[Argon plasma coagulation in endoscopic therapy of CREST syndrome associated upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage]

Z Gastroenterol. 1997 Jun;35(6):469-76.
[Article in German]

Abstract

We report on the case of a 55-year-old patient suffering from progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). The patient was sent to our department when clinical symptoms of an acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurred. Upper endoscopy showed a watermelon stomach and fresh blood in the stomach. The presence of teleangiectasias in the antrum could be proved histologically. Since the teleangiectasias found in the antrum were the only possible source of the hemorrhage three sessions of endoscopic argon plasma coagulation were performed. Macroscopically, a nearly complete disappearance of teleangiectasias could be achieved. After a follow-up of six months, there have been no clinical signs of another hemorrhage episode. This case shows that the existence of gastrointestinal teleangiectasias should be considered when chronic anemia or acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage occur in patients with PSS. Further it is demonstrated that even extended gastrointestinal teleangiectasias can be successfully treated by endoscopically performed argon plasma coagulation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • CREST Syndrome / diagnosis
  • CREST Syndrome / pathology
  • CREST Syndrome / surgery*
  • Capillaries / pathology
  • Electrocoagulation / instrumentation*
  • Endoscopes*
  • Gastric Mucosa / blood supply
  • Gastric Mucosa / pathology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / pathology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / surgery*
  • Gastroscopy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyloric Antrum / blood supply
  • Pyloric Antrum / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome