Related Experiment Videos
[Gastrointestinal bleeding of unknown origin. Experience in 31 cases]
A Tapia1, J Domínguez, L Ibáñez
1Departamento de Cirugía Digestiva, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago.
Revista Medica De Chile
|April 1, 1994
Summary
For obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, radiolabeled erythrocyte scanning and angiography are effective diagnostic tools following standard endoscopies. Repeat procedures aid diagnosis when initial evaluations are inconclusive.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Context:
- Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) presents a diagnostic challenge after negative upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.
- Hematochezia with short duration is a common presentation in patients with OGIB.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the diagnostic yield of various imaging modalities for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.
- To determine the effectiveness of different procedures in identifying the source of GI bleeding.
Summary:
- Radiolabeled erythrocyte scanning (75% effectiveness) and angiography (33% effectiveness) showed higher diagnostic yields compared to small bowel X-ray (14%) and pertechnetate scintigraphy (17%).
- Definitive diagnoses were reached in 8 patients during the first admission and 6 during the second, with small bowel tumors, cecal ulcers, and ileal diverticula being principal etiologies.
- Five patients with recurrent bleeding remained undiagnosed, highlighting the need for persistent diagnostic efforts.
Impact:
- Radiolabeled erythrocyte scanning and angiography are recommended following initial endoscopic evaluations for concealed GI bleeding.
- Repeated diagnostic procedures are crucial for patients not diagnosed during their first admission for OGIB.