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Angiodysplasia is a condition which can be defined as the abnormal or enlarged blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract which can be a source of gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia. Angiodysplasia of the colon has been seen in about 3% of "nonbleeding persons" and in about 5% of patients evaluated for blood in the stool, anemia, or hemorrhage. Men and women are equally at risk for developing angiodysplasia of the colon. The condition is mostly related to the aging and degeneration of the blood vessels, and occurs in older adults. Angiodysplasia of the colon is not related to cancers or other disease of the blood vessels. It is different than diverticulosis, another very common cause of bleeding in older adults. The symptoms vary. Often, in elderly patients, the symptoms are anemia, weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. There may not be any signs of bleeding directly from the colon. Although angiodysplasia is probably quite common, the risk of bleeding is increased in disorders of coagulation. These are abnormal collections of blood vessels within the gastrointestinal tract. These are also called arteriovenous malformations.

Angiodysplasia is most readily diagnosed by endoscopy. The lesions are typically discrete, flat or slightly raised, and bright red and are often stellate in appearance. Celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery injections may fail to demonstrate the lesions. Some patients may have dark or black, tarry stools. There is no pain associated with angiodysplasia. When a patient is bleeding from the colon, it is important to determine the source of the bleeding and the rate of blood loss. The patient's condition must be evaluated continuously and may require admission to an intensive care unit. Administration of IV fluids, and blood products may be required. Actively bleeding vascular ectasia can also be treated by angiography by clotting the blood supply to the bleeding area of the colon. The use of chemicals that cause the blood vessels to constrict can also be administered, whether by angiography or colonoscope.

Causes of Angiodysplasia

Some causes of Angiodysplasia:

• Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (a rare genetic disease).
• Damaged veins as above.
• Autoimmune diseases such as Scleroderma.
• Congenital (born with these abnormal vessel connections).

Symptoms of Angiodysplasia

Some symptoms of Angiodysplasia:

• Bright red blood passed from rectum.
• Shortness of breath.
• Tarry black stool (melena).
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material.
• Usually painless.

Treatment of Angiodysplasia

Some most common treatmet of Angiodysplasia:

• Actively bleeding vascular ectasia can also be treated by angiography by clotting the blood supply to the bleeding area of the colon.
• The use of chemicals that cause the blood vessels to constrict can also be administered, whether by angiography or colonoscope.
• Administration of IV fluids, and blood products may be required.
• Injection of dyes, such as methylene blue, indigo carmine, and fluorescein, has been used to assist in localization of angiodysplasia before surgical resection.
• Selective infusion of vasopressin is less effective than embolization.