The antral mucosa shows multiple dilated mucosal capillaries and mild villous changes.

Ectatic capillaries and edema with no significant inflammation are seen.

There are irregularly dilated vessels, with some interstitial hemorrhage too (lower)

Predominantly affects women with a wide age range, avg age 66 years. The endoscopic appearance shows "watermelon" stomach. Many patients have cirrhosis, while others have connective tissue disorders or have had a bone marrow transplant. GAVE can cause severe GI bleeding and anemia. Endoscopically, two patterns of GAVE are recognized: the groovy (watermelon stomach) and diffuse spread. Diagnosis is based on a combination of the clinical history, endoscopic appearance and histologic findings.

Argon plasma coagulation of the vascular lesions has evolved as the most effective therapy.

Patients undergoing coagulation theray show a reduction of vascular ectasia pattern but lesions often recur, making repeated sessions necessary to manage the anemia.