Recent advances in the treatment of refractory gastrointestinal angiodysplasia

Abstract

AbstractGastrointestinal angiodysplasia (GIA) is a common, acquired, vascular abnormality of the digestive tract, and a frequent cause of bleeding. Refractory GIA criteria usually include recurrent bleeding, transfusions and/or repeat endoscopy. Pharmacological and interventional treatments have been the subject of recent high‐quality publications. This review provides an overview of the latest updates on non‐endoscopic management of refractory GIA. Aortic valve replacement has shown its efficacy in Heyde syndrome and should be considered if indicated. Anti‐angiogenic drugs, such as Octreotide and Thalidomide, are efficient treatments of refractory GIA‐related bleeding. Somatostatin analogs should, based on efficacy and tolerance profile, be considered first. In the future, a better understanding of the physiopathology of GIA might help develop new‐targeted therapies.