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Colon Angioectasias
Colon angioectasias are fragile blood vessels in the colon that may bleed, causing anemia and fatigue. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen provides expert diagnosis and minimally invasive treatments, offering personalized care and advanced therapies to improve your health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Age over 60 years
Chronic kidney disease
Heart valve disorders
Use of blood-thinning medications
Family history of vascular malformations
Signs and Symptoms
Often no symptoms in early stages
Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
Fatigue or weakness
Black or tarry (melena) stools
Intermittent light rectal bleeding
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Colon Angioectasias?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your symptoms (fatigue, dark stools, epigastric discomfort), medical history (age, kidney disease, valve problems), medications (especially blood thinners) and family history of vascular issues.
Blood Tests
He orders a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia, iron studies to confirm iron deficiency and other labs (liver panel, coagulation profile) to rule out alternative causes of bleeding or pain.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Colonoscopy - Direct visualization of the colon to locate and treat angioectasias.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD) - Examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to identify sources of epigastric pain or upper-GI bleeding.
Advanced Imaging & Angiography
CT Angiogram - Non-invasive scan to detect active bleeding or vascular malformations.
Mesenteric Angiography - Catheter-directed study to precisely localize bleeding vessels and allow for therapeutic embolization if needed.
Additional Tests (if required)
Video capsule endoscopy or enteroscopy for small-bowel evaluation when colonoscopy and EGD are inconclusive. Endoscopic ultrasound may be used for detailed assessment of epigastric lesions.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for colon angioectasias.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Eat more iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, or beans
Limit alcohol intake to reduce irritation
Stay well-hydrated to support healthy blood flow
2. Medications
Oral iron supplements to correct low iron levels
Clot-supporting medicines, when indicated, to minimize bleeding
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Heat or laser therapy to seal off bleeding vessels
Argon plasma coagulation for deeper or hard-to-reach areas
Follow-up colonoscopies to monitor and treat any new lesions
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are colon angioectasias?
Colon angioectasias are small, fragile blood vessels in the colon that can rupture and cause bleeding.
What causes them?
They often occur with aging, kidney disease, heart valve issues, use of blood thinners, or family history of vascular problems.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include unexplained iron deficiency anemia, fatigue, weakness, black or tarry stools, and occasional light rectal bleeding.
How does Dr. Nguyen find them?
Dr. Nguyen uses blood tests to check iron levels, colonoscopy with possible dye studies, and other imaging as needed to locate bleeding vessels.
Can food help?
Yes. Eating iron-rich foods like leafy greens, red meat, and beans, along with good hydration, supports healthy blood levels.
Are treatments painful?
No. Most procedures are done with gentle sedation and cause minimal discomfort.
Will I need future visits?
Yes. Regular follow-up visits and colonoscopies are important to monitor for new angioectasias and manage anemia early.
