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Background: Fewer studies have been conducted on the diagnostic value of capsule endoscopy, CT enterography and enteroscopy in suspected small bowel bleeding. This study aimed at analyzing the diagnostic and clinical value of capsule endoscopy, CT enterography and enteroscopy for suspected small bowel bleeding. Methods: This retrospective study compared the diagnostic rate and consistency of findings among groups. In addition, diagnostic rates were compared between combined enteroscopy versus uncombined enteroscopy associated with capsule endoscopy or CT enterography, as well as the influencing factors of diagnostic outcomes. The complete enteroscopy rates and diagnostic rates were analyzed for the one-day enteroscopy group and the non-one-day enteroscopy group. Results: There was no significant difference in diagnostic rates between capsule endoscopy (n = 70) and CT enterography (n = 122) (χ2 = 3.334; p = 0.068), while the diagnostic rate of enteroscopy (n = 396) is higher than capsule endoscopy (χ2 = 10.064; p = 0.002) and CT enterography (χ2 = 42.661; p < 0.001). Diagnostic rates were much higher in patients with a successful completion of docking inspection (n = 64) than in undocked patients (n = 60) (85.9% vs 46.7%; p < 0.001), even though these patients still had combined capsule endoscopy or CT enterography. The complete enteroscopy rates (χ2 = 0.364; P = 0.546) and diagnostic rates (χ2 = 2.511; P = 0.113) of enteroscopy in the one-day group (n = 55) were not significantly different from those in the non-one-day group (n = 25). Conclusions: Enteroscopy is the more reliable method of diagnosing suspected small bowel bleeding among enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy and CT enterography. Moreover, uncompleted enteroscopy combined with capsule endoscopy or CT enterography may not yet be a substitute for successful completion of docking enteroscopy in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Deciding which patients with suspected small bowel bleeding (SSB) would benefit most from small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is challenging. Our aim was to perform an external validation of the recently developed SSB Capsule Diagnostic (Dx) score that includes 3 variables (hospital admission with overt bleeding, hemoglobin <6.4 g/dL and age <54 years) and has been shown to be potentially useful in limiting the use of SBCE in SSB low-risk patients. Methods: Retrospectively included all adult patients submitted to SBCE for SSB between November 2007 and December 2019. Patients' demographic, clinical and laboratorial data at the time of SBCE were recorded. Small bowel lesions were classified according to Saurin classification. The SSB Capsule Dx score was calculated, and its calibration and discrimination ability were assessed. Results: We assessed 473 SBCEs for SSB. Patients' mean age was 61.2 ± 17.9 years and 65.8% were female. P2 lesions were present in 36.2% of SBCEs. There was a significant association between the score and P2 lesions (p < 0.001). Mean score was −0.21 ± 0.87 having a fair accuracy toward the outcome (C-statistic 0.700; 95% confidence interval, 0.652–0.749; p < 0.001). A cutoff value of 0 was found to have a high sensitivity (86.0%) and negative predictive value (84.9%) for the diagnosis of P2 lesions at SBCE. Conclusion: Patients with a SSB Capsule Dx score <0 are unlikely to have a significant lesion on SBCE, thus its routine use in the clinical practice may be useful in the identification of low-risk SSB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obscure gastrointestinal bleed (OGIB), now called small bowel bleed (SBB), comprises 5% to 10% of all gastrointestinal (GI) bleed episodes and capsule endoscopy (CE) is a tool for its evaluation. Studies on CE in a large sample of SBB patients from the tropics are limited. Methods: We did a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients with SBB undergoing CE using PillCam or MiroCam CE. Results: Of 350 patients (age 52.4 ± 17.4 years; 248 [70.9%] male) undergoing CE, 243 (69.4%) and 107 (30.6%) had overt and occult SBB, respectively. CE detected lesions in 244 (69.7%) patients (single lesion in 172 [49.1%]; multiple in 72 [20.6%]). The single lesions included vascular malformations (52, 14.9%), ulcer/erosion (47, 13.4%), tumor (24, 6.9%), hookworm (19, 5.4%), stricture (15, 4.3%), hemobilia (1, 0.3%) and blood without identifiable lesion (9, 2.6%). Of 72 with multiple lesions, ulcer with stricture was the commonest finding (n = 43, 12.3%). No abnormality was detected in 106 (30.3%) patients. The frequency of lesion detection was comparable among patients with overt and occult SBB (173/243, 71.2% vs. 71/107, 66.3%, respectively; p = 0.4). Younger patients (0 to 39 years) more often had multiple lesions on CE than the older (≥ 40 years) ones (26/76, 34.2% vs. 46/228, 20.2%, respectively; p = 0.001). Conclusion: CE has a high diagnostic yield in SBB in the tropics, regardless of the type of bleed or of CE brand and the duration of recording. Multiple lesions associated with SBB are commoner among younger (< 40 years) patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study is to assess the diagnostic efficacy of contrast-enhanced CT scans for small bowel bleeding. Methods This retrospective study evaluated patients diagnosed with non-neoplastic small intestinal bleeding (including duodenum) who underwent abdominal CT at our institution from December 2013 to March 2023. Patients were categorized into diverticulum and non-diverticulum groups based on the cause of bleeding. Active bleeding was defined on the CT images as extravasation of contrast material in the intestinal lumen during the arterial phase and/or progressive accumulation of contrast material during the venous phase. We have documented the original report (extracted from the medical record system and additional consultation opinions from senior radiologists), including the presence of active bleeding and its potential bleeding location. Furthermore, two radiologists reassessed the CT images, seeking consensus on the diagnosis between them. Results The study included 165 patients, predominantly male, with a median age of 30 years. Active bleeding was identified in 48.3% of patients. Notably, all identified bleeding diverticula in the diverticulum group exhibited cul-de-sac termination. Among the identified causes of bleeding, Crohn’s disease was most prevalent (46.7%, N of causes = 64). Significant differences were observed in the diagnostic methods between the diverticulum and non-diverticulum groups, with surgery predominantly applied in the diverticulum group, and endoscopy in the non-diverticulum group (n = 49 vs n = 15, p = 0.001). Contrast agent extravasation was significantly higher in the diverticulum group (n = 54 vs n = 16, p = 0.001), and Meckel’s diverticulum cases appearing tubular were significantly higher than in other diverticulum cases (n = 25 vs n = 3, p

