Embolization as a first approach with endoscopically unmanageable acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Role of interventional radiology in the emergent management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Approximately 100,000 cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) require inpatient admission annually in the United States. When medical management and endoscopic therapy are inadequate, endovascular intervention can be lifesaving. These emergent situations highlight the importance of immediate competence of the interventional radiologist in the preangiographic evaluation as well as the endovascular treatment of UGIB. We describe a case of UGIB managed with endovascular embolization and detail the angiographic techniques used. The case description is followed by a detailed discussion of the treatment approach to UGIB, with attention to both nonvariceal and variceal algorithms.

Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding

The annual incidence of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is ∼20.5 in 100,000 in the general Western population and results in 1 to 2% of hospital emergencies. When medical management and endoscopic therapy are inadequate in cases of acute LGIB, endovascular intervention can be lifesaving. In these emergent situations it is important for the interventional radiologist to be well versed in the multidisciplinary preangiographic work-up, the angiographic presentations of LGIB, and the endovascular therapeutic options. We describe a case of LGIB managed with endovascular embolization and detail the angiographic techniques used, followed by a detailed discussion of the various treatment approaches to LGIB.

Imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) as an embolic agent for transcatheter arterial embolisation: a preliminary clinical study of gastrointestinal bleeding from neoplasms

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) as an embolic agent for intestinal bleeding from neoplasms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven patients who underwent 11 transarterial embolisations (TAEs) using IPM/CS as an embolic material for duodenal or small/large intestinal tumour bleeding from January 2004 to December 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. A mixture of IPM/CS and contrast medium was introduced through the microcatheter positioned at the feeding artery to the tumour until extravasation disappeared or stasis of blood flow to the tumour staining was observed.

RESULTS

Haemostasis was obtained in all patients. Therefore, the technical success rate was 100%. Rebleeding was observed in four patients. All of them underwent repeat TAE using IPM/CS, and haemostasis was obtained successfully. No complication was identified following laboratory and clinical examinations. No haemorrhagic death occurred. Haemorrhagic parameters, including blood haemoglobin and the amount of blood transfusion, improved after TAE.

CONCLUSION

The safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of TAE using IPM/CS as an embolic material for intestinal bleeding from neoplasms were suggested by this study. The mild embolic effect of IPM/CS may be adequate for oozing from tumours. Although rebleeding may occur after embolotherapy using IPM/CS, repeat embolisation is effective as treatment for rebleeding.

The successful endoscopic hemostasis factors in bleeding from advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

When patients with advanced gastric cancer experience active bleeding, gastroenterologists normally choose between two treatment modalities, endoscopic hemostasis and transarterial embolization (TAE). In patients with advanced gastric cancer with bleeding, the predictive factors for endoscopic hemostatic failure are still unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate predictive factors for endoscopic hemostasis failure and to differentiate which hemostasis procedure is more effective for advanced gastric cancer with bleeding.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer and acute non-variceal gastric bleeding from January 2006 to August 2011. Forty-five patients were enrolled in this study and they were divided into a group of 14 patients who had experienced successful endoscopic hemostasis and a group of 31 patients who had had unsuccessful hemostasis with the first endoscopy and then underwent TAE.

RESULTS

Lesion size and bleeding condition of Forrest class 1a or 1b were statistically significant predictive factors for endoscopic hemostatic failure (P = 0.023 and P = 0.017, respectively). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, size (lesion >2 cm) was a significant predictive factor for endoscopic hemostatic failure [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.056; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.329-48.846].

CONCLUSIONS

We determined that small bleeding lesions (<2 cm) and exposed vessels in the bleeding site with gastric cancer indicated that endoscopic hemostasis would be an effective hemostatic modality to choose. Particularly, in the opposite condition, the presence of large bleeding lesions (>2 cm) and non-exposed vessel bleeding with a tumor, endoscopic hemostasis failure is predicted and TAE could be recommended.

Treatment of nonvariceal gastrointestinal hemorrhage by transcatheter embolization

Purpose. To investigate the sensitivity of mesenteric angiography, technical success of hemostasis, clinical success rate, and complications of transcatheter embolization for the treatment of acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Material and Methods. A retrospective review of 200 consecutive patients who underwent mesenteric arteriography for acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal hemorrhage between February 2004 and February 2011 was done. Results. Of 200 angiographic studies, 114 correctly revealed the bleeding site with mesenteric angiography. 47 (41%) patients had upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and 67 (59%) patients had lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Out of these 114, in 112 patients (98%) technical success was achieved with immediate cessation of bleeding. 81 patients could be followed for one month. Clinical success was achieved in 72 out of these 81 patients (89%). Seven patients rebled. 2 patients developed bowel ischemia. Four patients underwent surgery for bowel ischemia or rebleeding. Conclusion. The use of therapeutic transcatheter embolization for treatment of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage is highly successful and relatively safe with 98% technical success and 2.4% postembolization ischemia in our series. In 89% of cases it was definitive without any further intervention.

The efficacy and long-term outcome of microcoil embolotherapy for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy as well as long-term clinical outcomes of superselective microcoil embolization for lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1997 and 2009, 26 patients with intended transcatheter embolotherapy for LGIB were retrospectively reviewed. Embolization was performed only when the catheter could be advanced to or distal to the mesenteric border of the bowel. The main purpose of our study was to assess technical success, recurrent bleeding rate and complications. We also evaluated the long-term clinical outcome, including late recurrent LGIB, bowel ischemia and the survival rate.

