GARD Rare Disease Information - Watermelon stomach - National Organization for Rare Disorders (2024)

FAQs

Is watermelon stomach a rare disease? ›

Gastric antral vascular ectasia is a fairly rare cause of internal bleeding. It's most commonly seen in older adults, especially women.

The exact cause of Watermelon stomach is unknown; however, it is often diagnosed in people with other chronic (long-term) conditions such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver and poor liver function), autoimmune disease, systemic sclerosis, and CREST syndrome.

Having surgery is the only reliable way to cure watermelon stomach. It can also eliminate the need for blood transfusions. A person can speak with a doctor about what treatment option is right for them.

Treatment. Treatment can be surgery and/or medications to stop or control the bleeding. Watermelon stomach is usually treated with endoscopic laser surgery or argon plasma coagulation. Both of these procedures are performed by endoscopy.

Abstract. Introduction: Watermelon stomach (WS) or gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding described in a variety of autoimmune disorders.

Foliage spots are irregular and turn dark brown or black. Stem lesions can girdle the stem and cause vines to wilt. The most striking diagnostic symptoms are produced on the fruit, where circular, black, sunken cankers appear. The spots may measure 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 13 mm) in diameter and up to 1/4 in (6 mm) deep.

Survival analysis in those with and without GAVE (Fig.

Time to death from GAVE diagnosis was 7.7 (3.5–11.3) years. In both those with and without GAVE, the leading cause of death was a consequence of their SSc disease manifestations (61.5% and 59.3%.

Endoscopic findings of the longitudinal antral folds containing visible columns of tortuous red ectatic vessels (watermelon stripes) are pathognomonic for WS. Trauma to the mucosal epithelium overlying engorged vessels by gastric acid or intraluminal food results in bleeding.

May cause digestive issues

Eating too much watermelon may cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, and diarrhea due to its high FODMAP content ( 4 , 5 , 6 ).

3 Common side effects of watermelon include: May cause digestive trouble: Watermelon contains lycopene, which when consumed every day can lead to nausea, loose stools, heartburn, and inflammation.

Is GAVE disease painful? ›

The most common and recognizable symptoms of GAVE include:

Vomiting blood (hematemesis) Anemia (iron deficiency) General abdominal pain or discomfort.

Abstract. Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is one of the uncommon causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Major treatment of GAVE includes pharmacotherapy, endoscopy, and surgery.

Watermelon stomach is a condition in which the lining of the stomach bleeds, causing it to look like the characteristic stripes of a watermelon when viewed by endoscopy. Although it can develop in men and women of all ages, watermelon stomach is most commonly observed in older women (over age 70 years).

You'll want to limit solid foods high in fat. That includes non-lean meats (sausage, hot dogs) and anything fried or greasy. Try fat-free, low-fat, or reduced-fat foods. High-fiber food.

Menetrier disease is a rare disorder characterized by massive overgrowth of mucous cells (foveola) in the mucous membrane lining the stomach, resulting in large gastric folds. The most common symptom associated with Menetrier disease is pain in the upper middle region of the stomach (epigastric pain).

Survival analysis in those with and without GAVE (Fig.

Time to death from GAVE diagnosis was 7.7 (3.5–11.3) years. In both those with and without GAVE, the leading cause of death was a consequence of their SSc disease manifestations (61.5% and 59.3%.

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an uncommon cause of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding or iron deficiency anemia.

In the United States, it is estimated that 10-15 percent of the adult population suffers from IBS symptoms, yet only 5 to 7 percent of adults have been diagnosed with the disease.