Small bowel bleeding (SBB) accounts for 5%-10% of all gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) cases. Several diagnostic modalities in SBB are performed. However, the small bowel is beyond the reach of these diagnostic modalities. A large amount of bleeding in GIB is a key factor leading to a poor prognosis. Appropriate and prompt diagnostic and treatment strategies are needed. Several diagnostic and management algorithms have been proposed. However, the processing of algorithm is complex and frequent mistakes are happened. Because of surgical aspects and sudden or gradual development of hemodynamic instability in SBB, algorithms considering surgical role and treatment have been published. The intra-operative enteroscopy (IOE) is a gold-standard method for detecting lesions in SBB. The primary goal of IOE is to detect specific bleeding focus in SBB. The determining the resection range is the secondary goal. In most cases in SBB, segmental resection is treatment of choice. However, in bleeding distal duodenum from distal to the ampulla of Vater to Treitz ligament, pancreas preserving distal duodenectomy could be performed. In terminal ileum bleeding, after resection of pathologic bowel, the reconstruction option is ileo-colic anastomosis or end enterostomy. Because of frequently developed postoperative morbidity and mortality, post-operative critical care is perfectly fit for an acute care surgeon’s role. Therefore, in the entire management process, an interprofessional team or multidisciplinary approach is critical for improving the quality of care of SBB and decreasing mistakes.

Introduction: Small bowel bleeding is being diagnosed with increasing frequency with the development of capsule endoscopy. Case Presentation: We report a case of lipoma that caused hematochezia in an 80-year-old woman with ischemic heart disease receiving antiplatelet therapy and on hemodialysis for renal failure. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and colonoscopy failed to identify the source of hematochezia. Capsule endoscopy revealed a small bowel tumor, which was removed through laparoscopic surgery without interruption of antiplatelet agents. The small bowel tumor was pathologically diagnosed as a lipoma. There was no recurrence of the hematochezia after surgery. Conclusion: Lipomas could cause hematochezia. With appropriate preoperative testing, comorbidity assessment, and surgical planning, we believe that surgical resection is a safe treatment option for the removal of small bowel lipomas even in patients who are on hemodialysis or are taking antiplatelet agents.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the diagnostic efficacy of contrast-enhanced CT scans for small bowel bleeding. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients diagnosed with non-neoplastic small intestinal bleeding (including duodenum) who underwent abdominal CT at our institution from December 2013 to March 2023. Patients were categorized into diverticulum and non-diverticulum groups based on the cause of bleeding. Active bleeding was defined on the CT images as extravasation of contrast material in the intestinal lumen during the arterial phase and/or progressive accumulation of contrast material during the venous phase. We have documented the original report (extracted from the medical record system and additional consultation opinions from senior radiologists), including the presence of active bleeding and its potential bleeding location. Furthermore, two radiologists reassessed the CT images, seeking consensus on the diagnosis between them. Results: The study included 165 patients, predominantly male, with a median age of 30 years. Active bleeding was identified in 48.3% of patients. Notably, all identified bleeding diverticula in the diverticulum group exhibited cul-de-sac termination. Among the identified causes of bleeding, Crohn's disease was most prevalent (46.7%, N of causes = 64). Significant differences were observed in the diagnostic methods between the diverticulum and non-diverticulum groups, with surgery predominantly applied in the diverticulum group, and endoscopy in the non-diverticulum group (n = 49 vs n = 15, p = 0.001). Contrast agent extravasation was significantly higher in the diverticulum group (n = 54 vs n = 16, p = 0.001), and Meckel's diverticulum cases appearing tubular were significantly higher than in other diverticulum cases (n = 25 vs n = 3, p < 0.001). Conclusion: CT allows for a higher detection rate of diverticular bleeding, even if asymptomatic, guiding classification into multiple potentially clinically relevant categories. Critical relevance statement: Contrast-enhanced CT imaging is effective in determining the location and cause of non-neoplastic small bowel bleeding, especially diverticular bleeding. Therefore, the use of enhanced CT should be prioritized in the diagnosis and management of small bowel bleeding. Key Points: CT has potential value in the diagnosis of small bowel bleeding. CT imaging suggests possible surgical intervention for active bleeding detection. CT diagnoses and localizes small bowel bleeding, aiding in treatment and prioritizing in guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well known to cause ulcers and bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, several studies to date have demonstrated that NSAIDs may also cause ulcers in the lower gastrointestinal tract, or the bowel, resulting in small bowel bleeding. The diagnosis and management of bleeding in the small bowel region pose a significant challenge. Here, we present the case of a 30-year-old female who presented to the hospital with lower gastrointestinal bleeding after taking an NSAID for a prolonged period. The results of all investigations, including computed tomography angiography, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, and digital subtraction angiography, were negative. The patient was transferred to the operating room for an on-table colonoscopy and surgical intervention because of continuous bleeding and hemodynamic instability. During the operation, a suspected bleeding site was located in the terminal ileum, leading to the resection of the small bowel, which revealed ulcerative lesions. NSAIDs are believed to have caused the ulcer in this patient, as evidenced by all the available information, including the pathological results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower digestive tract bleeding occurs distal to the angle of Treitz. While many cases remit spontaneously; some pose a diagnostic challenge for surgeons. We present the case of a 68-year-old man with unexplained digestive tract bleeding. Despite various diagnostic efforts, the source remained unknown. Faced with the challenge of persistent bleeding and hemodynamic instability, surgery became necessary. During the procedure, intraoperative angiography with indocyanine green was used to facilitate the identification of the bleeding site, revealing a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the small bowel. Resection was performed with favorable outcomes. Indocyanine green staining has become popular for locating intestinal bleeding during emergency surgeries, aiding surgeons in making precise decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract can contribute to the development of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among individuals without another obvious source of bleeding. In order to identify patients most likely to benefit from examination of the small bowel, our aim was to create a risk score for positive video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in IDA utilizing a multicenter collection of studies. Methods: We performed a retrospective multicenter study utilizing VCE studies performed for an indication of IDA between 1/1/2005 and 7/31/2018. VCE findings were graded based on the P0–P2 grading system. The primary outcome of interest was a positive (P2) VCE. Data were analyzed with Student's t test for continuous variables and the Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Logistic regression was used to identify independent associations with positive VCE. Results: In total, 765 VCE procedures were included with 355 (46.5%) male subjects and a median age of 63.2 (SD 15.3) years. One hundred ninety studies (24.8%) were positive (P2) for small bowel bleeding. Four variables associated with positive VCE which were incorporated into a point scoring system: (+) 1 for age ≥ 66 years, active smoking and cardiac arrythmia and (−) 1 for preceding hemoglobin level ≥ 8.5. The risk probabilities for positive VCE-assigned scores − 1, 0, 1, and 2 + were 12.3% (95% CI 7.3–17.3%), 20% (14.9–25.1%), 34.8% (28.6–41%), and 39% (30–47.8%). Conclusion: In order to improve the diagnostic yield of capsule examinations, risk factors should be applied to clinical decision-making. We created a risk score for positive VCE in IDA, including the risk factors of age, smoking, history of cardiac arrythmia, and preceding hemoglobin level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small bowel bleeding that does not respond to conservative therapy requires surgical resection. However, identifying the bleeding sites intraoperatively is challenging. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging improves diagnosis of small bowel bleeding and surgical decision-making by visualizing blood flow. Herein, we reported two cases of small bowel bleeding that were successfully treated by using ICG to identify the bleeding sites and determine the extent of small bowel resection. The patients were a 46-year-old and a 75-year-old woman, both of whom presented with melena. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and arteriography confirmed small bowel bleeding, and rebleeding occurred in both patients after transcatheter arterial embolization. Emergent surgeries were performed, and intraoperative selective angiography with ICG injections was conducted to identify obscure bleeding sites. ICG fluorescence identified all bleeding sites in both cases, and small bowel resections were successfully performed. The postoperative courses were uneventful, and both patients had a favorable postoperative course without recurrence of bleeding. ICG fluorescence imaging can safely identify the sites of intestinal bleeding and determine the appropriate extent of bowel resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the global increase in life expectancy, there is an increase in gastrointestinal presentations in the elderly. Small bowel bleeding (SBB) is a cause of significant morbidity in the elderly requiring multiple hospital visits, investigations, and potentially expensive therapy. In this review, we will outline the different modalities which are used for the diagnosis and management of SBB. We will also discuss the common causes of SBB in the elderly. SBB in elderly has a significant impact on the quality of life of the elderly. Larger randomized studies in the elderly are urgently required to help guide clinicians on the best and most cost-effective treatment algorithm in this challenging cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suspected small bowel bleeding (SSBB) is called obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) in the early stage, and it is defined as obscure overt or occult bleeding, which persists or recurs after the initial negative two-way endoscopic examination, including colonoscopy and gastroscopy, accounting for about 5%～10% of gastrointestinal bleeding. With the development of small bowel imaging techniques, including video capsule endoscopy (VCE),angiography and device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE),most patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding can recognize bleeding from the small bowel. Therefore, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and American Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Guidelines (ASGE) point out that after gastroscopy and colonoscopy are negative, it is appropriate to use SSBB instead of OGIB. However, because of the particularity of the physiological structure of the small bowel, it was once called "the human black box", so the diagnosis and treatment of SSBB is still a challenge for gastroenterologists. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the diagnosis methods of SSBB,in order to provide reference for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding undergo small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE), but often return for recurrent bleeding or anemia. The RHEMITT score evaluates patients based on 7 variables (heart failure, chronic kidney disease, Saurin P1/P2 lesions, major bleeding, incomplete SBCE, smoking status, and endoscopic treatment) and seeks to predict the risk of rebleeding. Aims: This study aims to perform an external validation of the RHEMITT score in the United States. Methods: SBCEs performed to evaluate anemia or GI bleeding from a tertiary-care center's PillCam database between 1/22/2018 and 7/21/2020 were reviewed. Variables based on the RHEMITT score were collected. The primary outcome was rebleeding, defined as (1) melena or hematochezia or (2) hemoglobin drop of 2 g/dL. Patient were categorized into low, intermediate, and high-risk categories based on RHEMITT score. The accuracy of the RHEMITT score for predicting rebleeding was assessed. Results: A total of 361 SBCEs were included in the study. Age, indication for SBCE, endoscopic treatment, antiplatelet use, cirrhosis, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and major bleeding were significantly associated with risk of rebleed (p < 0.05). Each increasing risk category for the RHEMITT score predicted increased probability of this study's primary outcome, rebleeding (p < 0.001). There was a significant association between RHEMITT risk category and rebleeding-free survival (log-rank p < 0.001). An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the RHEMITT score was 0.790 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings validate the RHEMITT score and confirm acceptable performance for predicting rebleeding at a tertiary referral center in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enteroscopy plays an important role in the management of small bowel bleeding. However, current guidelines are not specifically designed for small bowel bleeding and recommendations from different international societies do not always align. Consequently, there is heterogeneity in the definitions of clinical entities, clinical practice policies, and adherence to guidelines among clinicians. This represents an obstacle to providing the best patient care and to obtain homogeneous data for clinical research. The aims of the study were to establish a consensus on the definitions of bleeding entities and on the role of enteroscopy in the management of small bowel bleeding using a Delphi process. A core group of eight experts in enteroscopy identified five main topics of small bowel bleeding management and drafted statements on each topic. An expert panel of nine gastroenterologists participated in three rounds of the Delphi process, together with the core group. A total of 33 statements were approved after three rounds of Delphi voting. This Delphi consensus proposes clear definitions and a unifying strategy to standardize the management of small bowel bleeding. Furthermore, it provides a useful guide in daily practice for both clinical and technical issues of enteroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence for an urgent approach to ongoing overt suspected small-bowel bleeding (SSBB) is scarce. We aimed to analyze our series of urgent small-bowel capsule endoscopies (SBCEs) for ongoing overt SSBB and to identify factors associated with positive findings and outcomes. A retrospective study of all SBCEs performed in the first 48 h after admission for overt SSBB between January 2006 and February 2022 was performed. Descriptive and inferential analyses (univariate and multivariable) were performed. Eighty-three urgent SBCEs were performed for overt SSBB. Patients were mostly men (69.2%, median age 68) and were followed for a median of 58.2 months (range 5–176). The diagnostic yield was 80.7%; in 60.2%, blood was detected in the small bowel (SB), while in 50.6%, a bleeding lesion was identified, mostly angioectasia. Patients with diabetes mellitus or taking NSAIDs were more prone to present SB findings, yet the explanatory power was low. Endoscopic or surgical treatments were performed in 28.9% and 19.3%, respectively, with the "non-conservative" therapeutic yield being 56.6%. Rebleeding occurred in 20.5% and was associated in the multivariable analysis with the female gender and anticoagulants use. This cohort of urgent SBCE, the largest from a European center, reinforces the usefulness of SBCE for ongoing overt SSBB management. This prompt performance of this procedure is highly effective, regardless of patients' features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims Among all patients presenting with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, small bowel bleeding is relatively unusual representing only 5-10%. In spite of recent advances in small bowel imaging, diagnosis of a small bowel bleeding source remains challenging especially in life-threatening bleeding scenario. Early recognition of the disease, together with appropriate evaluation and prompt management can lead to favorable outcomes. We reported a case of patient presented with brisk active lower GI bleeding leading to urgent surgery. Case Presentation A 44-year-old male was hospitalized due to fainting after passing maroon stool for several times. Although his vital signs are stable, laboratory investigations revealed that he was suffered from severe anemia with hemoglobin level of 7.6 g/dL. Even after receiving lots of blood components, his serial hematocrit was still persistently remained at 21-25%, brisk active GI bleeding was diagnosed. The upper and lower endoscopic examination were undiagnosed. A multiphasic contrast tomography angiography (CTA) of the abdomen was performed and detected a 6 x 5 cm exophytic inhomogeneous mass at proximal jejunum suspected to be the source of bleeding. Patient underwent urgent surgery aiming to total resection of the mass. The histopathological result showed a margin-free spindle cell tumor with immunohistochemistry compatible with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Conclusion A jejunal GIST is a rare neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. Although small bowel GISTs are commonly presented with GI bleeding, brisk or massive bleeding is rarely reported and poses a diagnostic challenging. Early diagnosis and promptly urgent surgery will result in an excellent outcome [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) has become the accepted evaluation of choice for patients with suspected small bowel bleeding. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of early as compared to delayed inpatient VCE on post-index hospitalization readmission rates. Methods: We performed a retrospective study using medical claims from the IBM® Marketscan® Commercial Database from January 1, 2004, through September 30, 2018, including adult patients that underwent an inpatient VCE. Early VCE was defined as occurring on days 0, 1, or 2 of the index hospitalizations, whereas delayed VCE was performed on days 3–7. Propensity matching was performed to create an analytic cohort, and outcomes were assessed using logistic regression. Results: Following propensity score matching, 607 patients undergoing early VCE were matched 1:1 with 607 patients undergoing delayed VCE. The median patient age was 65 (IQR: 56–78) years, and 560 (37.9%) of the included patients were female. The mean time to VCE was 1.6 (± 0.6) days for the early VCE group and 4.0 (± 1.2) days from admission for delayed VCE. In unadjusted comparisons, we found no significant difference between early VCE and delayed VCE with respect to 90-day all-cause readmission (18.6% vs. 17.0%, P = 0.5) or 90-day rebleeding risk (10.5% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.331). Patients undergoing an early VCE had a shorter hospital LOS and less total hospitalization charges. Conclusion: Early as compared to delayed inpatient VCE was associated with a reduction in index hospitalization resource utilization. No differences were found with respect to reductions in readmissions or rebleeding events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term “obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding” is often replaced by “small bowel bleeding” by some authors. It accounts to 5%–10% of overall GI bleeding. We need to suspect obscure or small bowel bleeding when no source of bleeding is identified during routine standard endoscopy and colonoscopy. Video capsule endoscopy (VCE), balloon enteroscopy, spiral enteroscopy, etc., are some of the advances in small bowel evaluation that have improved the ability to detect the source of bleeding. The common causes in patients with 40 or more years of age are Angioectasia, Dieulafoy's lesions, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcers, and neoplasm. Black tarry stools with characteristic smell (melena) and/or passing of red blood from rectum (hematochezia) is the most common presentation. Routine performance of second look endoscopy is not always a cost-effective approach. The current available evidence is sufficient to suggest VCE as the first endoscopic investigation in diagnosis of obscure GI bleeding. In routine clinical practice the double balloon enteroscopy, single balloon enteroscopy, and spiral enteroscopy are the three different armamentariums available for evaluating small bowel. Motorized spiral enteroscopy (power spiral) is the new addition to it. Patients in whom the source of bleeding is not identified after appropriate small bowel evaluation should be initially managed conservatively with oral or intravenous iron therapy (strong recommendation). Medical management with iron supplements, somatostatin analogs, or antiangiogenic treatment should be administered to the patients with persistent and recurrent bleeding. The evaluation of small bowel in patients with obscure GI bleeding is a challenging task. There is a huge data on each of the modality involved in investigating small bowel. Systematic review of the topic is need of the hour to help understand the concept of diagnosis and management of obscure GI bleeding.

