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Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Managed by Interventional Radiology

Anna Maria Ierardi1, Andrea Coppola2, Silvia Tortora3

  • 1Radiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|October 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Trans-arterial embolization (TAE) is a safe and effective treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This procedure demonstrated high technical and clinical success rates in the studied population.

Area of Science:

  • Interventional Radiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a serious complication in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • Understanding patient characteristics and risk factors associated with GIB in COVID-19 is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the technical and clinical success of trans-arterial embolization (TAE) for treating GIB in COVID-19 patients.
  • To assess the safety profile of TAE in this specific patient cohort.
  • To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients experiencing GIB.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 34 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with GIB.
  • Evaluation of patient risk factors, medications for COVID-19, and clinical/biological parameters.
  • Analysis of intraprocedural data and embolization outcomes.

Main Results:

  • GIB was more prevalent in males, with common comorbidities including overweight, hypertension, diabetes, and prior cardiac disease.
  • Many patients had Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and elevated D-dimer levels.
  • Trans-arterial embolization achieved high technical (88.2%) and clinical (94.1%) success rates with a low complication rate (5.9%).

Conclusions:

  • Trans-arterial embolization is a feasible, effective, and safe therapeutic option for managing gastrointestinal bleeding in COVID-19 patients.
  • The study identifies key characteristics of COVID-19 patients susceptible to GIB, aiding in early recognition and intervention.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19GIBembolizationgastrointestinal bleedinginterventional radiologyrisk factors

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