Abstract

FERNANDES, S. Sousa et al. Caracterização da Hemorragia Digestiva Aguda Severa por Angiodisplasia. J Port Gastrenterol. [online]. 2009, vol.16, n.4, pp.142-148. ISSN 0872-8178.

INTRODUCTION: Angiodysplasias are rare causes of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Brisk bleeding and extension of the bowel involved are associated with specific challenges. AIM: Descrption of the main features of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by angiodysplasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of gastrointestinal bleeding episodes caused by angiodysplasia in patients admitted to the Gastroenterology Intensive Care Unit of Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, between 1992 and 2008. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included, representing 0,54% of all admissions in the unit during the mentioned period. Most patients were men with an average age of 74 years (42-92). All patients had comorbidities; 40% were taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. Bleeding was proximal to the ampulla of Vater in 62% of the patients. Endoscopic hemostasis was performed and was successful in 18 patients. Other therapies rarely used were angiographic embolization and segmental enterectomy. There was no recurrent bleeding during hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Severe gastrointestinal bleeding caused by angiodysplasia was a rare event in the unit. Endoscopy had a major role both in diagnosis and therapy. The results underline the importance of criterious admission in the Gastroenterology Intensive Care Unit, attending to the comorbidities that characterize these patients.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )