Insights into the management of gastric antral vascular ectasia (watermelon stomach)

Wen-Hung Hsu, Yao-Kuang Wang, Meng-Shu Hsieh, Fu-Chen Kuo, Meng-Chieh Wu, Hsiang-Yao Shih, I-Chen Wu, Fang-Jung Yu, Huang-Ming Hu, Yu-Chung Su, Deng-Chyang Wu, Wen-Hung Hsu, Yao-Kuang Wang, Meng-Shu Hsieh, Fu-Chen Kuo, Meng-Chieh Wu, Hsiang-Yao Shih, I-Chen Wu, Fang-Jung Yu, Huang-Ming Hu, Yu-Chung Su, Deng-Chyang Wu

Abstract

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an uncommon but important cause of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. It is often associated with systemic diseases such as autoimmune diseases, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal insufficiency and cardiovascular disease. The etiology of GAVE has not been fully explored and remains controversial. Diagnosis is mainly based on endoscopic presentation with flat or raised erythematous stripes radiating from the pylorus to the antrum and resembles a watermelon. Clinical presentation may range from iron-deficiency anemia secondary to occult blood loss, melena to hematemesis. In past decades, many therapeutic modalities including medical, endoscopic and surgical intervention have been introduced for GAVE treatment with variable efficacy. Herein, we review the efficacy and safety of these treatment options for GAVE.

Keywords: antrectomy; endoscopic hemostasis; gastric antral vascular ectasia; gastrointestinal bleeding.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Management of gastric antral vascular ectasia. Nd: YAG, neodymium-yttrium-aluminum garnet laser.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Argon plasma coagulation treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia.

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Source: PubMed

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