Angiodysplasia Of The Colon: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Angiodysplasia Of The Colon?

A gastroenterologist (a doctor who treats the digestive tract) usually diagnoses and treats angiodysplasia of the colon. A primary care doctor often starts the evaluation if blood tests show anemia or if you notice bleeding. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is angiodysplasia of the colon?

Angiodysplasia of the colon means some blood vessels in the colon (the large intestine) have become swollen and fragile. These vessels can bleed and cause blood loss from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the path food travels through the body. The same kind of abnormal vessels can also form in the small intestine.

The condition is not cancer. It is also different from diverticulosis, which is a more common cause of intestinal bleeding in older adults. If the vessels do not bleed, people will not have any symptoms, and they may only find out when a test is done for another reason.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on whether the abnormal vessels bleed and how much they bleed. If they do not bleed, there are usually no symptoms. Common signs include:

  • Iron deficiency anemia, a low red blood cell count caused by low iron. It may show up on blood tests done for other reasons.
  • Tiredness, weakness, or shortness of breath caused by anemia.
  • Bouts of bleeding, with bright red or black blood coming from the rectum.
  • Bloody or black, tarry bowel movements in rare cases.

Bleeding is often slow and comes and goes over months or years. There is no pain linked to angiodysplasia itself.

Causes and who gets it

The exact cause is not well understood. Most cases are related to aging and the breakdown of blood vessels, which is why it is more common in older adults. The vessels may enlarge over time, and a tiny connection can form between a small artery and a vein, where bleeding can start.

Some health conditions raise the risk. These include chronic kidney disease, a narrowed heart valve called aortic stenosis, von Willebrand disease (a blood clotting disorder), and left ventricular assist devices (pumps that help a weak heart). Rarely, it is linked to blood vessel diseases such as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome.

How doctors diagnose it

Doctors use several tests to find the bleeding source. A colonoscopy lets a doctor look inside the large intestine with a thin, flexible tube that has a camera. An upper endoscopy checks the food pipe, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. A capsule endoscopy uses a small camera about the size of a pill that you swallow. CT angiography (CTA) is a special type of CT scan that shows active bleeding into the intestine. Blood tests check for anemia, and a stool test can find hidden blood.

Treatment

Treatment is generally needed when the vessels cause bleeding and anemia. In most cases, the bleeding stops on its own without treatment. When treatment is needed, options include:

  • Colonoscopy or endoscopy to find the bleeding vessel and stop it. The doctor burns (cauterizes) the site with heat, argon plasma coagulation, or laser.
  • Angiography, an imaging procedure, to block the bleeding vessel. It can also give medicine that tightens the vessels.
  • Iron supplements to improve blood levels, or a blood transfusion to improve blood counts when there has been bleeding.
  • A medicine called octreotide, given by injection, may help.
  • Surgery to remove part of the intestine, in some cases with a lot of bleeding.
  • Thalidomide is a medicine. It is rarely used to help control the disease in some people.

When to see a doctor

Contact your health care provider if rectal bleeding occurs. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away for heavy bleeding, bleeding that will not stop, fainting, sudden dizziness, chest pain, or trouble breathing. Death from excessive blood loss is a possible complication, so bleeding should never be ignored.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can order blood tests to check for anemia, follow your red blood cell counts over time, and coordinate with a gastroenterologist when bleeding needs a specialist.

Common questions

Is angiodysplasia of the colon dangerous?

Usually it is not life-threatening, but it can lead to heavy bleeding in rare cases. The outlook is good when bleeding is controlled. Ongoing blood loss can cause anemia, which can show up on blood tests.

Why did my doctor find it if I had no symptoms?

The abnormal vessels often bleed slowly and silently, so the first sign may be anemia found on a blood test done for another reason. Some people learn they have it when a test is done for another reason. The vessels may not bleed at all.

Can angiodysplasia of the colon be prevented?

There is no known prevention. The condition is mostly related to aging of the blood vessels in the colon. If you have a risk factor such as chronic kidney disease or von Willebrand disease, tell your doctor.

Does bleeding stop on its own?

In most cases, yes, the bleeding stops without treatment. But it can come back, sometimes months or years later. Any rectal bleeding should be reported to a doctor.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus - Angiodysplasia of the colon: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
  2. American College of Gastroenterology - Angiodysplasia of the GI Tract

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.