Standard of Care Versus Octreotide in Angiodysplasia-Related Bleeding (the OCEAN Study): A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasias are vascular anomalies that may result in transfusion-dependent anemia despite endoscopic therapy. An individual patient data meta-analysis of cohort studies suggests that octreotide decreases rebleeding rates, but component studies possessed a high risk of bias. We investigated the efficacy of octreotide in reducing the transfusion requirements of patients with angiodysplasia-related anemia in a clinical trial setting.

METHODS

The study was designed as a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Patients with angiodysplasia bleeding were required to have had at least 4 red blood cell (RBC) units or parental iron infusions, or both, in the year preceding randomization. Patients were allocated (1:1) to 40-mg octreotide long-acting release intramuscular every 28 days or standard of care, including endoscopic therapy. The treatment duration was 1 year. The primary outcome was the mean difference in the number of transfusion units (RBC + parental iron) between the octreotide and standard of care groups. Patients who received at least 1 octreotide injection or followed standard of care for at least 1 month were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. Analyses of covariance were used to adjust for baseline transfusion requirements and incomplete follow-up.

RESULTS

We enrolled 62 patients (mean age, 72 years; 32 men) from 17 Dutch hospitals in the octreotide (n = 31) and standard of care (n = 31) groups. Patients required a mean number of 20.3 (standard deviation, 15.6) transfusion units and 2.4 (standard deviation, 2.0) endoscopic procedures in the year before enrollment. The total number of transfusions was lower with octreotide (11.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.5-16.5) compared with standard of care (21.2; 95% CI, 15.7-26.7). Octreotide reduced the mean number of transfusion units by 10.2 (95% CI, 2.4-18.1; P = .012). Octreotide reduced the annual volume of endoscopic procedures by 0.9 (95% CI, 0.3-1.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Octreotide effectively reduces transfusion requirements and the need for endoscopic therapy in patients with angiodysplasia-related anemia.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov, NCT02384122.

Clinical features and bleeding risk factors of angiodysplasia lesions in a Tunisian population

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia (GIAD) is the most common vascular anomaly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, yet little is known about the factors favoring their bleeding. Our study aim was to determine the characteristics of patients with GIAD lesions in a Tunisian population and identify the risk factors of bleeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out from January 2010 to February 2020 at a tertiary care medical center in Tunisia. Clinical and endoscopic data were collected from each patient's medical reports. We divided the patients into two groups: group A, patients with symptomatic GIAD; and group B, patients with incidental lesions. Group A was subsequently divided into two subgroups, according to the presence or absence of recurrent bleeding. The groups were compared by clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic features.

RESULTS

GIAD was diagnosed in 114 patients, with a mean age of 70 ± 13.3 years. GIAD lesions were mainly located in the colon (n = 72, 63%). Fifty-four patients (47%) presented with GIAD-related bleeding. The bleeding diagnosis was made during endoscopic procedures by visualizing active bleeding and the stigmata of recent hemorrhage in 10 (18.5%) and 12 (22.2%) cases, respectively. Most of the patients were treated by argon plasma coagulation (93%). Predictive factors of bleeding were age > 75 years, number of lesions >10, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease (p: 0.008; 0.002; 0.016; 0.048; and 0.039, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the predictive factors of bleeding aids endoscopists in the decision-making process in cases of angiodysplasia.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in von Willebrand patients: special diagnostic and management considerations

INTRODUCTION

Severe and recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding caused by angiodysplasia is a significant problem in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) and in those with acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS). At present, angiodysplasia-related GI bleeding is often refractory to standard treatment including replacement therapy with von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrates and continues to remain a major challenge and cause of significant morbidity in patients despite advances in diagnostics and therapeutics.

AREAS COVERED

This paper reviews the available literature on GI bleeding in VWD patients, examines the molecular mechanisms implicated in angiodysplasia-related GI bleeding, and summarizes existing strategies in the management of bleeding GI angiodysplasia in patients with VWF abnormalities. Suggestions are made for further research directions.

EXPERT OPINION

Bleeding from angiodysplasia poses a significant challenge for individuals with abnormal VWF. Diagnosis remains a challenge and may require multiple radiologic and endoscopic investigations. Additionally, there is a need for enhanced understanding at a molecular level to identify effective therapies. Future studies of VWF replacement therapies using newer formulations as well as other adjunctive treatments to prevent and treat bleeding will hopefully improve care.

Special considerations in GI bleeding in VWD patients

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in von Willebrand disease (VWD). It has been noted that GI bleeding caused by angiodysplasia is overrepresented in VWD patients compared to other causes. The bleeding from angiodysplasia is notoriously difficult to treat; recurrences and rebleeds are common. A growing body of basic science evidence demonstrates that von Willebrand factor negatively regulates angiogenesis through multiple pathways. VWD is clinically highly associated with angiodysplasia. The predisposition to angiodysplasia likely accounts for many of the clinical difficulties related to managing GI bleeding in VWD patients. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging with the current tools available, and much further research is needed to further optimize care for these patients with regard to acute treatment, prophylaxis, and adjunctive therapies. In this review we provide an overview of the available literature on GI bleeding in VWD and explore the molecular underpinnings of angiodysplasia-related GI bleeding. Considerations for diagnostic effectiveness are discussed, as well as the natural history and recurrence of these lesions and which therapeutic options are available for acute and prophylactic management.

