Vascular Malformations of the Right Colon as a Cause of Bleeding in Patients with Aortic Stenosis

Abstract

Patients with aortic stenosis have an increased incidence of occult gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Angiographic studies in three consecutive patients with aortic stenosis and lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding of unknown cause have demonstrated submucosal vascular malformations in the right colon. Right colectomy resulted in permanent hemostasis. The presence of these lesions was verified by histologic section or injection of the resected specimen. There is an apparent association of aortic stenosis and vascular malformations of the right colon which can produce recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.