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Angiodysplasia of the appendix.
T Kyokane1, Y Akita, M Katayama
1Department of Surgery, Yachiyo Hospital, Aichi, Japan.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Angiodysplasia, a common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly, rarely occurs in the appendix. This case highlights a unique instance of appendiceal angiodysplasia successfully treated with appendectomy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Malformations
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Angiodysplasia is a prevalent cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in elderly patients.
- Lesions are typically found in the cecum or ascending colon.
- Appendiceal angiodysplasia represents an exceptionally rare presentation.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old woman presented with severe, recurrent rectal bleeding.
- Diagnostic imaging identified bleeding originating from an angiodysplasia within the appendix.
- The source was traced to the appendicular artery.
Findings:
- The patient underwent an appendectomy for the bleeding source.
- Postoperative follow-up confirmed the cessation of anal bleeding.
- This case represents a rare documented instance of angiodysplasia in the appendix.
Implications:
- Appendectomy can be an effective treatment for symptomatic appendiceal angiodysplasia.
- Highlights the importance of considering rare anatomical locations for gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Contributes to the limited literature on appendiceal vascular malformations.