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasias (GIADs) are the most common causes for suspected small bowel bleeding. Fifty percent of GIADs do not need treatment due to bleeding cessation, while 45% have high re-bleeding rates, that significantly impact patient outcome and health resource utilization. We suspected that this high re-bleeding rate occurs because not all lesions are detected with present standard of care. This study evaluates whether device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) utilizing the Endocuff (EC) device could improve GIAD detection. A retrospective chart review of a prospective data collection was performed from January 2006 to December 2018 at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System (VALLHCS) on both inpatients and outpatients referred for active and chronic suspected small bowel bleeding. The patients were initially monitored for bleeding lesions via video capsule endoscopy (VCE) after negative upper and lower endoscopy. GIADs observed between 0% to 40% small bowel transit time (SBTT) were referred for push enteroscopy (PE) with and without (±) the EC device. Twenty-five consecutive patients underwent PE ± EC. No patient had VCE done after PE ± EC. Using PE-EC, GIADs were detected in 9 of 25 (36%) of patients. Importantly, PE+EC detected GIADs in 23 of 25 (92%) patients. The sum of GIADs detected without EC was 26 ± 0.06 vs. 112 ± 0.2 using EC. The average detection rate for PE without EC was significantly lower (1.04 ± 0.06, mean ± SE) as compared to PE with EC (4.48 ± 0.23, mean ± SE, p<0.0005). Additionally, a positive correlation (r=0.51) between capsule enteroscopy (CE) location of GIADs and SBTT was found. The EC device increases the detection of GIADs in the proximal small bowel. We also reconfirm that the location of bleeding GIADs are within the reach of the push enteroscope (PE). Finally, PE + EC may also reduce GIAD miss rates, which may play a role in the reduction of re-bleeding episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Angiodysplasia of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare vascular pathology that sometimes causes massive hemorrhage. Angiodysplasias are particularly difficult to find in the small intestine for anatomical reasons, often impeding their diagnosis and treatment. Lesion localization is a major challenge in cases of small bowel bleeding requiring surgical intervention. Case presentation The present case was a 52-year-old woman who was urgently hospitalized with repeated tarry stools. Surgical intervention was chosen after conservative treatment failed to improve her condition. The source of bleeding was suspected to be a vascular lesion discovered in the small intestine during a past double-balloon endoscopy. Abdominal contrast computed tomography revealed a jejunal hemorrhage. We chose selective arterial embolization to stabilize her hemodynamics followed by surgical intervention as her treatment plan. Several embolic and contrast agents (cyanoacrylate, indigo carmine, and Lipiodol) were combined to help identify the location of the lesion during surgery. This multi-pronged approach allowed us to localize the lesion under laparoscopic guidance with high confidence and accuracy, and to excise a 6-cm segment of the small intestine. The lesion was histologically diagnosed as angiodysplasia. No re-bleeding has been observed since the operation. Conclusion We report our experience with a case of jejunal angiodysplasia, which was localized with selective arterial embolization using an array of embolic and contrast agents, and then excised laparoscopically. Selective arterial embolization with indigo carmine dye to treat small bowel bleeding preoperatively not only makes the surgery safer by stabilizing the patient’s hemodynamics, but is also very useful for localizing the lesion intraoperatively.

