Angioectasias are small, fragile blood vessels that form in the lining of your stomach or intestines. They have thin walls that can break or leak, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. These lesions are often discovered during endoscopic exams, even if you haven't noticed any obvious symptoms.
Early on, angioectasias may not cause any noticeable signs. As bleeding develops over time, you might experience:
The exact cause of angioectasias isn't always clear, but several factors can increase your risk:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, we combine patient-centered care with cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments for angioectasias and related GI bleeding issues. Our experienced team offers on-site endoscopy, personalized treatment plans-whether that's endoscopic therapy, iron management, or medication-and thorough follow-up to help restore your iron levels and overall well-being. Ready to take the next step toward relief? Book your appointment today at GastroDoxs in Katy and get the answers and care you deserve.
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.
Angioectasia of the colon refers to small, fragile blood vessels in the lining of the colon that can bleed slowly, often causing unexplained anemia or blood in the stool.
Diagnosis is made using endoscopic procedures-either colonoscopy or upper endoscopy-where the fragile vessels can be visualized and sometimes treated immediately.
Yes. Chronic bleeding from angioectasias can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and low blood counts on laboratory tests.
Most of the time angioectasias are painless. The primary concern is bleeding rather than discomfort.
Angioectasias may be found incidentally during investigations for low iron levels or occult blood in the stool, even if you feel normal otherwise.
Treatment usually involves endoscopic techniques such as argon plasma coagulation, clipping, or injection therapy during a scope procedure to stop the bleeding.
Most patients go home the same day as the procedure and typically feel back to normal within one to two days, with follow-up monitoring of hemoglobin levels.
Yes. Recurrence is possible, which is why follow-up visits and repeat endoscopies may be scheduled to monitor and manage any new or persistent lesions.
While they are not usually life-threatening, untreated bleeding can lead to significant anemia, weakness, and sometimes the need for blood transfusions.
At GastroDoxs in Katy, our experienced gastroenterologists offer prompt evaluation, on-site endoscopy, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support for all GI bleeding concerns.
