What causes AVM in colon?

In terms of histogenesis, AVMs are believed to be degenerative in nature and caused by chronic, intermittent low-grade obstruction of the submucosal veins penetrating the muscular layers of the large intestine. Thus, small direct arteriovenous communications develop.

How serious is AVM?

The biggest concern related to AVMs is that they will cause uncontrolled bleeding, or hemorrhage. Fewer than 4 percent of AVMs hemorrhage, but those that do can have severe, even fatal, effects. Death as a direct result of an AVM happens in about 1 percent of people with AVMs.

How is AVM treated in the colon?

AVMs can typically be treated with cautery delivered through an endoscope or enteroscope. Tumors (benign and malignant) can be biopsied and have their location marked using endoscopy, but surgery is typically required to take them out. Other conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, are often treated with medications.

Can an AVM be removed?

Surgical removal (resection). If the brain AVM has bled or is in an area that can easily be reached, surgical removal of the AVM via conventional brain surgery may be recommended. In this procedure, your neurosurgeon removes part of your skull temporarily to gain access to the AVM.

Is there any treatment for asymptomatic colonic AVMs?

Individuals with asymptomatic Colonic AVMs may not need treatment. Such individuals may be monitored by the healthcare provider on a regular basis. Note: Estrogen therapy can have unwanted side effects, and so, a risks v/s benefits analysis must be conducted before commencing therapy.

What happens when you have a problem with the sigmoid colon?

If there’s a problem in your sigmoid colon, you’ll probably feel abdominal pain. You might feel nauseated or lose your appetite, and you might experience either diarrhea or constipation. You might also notice blood in your stool. Sometimes people with sigmoid colon problems also feel fatigued, become anemic, or lose weight.

How is the diagnosis of colonic arteriovenous malformation made?

The diagnosis of Colonic Arteriovenous Malformation may involve various blood tests including stool test for occult blood, and imaging tools such as colonoscopy and angiographic studies, which may help detect active bleeding within the GI tract Periodic observation may be maintained for asymptomatic cases.

How is GI angiodysplasia similar to colonic arteriovenous malformation?

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia is not similar to a Colonic Arteriovenous Malformation, because a GI angiodysplasia is usually small and many in numbers. It is also not possible to generally identify angiodysplasia via an endoscopy, unlike a Colonic AVM.