The small bowel had long been considered a dark unapproachable tunnel until the invention of capsule endoscopy and doubleballoon enteroscopy in the 21st century, which revolutionized the diagnosis and management of small bowel diseases, including bleeding. Various imaging modalities such as computed tomographic enterography, angiography, capsule endoscopy, and balloonassisted enteroscopy play vital roles in the diagnosis and management of small bowel bleeding. The choice of modality to use and timing of application differ according to the availability of the modalities, patient’s history, and physician’s experience. Small bowel bleeding is managed using different strategies as exemplified by medical treatment, interventional radiology, endoscopic therapy, or surgical intervention. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy enables endoscopic interventions to control small bowel bleeding, including electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, clip application, and tattooing as a prelude to surgery. In this article, we clarify the recent approaches to the optimal diagnosis and management of patients with small bowel bleeding.

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, arising from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct. MD contains all layers of the intestinal wall and often remains asymptomatic. Gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, and acute diverticulitis occur in a few cases. Risk factors for symptomatic MD include male sex, age < 50 years, diverticula > 2 cm, and the presence of ectopic tissue. We present a case report of a 61-year-old male presenting with acute abdominal pain and signs of small bowel obstruction. CT imaging revealed intestinal obstruction. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, and an internal hernia caused by an MD adherent to the retroperitoneum was found. A segmental small bowel resection with ileo-ileal anastomosis was performed. Histological examination confirmed MD with ectopic gastric tissue. Management of MD should be guided by patient age, diverticulum characteristics, and histological features. This case highlights MD as a potential etiology for acute small bowel obstruction in patients without prior abdominal surgeries. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for MD in atypical presentations and tailor management to individual risk factors and intraoperative findings., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Viveiros et al.)

Lymphangiomas are benign lymphatic system abnormalities that can appear anywhere on the skin and mucous membranes. Lymphangiomas are caused by congenital or acquired lymphatic system disorders. In the congenital form, although the cause is unknown it is said that it is formed by the incorrect attachment of lymphatic channels to the main lymphatic drainage duct before the age of 5 years. lymphangiectasia as a subgroup of lymphangioma occurs seldom in the small bowel, especially in adults. If that happens, protein-losing enteropathy will be the most common presenting sign. In the present study, we introduce a case of a 40-year-old man without a history of any congenital or acquired diseases who was admitted to the emergency room due to long-lasting obscure overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Normal upper and lower GI endoscopies were suggestive of GI bleeding originating from the small intestine. Despite receiving iron supplements, he continued to have melena and remained anemic. Further evaluation of the small intestine by deep enteroscopy revealed multiple white spots histologically consistent with dilated lymphatics. Intestinal lymphangiectasia was eventually introduced to be the final diagnosis of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Small bowel bleeding is an uncommon cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, which may require different management. Case Presentation A 37‐year‐old man presenting with hematochezia was promptly diagnosed with small bowel bleeding by computed tomography angiography. Transcatheter arterial embolization was carried out because the patient's hemodynamic status deteriorated. Hemostasis was achieved by embolization with imipenem/cilastatin, although superselective embolization failed. Capsule endoscopy revealed multiple ulcers and erosions. Drug‐induced small bowel injury was suspected to be the cause of small bowel bleeding. Conclusion Computed tomography angiography can facilitate the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Considering transcatheter arterial embolization and choosing an optimal embolic agent depending on the situation are important in the management of hemodynamically unstable patients.

