PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF COLONIC VASCULAR ECTASIA IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Abstract

Total colonoscopy was performed in 50 patients with liver cirrhosis during a period of two years. Clinical features and background factors for vascular ectasia of the colon were investigated prospectively in these patients and the following results were obtained: 1. Vascular ectasia was noted in 22 (44%) of 50 patients. Colonoscopy revealed the frequent presence of a vascular spider-like symptom. 2. This symptom was observed in all regions of the colon, especially with a high incidence in the area ranging from the sigmoid colon to the transverse colon. The onset of this symptom was very frequent, with the size of less than 1 cm in most cases. 3. This symptom was frequently seen in the cases of uncompensated cirrhosis and the incidence was significantly higher in those cases with poor hepatic reserve. There was no significant correlation between this symptom and portal hypertension. 4. This symptom was found to have no significant correlation with vascular spider of the body surface and blood estradiol levels. 5. This symptom may be a cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in the cases of uncompensated cirrhosis, and would warrant further investigations.