How to manage lower gastrointestinal bleeding in 2022?

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB), originating mainly in the colon, rectum and anus, occurs most often in older patients (7th decade) with co-morbidity, half of whom have coagulation abnormalities due to anti-coagulant or anti-aggregant therapy. In three cases out of four, bleeding regresses spontaneously but can recur in up to one third of patients. The main causes are diverticular disease, vascular disorders (hemorrhoids, angiodysplasia) and colitis. Ten to 15% of patients present in hypovolemic shock. The main problem is to determine the precise location and etiology of bleeding. First-line steps include correction of hemodynamics, correction of coagulation disorders and transfusion, as necessary. Rectal digital examination allows differentiation between melena and hematochezia. In patients with severe LGIB, upper endoscopy can eliminate upper gastro-intestinal bleeding (UGIB). Computerized tomography (CT) angiography can pinpoint the source. If contrast material extravasates, the therapeutic strategy depends on the cause of bleeding and the general status of the patient: therapeutic colonoscopy, arterial embolization and/or surgery. In the absence of severity criteria (Oakland score≤10), ambulatory colonoscopy should be performed within 14 days. Discontinuation of anticoagulant and/or antiplatet therapy should be discussed case by case according to the original indications.

Rebleeding after hemoclip versus argon plasma coagulation for gastrointestinal angiodysplasias: a retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Hemoclips are utilized for treating bleeding gastrointestinal angiodysplastic lesions (GIADs); however, the supporting evidence is limited.

AIMS

Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy of hemoclips in preventing bleeding secondary to GIADs compared to argon plasma coagulation (APC).

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with bleeding gastric, small bowel or colonic GIADs that were endoscopically treated between January 2009 and November 2016. Patients that received hemoclips as monotherapy or in combination were compared to a randomly selected similar number of patients treated with APC.

RESULTS

We included 157 patients that underwent APC and 141 who received hemoclips. During a median follow-up of 17 months, those with hemoclips had a 32.6% rebleeding vs. 46.5% in the APC group (P = 0.017). On multivariate regression analysis, use of hemoclips was not a significant predictor of rebleeding when compared to APC; hemoclips monotherapy (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.54-1.59) and hemoclips combination (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.41-1.01). When the multivariate analysis was restricted to subjects that resumed antithrombotics after endoscopy, rebleeding risk was lower when hemoclips were used in combination (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25-0.84) compared to APC. We noted a similar effect in the antithrombotic subgroup even after propensity score matching (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.95).

CONCLUSION

Treatment modality was not a significant predictor of rebleeding when studied for the entire population. However, the risk of rebleeding was lower with hemoclips combination therapy compared to APC in patients that resumed antithrombotic therapy, suggesting a potential role for a combined approach in this subgroup of patients.

Thirty-day readmission rates, reasons, and costs for gastrointestinal angiodysplasia-related bleeding in the USA

BACKGROUND

Patients with gastrointestinal angiodysplasia (GIA)-related bleeding are at high risk for readmissions, resulting in significant morbidity and an economic burden on the healthcare system.

AIM

The aim of the study was to determine the 30-day readmission rate with reasons, predictors, and costs associated with GIA-related bleeding in the USA.

METHODS

We queried the National Readmission Database to identify patients hospitalized with GIA-related bleeding in the year 2016 using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. Primary outcomes included the 30-day readmission rate, and secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and resource utilization for index and re-hospitalizations. We also performed univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis to identify predictors of readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 25 079 index hospitalizations for GIA-related bleeding were identified in 2016. Out of these, 5047 (20.34%) patients got readmitted within the next 30 days. The most common diagnosis associated with readmissions were related to recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Readmissions compared to index hospitalization has significantly higher length of stay (5.38 vs. 5.11 days, P = 0.03), but mean hospitalization charges ($52 114 vs. $49 691, P = 0.11) and mean total hospitalization costs ($12 870 vs. $12 405, P = 0.16) were similar. Patients with multiple co-morbidities, length of stay >5 days, and end-stage renal disease were found to be independent predictors for 30-day readmissions.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that one in five patients hospitalized with GIA-related bleeding was readmitted within 30 days of index hospitalization, placing a heavy economic burden on the healthcare system. Further research identifying strategies to reduce readmissions in these patients is needed.

Diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for small bowel vascular lesions

Small bowel vascular lesions, including angioectasia (AE), Dieulafoy’s lesion (DL) and arteriovenous malformation (AVM), are the most common causes of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Since AE are considered to be venous lesions, they usually manifest as a chronic, well-compensated condition. Subsequent to video capsule endoscopy, deep enteroscopy can be applied to control active bleeding or to improve anemia necessitating blood transfusion. Despite the initial treatment efficacy of argon plasma coagulation (APC), many patients experience re-bleeding, probably because of recurrent or missed AEs. Pharmacological treatments can be considered for patients who have not responded well to other types of treatment or in whom endoscopy is contraindicated. Meanwhile, a conservative approach with iron supplementation remains an option for patients with mild anemia. DL and AVM are considered to be arterial lesions; therefore, these lesions frequently cause acute life-threatening hemorrhage. Mechanical hemostasis using endoclips is recommended to treat DLs, considering the high re-bleeding rate after primary APC cauterization. Meanwhile, most small bowel AVMs are large and susceptible to re-bleeding therefore, they usually require surgical resection. To achieve optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for each type of small bowel lesion, the differences in their epidemiology, pathology and clinical presentation must be understood.

