[Antral vascular ectasia--"water-melon stomach". An overlooked cause of iron deficiency anemia?].

Antral vascular ectasia or "the watermelon stomach" (WS) is an endoscopically, histologically and clinically distinct entity. The term WS reflects the endoscopic appearance of longitudinal antral erythematous folds containing visible vessels radiating from the pylorus. Histological examination demonstrates characteristic features including dilated mucosal capillaries, focal thrombosis and fibromuscular hypertrophy of the lamina propria. The clinical picture is characterized by severe chronic iron deficiency anaemia, and failure to recognize WS has frequently delayed adequate treatment for several years. Antrectomy is a definitive cure. Both endoscopic laser- and sclerotherapy seem to be promising alternative methods in the treatment of WS.