Gastric antral vascular ectasia (watermelon stomach) - A potentially treatable cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in the very elderly

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (watermelon stomach) is an uncommon cause of occult gastrointestinal bleeding. The case of an elderly patient in whom this diagnosis was delayed is described. After multiple blood transfusions over a seven-year period, the correct diagnosis was followed by successful and well tolerated laser therapy resulting in a marked improvement in quality of life and reduced need for blood transfusion. A heightened awareness of this benign and treatable condition, even in very elderly patients, should result in its earlier recognition and treatment.