VASCULAR ECTASIAS OF THE COLON

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 148  (5) , 670-674
Abstract
Vascular ectasias are an acquired type of arteriovenous malformation distinct from neoplastic and congenital lesions. They can be the source of occult, recurrent or massive colonic bleeding usually in elderly patients but, occasionally, in younger adults. The vascular lesions are usually small but can be quite diffuse. The majority occur in the right colon but a substantial number may occur distal to the hepatic flexure. The diagnosis can be made preoperatively with colonoscopy but more consistently with arteriography. Arteriography should be performed in any patient with bleeding of the colon before surgical intervention. Resection of the involved segment of the intestine is the recommended treatment of choice.

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