Overview
Watermelon Stomach, medically known as Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE), is a rare condition where the stomach lining becomes red and striped due to dilated blood vessels, resembling the appearance of a watermelon. This disorder is a significant cause of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding and iron-deficiency anemia. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve quality of life.
What is Watermelon Stomach?
Watermelon Stomach (GAVE) is a condition where abnormally dilated small blood vessels in the stomach’s antrum (lower portion) cause recurrent bleeding. These vascular changes result in characteristic streaks that look like the stripes of a watermelon during endoscopic examination. Unlike more common gastrointestinal conditions, GAVE is not caused by ulcers or gastritis and often coexists with other diseases like liver cirrhosis or autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Watermelon Stomach are mainly related to blood loss and include:
- Chronic fatigue due to anemia
- Weakness and dizziness
- Shortness of breath with exertion
- Dark or tarry stools (melena)
- Occult (hidden) blood in stool
- Abdominal discomfort or bloating
- Visible gastrointestinal bleeding in severe cases
Causes
The exact cause of GAVE is not fully understood, but it is associated with several underlying conditions, including:
- Liver cirrhosis
- Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus)
- Bone marrow transplant
- Idiopathic (no known cause) in some patients
Risk Factors
Risk factors that may predispose individuals to Watermelon Stomach include:
- Age over 60 years
- Female gender (GAVE is more common in women)
- History of chronic liver disease
- Autoimmune or connective tissue disorders
- Long-term use of certain medications (like NSAIDs or anticoagulants)
- Chronic kidney or heart failure
Complications
If left untreated, Watermelon Stomach can lead to:
- Chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe iron-deficiency anemia
- Need for frequent blood transfusions
- Decreased quality of life due to fatigue and weakness
- Rarely, acute hemorrhage requiring emergency care
Prevention
While GAVE cannot always be prevented, some measures can reduce risk or manage associated conditions:
- Control underlying liver, autoimmune, or renal diseases
- Regular monitoring for anemia in at-risk individuals
- Avoid excessive use of NSAIDs or blood-thinners unless medically necessary
- Routine endoscopic surveillance for patients with chronic GI symptoms
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea offers modern gastroenterology care and endoscopic treatment options for Watermelon Stomach. Patients can access:
- Endoscopic therapy – including Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC), the most effective treatment to cauterize bleeding vessels
- Iron supplementation and blood transfusions – to treat and prevent anemia
- Medication – such as hormone therapy or corticosteroids in autoimmune-related cases
- Treatment of underlying disease – such as liver cirrhosis or systemic sclerosis, at leading centers like Seoul National University Hospital and Asan Medical Center
- Capsule endoscopy and video endoscopy – for non-invasive diagnosis
- Follow-up care and dietary support – provided by gastroenterology specialists
Korean hospitals offer comprehensive care for GAVE with high success rates in controlling bleeding and improving patients’ long-term health.
