[The watermelon stomach; linear convolutions of vascular ectasias in the antrum].

The watermelon stomach or 'gastric antral vascular ectasia' is a rare clinical entity. It may cause persistent blood loss. The endoscopic picture is highly characteristic and consists of parallel erythematous folds in the antrum. Histological characteristics are: dilated mucosal capillaries and venules, containing fibrin thrombi, along with fibromuscular hyperplasia in the lamina propria. In case of severe blood loss partial resection of the stomach or laser photocoagulation is often necessary.