Successful treatment of refractory Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE) in a cirrhotic patient with transcatheter arterial embolisation in a tertiary care facility in Pakistan: a case report

Abstract

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare but important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding that may present with refractory anaemia or overt gastrointestinal bleeding requiring multiple admissions and resuscitation. Although endoscopic therapies are considered first line treatment for the management of refractory gastric antral vascular ectasia, angiographic embolisation of the culprit vessel(s) may emerge as an effective and safe treatment modality in the near future. Here, we present the case of a middle-aged gentleman with refractory gastric antral vascular ectasia, who was not responding to repeated sessions of Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) and was successfully treated with trans-catheter arterial embolisation of gastro-duodenal artery. Keywords: Gastric antral vascular ectasia, Bleeding, Watermelon stomach, Argon plasma coagulation, Continuous...

Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia in Limited Systemic Sclerosis

“…Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare but clinically important cause of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. [1][2][3][4] It can be associated with many systemic illnesses (cirrhosis, renal failure) including autoimmune diseases such as limited systemic sclerosis. 2,3 Visible columns of red and ectatic vessels along the longitudinal folds of the antrum seen on endoscopy are pathognomonic for GAVE, also described as 'watermelon stomach.'…”

“…[1][2][3][4] It can be associated with many systemic illnesses (cirrhosis, renal failure) including autoimmune diseases such as limited systemic sclerosis. 2,3 Visible columns of red and ectatic vessels along the longitudinal folds of the antrum seen on endoscopy are pathognomonic for GAVE, also described as 'watermelon stomach.' [1][2][3][4] A 78-year-old woman with limited systemic sclerosis presented with iron deficiency anemia and melanotic stools.…”

“…2,3 Visible columns of red and ectatic vessels along the longitudinal folds of the antrum seen on endoscopy are pathognomonic for GAVE, also described as 'watermelon stomach.' [1][2][3][4] A 78-year-old woman with limited systemic sclerosis presented with iron deficiency anemia and melanotic stools. She initially underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy which did not demonstrate abnormal findings.…”