Living with Vascular ectasia of gastric antrum
A condition, also called watermelon stomach, in which the stomach lining bleeds and can cause blood in stool or vomit.
Understanding Vascular ectasia of gastric antrum
On an endoscopy (a camera exam of the stomach), the lining looks striped like a watermelon. It is often found in people who also have long-term conditions such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), autoimmune disease, systemic sclerosis, or CREST syndrome.
Signs & symptoms
GARD lists these signs and symptoms:
- Blood in the stool
- Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
- Low red blood cells (anemia)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the exact cause is unknown. It is often found in people with other long-term conditions, such as cirrhosis and autoimmune disease.
Also known as: gastric antral vascular ectasia; gave; gave - gastric antral vascular ectasia; watermelon stomach
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Vascular ectasia of gastric antrum.
Explore research for Vascular ectasia of gastric antrum
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