Gastrointestinal haemorrhage from angiodysplastic lesions is not only difficult to identify, but often refractory to endoscopic intervention. Patients often require substantial transfusion support. Thalidomide has emerged as a promising medical strategy in angiodysplasia-related bleeding. We present our experience and report the findings from a review of the literature. Despite its side-effect profile, thalidomide remains the therapeutic modality with the best evidence in this difficult clinical scenario.
Keywords: Von Willebrand disease; angiodysplasia; gastrointestinal haemorrhage; thalidomide.
© 2015 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.