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Angiodysplasia
Angiodysplasia arises when fragile blood vessels in the digestive tract weaken and bleed, often causing anemia. Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs in Houston specializes in diagnosing and treating colon and small bowel angiodysplasia through advanced endoscopic, imaging and minimally invasive therapies.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Angiodysplasia?
Angiodysplasia is a condition in which small blood vessels in the lining of the colon or small intestine become fragile and prone to bleeding. Often there are no early symptoms, but chronic bleeding can lead to iron deficiency and anemia over time.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Age over 60
Chronic kidney disease
Heart valve disorders (e.g., aortic stenosis)
History of gastrointestinal bleeding
Use of blood thinners or NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
Signs and Symptoms
Dark or bright red blood in stools
Feeling tired or weak
Shortness of breath from low iron levels
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Mild abdominal pain or discomfort
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your GI bleeding episodes, symptom timeline, medications (blood thinners/NSAIDs) and risk factors such as age, kidney disease or heart valve issues.
Blood Tests
A complete blood count and iron studies assess anemia severity, and coagulation panels rule out other bleeding disorders.
Imaging Studies
Colonoscopy to directly visualize angiodysplasia in the large intestine.
Capsule endoscopy for a detailed survey of the small bowel.
CT angiography to detect active bleeding sites and map vascular anatomy.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Mesenteric angiography or a tagged red blood cell scan may be used to precisely localize intermittent bleeding before intervention.
Treatment
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Our Team offers a full range of care for angiodysplasia of the colon & small bowel.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat more iron-rich foods like red meat, beans, and spinach
Drink plenty of water to support overall gut health
Avoid NSAIDs and limit alcohol to reduce bleeding risk
2. Medications
Iron pills or liquids to correct anemia
Octreotide or similar agents to decrease bleeding episodes
Careful adjustment of blood thinners under expert supervision
3. Minimally Invasive or Surgical Options
Endoscopic therapy (plasma or laser) to seal bleeding vessels
Angiographic embolization to block problematic vessels
Surgical resection reserved for cases unresponsive to less invasive treatments
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between colon and small bowel angiodysplasia?
Colon angiodysplasia affects the large intestine, while small bowel angiodysplasia involves the small intestine. Both can bleed but may require different diagnostic tests.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Look for black or bright red stools, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath-these may signal internal bleeding.
How long does treatment take?
Most endoscopic therapies take under an hour to perform. Recovery is typically just a few days, depending on the procedure.
Can diet stop the bleeding?
Diet alone won't halt bleeding, but eating iron-rich foods and avoiding gut irritants supports healing and helps manage anemia.
Is angiodysplasia serious?
Untreated angiodysplasia can lead to significant anemia and complications, but with proper care it's usually manageable.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Scott?
No referral is needed. You can book your appointment directly with our Houston clinic.
Will my insurance cover diagnosis and treatment?
Most insurance plans cover angiodysplasia care. Our team will help verify your benefits and guide you through the process.
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