Hemangiomas and vascular Malformations of the GI tract

Hemangiomas and vascular malformations of the GI tract are a rare entity and present as overt or occult bleeding. Presenting as a singular cavernous hemangioma or malformation, which is often located in the recto-sigmoid region, they can be distributed throughout the intestinal digestive system. Despite characteristic radiographic features such as radiolucent phleboliths on plain film imaging and a purplish nodule on endoscopy, misdiagnosis is common. There is potential for local invasion, therefore adjunctive imaging such as CT and MRI are part of the suggested workup.

Source: Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery - January 28, 2015 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Stephen Yoo Source Type: research