An Effective Case of Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE) Treated with Endoscopic Electrocoagulation

Abstract

A 69-year-old male, he had received regular treatment for diabets since 1991. He showed sever anemia in March 1996, and admited to our hospital to define the corse of anemia and to treat. Laboratory data on admition showed sevire anemia (Hb 6.7g/dl) and positive occult blood in feces. Endoscopic examination reveiled diffuse red spots because of blood vessels expansion and blood coagulation in the gastric antrum. These findings suggested gastric antral vascular ectasia. Endoscopic biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis. The specimen taken from the antral mucosa demonstrated dilated vessels in the gastric mucosa. The diagnosis of GAVE was confirmed. Since gastrointernal bleeding continued and anemia progressed with consavative terapy (H₂ recepter blocker) endoscopic electrocoagulation treatment was performed. This treatment was repeated 6 times. After the terapy there was remarkable improvement in anemia.