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Provocative angiography in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding
M A Shetzline1, P Suhocki, R Dash
1Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|January 6, 2001
Summary
Provocative angiography can help locate obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, but may delay diagnosis. This technique should be used cautiously in patients with negative imaging results.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding presents diagnostic challenges.
- Recurrent obscure GI bleeding requires effective management strategies.
Observation:
- A case of recurrent obscure GI bleeding was managed using provocative angiography.
- Angiography successfully localized the bleeding source, enabling targeted treatment with a platinum coil.
Findings:
- The platinum coil placement initially stopped bleeding for two months.
- However, the use of provocative angiography ultimately delayed the definitive diagnosis in this patient.
Implications:
- Provocative angiography is a valuable tool for obscure GI bleeding management.
- Its use should be reserved for cases with negative results from standard imaging studies.
- Caution is advised to prevent diagnostic delays.