Resumen

PONIACHIK T, Jaime et al. Endoscopic coagulation of gastric vascular antral ectasia with argon plasma. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2001, vol.129, n.5, pp.547-551. ISSN 0034-9887.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872001000500011.

Background: Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia or Watermelon stomach is a rare cause of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, often presenting as a chronic iron deficiency anemia. This condition can be associated with some other diseases such as cirrhosis, autoimmune diseases and others. We report two patients treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation, a 68 years old male with an ethanol related cirrhosis and a 72 years old female with an idiopathic Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia. The characteristic endoscopic features were mistaken for many years as gastritis. Both patients presented with severe anemia requiring multiple transfusions as treatment. Due to the poor operative risk, both patients were treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation with good results (Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 547-51)

Palabras clave : Argon; Gastric antral vascular ectasia.