Arteriovenous Malformation of the Stomach

Abstract

A wide range of vascular anomalies occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, the most specific being those of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. However, single gastric angiodysplasias are being recognised with increased frequency as an important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We present a case of gastric arteriovenous malformation, and review the general features that differentiate single gastric angiodysplasia from other vascular anomalies and syndromes associated with gastric vascular disease. Further reports are needed to confirm that gastric angiodysplasias constitue a unique and separate entity. If so, successful management should be obtained by resection of the whole angiodysplastic area.