Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (Watermelon Stomach)—An Enigmatic and Often-Overlooked Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Elderly

Abstract

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) syndrome, also known as watermelon stomach is a significant cause of acute or chronic gastrointestinal blood loss in the elderly. is characterized endoscopically by "watermelon stripes." Without cirrhosis, patients are 71% female, average age 73, presenting with occult blood loss leading to transfusion-dependent chronic iron-deficiency anemia, severe acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and nondescript abdominal pain.