Radiofrequency ablation for patients with refractory symptomatic anaemia secondary to gastric antral vascular ectasia

BackgroundGastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, often causing iron deficiency anaemia. Previous studies have looked at the management of this with argon plasma coagulation, laser therapy and endoscopic band ligation.MethodsThis was a single-centre prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with GAVE with persistent anaemia refractory to at least one session of first-line endoscopic therapy. Patients were treated with a through-the-scope (TTS) radiofrequency catheter at two endoscopic sessions six weeks apart. The primary outcome was change in haemoglobin at six months posttreatment. The secondary outcomes were reduction in blood or iron requirements, endoscopic surface area regression and complications.ResultsTwenty patients were treated. The mean change in haemoglobin at six months was +12.6 g/l (95% confidence interval 11.7–24.3 g/l), paired t test p < 0.001. At six months, three of 14 individuals who ...