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Angiodysplasia of the Colon
A common complaint in elderly patients, angiodysplasia is intestinal bleeding usually caused by blood vessels growing more delicate with age. Statistically, men and women are at equal risk, though the incidence of angiodysplasia increases greatly after age 50.
Generally, about 5% of patients who visit a doctor for rectal bleeding test positive for angiodysplasia. Unfortunately there is no means of preventing this age-related illness, but with positive diagnosis and treatment, it can be easily controlled.
Symptoms of Angiodysplasia
The symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the angiodysplasia. Some patients will only experience a slight feeling of fatigue, caused by anemia as a result of this condition. Others will suffer from visible bleeding episodes, in which case medical assistance is needed immediately to ensure the symptoms don’t worsen.
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dark, tarry stools
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Shortness of breath
These symptoms can appear and then cease without warning, and vary widely in severity. If angiodysplasia is suspected, it’s important to visit a doctor to perform diagnostic tests.
Causes of Angiodysplasia
While the exact cause of angiodysplasia has not been pinpointed, it seems to be a normal part of the aging process in most cases. Parallels have been drawn between the natural degeneration of blood vessels in older adults and the incidence of angiodysplasia.
A naturally spasmodic colon (increased with age) can cause local blood vessels to swell, forcing a hollow tube to form between small arteries and veins, also known as an arteriovenous fistula. This passageway is where the bleeding takes place.
There are a number of other conditions that can lead to intestinal bleeding that often are confused with angiodysplasia. The following diseases are usually unrelated and should be treated on their own terms:
- Cancer
- Diverticulosis
- Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome
Since the main cause of angiodysplasia is age, there is no real way of preventing it at this time. As always, a healthy lifestyle and regular visits to the doctor can aid in early diagnosis. If angiodysplasia is diagnosed, there is treatment.
Treatment for Angiodysplasia
If bleeding from the colon, it’s important not to panic. There are several treatment options available for angiodysplasia, depending on the severity of the condition. A medical professional will keep an eye on the loss of blood and in some circumstances the patient will need to be admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Fluids may be administered intravenously, and at this point, stronger measures are taken.
Treatment Options
- Burning the site of the bleeding with a laser or other heat source
- Stopping bleeding with electricity (argon plasma coagulation)
- Medication that causes the blood vessels to tighten
- Surgery to remove the right side of the colon (used only in severe cases)
Even with all these treatments available, many patients suffering from angiodysplasia will continue to experience bleeding episodes from time to time. Fortunately if the condition is closely monitored, it can be controlled, and many times bleeding will cease on its own.
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