Haixia Qiu1, Yongping Mao2, Jing Zeng1, Ying Wang1, Jiaying Zhang1, Naiyang Huang1, Qingsen Liu3, Yunsheng Yang3, Enqiang Linghu3, Ying Gu4. 1. Department of Laser Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China. 2. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China. Electronic address: maoyp301@126.com. 3. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China. 4. Department of Laser Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China. Electronic address: guyinglaser@sina.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (V-PDT) has been used for several benign vascular diseases. The aim of this pilot study was to demonstrate the potential benefits of VPDT in the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from patients with GAVE (n=5) who underwent endoscopic V-PDT were analyzed retrospectively. Pre- and post-V-PDT clinical and endoscopic features, hemoglobin levels, and transfusion requirement were compared. RESULTS: The five GAVE patients received one to four sessions of V-PDT. The hemoglobin levels of all five patients increased steadily following V-PDT. Within 6-48months of follow-up, gastrointestinal bleeding and melena disappeared in all five patients and none of the patients needed a transfusion. Endoscopy examinations showed that the dilated vessels had disappeared without scar formation. No significant side effects or adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study indicates the good selectivity, safety, and efficacy of V-PDT in the treatment of patients with GAVE. Larger prospective studies are needed to further confirm the feasibility of using V-PDT to treat patients with GAVE.
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (V-PDT) has been used for several benign vascular diseases. The aim of this pilot study was to demonstrate the potential benefits of VPDT in the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from patients with GAVE (n=5) who underwent endoscopic V-PDT were analyzed retrospectively. Pre- and post-V-PDT clinical and endoscopic features, hemoglobin levels, and transfusion requirement were compared. RESULTS: The five GAVE patients received one to four sessions of V-PDT. The hemoglobin levels of all five patients increased steadily following V-PDT. Within 6-48months of follow-up, gastrointestinal bleeding and melena disappeared in all five patients and none of the patients needed a transfusion. Endoscopy examinations showed that the dilated vessels had disappeared without scar formation. No significant side effects or adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study indicates the good selectivity, safety, and efficacy of V-PDT in the treatment of patients with GAVE. Larger prospective studies are needed to further confirm the feasibility of using V-PDT to treat patients with GAVE.