Caecal Arterio-Venous Malformation:An Uncommon Cause of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Two patients with caecal arteri-ovenous malformations causing intermittent blood loss leading to iron deficiency anaemia are reported. An awareness of this condition (also known as haemangioma and caecal angiodysplasia) as a cause of lower intestinal bleeding and greater use of selective visceral arteriography has led to increased detection of these lesions (Bentley, 1976). Caecal arterio-venous malformations are seen mostly in the elderly and there is increased incidence of these lesions in patients with aortic stenosis.