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Angiodysplasia is a small vascular malformation of the gut.
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∙ 9y ago
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Is angiodysplasia congenital?
Congenital angiodysplasia does exist. It is usually diagnosed in children ranging from three to fifteen years of age. It can present in three different severities: mild, moderate, and severe.
What is angiodysplasia of the cecum and asacending colon?
Angiectasias in the cecum is a venous lesion that requires cathorization.
Blood from the anus?
This can mean many different things but if you are having this problem right now you must go to your doctor immediately.
Flushable reagent stool blood test?
DefinitionFlushable reagent stool blood test is an at-home test to detect hidden blood in the stool.Alternative NamesStool occult blood test - flushable home test; Fecal occult blood test - flushable home testHow the test is performedThis test is performed at home with disposable pads. The pads are available at pharmacies without a prescription. Brand names include EZ-Detect and ColoCARE.There is no direct handling of stool with this test. You simply note any changes on a card and then mail the results card to your health care provider.Urinate if you need to, then flush the toilet before you have a bowel movement. After the bowel movement, place the disposable pad in the toilet. Watch for a change of color on the test area of the pad. Results usually appear within 2 minutes. Note the results on the card provided, then flush the pad away. Repeat for the next two bowel movements.The different tests have different methods to check for water quality. Check the package for instructions.How to prepare for the testSome drugs may interfere with this test.Check with your health care provider regarding medication changes that may be necessary. Never discontinue or decrease any medication without consulting your health care provider.Check package instructions to see if you need to stop eating certain foods before doing the test.How the test will feelThis test involves only normal bowel functions, and there is no discomfort.Why the test is performedThis test is mainly performed for colorectal cancer screening. It may also be recommended in the evaluation of low levels of red blood cells (anemia).Normal ValuesA negative result is normal.Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.What abnormal results meanAbnormal results of the flushable test may indicate the following problems (which are the same as with the guaiac smear test):Angiodysplasia of the GI tractColon cancer or other GI (gastrointestinal) tumorsColon polypsEsophageal varices and portal hypertensive gastropathyEsophagitisGastritisGI infectionsGI trauma or bleeding from recent GI surgeryHemorrhoidsInflammatory bowel diseasePeptic ulcerAdditional causes of a positive test, which do not indicate a problem in the gastrointestinal tract, include:Coughing up and then swallowing bloodNose bleedAbnormal test results require follow-up with your doctor.What the risks areThere can be false-positive (the test indicates a problem when there actually is none) or false-negative (the test indicates there is NOT a problem, but there is) results. This is similar to the traditional stool smear tests, which also can have false-positive or false-negative results.ReferencesBresalier RS. Colorectal cancer. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 123.Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/16/2011David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Angiodysplasia of the colon?
DefinitionAngiodysplasia of the colon is enlarged and fragile blood vessels in the colon that result in occasional loss of blood from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.Alternative NamesVascular ectasia of the colon; Colonic arteriovenous malformation; Colonic angiomasCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAngiodysplasia of the colon is mostly related to the aging and degeneration of the blood vessels. It usually occurs in older adults.There are several theories about the cause. The most likely cause is that normal spasms of the colon lead to enlargement of blood vessels in the area. This swelling becomes so severe that a small direct passageway develops between a very small artery and vein. This is called an arteriovenous fistula. It is in this area of the colon wall that the patient is at risk for bleeding.Angiodysplasia of the colon is very rarely related to other diseases of the blood vessels, including Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. It is not related to cancer, and is different than diverticulosis, another very common cause of intestinal bleeding in older adults.SymptomsThe symptoms vary. Often, in elderly patients, the symptoms are weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath due to anemia. There may not be any signs of bleeding directly from the colon. Others may have occasional mild or severe bleeding episodes with bright red blood coming from the rectum.Some patients may have dark or black, tarry stools. There is no pain associated with angiodysplasia.Signs and testsTests that may be done to diagnose this condition include:Angiography(only useful if there is active bleeding into the colon)Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemiaColonoscopyStool guaiac test (a positive test result suggests bleeding from the colon)TreatmentWhen a person is bleeding from the colon, it is important to determine the source of the bleeding and how fast they are losing blood. The patient's condition must be evaluated continuously and may need to be admitted to a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU). Fluids may be given through a vein, and blood products may be required.Treatment begins once the source of bleeding is found. Most patients stop bleeding on their own without any treatment.If treatment is needed, it may involve:Angiography to help form a clot in the bleeding area or to deliver medicine to help cause the blood vessels to tighten to stop the bleedingBurning (cauterizing) the site of the bleed with heat or a laser using a colonoscopeUsing electrical energy (argon plasma coagulation) to stop bleedingIn some instances, surgery is the only option. Removal of the entire right side of the colon (right hemicolectomy) is the treatment of choice for someone with this condition who continues to bleed at a dangerously quick rate, despite several treatments by angiography and colonoscopy.Expectations (prognosis)Patients who have bleeding related to this condition despite having had colonoscopy, angiography, or surgery are likely to have more bleeding in the future.The goal of therapy is to reduce, if not totally eliminate, the number of bleeds, hospitalizations, and blood transfusions. Surgery may be a cure in some cases. The outlook remains good if the bleeding is controlled.ComplicationsAnemiaDeath from excessive blood lossSide effects from treatmentSevere loss of blood from the GI tractCalling your health care providerCall your health provider if rectal bleeding or black stools occur.PreventionThere is no known prevention.ReferencesHauser S. Vascular diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 146.
