Gastric antral vascular ectasia in systemic sclerosis: a study of its epidemiology, disease characteristics and impact on survival

Published 2022

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an under-recognised yet treatable vascular and gastric manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc), which occurs relatively frequency in SSc. Within the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study, GAVE occurred with a frequency of 10.6% over a follow-up period of 4.3 (1.7–8.4) years. Identifying disease features which are associated with the occurrence of GAVE can be helpful in recognising those whom we should monitor closely for any signs of iron deficiency, gastrointestinal blood loss or anemia. In the Australian SSc cohort, the presence of the SSc associated antibody RNAP III and absence of anti Scl-70 antibody were associated with higher frequency of GAVE in addition to the presence of GIT dysmotility and digital ulcers; pits; or digital amputation. Being aware of these associations is of practical importance as screening may prove advantageous given GAVE can be easily diagnosed and treated. We propose that a simple blood test (iron studies), performed on a six-monthly basis, would be a simple cost-effective screening tool for GAVE

Authors: Kathleen Morrisroe, Dylan Hansen, Wendy Stevens, Joanne Sahhar, Gene‑Siew Ngian, Catherine Hill, Janet Roddy, Jennifer Walker, Susanna Proudman and Mandana Nikpour