GAVE
Medical abbreviation · Gastroenterology
| Stands for | Gastric antral vascular ectasia |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
GAVE stands for Gastric antral vascular ectasia, a gastroenterology abbreviation.
Dilated, fragile capillaries in the gastric antrum that cause chronic hidden bleeding and iron-deficiency anemia, typically in older women and in patients with cirrhosis, systemic sclerosis or chronic kidney disease. Endoscopic treatment uses argon plasma coagulation, band ligation or radiofrequency ablation.
Example: Transfusion-dependent anemia due to GAVE; scheduled for repeat APC every six weeks.
Usage notes
Nicknamed "watermelon stomach" because red stripes radiating from the pylorus resemble watermelon rind. It must be distinguished from portal hypertensive gastropathy, which looks similar in cirrhosis but is treated by lowering portal pressure rather than ablating the mucosa. Pronounced like the word "gave".
Related abbreviations
More gastroenterology abbreviations
- EVL – Endoscopic variceal ligation
- FAP – Familial adenomatous polyposis
- FD – Functional dyspepsia
- FIT – Fecal immunochemical test
- FMT – Fecal microbiota transplantation
- FOBT – Fecal occult blood test
- GEJ – Gastroesophageal junction
- GERD – Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- GES – Gastric emptying study
- GI – Gastrointestinal
- GIB – Gastrointestinal bleeding
- GIST – Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
See all 85 gastroenterology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.