Analysis of cecal vasculature in the search for vascular malformations.

Four patients with gastrointestinal bleeding due to vascular malformations of the cecum are described with emphasis placed on the clinical, angiographic and pathologic features. Barium enema examinations were negative in all four cases and in three of four early venous filling identified the cecal vascular malformation. Postoperative angiographic studies of the cecal specimens using electron emission radiography were helpful in identifying these small lesions. The pathologic features and possible pathogenesis of this disorder are reviewed. Angiographic and microscopic studies in a control group of 60 post mortem and surgically extirpated cecums defined the normal circulation of the antimesenteric border. In this group, no vascular malformations were present.