Pediatric gastrointestinal vascular anomalies: imaging and therapeutic issues

Imaging and interventions in vascular malformations of the gastrointestinal tract

Vascular malformations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are a rare yet significant cause of GI bleeding, that can present at any age and require a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis. While the majority of lesions may be asymptomatic and detected incidentally on imaging, they may also present with anemia if there is occult blood loss, as acute GI bleeding, or as lead points for intussusception. The presence of multiple vascular malformations may be associated with underlying syndromes, such as Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia syndrome and Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome. While luminal endoscopy is the first-line diagnostic test to evaluate overt and occult GI bleeding, imaging plays a very significant role in detecting these vascular malformations and planning the best treatment approach. In this review, we describe the various imaging findings of GI tract vascular malformations and available treatment options, focusing on endovascular interventional treatments where possible.

Spectrum of bowel wall thickening on ultrasound with pathological correlation in children

Applications for bowel US in children have been well described; however, less focus has been placed on patterns of bowel wall architectural change in specific disease states. This pictorial essay reviews normal bowel wall architecture and covers a variety of inflammatory, infectious, vascular and neoplastic disorders outside the neonatal period as seen on US, with illustrative pathological correlation. A thorough understanding of normal and abnormal bowel wall architecture can enrich sonographic interpretation and provide a valuable adjunct to appropriate clinical investigation.

Coil-Localized Laparoscopic-Assisted Resection of Symptomatic Gastrointestinal Vascular Malformations in Children and Young Adults

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from pediatric vascular malformation is uncommon and difficult to diagnose and manage. The preferred treatment is surgical resection; however, it can be challenging to precisely localize the lesion, particularly if it is not serosal.

Objectives

To describe a technique of intentional preoperative coil localization of symptomatic pediatric GI vascular malformations by pediatric interventional radiology to facilitate fluoroscopically assisted laparoscopic resection.

Methods

We searched the electronic privacy information center and picture archive and communication system in our center and found 3 cases. The electronic privacy information center and picture archive and communication system databases were the sources for retrieval of demographic, medical, radiological, and procedural information in all 3 cases.

Results

After many nondiagnostic investigations in all 3 patients, a GI vascular malformation as a cause of GI bleeding was diagnosed with computed tomography angiography/magnetic resonance angiography and catheter angiography. A preoperative 0.018-inch Hilal coil was placed as close as possible to the vascular malformation during super selective angiography. Laparoscopic surgery was performed within 24 hours of coil placement. In all cases, histology confirmed the resected bowel lesions to be vascular malformations.

Conclusions

Intentional endovascular coil localization has the potential to increase the precision of lesion localization and may reduce laparoscopic operative time, when guided by the coil position.

Sonography of pediatric gastrointestinal venous malformations

Gastrointestinal (GI) venous malformations are extremely rare. Such malformations present in the pediatric age group and can occur anywhere in the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, small or large intestine, anus, and mesentery). We present the sonographic findings of three cases of pediatric GI venous malformation. Sonography is an important diagnostic method in pediatric GI venous malformations.

Arteriovenous malformation that caused prolapse of the colon and was treated surgically in an infant: a case report

Background

Various terms have been used to describe vascular lesions in the intestine, including angiodysplasia, arteriovenous malformation, and telangiectasia. Such lesions are common in adults and are typified by angiodysplasia, a type of arteriovenous malformation. In contrast, these lesions are rarely seen in the pediatric population. Angiodysplasia may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which is sometimes an indication for treatment. Considering the high rate of recurrence after surgical treatment, conservative treatments are mainly chosen. We herein report an extremely rare case of a prolapsed colon due to an arteriovenous malformation successfully treated by resection in a 1-year-old girl. We also highlight the differences between pediatric and adult cases.

Case presentation

A girl developed bloody stools at 7 months of age. She visited another hospital at 1 year of age because of continuing moderate hematochezia and recent onset of rectal prolapse. Colonoscopy showed a protruding lesion located 15 cm from the anal verge, suggesting a submucosal vascular abnormality. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging at our hospital revealed the localized lesion with dilated blood vessels in part of the sigmoid colon; no other lesions were present in the gastrointestinal tract. Laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy was performed. A subserosal vascular lesion was visualized and resected using end-to-end anastomosis. Pathologic examination of the 2.2 × 2.7-cm segment revealed several abnormally enlarged and ectatic blood vessels in the submucosa extending into the subserosa. The lesion was diagnosed as an arteriovenous malformation. The patient had a good clinical course without recurrence at the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions

An arteriovenous malformation in the sigmoid colon may rarely cause intussusception and prolapse of the colon. Complete resection is a radical and potentially effective treatment. Computed tomography and colonoscopy were useful for evaluation of the lesion in the present case.

A long-Segmental Vascular Malformation in the Small Bowel Presenting With Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Preschool-Aged Child

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in pediatric patients has several causes. Vascular malformation of the small bowel is a rare disease leading to pediatric GI bleeding. To our knowledge, few reports describe ultrasound and computed tomography findings of venous malformations involving the small bowel. We present a case of long-segmental and circumferential vascular malformation that led to GI bleeding in a pre-school aged child, focusing on the radiologic findings. Although vascular malformation including of the GI tract is rare in children, it should be considered when GI bleeding occurs in pediatric patients.

Evaluation of arterial phase MDCT for the characterization of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children: Preliminary results

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of MDCT for the characterization of occult lower gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

MDCT examinations were prospectively performed on 27 patients (2l boys, six girls; age range, 2 months-18 years). Patients with known causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding were excluded from the study. Nonionic contrast medium was administered in an amount based on body weight. Images were obtained with a 16-MDCT scanner. For the arterial phase the section thickness was 1 mm; beam pitch, 1; and reconstruction interval, 0.7 mm. The scans were examined for abnormal vessels and extravasation of contrast medium. Two radiologists independently reviewed the images. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT were assessed with the pathologic findings or the final diagnosis as the reference standard.

RESULTS

Twenty of 27 patients had abnormal MDCT findings: arteriovenous malformation in 17 patients and Meckel's diverticulum in three patients. Contrast extravasation was identified in four patients. Surgery was performed on 13 of the 27 patients, and the diagnosis was otherwise confirmed in two additional patients. In these 15 cases, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT were 82%, 50%, and 74%. The interobserver difference was not significant (McNemar exact test, p = 0.063).

CONCLUSION

MDCT can be used to identify the location and source of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children.