Etymed
angiodysplasia
Definition
A condition characterized by abnormal development or formation of blood vessels, often resulting in structural defects or malformations of vascular structures
Clinical context
A 72-year-old patient presents with chronic iron deficiency anemia and a history of melena. Colonoscopy reveals multiple dark, flat lesions in the cecum and ascending colon with no evidence of polyps or malignancy. The lesions have a characteristic 'target' appearance on imaging. The patient's anemia responds to iron supplementation but recurs with increased bleeding episodes.
Mnemonic
ANGIOdysplasia = ANGIOplasia with structural defects