Successfully performed video capsule endoscopy in an 8-month-old infant weighing 7.5 kg

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Minimally Invasive Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a standard diagnostic method for small bowel examination.
• Data regarding VCE application in infants, particularly those with complex medical histories, remain limited.
• Small bowel bleeding is a significant concern in infants post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first detailed case of successful PillCam®SB3-VCE in a very young, low-weight infant.
• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of VCE in diagnosing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in infants.
• To assess the utility of VCE in the context of post-HSCT complications.

Main Methods:

• A PillCam®SB3 capsule was endoscopically inserted into the duodenum of an 8-month-old infant (7.5 kg) with suspected small bowel bleeding.
• No bowel preparation or patency capsule testing was performed prior to capsule insertion.
• The procedure was performed due to suspected small bowel bleeding following allogeneic HSCT.

Main Results:

• Video capsule endoscopy successfully identified the source of bleeding in the terminal ileum and cecum.
• The procedure was technically successful without immediate complications.
• The findings guided subsequent clinical management.

Conclusions:

• Video capsule endoscopy can be safely and effectively performed in very young, low-weight infants when clinically indicated for suspected small bowel bleeding.
• Careful consideration of infant-specific anatomical and physiological factors is crucial for successful VCE application.
• VCE represents a valuable tool for diagnosing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in pediatric patients, including those with complex post-transplant conditions.