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Arteriovenous malformation of the cecum: report of six cases
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|May 1, 1977
Insights
For chronic lower gastrointestinal bleeding unresponsive to standard tests, superior mesenteric arteriography can diagnose arteriovenous malformations. Surgical removal via right hemicolectomy effectively resolves bleeding, with no recurrences observed in a six-patient study.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Chronic lower gastrointestinal bleeding often presents diagnostic challenges.
- Conventional work-ups may fail to identify the source of persistent bleeding.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a potential, yet often elusive, cause.
Observation:
- Superior mesenteric arteriography is a key diagnostic tool for identifying AVMs in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Six patients with AVMs underwent this imaging modality.
- The diagnostic accuracy of arteriography in this context is highlighted.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of arteriovenous malformations was achieved through superior mesenteric arteriography.
- Immediate conventional right hemicolectomy was performed as the treatment of choice.
- All six patients experienced complete resolution of rectal bleeding post-surgery.
Implications:
- Superior mesenteric arteriography should be considered in cases of unexplained chronic lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Right hemicolectomy is an effective surgical intervention for AVM-related bleeding.
- This approach offers a definitive solution, preventing recurrence of significant gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Abstract:
Patients who have chronic lower gastrointestinal bleeding with negative conventional work-ups should undergo superior mesenteric arteriography to look for arteriovenous malformations. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment is immediate conventional right hemicolectomy. Six patients with arteriovenous malformations described in this report have had no recurrence of rectal bleeding in one to five years.