Colonic ectasias and lower intestinal bleeding.

In the past half century, primacy as the presumed cause of most lower intestinal bleeding in the elderly patient has been attributed in turn to neoplasia, diverticulitis, and diverticulosis. Improved diagnostic techniques have, in recent years, permitted a literally closer look—making it clear that minuscule vascular ectasias of the right colon may account for the majority of bleeds.