Suspected small bowel bleeding (SSBB) is the main indication for videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE). We assessed the impact of both modalities in a large cohort of SSBB patients in a European tertiary center. We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with SSBB undergoing VCE and/or DBE from March 2001 to July 2020. Demographic/clinical parameters, anticoagulant therapies, technical characteristics and adverse events were collected, as well as diagnostic yield (DY), VCE–DBE concordance, hemoglobin (Hb) values before and after DBE, and complications. 807 VCEs and 407 DBEs were performed in 751 patients. The DY was significantly higher in DBE compared with VCE (68.8% vs 57.7%), with the highest (75%) yield for overt active SB bleeding. The agreement between VCE and DBE was generally suboptimal (k = 0.059). This improved in cases where both procedures were done within 1–5 days of the other (k = 0.323). Post-procedural Hb values were significantly higher. In patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), there were no differences in DY, complications or Hb values compared with non-DOAC patients. VCE and DBE play a pivotal role in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to SSBB, having a high clinical impact even in patients treated with DOACs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding" is often replaced by "small bowel bleeding" by some authors. It accounts to 5%–10% of overall GI bleeding. We need to suspect obscure or small bowel bleeding when no source of bleeding is identified during routine standard endoscopy and colonoscopy. Video capsule endoscopy (VCE), balloon enteroscopy, spiral enteroscopy, etc., are some of the advances in small bowel evaluation that have improved the ability to detect the source of bleeding. The common causes in patients with 40 or more years of age are Angioectasia, Dieulafoy's lesions, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcers, and neoplasm. Black tarry stools with characteristic smell (melena) and/or passing of red blood from rectum (hematochezia) is the most common presentation. Routine performance of second look endoscopy is not always a cost-effective approach. The current available evidence is sufficient to suggest VCE as the first endoscopic investigation in diagnosis of obscure GI bleeding. In routine clinical practice the double balloon enteroscopy, single balloon enteroscopy, and spiral enteroscopy are the three different armamentariums available for evaluating small bowel. Motorized spiral enteroscopy (power spiral) is the new addition to it. Patients in whom the source of bleeding is not identified after appropriate small bowel evaluation should be initially managed conservatively with oral or intravenous iron therapy (strong recommendation). Medical management with iron supplements, somatostatin analogs, or antiangiogenic treatment should be administered to the patients with persistent and recurrent bleeding. The evaluation of small bowel in patients with obscure GI bleeding is a challenging task. There is a huge data on each of the modality involved in investigating small bowel. Systematic review of the topic is need of the hour to help understand the concept of diagnosis and management of obscure GI bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To consider the possibility of the diagnosis of a rare small bowel tumour complicated by small bowel obstruction and small bowel bleeding, as well as the surgical treatment of this pathology using a minimally invasive surgical approach.Results and discussion. The authors present a clinical case of associated complication of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) of the small intestine in a 48-year-old patient. The patient was admitted to a surgical clinic with small bowel obstruction, episodes of intestinal bleeding and anaemia. The diagnosis was determined using CT enterography. In line with the current trends for minimally invasive surgery, minimally invasive laparotomy was performed drawing on the CT mapping of the anterior abdominal wall. The last stage involved in the morphological verification of GIST, which employs a standard procedure of IHC testing, revealed a malignant GIST, spindle cell variant. The verified histotype of a small intestinal tumour provides the opportunity to choose the necessary variant of adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as to improve general and relapse-free survival.Conclusion. Minimally invasive operations can be performed in the complicated course of GIST due to the biological properties of this pathology (absence of lymphogenic metastasis and infiltrative growth) without decreasing five-year survival rate. The use of CT helps make a topical diagnosis and plan minimally invasive surgical treatment.

Small bowel bleeding (SBB) accounts for 5-10% of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding and its association is unusual in patients with histoplasmosis. The incidence of gastrointestinal histoplasmosis is unknown since only 3-12% present symptoms, predominantly in immunocompromised patients. However, in immunocompetent hosts, it is reported only in 0.05% of cases. A clinical case of an immunocompetent patient with massive SBB, Grade IV hypovolemic shock associated with systemic histoplasmosis and treated with intestinal resection and amphotericin B is hereby discussed.

