectasia. Bone Marrow Transplant 2003; 32:417-21. [PMID: 12900779 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1704137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) may occur after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and cause severe and prolonged gastric bleeding. The underlying pathology of transplant-associated GAVE (HSCT-GAVE) is poorly understood and an effective therapeutic strategy has not been established yet. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 230 consecutive allogeneic transplant recipients in our institution between January 1997 and June 2002. We identified five patients who developed HSCT-GAVE (2.2%). Four patients had bleeding from HSCT-GAVE and one patient had HSCT-GAVE discovered incidentally. The clinical features of these patients were similar in that they all received conditioning treatment with busulfan and had history of thrombotic microangiopathy. Furthermore, treatment with a beta-blocker apparently improved the outcome of HSCT-GAVE in three patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ohashi
- 1Hematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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34
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Sebastian S, O'Morain CA, Buckley MJM. Review article: current therapeutic options for gastric antral vascular ectasia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2003; 18:157-65. [PMID: 12869075 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01617.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gastric antral vascular ectasia, or 'watermelon stomach', is a rare but important cause of gastrointestinal blood loss and anaemia, which has characteristic endoscopic and histological features. The pathogenesis of this condition remains unclear; however, many associated disorders have been documented. Various medical, surgical and endoscopic therapeutic modalities have been attempted with variable success. Leading contenders for the therapeutic modality of choice include hormonal therapy, endoscopic Nd:YAG laser and argon plasma coagulation. Randomized controlled trials to identify the ideal treatment method are lacking at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sebastian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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Jones AD, Maziarz R, Gilster J, Domreis J, Deveney CW, Sheppard BC. Surgical complications of bone marrow transplantation. Am J Surg 2003; 185:481-4. [PMID: 12727571 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9610(03)00055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We wished to determine the type of diseases in patients who received bone marrow transplant (BMT) that potentially involve the general surgeon at our institution. METHODS The records of 542 patients who underwent bone marrow transplant at Oregon Health and Sciences University between January 1990 and December 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Gastrointestinal complications included in the study were gastrointestinal bleeding, venoocclusive disease of the liver, intestinal graft versus host disease, pneumatosis intestinalis, necrotizing enteritis, as well as other more common surgical diseases (eg, appendicitis). RESULTS Gastrointestinal complications or surgical consultations were noted in 92 of 542 patients (17%). Of these, formal general surgical consultation was obtained in 48 patients (9%). The most common causes for surgical consult were cholecystitis (5), abdominal pain of unknown etiology (5), central line complications (5), small bowel obstruction (4), and appendicitis (4). Twenty-eight (58%) of these patients received an operation. Six patients (13%) died during the same hospitalization as their surgery consult. Forty-four patients with these gastrointestinal symptoms related to transplantation did not receive surgical consult. The mortality in this group was 45%. CONCLUSIONS The majority of gastrointestinal complications after bone marrow transplant do not require surgical intervention. However, these conditions may overlap the more common reasons for surgical consult and must be identifiable by the general surgeon. Of patients who did require surgical intervention, it was primarily for common surgical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Jones
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, L223A, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Abstract
Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG), a term used to describe the endoscopic appearance of gastric mucosa with a characteristic mosaic-like pattern with or without red spots, is a common finding in patients with portal hypertension. Current classification systems that describe the severity of PHG have many limitations, but it appears that simple grading systems have better inter- and intraobserver agreement. The wide variation in the reported prevalence of PHG is probably related to selection bias, absence of uniform criteria and classification, and more importantly, the differences in inter- and intraobserver variation. Pathogenesis of PHG is not clearly defined, but there is a very close relationship between portal hypertension and development of PHG. GAVE is a separate entity from PHG, but patients with severe PHG may have a GAVE-like appearance in the gastric antrum. Acute bleeding from PHG, seen usually in the presence of severe PHG, is often mild and self-limiting. Currently, the only treatment that could be recommended for prophylaxis of bleeding from PHG is nonselective B-blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Thuluvath
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Vincent C, Pomier-Layrargues G, Dagenais M, Lapointe R, Létourneau R, Roy A, Paré P, Huet PM. Cure of gastric antral vascular ectasia by liver transplantation despite persistent portal hypertension: a clue for pathogenesis. Liver Transpl 2002; 8:717-20. [PMID: 12149766 DOI: 10.1053/jlts.2002.34382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare cause of chronic bleeding in cirrhotic patients. It has been suggested that these gastric lesions might be related to portal hypertension, hepatic insufficiency, or both parameters. We report two cases of cirrhotic patients in whom GAVE was the source of recurrent bleeding. These patients also had complete portal vein thrombosis. Liver transplantation was performed and an end-to-end cavoportal anastomosis was performed, leaving patients with persistent portal hypertension after surgery. We observed complete disappearance of the antral lesions several weeks after transplantation, which shows that the GAVE is not related to portal hypertension but is rather a direct consequence of liver failure. Possible pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Vincent
- Liver Unit, Hôpital Saint-Luc, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement and Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a source of GI bleeding. Several associated conditions have been recognized. However, there is little information on the occurrence of ectatic lesions in regions of the stomach other than the antrum, that is, the cardia. Patients in whom a diagnosis of GAVE was made from 1990 to 2000 are presented with an emphasis on the frequency of contemporaneous ectatic lesions in the gastric cardia. METHODS A diagnosis of GAVE was made in 17 patients. Concurrent disorders were identified. After 1996, all patients with GAVE were systematically examined for ectatic changes in the cardia. RESULTS Several of the 17 patients had lesions in the cardia, 2 of 9 being identified before 1996 and 5 of 8 after 1996. The most common comorbid conditions were liver (n = 5) and heart disease (n = 4). CONCLUSION Ectatic lesions in the cardia are common in patients with GAVE. The significance of this finding remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per-Ove Stotzer
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg University, Sweden
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Ito M, Uchida Y, Kamano S, Kawabata H, Nishioka M. Clinical comparisons between two subsets of gastric antral vascular ectasia. Gastrointest Endosc 2001; 53:764-70. [PMID: 11375585 DOI: 10.1067/mge.2001.113922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lesions of gastric antral vascular ectasia take two endoscopic forms, diffuse red spots and red stripes. In addition, they are often associated with cirrhosis. The main aim of the present retrospective study was to determine whether differences in endoscopic appearance and presence or absence of cirrhosis have relationships to clinical features and course. METHODS Gastric antral vascular ectasia in 30 patients was classified into 2 endoscopic subtypes, punctate type (21 patients) and striped type (8 patients); only 1 patient could not be categorized to either type. The 30 patients were divided into groups based on the presence (25) or absence (5) of cirrhosis. RESULTS All patients with punctate-type vascular ectasias had cirrhosis, whereas only 38% of patients with the striped type had cirrhosis. All patients without cirrhosis had the striped pattern. For patients with the 2 endoscopic types as well as those with and without cirrhosis, the outcomes of endoscopic treatment were similar. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study suggest that cirrhosis is strongly associated with the development of punctate-type vascular ectasias. The endoscopic appearance of vascular ectasias and the presence or absence of cirrhosis did not determine outcome of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ito
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kagawa Medical University, Kagawa, Japan
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Schwartz JM, Wolford JL, Thornquist MD, Hockenbery DM, Murakami CS, Drennan F, Hinds M, Strasser SI, Lopez-Cubero SO, Brar HS, Ko CW, Saunders MD, Okolo CN, McDonald GB. Severe gastrointestinal bleeding after hematopoietic cell transplantation, 1987-1997: incidence, causes, and outcome. Am J Gastroenterol 2001; 96:385-93. [PMID: 11232680 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2001.03549.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Severe GI bleeding after hematopoietic cell transplantation is commonly due to lesions that are unusual in nontransplant patients. The frequency of GI bleeding appears to have decreased over the last decade, but the reasons have not been readily apparent. We sought to determine the incidence of severe bleeding during two time periods, to describe the causes and outcomes of bleeding, and to analyze the reasons behind an apparent decline in severe bleeding over the decade covered. METHODS During 1986-1987 and 1996-1997, we followed all patients with and without severe bleeding at our institution, a marrow transplant center. RESULTS Over this decade, the incidence of severe bleeding declined from 50/467 (10.7%) to 15/635 (2.4%) (p < 0.0001). Overall mortality from intestinal bleeding declined from 3.6% to 0.9% (p = 0.002), but mortality in those with bleeding remained high (34% vs 40%). The onset (day 42 vs 47) and platelet counts (35,994 vs 37,600/microl) were similar, but the sites and causes of bleeding were different. During 1986-1987, 27/50 patients bled from multiple GI sites, viral and fungal ulcers, or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Over the decade, bleeding from GVHD had decreased 80% (p < 0.0001), and bleeding from viral (p < 0.0001) and fungal (p = 0.023) ulcers almost disappeared. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of severe GI bleeding has declined significantly over the last decade because of prevention of viral and fungal infections and severe acute GVHD. However, severe bleeding after transplant remains a highly morbid event, particularly among patients with GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Schwartz
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98109-1024, USA
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