Gastrointestinal Angiodysplasia: Report of Two Cases in Pediatrics

Authors: Gutiérrez KD, Romero W and Wilches A*

DOI: 10.23880/ghij-16000164

Volume 4, Issue 2

Abstract

Intestinal angiodysplasia is a vascular abnormality where blood vessels are ectatic, tortuous with minimal muscle lining, being able to affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract, showing single or multiple lesions at different sites, with the left hemicolon the most frequent location in children. The pathophysiological mechanism that originates it is still unknown, as is the epidemiology of this condition. The spectrum of clinical manifestations is wide, being able to debut and recur at any time in life with hemorrhage of varying intensity. Endoscopic and radiological tools are used for diagnosis. Treatment options include pharmacological, endoscopic therapies and surgical resection. In this article we describe two pediatric cases (6 months and 7 years respectively) which presented with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in need of transfusion therapy, in whom it was not possible to identify the origin of the disease until later, with adequate control of symptoms. After definitive treatment, which in one of them was total gastrectomy.

Keywords: Angiodysplasia; Digestive Bleeding; Anemia; Gastrectomy

View PDF