Vascular hamartomas of the gastrointestinal tract. Case reports

Three patients with vascular hamartomas of the gastro-intestinal tract are described. These congenital lesions are distinct from hereditary telangiectasia and acquired lesions including vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia). The classification of these hamartomas is based on the capillary and reticular phases of development of the vascular tree, and the reticular forms are further subdivided into venous, arterial or arteriovenous fistulas, and haemolymphatic hamartomas. The typical features diagnosis and management are discussed.