An overview of angiodysplasia: management and patient prospects.

An overview of angiodysplasia: management and patient prospects. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018 Jul 20;: Authors: Holleran G, McNamara D Abstract INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal angiodysplasias (GIADs) have a wide variety of presentations, which can be significant and debilitating in a subset of patients. Endoscopic ablation is currently the most effective treatment for GIADs, however re-bleeding rates are high. Several medical have been used for GIADs and reported in the literature, however these medications have significant side effect profiles and randomised controlled trials are lacking. A relatively poor understanding of the pathophysiology of GIAD formation has limited the development of more effective treatments and improved diagnostic and prognostic markers for GIAD. However, recent advances in research in the area of angiogenesis have identified a potential role for certain angiogenic factors including Angiopoeitin 1 and 2, in the pathophysiology of GIAD. Areas covered: We performed an extensive pubmed search of all articles mentioning GIAD and summarised our findings focussing on patient management and prospects. We summarise the available literature regarding the medical, endoscopic, and radiological management of GIAD and the value of clinical prognostic factors. Expert commentary: Although the area of angiogenesis is a novel area of research in GIAD, it represents an exciting avenue for development with the potent...
Source: Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol Source Type: research