Selective embolization for massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding deriving from gastric angiodysplasia

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a significant clinical challenge.
• Endoscopic therapy is the primary treatment for UGIB but has limitations.
• Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) offers a minimally invasive alternative for refractory UGIB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of successful superselective embolization for massive UGIB.
• To highlight TAE as a treatment for gastric angiodysplasia-related bleeding.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of TAE in preventing surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a patient with severe UGIB due to gastric angiodysplasia.
• Successful superselective TAE of the responsible gastric artery.
• Management of hemorrhagic shock and patient recovery.

Main Results:

• The patient achieved complete cessation of bleeding post-embolization.
• Hemorrhagic shock was successfully reversed.
• Avoidance of emergency surgical intervention was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Superselective TAE is a safe and effective treatment for massive UGIB from gastric angiodysplasia.
• TAE can be a life-saving intervention in patients refractory to endoscopic treatment.
• This minimally invasive technique offers a valuable alternative to surgery for complex UGIB cases.