title: Gastric antral vascular ectasia: a prospective study of treatment with endoscopic band ligation.
abstract: Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is characterized by red, angiomatous lesions in the antrum organized either in stripes or in a diffuse pattern that can be associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has been reported as an effective alternative therapy for patients with GAVE. Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of GAVE were prospectively followed while undergoing EBL every 2 months. Hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron levels were frequently recorded, and clinical follow-up was performed. A total of 21 patients with GAVE were enrolled, and 17 of these patients (81 %) had associated co-morbidities, most frequently cirrhosis and chronic renal failure. A clinical response was achieved in 19 patients (91 %). A significant improvement in the mean hemoglobin level was noted after EBL (P < 0.001), and a significant decrease in blood transfusion requirements per month (P = 0.001). No major complications were observed during the study period. The mean follow-up was 10 months. EBL is an effective and safe treatment for GAVE. Randomized, controlled trials comparing EBL with other endoscopic therapies are warranted.
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors: Sergio
authors: S
authors: Zepeda-Gómez
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Sultanian
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Teshima
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors: Gurpal
authors: G
authors: Sandha
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors: Sander
authors: S
authors: Van Zanten
authors: Division of Hepatology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors: Aldo J
authors: AJ
authors: Montano-Loza
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D020252:Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia / Q000601:surgery*; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult