Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE)

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  • Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE)

Etiology

  • Vascular abnormality of stomach, w/precise cause unknown
  • 30% assoc w/cirrhosis

Risk Factors

  • Anything that causes cirrhosis: ETOH, Hep B, Hep C, NASH, etc

Symptoms

  • More typically causes chronic blood loss--> fatigue, weakness
  • Can occasionally have acute loss: hematemesis, n, v
  • Abdominal discomfort

Physical Exam Findings

  • Can have tachycardia, hypotension is significant blood loss, though not usually acute
  • Sometimes findings suggestive chronic liver dz, portal htn: ascites, edema, jaundice, etc
  • Stool can be black, guaiac +
  • Often no specific findings

Tests