Ischemic colitis secondary to arteriovenous malformation, a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

We present the case of a 65-year-old patient who presents with rectorrhagia with hemodynamic compromise, caused by ischemic colitis secondary to a vascular malformation at the level of the inferior mesenteric artery.

The presence of arteriovenous malformations in the abdominal territory is rare and it can lead to ischemic colitis as a consequence of the arteriovenous shunt and the decrease in oxygen supply to the surrounding tissue. Since this condition can simulate other more common inflammatory pathologies, it is usually a diagnostic challenge for the clinician and it is necessary to keep it in mind for a correct therapeutic approach.

Keywords: ischemic colitis, arteriovenous malformation, hemicolectomy.