We have previously revealed the clinical factors and genetic polymorphisms associated with gastrointestinal mucosal injury and bleeding, induced by low-dose aspirin (LDA). After performing genome-wide analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters (DMET) system among drug metabolism and transporter genes, certain SNPs were found to increase the risk for LDA-induced small bowel bleeding. The aim of this study was to identify the SNPs involved in LDA-induced small bowel bleeding. Subjects were patients taking LDA, with small bowel bleeding diagnosed using capsule endoscopy. We investigated the clinical characteristics and the previously identified SNPs, that were examined by the DNA direct sequence method. 56 patients with bleeding and 410 controls taking LDA were enrolled. The risk factors associated with small bowel bleeding included smoking, cerebrovascular diseases, chronic renal failure, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or anticoagulants combination, and two SNPs (CYP4F11 20043G>A (D446N) rs1060463, GSTP1 313A>G rs1695). After propensity score matching, GSTP1 rs1695 was significantly associated with small bowel bleeding. The GSTP1 SNP may be a predictive marker for small bowel bleeding among patients taking LDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) provides both diagnosis and treatment in overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the rebleeding rate after DBE.Methods: This retrospective review was conducted between January 2006 and July 2018, 166 patients with overt OGIB who underwent DBE were enrolled. Therapeutic intervention was defined as endoscopic treatment, embolization, or surgery. Primary outcome was rebleeding rate after DBE. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on their DBE; (1) positive DBE requiring therapeutic intervention (G1), (2) positive DBE without therapeutic intervention required (G2) and (3) negative DBE (G3). Cumulative incidence of rebleeding was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression was used to assess the association of DBE with rebleeding risk. This study was approved by our Institutional Review Board.Results: Sixty-eight patients (41%) were categorized in G1, 34 patients (20%) in G2 and 64 patients (39%) in G3. Overall rebleeding occurred in 24 patients (15%). The cumulative incidence of rebleeding for G1 was the lowest. The 1-year and 2-year cumulative probability of developing rebleeding after DBE in G1 were 3.5% and 3.5%, 8.2% and 14.0% in G2, and 18.2% and 20.6% in G3, respectively (p = 0.02). After adjusting for bleeding severity and comorbidities, patients with positive DBE requiring therapeutic intervention had a significantly lower rate of rebleeding when compared with patients who did not receive intervention (hazard ratio 0.17; 95% CI 0.03-0.90).Conclusion: DBE-guided therapeutic intervention was associated with a lower risk of rebleeding when compared with those with negative and positive DBE without therapeutic intervention. One-fifth of patients with overt OGIB had false negative after DBE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although small bowel bleeding is relatively rare, it is a potentially fatal disease, and its diagnosis still faces challenges. Technetium 99m-labeled red blood cell computed single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography ( 99m Tc-RBC SPECT/CT) and contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) are common imaging methods for diagnosing small bowel bleeding, but there have been no studies comparing their diagnostic efficacy for this purpose. This study aims to compare the diagnostic value of 99m Tc-RBC SPECT/CT and contrast-enhanced MDCT for small bowel bleeding., Methods: A total of 44 patients (30 males and 14 females, median age of 64 years) definitively diagnosed with small bowel bleeding and 15 non-small bowel bleeding patients (8 males and 7 females, median age of 66 years) were consecutively included in this study. All patients underwent 99m Tc-RBC SPECT/CT and contrast-enhanced MDCT examinations at Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University between January 2020 to September 2023. The definitive diagnosis had been made through surgery or colonoscopy, or through patient history, patient management, and clinical follow-up. We collected clinical data of the participants. 99m Tc-RBC SPECT/CT and contrast-enhanced MDCT were reviewed in a blinded fashion for accuracy of detection of active bleeding as well as the active small bowel bleeding location., Results: Among the 59 patients, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 99m Tc-RBC SPECT were 27.3%, 93.3%, and 92.3%; for 99m Tc-RBC SPECT/CT they were 76.3%, 40.5%, and 93.3%; whereas for contrast-enhanced MDCT they were 45.8%, 27.3%, and 100%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of 99m Tc-RBC SPECT/CT for jejunal and ileal bleeding was high, at 100% and 86.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, 99m Tc-RBC SPECT/CT had a higher accuracy in diagnosing more causes of small bowel bleeding. In 59 patients, the combination of 99m Tc-RBC SPECT/CT and contrast-enhanced MDCT accurately diagnosed small bowel bleeding and provided precise localization in 50 patients, resulting in the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 84.7%, 79.5%, and 100.0%, respectively., Conclusions: 99m Tc-RBC SPECT/CT has high diagnostic value in diagnosing small bowel bleeding and is superior to 99m Tc-RBC SPECT and contrast-enhanced MDCT. The combination of 99m Tc-RBC SPECT/CT and contrast-enhanced MDCT can further improve the diagnostic accuracy of diagnosis, and can accurately guide the diagnosis and treatment of small bowel bleeding., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://qims.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/qims-24-715/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Gastrointestinal (GI) angiodysplasia is a rare cause of lower GI bleeding in the paediatric population. This disease caused intermittent per-rectal bleeding and severe anemia in 2-year-old girl with Turner's syndrome. She was initially suspected to have Meckel's diverticulum and taken to the operation room for laparoscopy. A Meckel's diverticula was not found but an extensive distribution of abnormal vessels on the surface of the small bowel was noted from close to the duodeno-jejunal junction to the terminal ileum. GI angiodysplasia was suspected but the lesion was too extensive to be resected. It was also not clear if any specific area was the source of the current bleeding. After conversion to open surgery, an enterotomy was done in the mid portion of the affected bowel and an on table enteroscopy was done. This revealed a normal mucosal lining in the visualized areas and so was not contributory. Prior to closure of the enterotomy a doughnut of bowel was taken for histopathology. This confirmed small bowel angiodysplasia. She had one minor recurrence of lower GI bleeding 4 months later but has been well since then. This case sheds light on angiodysplasia as a cause of lower GI bleeding and we discuss its diagnostic and management options.

Background: Small bowel endoscopy, including small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) and balloon‐assisted endoscopy (BAE), is useful for small bowel bleeding (SBB) assessment. However, the specific management strategy for overt SBB is not well established. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the pooled diagnostic yields (DYs) and therapeutic yields (TYs) of small bowel endoscopy in overt SBB and to determine the optimal endoscopy timing. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed of studies examining the DY and/or TY of small bowel endoscopy in overt SBB. Data on the DY, TY, and timing of small bowel endoscopy were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. The pooled DY and TY of small bowel endoscopy for patients with overt SBB were calculated. Meta‐regression and subgroup analysis were performed. Results: Twenty‐two studies were included. The pooled DY was 65.2% and 74.0% for SBCE and BAE, respectively. The pooled TY of SBCE and BAE was 55.9% and 35.8%, respectively. A meta‐regression model showed that the timing of endoscopy was significantly associated with the DY of BAE and the TY of SBCE and BAE. Conclusions: Small bowel capsule endoscopy and BAE would be useful diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in overt SBB. According to the subgroup analysis, in which the TY seemed to be higher within 2 days after bleeding for SBCE and BAE, the optimal timing of endoscopy would be within 2 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small bowel had long been considered a dark unapproachable tunnel until the invention of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy in the 21st century, which revolutionized the diagnosis and management of small bowel diseases, including bleeding. Various imaging modalities such as computed tomographic enterography, angiography, capsule endoscopy, and balloon assisted enteroscopy play vital roles in the diagnosis and management of small bowel bleeding. The choice of modality to use and timing of application differ according to the availability of the modalities, patient’s history, and physician’s experience. Small bowel bleeding is managed using different strategies as exemplified by medical treatment, interventional radiology, endoscopic therapy, or surgical intervention. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy enables endoscopic interventions to control small bowel bleeding, including electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, clip application, and tattooing as a prelude to surgery. In this article, we clarify the recent approaches to the optimal diagnosis and management of patients with small bowel bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia complicated by telangiectasia and small bowel bleeding," discusses a rare case of telangiectasia and small bowel bleeding in a patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Telangiectasia is a condition characterized by abnormal capillary dilation, while small bowel bleeding is a serious condition with a high fatality rate. CMML is a rare disease primarily seen in elderly patients and is characterized by leukemic dysplasia and monocyte proliferation. The article presents a case study of a 76-year-old male who experienced intermittent melena and underwent surgical treatment. The patient had a genetic mutation in the ASXL gene and ultimately died one year after surgery. The article emphasizes the importance of diagnosing and differentiating small bowel bleeding with CMML from other hematological diseases to avoid confusion and misdiagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

