Angioectasias are small, fragile blood vessels in the digestive tract-most often the colon, stomach or small intestine-that form abnormally and can bleed. Many people have no symptoms, but if bleeding occurs it may show as visible blood in the stool or hidden blood loss leading to iron deficiency or anemia.
While most cases are asymptomatic, when angioectasias bleed you may experience:
The exact cause is often unclear, but these factors increase the risk of developing angioectasias:
Our Houston specialists combine advanced endoscopic techniques with compassionate, patient-centered care to diagnose and treat angioectasias effectively. From your first consultation through follow-up, we create a personalized treatment plan-whether that's endoscopic therapy, iron supplementation, or ongoing monitoring-to help you regain your health and confidence. Ready to get started? Call us at 832-632-4070 or book your appointment online today!
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
An angioectasia is a small, fragile blood vessel in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or colon that can bleed intermittently or chronically.
Diagnosis is made using endoscopic techniques such as colonoscopy or capsule endoscopy, often supplemented by imaging tests and blood work to detect hidden bleeding.
The primary code is K31.819 for vascular malformation of the digestive system. Other codes include K55.89 for colonic/small bowel angioectasia and K31.89 for stomach angioectasia.
Yes. The colon is one of the most common sites for angioectasias, which may lead to visible or occult blood loss.
No. Many angioectasias remain asymptomatic, but some cause slow, long-term bleeding that can lead to anemia.
Stomach angioectasia refers to abnormal, fragile blood vessels in the stomach lining, often coded as K31.89 in ICD-10.
Angioectasias typically do not cause pain unless bleeding is severe or there is an additional gastrointestinal issue.
Bleeding vessels are sealed during endoscopy using heat or plasma therapy. Iron supplementation or blood transfusions may be prescribed to correct anemia.
Yes. New or recurrent lesions can develop over time, so follow-up endoscopic evaluations are important.
Schedule an evaluation if you notice blood in your stool, experience unexplained fatigue or dizziness, or have laboratory evidence of low iron or anemia.
