[Long-term follow-up of patients with gastric antral vascular ectasia treated with argon plasma coagulation]

Due to its easy use and low complication rates, argon plasma coagulation (APC) it is most common method of endoscopic treatment for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). We analyze both the long term effectiveness of APC for the treatment of GAVE and its side effects.

A retrospective review of GAVE patients treated with APC and followed up for a minimum of 24 months was done.

Eighteen patients (mean age 67,16+/-13,53; 11 women) were included. Five initially presented with acute bleeding and 13 with anemia. GAVE eradication was achieved over 3.38+/-1,4 sessions per patient. There were no major complications. Five patients had mild bleeding and 11 complained of abdominal pain, that was self-limited during treatment. Seven patients relapsed (39%); 3 of them with melenae and 4 with anemia. Two patients with hypergastrinemia developed hyperplastic polyps. No differences were found between relapsers and non-relapsers.

APC is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of GAVE. The recurrence rates increase gradually over time. Early action on recurrence would require improved clinical follow-up and blood test monitoring.