The article is dedicated to the results of complex diagnostics and treatment (including the new methods of enteroscopy) of gastrointestinal bleeding with unknown source. From 14.02.2007 to 19.04.2017 the source of bleeding was revealed in 173 (82,7%) of 209 patients, including small bowel bleeding in 154 (89,0%) patients. The most frequent sources of bleeding were vessel malformations in 39,6% of patients and small bowel tumors in 30,5% of patients. Endoscopic treatment was performed in 32 (21,7%) cases, surgical treatment - in 41 (27,9%) cases, conservative treatment - in 74 (50,4%) cases.

Balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) is an important diagnostic modality for ongoing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). However, it is difficult to determine the optimal insertion route. We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients with OGIB contained in a multicenter enteroscopy database of 1108 balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) procedures (875 patients) to find out factors affecting BAE route selection in patients with OGIB. A total of 603 BAE procedures in 512 patients were investigated: there were 392 (65.0%) bidirectional and 211 (35.0%) unidirectional procedures. Overt OGIB was more frequent in the latter group (p = 0.024). Computed tomography (CT) was more frequently performed in the unidirectional group (p < 0.001). Capsule endoscopy and a small bowel barium study were performed more frequently in the bidirectional group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.039, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that occult OGIB, capsule endoscopy and a small bowel barium study were independently associated with use of the bidirectional approach (p = 0.011, p = 0.013 and p = 0.046, respectively). Conversely, CT was associated with use of the unidirectional approach (p < 0.001). Conclusion: CT can aid the selection of an optimal insertion route in OGIB patients. However, capsule endoscopy and small bowel barium study are unhelpful.

Massive hematochezia caused by a small bowel lesion is a rare entity. Currently, video capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy are effective in identifying the source of small intestine bleeding. Herein, we report a case of small bowel bleeding caused by a nonmucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma with ileal invasion which was detected by video capsule endoscopy and single-balloon endoscopy. Despite the advanced disease stage with hepatic and peritoneal metastases, as of September 2016 the patient has had 8 years’ disease-free survival after surgical resection and chemotherapy.

Background: Small bowel bleeding accounts for 5–10% of all gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite advances in imaging, endoscopy and minimally invasive therapeutic techniques, its diagnosis and treatment remains a challenge and a standardized algorithm for approaching suspected small bowel bleeding remains elusive. Furthermore, the choice of investigation is subject to timing of presentation and accessibility to investigations. The aim of this study was to construct a narrative review of recent literature surrounding the diagnosis and management of small bowel bleeding.Methods: A literature review was conducted examining the database pubmed with the following key words and Boolean operators: occult GI bleed OR mesenteric bleed OR gastrointestinal hemorrhage OR GI hemorrhage AND management. Articles were selected and reviewed based on relevance to the research topic. Where necessary, the full text was sought to further assess relevance.Results: In overt GI bleeding, CT angiography and red cell scintigraphy are both feasible and reliable diagnostic imaging modalities if standard endoscopy is negative. Red cell scintigraphy may be advantageous through detection of lower bleeding rates but it is subject to availability. Overt bleeding and a positive CT angiogram or red cell scan improves the diagnostic yield of formal angiography ± embolization. Video capsule endoscopy or double balloon endoscopy can be considered in occult GI bleeding following normal upper and lower endoscopy.Conclusions: Small bowel bleeding remains a rare but significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Technological advances in diagnostics have aided evaluation but have not broadened the range of therapeutic interventions.

We report a case of a 76-year-old female presenting with intermittent obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding originating from the small intestine secondary to a delayed complication related to mesh hernioplasty. The mesh was eroding into the small bowel causing intermittent transfusion-dependent GI bleeding. Multiple upper and lower endoscopic investigations were sought over the last two years, but they were noncontributory. Finally, video capsule endoscopy (VCE) revealed mesh invasion into the small bowel wall associated with bleeding. This case emphasizes the significance of an early sufficient differential diagnosis in patients with obscure GI bleeding. Meanwhile, being cognizant of rare causes of GI bleeding in patients who have had hernioplasty is very important., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Yang et al.)

Introduction and Aims: Capsule endoscopy is part of the diagnostic approach to patients with suspected small bowel bleeding and data on its clinical impact are still limited in developing countries. The primary aim of the present study was to determine its impact on subsequent diagnostic and therapeutic decisions., Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted that included all the patients that underwent capsule endoscopy with the PillCam™ SB 3 Capsule system due to suspected small bowel bleeding treated at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Valle del Lili between January 2011 and December 2020., Results: A total of 158 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean patient age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR], 52-74), 53.6% of the patients were women, and high blood pressure was the most frequent comorbidity (43.7%). The main indication was overt bleeding (58.2%). Of all the capsule endoscopies carried out, 63.9% showed lesions that were potentially responsible for bleeding. Medical or surgical treatment was indicated in 63.3% of the case total. Rebleeding at 6 months occurred in 15 patients and there were 2 deaths due to gastrointestinal bleeding at 6 months., Conclusions: Capsule endoscopy has a high impact on patients with suspected small bowel bleeding, with respect to clinical decision-making, as well as rebleeding, hospitalization, and mortality outcomes. The positivity rate of lesions potentially responsible for bleeding was similar to that reported in developed countries., (Copyright © 2023 Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.)