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of gastrointestinal angiodysplasias: A critical review and view points

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasias (GIADs), also called angioectasias, are the most frequent vascular lesions. Its precise prevalence is unknown since most of them are asymptomatic. However, the incidence may be increasing since GIADs affect individuals aged more than 60 years and population life expectancy is globally increasing worldwide. They are responsible of about 5% to 10% of all gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) cases. Most GIADs are placed in small bowel, where are the cause of 50 to 60% of obscure GIB diagnosed with video capsule endoscopy. They may be the cause of fatal severe bleeding episodes; nevertheless, recurrent overt or occult bleeding episodes requiring repeated expensive treatments and disturbing patient’s quality-of-life are more frequently observed. Diagnosis and treatment of GIADs (particularly those placed in small bowel) are a great challenge due to insidious disease behavior, inaccessibility to affected sites and limitations of available diagnostic procedures. Hemorrhagic causality out of the actively bleeding lesions detected by diagnostic procedures may be difficult to establish. No treatment guidelines are currently available, so there is a high variability in the management of these patients. In this review, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of GIADs and the status in the diagnosis and treatment, with special emphasis on small bowel angiodysplasias based on multiple publications, are critically discussed. In addition, a classification of GIADs based on their endoscopic characteristics is proposed. Finally, some aspects that need to be clarified in future research studies are highlighted.

Gastric Cancer, Hemophilia A and Angiodysplasia - An Unreported Association with Clinical Implications in a Patient with Digestive Hemorrhage

Introduction: Gastric cancer is a rare cause of upper digestive hemorrhage. Associated co-morbidities may have a detrimental effect on both early and long-term outcomes after surgery for gastric cancer. Association of gastric adenocarcinoma with hemophilia A and angiodysplasia was not previously reported, and the impact on postoperative outcome is not known. Case Report: A 49-year-old male with inherited hemophilia A presented with upper digestive hemorrhage and severe anemia, and was diagnosed with gastric carcinoma. The patient underwent total gastrectomy with splenectomy and D2 lymph nodes dissection. The postoperative outcome was complicated by digestive hemorrhage due to the presence of lesions of angiodysplasia of the cecum and jejunum that were successfully treated with coils mounted by the interventional radiologic approach. During the pre and postoperative periods, the patient received human coagulation factor VIII and developed auto-antibodies against factor VIII. Thus, human coagulation factor VIII administration was stopped and replaced with factor eight inhibitor bypassing activity (FEIBA). The patient was discharged at home on postoperative day 41, without any signs of bleeding. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported association of gastric adenocarcinoma, hemophilia A and angiodysplasia. All these lesions may lead to digestive hemorrhage and can pose very difficult problems of decision for diagnosis and therapy. A multidisciplinary approach including hematologist, surgeon, anesthesiologist, endoscopist and the interventional radiologist is mandatory to have a proper diagnosis and management for these patients.

Bleeding with the artificial heart: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage in CF-LVAD patients

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) have significantly improved outcomes for patients with end-stage heart failure when used as a bridge to cardiac transplantation or, more recently, as destination therapy. However, its implantations carries a risk of complications including infection, device malfunction, arrhythmias, right ventricular failure, thromboembolic disease, postoperative and nonsurgical bleeding. A significant number of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) recipients may experience recurrent gastrointestinal hemorrhage, mainly due to combination of antiplatelet and vitamin K antagonist therapy, activation of fibrinolytic pathway, acquired von Willebrand factor deficiency, and tendency to develop small intestinal angiodysplasias due to increased rotary speed of the pump. Gastrointestinal bleeding in LVAD patients remains a source of increased morbidity including the need for blood transfusions, extended hospital stays, multiple readmissions, and overall mortality. Management of gastrointestinal bleeding in LVAD patients involves multidisciplinary approach in stabilizing the patients, addressing risk factors and performing structured endoluminal evaluation with focus on upper gastrointestinal tract including jejunum to find and eradicate culprit lesion. Medical and procedural intervention is largely successful and universal bleeding cessation occurs in transplanted patients.

Analysis of risk factor and clinical characteristics of angiodysplasia presenting as upper gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Angiodysplasia is important in the differential diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), but the clinical features and outcomes associated with UGIB from angiodysplasia have not been characterized. We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of angiodysplasia presented as UGIB.

METHODS

Between January 2004 and December 2013, a consecutive series of patients admitted with UGIB were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-five patients with bleeding from angiodysplasia were enrolled. We compared them with an asymptomatic control group (incidental finding of angiodysplasia in health screening, n = 58) and bleeding control group (simultaneous finding of angiodysplasia and peptic ulcer bleeding, n = 28).

