Hemangiomas and vascular malformations of the GI tract

Hemangiomas and vascular malformations of the GI tract are a rare entity and present as overt or occult bleeding. Presenting as a singular cavernous hemangioma or malformation, which is often located in the rectosigmoid region, they can be distributed throughout the intestinal digestive system. Despite characteristic radiographic features such as radiolucent phleboliths on plain film imaging and a purplish nodule on endoscopy, misdiagnosis is common. There is potential for local invasion, therefore adjunctive imaging such as CT and MRI are part of the suggested workup. Endorectal ultrasound with Doppler has also been found to be useful in some instances. With an emphasis on sphincter preservation, surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, though in instances where an extensive resection is not feasible, non-surgical endoscopic treatment with banding and sclerotherapy has been reported with success.