What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE)
• GAVE (Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia)

What is Watermelon Stomach? (Definition/Background Information)

• Watermelon Stomach is a condition in which the lining of the stomach bleeds, causing it to look like the characteristic stripes of a watermelon when viewed by endoscopy
• Although it can develop in men and women of all ages, Watermelon Stomach is most commonly observed in older women (over age 70 years)
• Signs and symptoms of Watermelon Stomach include blood in the stool, hematemesis (vomiting blood) and anemia
• The exact cause of Watermelon Stomach is unknown; however, it is often diagnosed in people with other chronic (long-term) conditions such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver and poor liver function), autoimmune disease, systemic sclerosis, and CREST syndrome
• Treatment consists of surgery and/or medications to stop or control the bleeding

(Source: Watermelon Stomach; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Watermelon Stomach? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Watermelon Stomach is a rare congenital disorder. The presentation of symptoms may occur typically occurs in older adults
• Although both genders may be affected, the condition is more prevalent in women above the age of 70 years
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Watermelon Stomach? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Watermelon Stomach may include:

• Elderly women
• Chronic health conditions such as the following:
  • Atrophic gastritis
  • Certain autoimmune disorders
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • CREST syndrome
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Pernicious anemia
  • Poorly-controlled diabetes
  • Portal hypertension
  • Systemic sclerosis
  • Vascular disease

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Watermelon Stomach? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Watermelon Stomach is unknown
• However, it is often diagnosed in people with other chronic (long-term) conditions such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver and poor liver function), autoimmune disease, systemic sclerosis, metabolic syndrome and CREST syndrome

(Source:Watermelon Stomach; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Watermelon Stomach?

The signs and symptoms of Watermelon Stomach may include gastrointestinal bleeding, which may result in the following:

• Anemia
• Hematemesis (vomiting blood)
• Blood in the stools

(Source: Watermelon Stomach; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How is Watermelon Stomach Diagnosed?

• A diagnosis of Watermelon Stomach is usually made when rows of flat, reddish stripes on the lining of the stomach (like the stripes of a watermelon) are seen on endoscopy
• Other tests, such as a biopsy of the stomach lining, an endoscopic ultrasound (ultrasound probe on the tip of an endoscope), computed tomography (CT scan) and/or a tagged red blood cell scan, may be used to confirm the diagnosis

(Source: Watermelon Stomach; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Watermelon Stomach?

The complications of Watermelon Stomach may include:

• Severe pain in the abdomen
• Severe blood loss due to excessive abdominal bleeding
• Chronic iron deficiency anemia
• Reversion to low hemoglobin levels within days of blood transfusion

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Watermelon Stomach Treated?

Watermelon Stomach is usually treated with:

• Endoscopic laser surgery (uses a laser light to treat bleeding blood vessels)
• Argon plasma coagulation (uses argon gas and electrical current to seal irregular or bleeding tissue)
• Medications that help stop or control gastrointestinal bleeding, which may include corticosteroids, tranexamic acid, and hormone therapy (estrogen and progesterone) 
• Blood transfusions may also be necessary for severe bleeding, with additional transfusions if gastrointestinal bleeding cannot be stopped or controlled

(Source: Watermelon Stomach; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How can Watermelon Stomach be Prevented?

Presently, the prevention of Watermelon Stomach may not be possible; however, certain measures may be taken to lower one’s risk for the condition:

• Seeking medical attention to chronic health conditions, such as cirrhosis, diabetes, sclerosis, renal failure, portal hypertension and other risk factors that may predispose an individual to the disorder
• Observe a healthy lifestyle with good dieting habits and adequate physical activity
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of disorders such as Watermelon Stomach
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Watermelon Stomach? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The long-term outlook (prognosis) for people with Watermelon Stomach varies.

• Some affected people have continued or recurrent (appearing again) gastrointestinal bleeding even with treatment. These cases are often considered "transfusion-dependent" since regular blood transfusions are usually necessary 
• Other affected people respond well to therapy and have no additional bleeding episodes

(Source: Watermelon Stomach; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Watermelon Stomach:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/