RESULTS

When patients with UGIB from angiodysplasia were compared with the asymptomatic control group, more frequent rates of nonantral location and large sized lesion (≥ 1 cm) were evident in multivariate analysis. When these patients were compared with the bleeding control group, they were older (mean age: 67.94 ± 9.16 years vs.55.07 ± 13.29 years, p = 0.03) and received less transfusions (p = 0.03). They also had more frequent rate of recurrence (40.0% vs. 20.7%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-antral location and large lesions (≥ 1 cm) could be risk factors of UGIB of angiodysplasia. UGIB due to angiodysplasia was more common in older patients. Transfusion requirement would be less and a tendency of clinical recurrence might be apparent.

Use of endoscopic-assisted argon plasma coagulation for the treatment of colonic vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia) in an adult dog

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 10-year-old neutered male mixed-breed dog was evaluated for a 5-year history of intermittent hematochezia and chronic anemia that were unresponsive to medical treatment.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

Colonoscopy revealed multifocal areas of coalescing tortuous mucosal blood vessels throughout the colon and rectum. Colonic vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia) was diagnosed on the basis of the endoscopic appearance of the lesions.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

The dog failed to respond to traditional medical treatments for colonic vascular ectasia and required multiple plasma and blood transfusions. The dog received 4 endoscopic-assisted argon plasma coagulation treatments, which resulted in long-term resolution of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Colonic perforation occurred during the third argon plasma coagulation treatment. The perforation was surgically repaired. The dog remained free from clinical signs of colonic vascular ectasia for > 1 year after the third argon plasma coagulation treatment and was euthanized because of clinical deterioration associated with progressive heart disease.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Endoscopic-assisted argon plasma coagulation treatment is a novel treatment for dogs with colonic vascular ectasia and provided long-term resolution of clinical signs for the dog of this report. In human patients, complications associated with endoscopic-assisted argon plasma coagulation treatment include colonic perforation, which also occurred in the dog of this report.

Highlighted Steps of the Management Algorithm in Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding - Case Reports and Literature Review

Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding is a major problem worldwide, being a rare and life threatening condition, with a mortality rate situated between 2 and 4%. Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding is solvent for 1 - 2% of the entire hospital emergencies, 15% presenting as massive bleeding and up to 5% requiring surgery. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding can be classified depending on their location in the small or large intestine. The small bowel is the rarest site of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, at the same time being the commonest cause of obscure bleeding. 5% of total lower GI bleeding appears in the small bowel. When endoscopic therapy associated with medical treatment are insufficient, endovascular intervention can be lifesaving. Unfortunately in some rare cases of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding with hemo-dynamic instability and the angiography performed being unable to locate the source of bleeding, the last therapeutic resource remains surgery. In the following we exemplify two cases of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding which were resolved in different ways, followed by a thorough description of the different types of available treatment and finally, in the conclusions, we systematize the most important stages of the management algorithm in acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Heyde's syndrome: A critical review of the literature

Heyde's syndrome is an uncommon association between aortic stenosis and gastrointestinal bleeding. Although initially described during the late 1950s, with subsequent reports of a possible link between these disorders, controversy persists regarding the incidence, pathogenesis, and treatment of this syndrome. The main disagreements center on the actual association of aortic stenosis and angiodysplasia, though other controversies include the pathogenesis of Heyde's syndrome, ranging from von Willebrand factor deficiency and age-related degeneration to mucosal ischemia and cholesterol embolization. A variety of treatment modalities of the syndrome has been applied, including medical management, endoscopic therapy, embolization, and aortic valve replacement. Here, the controversies surrounding Heyde's syndrome, which focus on pathogenesis and treatment, are reviewed with the aim of providing a clearer understanding of the syndrome and the implications for patient care.

[Current trends in diagnosis and treatment of arteriovenous angiodysplasia]

A total of 240 patients with arteriovenous angiodysplasia (AVD) were examined and treated in A.V. Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery during 1997-2009. Embolization was performed in 196 (81.7%) patients. Staged embolization was the principal treatment modality in 84 (35%) patients presenting with inoperable lesions. The mean number of sessions was 3.6. Intraoperative embolization using hydrogel embols, Gianturco coils, and 96% alcohol was done in 17 (7.1%) patients. Radical surgery with the removal of angiomatous tissues was given to 33 (13.8%) patients. Palliative resections were made in patients with extensive lesions and impossibility of total removal of angiomatous tissues. Minor and major amputations were needed in 15 patients. It is concluded that intervention for microfistulous and confined macrofistulous lesions should be performed only in case of absolute indications for surgery. That in asymptomatic or subclinical cases is justified only for minor surface lesions fit for radical resection. Minor amputation is indicated in certain patients with arteriovenous fistulas on distal limb segments. Extensive delayed resections should be planned with the use of plastic surgical techniques (autodermoplasty using free flaps, mobilized flaps, and flaps with microvascular anastomosis).

