Abnormal blood vessels in the gut (angiodysplasia or GAVE)

Overview

Bleeding is often slow and found as low iron.

Treatment with a scope can seal the vessels.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Tiredness from low iron

Less common

• Black stools
• Shortness of breath from low iron

Look up a symptom: Fatigue

When to get medical care

Causes

Aging vessels.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older adults
• Kidney disease

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Endoscopy:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Iron supplements
• Take iron as prescribed
• Eat iron-rich foods

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with kidney disease or aortic stenosis: Higher risk.
• Older adults: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment controls bleeding.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Do I need iron infusions?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Abnormal blood vessels in the gut (angiodysplasia or GAVE)