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Gastrointestinal bleeding in aortic stenosis.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Gastrointestinal bleeding associated with aortic stenosis is often undiagnosed. Mesenteric angiography is crucial for identifying vascular malformations, typically in the right colon, leading to successful surgical treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Aortic stenosis can be associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, a rare but serious complication.
- Conventional diagnostic methods often fail to identify the source of bleeding in these patients.
Observation:
- Five patients with aortic stenosis presented with massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhages.
- Standard radiological procedures were insufficient for diagnosis.
Findings:
- Mesenteric angiography successfully identified the source of bleeding in all five patients.
- Vascular malformations (angiodysplasia) were found in the right colon in four patients and the jejunum in one.
- Surgical intervention, including right hemicolectomy and partial jejunectomy, resulted in complete cure for all patients.
Implications:
- Mesenteric angiography is a vital diagnostic tool for gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with aortic stenosis.
- Surgical management of identified vascular malformations offers a definitive treatment option.
- Highlights the importance of considering aortic stenosis in unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.