Heyde's syndrome: diagnosis and management by the novel single-balloon enteroscopy

We present a case of obscure gastro-intestinal bleeding due to small bowel angiodysplasia in a 68-year-old woman with severe aortic valve stenosis. The diagnosis was confirmed and subsequently managed using single-balloon enteroscopy.

Impact of therapeutic interventions induced by capsule endoscopy on long term outcome in chronic obscure GI bleeding

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic yield and the clinical impact of capsule endoscopy (CE) in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) are well known. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of therapeutic interventions induced by CE findings on long term outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with chronic OGIB referred to our center from September 2003 to June 2005 for CE were included. Treatment of intestinal lesions was prescribed according to the clinical characteristics of patients and the nature of the lesions.

RESULTS

Forty patients were included, 18 females and 22 males. Median age was 54 yrs (range: 5-87) with a median follow-up of 13 months (range: 6-22). The diagnostic yield of CE was 75% (30/40). From 30 patients with positive CE, 16 received treatment (Group I) and 14 did not (Group II). Thus clinical impact was 40%. Ten patients had negative CE (Group III). During follow-up, bleeding recurrence was observed in only 1 patient from Group I (6%), 5 from Group II (36%) and 1 from Group III (10%). There were only significant differences between Group I vs Group II (P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

CE results had a favorable influence in patient outcome allowing for specific treatment as they showed significantly reduced recurrent bleeding.

Clinical utility of double-balloon enteroscopy for small intestinal bleeding

Until the development of wireless capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), it was extremely difficult to examine the entire small intestine. To assess the usefulness of DBE for diagnosing suspected small intestinal bleeding, we retrospectively compared the diagnoses and treatments of cases before and after its introduction at one hospital. Between September 2003 and December 2005, 21 consecutive patients with suspected small intestinal bleeding underwent DBE at Tokai University Hospital (group A), and subsequently 2 were excluded from the study after being diagnosed with bleeding from a diverticulum and an angiodysplasia in the ascending colon, respectively. For comparison, inpatients who were negative for gastrointestinal bleeding on colonoscopy and gastroscopy between May 1998 and August 2003 were reviewed and 27 consecutive patients who had not undergone DBE were selected as the control group (group B). All patients had been diagnosed negative for a source of bleeding on more than one colonoscopy and gastroscopy. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, history of blood transfusion, blood hemoglobin value on admission, or symptoms. The diagnostic yield of DBE in identifying the source of bleeding was 78.9%: six cases of small intestinal ulcers, five cases of angiodysplasia, two cases of hard submucosal tumor (SMT), one case of small pulsating SMT, and one case of small intestinal cancer. DBE was also used to successfully treat three cases of angiodysplasia with argon plasma coagulation. In the control group, conventional investigations, including enteroclysis, angiography, Meckel scan, scintigraphy with technetium-labeled red blood cells, and/or push enteroscopy, were performed in 88.9%, 29.6%, 29.6%, 55.6%, and 25.9%, respectively. The overall diagnostic yield of the conventional approaches was only 11.1% (P < 0.01), comprising a Meckel's diverticulum, a polyp, and an angiodysplasia. We conclude that DBE can be used to diagnose suspected small intestinal bleeding and to treat some cases, such as angiodysplasia.

The outcome assessment of double-balloon enteroscopy for diagnosing and managing patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Diagnosing and treating patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is clinically challenging. Most lesions responsible for the origin of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding are located in the small bowel. Double-balloon enteroscopy is a novel method for exploring the small intestine and has significant therapeutic potential. This study evaluated the value of double-balloon enteroscopy in diagnosing and managing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. From October 2003 to January 2006, a total of 20 patients (6 men, 14 women; mean age, 55.2 years old) with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (18 obscure overt bleeding, 2 obscure occult bleeding) were investigated by double-balloon enteroscopy. A total of 29 procedures (15 via oral approach and 14 via rectal approach) were performed. The diagnostic yield, endoscopic therapeutic procedures, complications, and outcome were then assessed. Small bowel lesions potentially responsible for the bleeding were identified in 15 (75%) of 20 patients, including 9 angiodysplasias, 2 gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), 2 ulcers, 1 jejunal granulation polyp, and 1 Peutz-Jeghers polyposis. Endoscopic treatments including heater probe coagulation, polypectomy, and endoscopic mucosal resection were performed in 11 patients. Two patients with GISTs received surgical intervention. Two patients with angiodysplasias that endoscopic treatment failed underwent laparoscopic resections following tattooing. There were no complications and the procedures were tolerated well. Among the 15 patients who had a lesion identified with subsequent treatment, rebleeding occurred in 3 (20%) patients with angiodysplasias. Of the five patients in whom no definite lesion was detected, rebleeding developed in four (80%). For patients with an identified lesion that was further treated, the rebleeding rate was lower than for those with "persistent" obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (P=0.031). We conclude that double-balloon enteroscopy offers a safe and effective method for diagnosing and managing patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Long-term outcome of argon plasma ablation therapy for bleeding in 100 consecutive patients with colonic angiodysplasia

PURPOSE

Angiodysplasia is a frequent cause of colonic bleeding. Argon plasma coagulation was reported to be useful in endoscopic hemostasis. However, the long-term outcomes have been poorly evaluated. This study was designed to assess the long-term outcomes of bleeding patients with colonic angiodysplasia treated by argon plasma coagulation.

