Gastric antral vascular ectasia: a prospective study of treatment with endoscopic band ligation.

Abstract

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is characterized by red, angiomatous lesions in the antrum organized either in stripes or in a diffuse pattern that can be associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has been reported as an effective alternative therapy for patients with GAVE. Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of GAVE were prospectively followed while undergoing EBL every 2 months. Hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron levels were frequently recorded, and clinical follow-up was performed. A total of 21 patients with GAVE were enrolled, and 17 of these patients (81 %) had associated co-morbidities, most frequently cirrhosis and chronic renal failure. A clinical response was achieved in 19 patients (91 %). A significant improvement in the mean hemoglobin level was noted after EBL (P < 0.001), and a significant decrease in blood transfusion requirements per month (P = 0.001). No major complications were observed during the study period. The mean follow-up was 10 months. EBL is an effective and safe treatment for GAVE. Randomized, controlled trials comparing EBL with other endoscopic therapies are warranted.

• Authors: Sergio Zepeda-Gómez, Richard Sultanian, Christopher Teshima, Gurpal Sandha, Sander Van Zanten, Aldo J Montano-Loza
• Journal: Endoscopy (Endoscopy) Vol. 47 Issue 6 Pg. 538-40 (Jun 2015) ISSN: 1438-8812 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 25650636 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (surgery)
• Gastroscopy (methods)
• Humans
• Ligation
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult