Watermelon stomach is named for the characteristic longitudinal red columns radiating to the pylorus, visible by endoscopy. The condition can occur in patients with systemic sclerosis, portal hypertension and chronic renal failure. Submucosal ectatic vessels can erode through the gastric mucosa, leading to chronic loss of blood and substantial iron deficiency anemia.
Watermelon stomach is believed to be one of the manifestations of the widespread vasculopathy associated with scleroderma. Histology results show dilated, thrombosed capillaries in the lamina propria and reactive fibromuscular hyperplasia. Conventional therapies for acid-peptic disease are not effective; however, argon plasma coagulation is often successful and is the treatment of choice.
Watermelon stomach is named for the characteristic longitudinal red columns radiating to the pylorus, visible by endoscopy. The condition can occur in patients with systemic sclerosis, portal hypertension and chronic renal failure. Submucosal ectatic vessels can erode through the gastric mucosa, leading to chronic loss of blood and substantial iron deficiency anemia.
Watermelon stomach is believed to be one of the manifestations of the widespread vasculopathy associated with scleroderma. Histology results show dilated, thrombosed capillaries in the lamina propria and reactive fibromuscular hyperplasia. Conventional therapies for acid-peptic disease are not effective; however, argon plasma coagulation is often successful and is the treatment of choice.