METHODS

A cohort of 100 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding caused by colonic angiodysplasia was studied prospectively. The endoscopic intervention was considered successful if there was no further overt bleeding and hemoglobin concentration was stabilized (primary end point). Secondary end points were the requirement of blood transfusions, the need for surgery, bleeding-related mortality, and overall mortality.

RESULTS

Overt bleeding resolved and hemoglobin levels were stabilized without transfusions or iron therapy in 85 of 100 patients (85 percent) after a median follow-up of 20 (range, 6-62) months. Transfusion requirements ceased in 90 percent of patients and only one required surgery. No patient died because of hemorrhage. In the subgroup of patients with anemia, mean hemoglobin levels increased from 9.3 (range, 5.5-12.2) g/dl before treatment to 12.6 (range, 7.4-16.7) g/dl after treatment (P < 0.01). The probability of remaining free of rebleeding at one and two year follow-up was 98 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 96-100) and 90 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 83-97), respectively. Among 118 procedures, only two complications were observed (1.7 percent).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic argon plasma ablation therapy is useful in the management of bleeding from colonic angiodysplasia.

[Thalidomide for the treatment of recurrent gastrointestinal blood loss due to intestinal angiodysplasias]

Two female patients, 86 and 80 years of age, had been treated with blood transfusions for several years and several months, respectively, due to iron-deficiency anaemia caused by gastrointestinal blood loss. Angiodysplasias were detected and subsequently coagulated in the course of repeated gastroscopies and colonoscopies. Due to the failure of this treatment, treatment with thalidomide was started. Thereafter, the gastrointestinal bleeding stopped and there was no longer any need for blood transfusions. Treatment with thalidomide seems an effective therapy for patients with frequently recurring gastrointestinal blood loss due to angiodysplasias who no longer tolerate conventional and invasive procedures due to their physical condition.

A novel method of treating colonic angiodysplasia

BACKGROUND

Colonic angiodysplasia is responsible for up to a third of lower-GI bleeding cases. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a recognized treatment modality, but active bleeding decreases the ablative efficacy of APC by dissipation of the energy. APC has been associated with colonic perforation.

OBJECTIVES

We propose a novel and safe method for the treatment of colonic angiodysplasia by a submucosal injection of a saline epinephrine solution followed by the application of APC.

PATIENTS

Three patients with a total of 10 colonic angiodysplasias were treated with this injection-APC method.

INTERVENTIONS

Saline adrenaline solution (1:200,000) 2 to 3 mL was injected beneath the angiodysplasia before application of APC. APC 50 W and gas flow 2 L were applied onto the vascular lesion until the sufficient thermal effect was observed.

RESULTS

There were no procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This new injection-APC method was safe for the treatment of colonic angiodysplasia. This may be useful in treating right-sided colonic lesions where the risks of perforation are greater than for the rest of the colon.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in von Willebrand disease

Gastrointestinal bleeding due to colonic angiodysplasia is a well-recognised complication of von Willebrand disease (vWD), occurring almost exclusively in subtypes of the disease associated with a reduction in high-molecular-weight (HMW) multimers of von Willebrand factor (vWF). A deficiency of vWF HMW multimers also provides the link between aortic stenosis and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in Heyde's syndrome. The diagnosis and treatment of the angiodysplastic bleeding in vWD can be very difficult and the role of vWF containing concentrates in treatment and prophylaxis remains to be established.

[Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia: about 54 cases]

Angiodysplasia is an arteriovenous malformation which can reach the entire gastrointestinal tract and especially the colon. Its management is often difficult. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical, topographic and therapeutic characteristics of angiodysplasia.

METHODS

it is a retrospective study including 54 cases of GI angiodysplasia collected over 13 years.

RESULTS

the mean age was 62 years: 66% were males. Angiodysplastic lesions were predominantly located in the colon (85%). Nine patients required an endoscopic treatment. Electrocoagulation wases used in 8 cases and a sclerotherapy in 1 case. Surgical resection was necessary in 2 patients which died of the after-effects of surgery.

CONCLUSION

angiodysplasia is a common etiology of chronic lower GI bleeding particularly in the elderly.

Recurrent colonic Dieulafoy's lesion associated with bizarre vascular malformations and abnormal von Willebrand factor

Colonic Dieulafoy's lesion is an unusual source of massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage. It is characterized by severe bleeding from a minute submucosal arteriole that bleeds through a punctuate erosion in an otherwise normal mucosa. We describe an elderly man who presented recurrent rectal bleeding from a Dieulafoy's lesion in the sigmoid colon associated with bizarre colonic vascular malformations and an abnormal von Willebrand Factor. He was successfully treated by endoclips application. The clinicopathologic features of this unusual association are discussed and suggestions are made for diagnosis and management.

Diagnostic yield and clinical outcomes of capsule endoscopy

BACKGROUND

Capsule endoscopy is proving to be superior to push enteroscopy and barium contrast radiography for evaluation of the small bowel. However, its impact on clinical outcome has not been thoroughly investigated. This study assessed changes in therapy based on capsule endoscopy findings and on the impact of such changes on patient outcomes.

