Gastric antral vascular ectasia: A rare etiology of gastrointestinal bleeding in children

Abstract Gastrointestinal bleeding is relatively common in children. While most patients present with mild bleeding, gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare but potentially life‐threatening cause. GAVE is typically associated with chronic conditions and more common in adults. The incidence, diagnosis, and management of GAVE in the pediatric population have not been established. We present two cases of GAVE with severe and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. The first patient, a 7‐year‐old with chronic granulomatous disease who had melena and anemia following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Endoscopic intervention with argon plasma coagulation (APC) was successful in achieving hemostasis. The second patient, an 18‐year‐old with veno‐occlusive disease (VOD), developed GAVE as a result of portal hypertension. Endoscopic intervention with APC successfully controlled the bleeding in this patient as well. These cases highlight the challenges associated with diagnosing and managing GAVE in children.