[Familial varices of the colon. Report of four cases]

Abstract

We report four cases of ileo-colonic varices in one family. This congenital disease is uncommon with only 21 cases described in the literature. Recurrent digestive tract bleeding is the most common manifestation, but varices can be asymptomatic. Digestive endoscopy leads to the diagnosis. The diagnosis of familial colonic varices can be considered when colonic varices occur in several members of a family with no evident cause, particularly portal hypertension or venous thrombosis. No treatment is usually necessary except when major or recurrent bleeding indicates surgical resection. These malformations are classified as vascular ectasia in the subgroup of cavernous haemangiomas.