METHODS

Forty-four consecutive capsule endoscopies in 43 patients were reviewed. Data were collected by systematic review of patient records and included indication, results of prior diagnostic tests, and capsule endoscopy findings. Specific interventions after capsule endoscopy and clinical outcome were noted.

RESULTS

The indication for capsule endoscopy was obscure GI bleeding in 40 patients, iron deficiency anemia in one, and right lower quadrant abdominal pain in two patients. Overall diagnostic yield was 42% (18/43 patients). Diagnostic findings included angiodysplasias (n = 13), intestinal ulcers (n = 2), Crohn's disease (n = 2), and mass lesion (n = 1). As a result of the capsule endoscopy findings, a specific intervention was implemented in 12 of 18 patients with positive findings. These included endoscopy with coagulation (n = 5), laparotomy (n = 2), pharmacotherapy (n = 4), and discontinuation of medication (n = 1). At a mean follow-up of 6.7 months, the clinical outcome was considered positive in 7 of 43 patients (16%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although it has a high diagnostic yield, capsule endoscopy has a positive influence on clinical outcome in a relatively small proportion of patients. Larger studies are needed that assess the influence of capsule endoscopy on clinical outcomes.

[Role of visual control during percutaneous sclerosing therapy for soft tissue arteriovenous dysplasias]

Based on the current concept of the obvious prevalence of surgical treatment of vascular angiodysplasias over low-invasive methods of interventional radiology, the author assesses the capacities of sclerotic therapy performed by the improved visual controlling procedure. By using the well-known semiotics of ultrasound studies of angiodysplasias, the author has made significant methodological amendments to the techniques of sclerotic therapy. The principle of the proposed procedure is a result of complex use of the potentialities of ultrasound visualization and interventional X-ray contrast studies of the vascular system. The procedure was successfully used in 9 patients. It is concluded that that the study of soft tissue angiodysplasias via direct puncture performed under ultrasound guidance, followed by mass contrasting and sclerotic therapy.

Heyde's syndrome: a review

Bleeding from gastrointestinal angiodysplasia in patients with aortic stenosis (AS), termed Heyde's syndrome, has been recognized for many years. Intestinal angiodysplasia (IA) and AS are chronic degenerative diseases that are often asymptomatic, with a higher prevalence in the population than is clinically apparent. The incidence of both conditions increases with age, and both are associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Many studies suggest that there is an increased prevalence of IA in AS and vice versa, but there is wide variation between studies. Evidence is mounting that severe AS may cause Type 2 acquired von Willebrand's disease, also termed von Willebrand's syndrome. This involves loss of the large multimers, which are required to maintain hemostasis in high flow conditions, such as occur in angiodysplastic arteriovenous malformations. Heyde's syndrome appears to consist of bleeding from previously latent intestinal angiodysplasia as a result of this acquired hematological defect, which is associated with aortic stenosis. Treatment options include localization of angiodysplastic bleeding points with cauterization, but this is associated with a high recurrence rate. Aortic valve replacement has been shown to improve the hematological abnormalities, and this is paralleled by clinical improvements. Valve replacement appears to offer the best hope of long-term resolution of the bleeding, and should be considered in most cases, particularly in those in whom the AS is symptomatic. In those patients deemed unfit for surgery in whom no bleeding point can be identified, recurrent blood transfusions may offer some symptomatic relief.

[Severe aortic stenosis in the elderly and cryptogenic intestinal bleeding (Heyde syndrome): a case report]

The Heyde syndrome describes the association between calcific aortic stenosis and intestinal bleeding. The pathophysiologic link between both entities has remained unclear so far. In several studies the intestinal bleeding has been attributed to angiodysplasia of the gut, with following cessation of the bleeding after replacement of the aortic valve. A case report.

Myelofibrosis and angiodysplasia of the colon: another manifestation of portal hypertension and massive splenomegaly?

Bleeding owing to portal hypertensive colopathy, a form of large bowel angiodysplasia, as a cause of increased blood transfusion requirement is described in a 74 year old man with idiopathic myelofibrosis. The proposed mechanism and the potential therapeutic options for this rare complication of myelofibrosis are discussed.

Venous lakes of the vermillion lip treated by infrared coagulation

We reviewed the treatment of 20 venous lakes by infrared coagulation in 18 patients. Seventeen cleared after one treatment; in three patients a further treatment was required, and one patient needed a total of three sessions to clear the venous lake. At 1-6 months follow-up there was complete clearance with no discernible mark in all but four patients who had minimal scarring, including the patient who had three treatments.

