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[A clinical study on the diagnostic value of capsule endoscopy and multiple-detector computer tomography in obscure

Bing-ling Zhang1, Bai-shu Zhong, You-ming Li

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.

Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi
|March 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Capsule endoscopy (CE) offers higher diagnostic yield than multiple-detector computer tomography (MDCT) for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Combining both methods does not improve detection, though MDCT can identify extraintestinal findings.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Diagnostic Endoscopy

Background:

  • Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) presents a diagnostic challenge.
  • Conventional endoscopic methods like gastroscopy and colonoscopy may fail to identify the bleeding source.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the diagnostic efficacy of capsule endoscopy (CE) and multiple-detector computer tomography (MDCT) in patients with OGIB.
  • To assess the added value of combining CE and MDCT for diagnosing OGIB.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 60 patients diagnosed with OGIB after initial negative gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
  • Patients underwent MDCT followed by CE for diagnosis.
  • Diagnostic findings from both CE and MDCT were recorded and compared.

Main Results:

  • Capsule endoscopy identified positive findings in 60.0% of patients, significantly higher than MDCT's 38.3% (P < 0.01).
  • Combined CE and MDCT yielded a 66.7% diagnostic rate, which was not significantly better than CE alone (P > 0.05) but superior to MDCT alone (P < 0.01).
  • MDCT identified additional extraintestinal lesions not detected by CE.

Conclusions:

  • Capsule endoscopy demonstrates superior diagnostic yield compared to MDCT for identifying the source of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • While MDCT can reveal extraintestinal pathology, combining it with CE does not significantly enhance the diagnostic rate for OGIB.
  • Both CE and MDCT are recommended for comprehensive evaluation in patients with OGIB.
Abstract

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