Abstract

Von Willebrand factor (vWf) is a fundamental multimeric plasma glycoprotein in the coagulation process. Its function is to mediate platelet adhesion and to stabilize circulating factor VIII. A functional or quantitative alteration of vWf gives rise to von Willebrand disease (vWD). The association between vWD and angiodysplasia was described in 1967, but it was only until 2011 that Starke et al demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo role of vWf in angiogenesis. Congenital or acquired vWf deficiency, especially of high molecular weight multimeters, not only favors bleeding, but also contributes to increased angiogenesis in these patients. The treatment should be focused both on the control of the acute episode of gastrointestinal bleeding, with vWf replacement therapy and local endoscopic treatment, as well as on the prevention of the progression of angiodysplasia and future bleeding. There are different published therapeutic approaches using vWf replacement that are not effective in all patients. Recently, angiogenesis inhibitor medications have been used.