[Bleeding gastrointestinal angiodysplasias: our experience and a review of the literature]

The aim of the present study was to draw an outline of the clinical epidemiology of bleeding gastrointestinal angiodysplasias. The study includes a report of a case and of our series of patients with bleeding gastrointestinal angiodysplasias admitted, between 1993 and 2003, to a ward of Internal Medicine where digestive endoscopy is also performed. A review of the literature is also provided. An 80-year-old cirrhotic woman with aortic stenosis, was referred to our Department because of anemia due to melena. In spite of 13 hospitalizations during which numerous diagnostic procedures including endoscopy, X-ray studies, arteriography, labeled red blood cells scanning and laparotomy with intraoperative ileoscopy, the site and nature of the bleeding lesion remained unidentified. Her red blood cell requirement progressively increased from 6 U in 1993 to 24 U in 1994 to 40 U as of September 1995. Enteroscopy disclosed duodeno-jejunal angiodysplasia. The patient subsequently received 35 additional red blood cell units during 7 new admissions. Between 1993 and 2003, 24 patients were identified. They were mainly women and their average age was 77 years. Angiodysplasias were localized in the large bowel in 92% of cases. Comorbidities included: heart disease (79%), chronic liver disease (29%) and chronic renal failure (21%). One fourth of patients were under anticoagulant drugs or had a hemostatic blood disorder. All patients received blood transfusions and endoscopic treatment was performed in approximately half of the cases. The most relevant updates are related to the pathogenic relationship between aortic stenosis, von Willebrand's disease and bleeding gastrointestinal angiodysplasias, the hemostatic alterations associated with liver cirrhosis or with chronic renal failure and the diagnosis and treatment of bleeding gastrointestinal angiodysplasias. A better understanding of the clinical epidemiology of bleeding gastrointestinal angiodysplasias may facilitate their diagnosis and contribute to an effective clinical management.

Endoscopic detachable mini-loop ligation for treatment of gastroduodenal angiodysplasia: case study of 11 patients with long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Detachable mini-loop ligation is useful for endoscopic management of esophageal varices. This study evaluated the treatment of gastroduodenal angiodysplasia by detachable mini-loop ligation.

METHODS

Eleven patients (9 women, 2 men; mean age 61 [18] years) with bleeding gastroduodenal angiodysplasia were treated endoscopically by detachable mini-loop ligation. At endoscopy, two patients had actively bleeding lesions. By using a ligating device, a detachable nylon ring was inserted through the accessory channel of an endoscope and opened at the rim of a transparent ligation chamber attached to the tip of the instrument. The angiodysplasia was aspirated into the chamber, and the mini-loop was closed and detached.

OBSERVATIONS

Initial ligation therapy was successful in all patients without inducing uncontrollable bleeding. In one patient, two mini-loops were applied to the same angiodysplastic lesion. The only significant complication was severe GI bleeding from a duodenal ulcer that developed at the ligation site in one patient. This was successfully treated by endoscopic placement of hemoclips.

CONCLUSIONS

Detachable mini-loop ligation is an effective and safe modality for endoscopic treatment of bleeding gastroduodenal angiodysplasia.

[Angiodysplasia in the gastrointestinal haemorrhage of the elderly patient. Our experience]

Angiodysplasia of the digestive tract is one of the main causes of acute bleeding and is a frequent reason for admittance to the emergency surgery unit. This pathology, previously considered rare and often not recognised, has only recently acquired a precise anatomo-pathology thanks to endoscopy. Besides having a decisive diagnostic role, endoscopy also allows the control and successful treatment of lesions, often in a definitive way, which were previously only dealt with surgery, with significant advantages for the elderly patient, reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality. There are still many discussions today, above all on the priority of various diagnostic investigations to be carried out in digestive bleeding and on the choice of treatment in the case of angiodysplasic lesions in geriatric age. Some cases of acute bleeding from intestinal angiodysplasia, observed by the Authors, have led them to study the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and emergency treatment of such lesions.

Development and Engineering of Lymphatic Endothelial Cells: Clinical Implications

Studies on the lymphatic endothelium have been hampered by the difficulty to identify lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and to distinguish them from blood vascular endothelial cells (BECs). The situation was greatly improved by the identification of molecules with high specificity for LECs. A great deal of progress in the field of lymphangiogenesis research has been due to the detection of lymphangiogenic growth factors and their receptors, and there is growing evidence that these molecules are also involved in tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic dissemination of tumor cells. There is a considerable spectrum of congenital and acquired lymphedema-lymphangiodysplasia syndromes ranging from primary aplasia, hypoplasia and hyperplasia to secondary (acquired) obstructive, obliterative and surgical hindrance of lymph drainage. Consequently, there are a number of clinical applications for therapeutics that either inhibit or induce lymphangiogenesis. Although natural lymphatic regeneration is mostly very efficient, engineering of LECs may be useful in cases of lymphatic aplasia or hypoplasia. To achieve these goals, studies on the embryonic development and differentiation of LECs will reveal the key regulatory factors that need to be targeted.

Surgical management of recurrent colon haemorrhage of unknown origin

Although both endoscopy and angiography have profoundly changed the management of lower GI bleeding, the choice, timing and sequence of these procedures as well as the indications for surgery remain a matter of debate. In cases of massive bleeding, early angiography should be performed as the first choice examination. When this fails, exploratory laparotomy, including peroperative colonoscopy after colonic wash-out, should not be discarded as a diagnostic possibility. If no source of bleeding is identified notwithstanding colonoscopic evaluation in excellent conditions, and it can be assumed that the bleeding has ceased, a conservative attitude may reasonably be advocated.