RESULTS

Twenty-two bleeding sources were in the territory of superior mesenteric artery and four in the inferior mesenteric artery. Technical success was achieved in 22 patients (84.6%). The target vessel of embolization was vasa recta in seventeen patients and marginal artery in the remaining five patients. Early rebleeding occurred in two patients (7.7%) and bowel ischemia in two patients, of whom the embolized points were both at the marginal artery. Delayed recurrent bleeding (> 30 days) occurred in two angiodysplasia patients. Five patients (19.2%) died within the first 30 days of intervention. Long-term follow-up depicted estimated survival rates of 58.2 and 43.1% after one, and five years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Transcatheter embolotherapy to treat LGIB is effective with low rebleeding and ischemic complications. Considering the advanced age and complex medical problems of these patients, the minimal invasive embolotherapy may be used as both a primary and potentially definitive treatment of LGIB.

Angiographic evaluation and management of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Although most cases of acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal hemorrhage either spontaneously resolve or respond to medical management or endoscopic treatment, there are still a significant number of patients who require emergency angiography and transcatheter treatment. Evaluation with noninvasive imaging such as nuclear scintigraphy or computed tomography may localize the bleeding source and/or confirm active hemorrhage prior to angiography. Any angiographic evaluation should begin with selective catheterization of the artery supplying the most likely site of bleeding, as determined by the available clinical, endoscopic and imaging data. If a hemorrhage source is identified, superselective catheterization followed by transcatheter microcoil embolization is usually the most effective means of successfully controlling hemorrhage while minimizing potential complications. This is now well-recognized as a viable and safe alternative to emergency surgery. In selected situations transcatheter intra-arterial infusion of vasopressin may also be useful in controlling acute gastrointestinal bleeding. One must be aware of the various side effects and potential complications associated with this treatment, however, and recognize the high re-bleeding rate. In this article we review the current role of angiography, transcatheter arterial embolization and infusion therapy in the evaluation and management of nonvariceal gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Selective embolization for massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding deriving from gastric angiodysplasia

Transcatheter arterial embolization is a valuable, minimally invasive method, used as treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, after failed primary endoscopic approach. It is a safe and effective procedure, but it's use is limited because of relatively high rates of rebleeding and mortality.

The aim of this paper is to present a case of severe, massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding deriving from gastric angiodysplasia, which was treated successfully with superselective embolization. The patient recovered from the haemorrhagic shock and avoided emergency surgical intervention.

Selective microcoil embolization of arterial gastrointestinal bleeding in the acute situation: outcome, complications, and factors affecting treatment success

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate microcoil embolization in the interventional treatment of acute upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-four patients (29 men, 15 women) with active arterial gastrointestinal bleeding were treated with microcoil embolization. The analysis included technical/clinical success, morbidity, mortality, and intervention-related mortality. Age, sex, underlying malignant disease, number of embolizations, preinterventional and postinterventional hemoglobin levels, blood products administered peri-interventionally, amount of embolization material used, duration of fluoroscopy, and use of contrast medium were evaluated for possible effects on technical and clinical success.

RESULTS

The primary technical success rate of microcoil embolization for acute gastrointestinal bleeding was 88.6% with a clinical success rate of 56.8%. Minor and major complications occurred in 13.6 and 18.2% of patients, respectively. Intervention-associated mortality, due to intestinal ischemia, accounted for 4.6% of the total 18.2% mortality rate. Patients with technically successful embolization had a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin (P<0.01) after the intervention and a decrease in need for packed red blood cells, (P<0.01), fresh frozen plasma (P<0.01), and coagulation products (P<0.01). A smaller postinterventional fresh frozen plasma requirement was associated with a better clinical outcome (P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Microcoil embolization of arterial gastrointestinal bleeding in the acute situation has a high-technical success rate. The number of transfusions required before and after the intervention has no significant effect on technical success. Postinterventional fresh frozen plasma demand negatively correlates with clinical success.

Selective embolization for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding: technical aspects and clinical efficacy

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the technical aspects and clinical efficacy of selective embolization for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed the records of 10 patients (3%; M:F = 6:4; mean age, 63.3 years) that underwent selective embolization for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding among 344 patients who received arteriography for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding from 2000 to 2009. We analyzed the endoscopic procedure, onset of bleeding, underlying clinical condition, angiographic findings, interventional procedure, and outcomes in these patients.

Results

Among the 12 bleeding branches, primary success of hemostasis was achieved in 10 bleeding branches (83%). Secondary success occurred in two additional bleeding branches (100%) after repeated embolization. In 10 patients, post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleedings were detected during the endoscopic procedure (n = 2, 20%) or later (n = 8, 80%), and the delay was from one to eight days (mean, 2.9 days; ± 2.3). Coagulopathy was observed in three patients. Eight patients had a single bleeding branch, whereas two patients had two branches. On the selective arteriography, bleeding branches originated from the posterior pancreaticoduodenal artery (n = 8, 67%) and anterior pancreaticoduodenal artery (n = 4, 33%), respectively. Superselection was achieved in four branches and the embolization was performed with n-butyl cyanoacrylate. The eight branches were embolized by combined use of coil, n-butyl cyanoacrylate, or Gelfoam. After the last embolization, there was no rebleeding or complication related to embolization.

Conclusion

Selective embolization is technically feasible and an effective procedure for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding. In addition, the posterior pancreaticoduodenal artery is the main origin of the causative vessels of post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding.

Radiologic techniques and effectiveness of angiography to diagnose and treat acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

The use of catheter-based techniques to treat upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage has evolved considerably over the past few decades. At present, the state-of-the-art interventional suites provide optimal imaging. Coupled with advanced catheter technology, the two may be used to manage and treat the patient with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. This article summarizes these techniques and, when possible, compares them with other methods such as surgery and endoscopy. The specific role of transcatheter embolotherapy is highlighted, alongside an additional discussion on pharmacologic infusion of vasopressin.

N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization as the primary treatment of acute hemodynamically unstable lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage

PURPOSE

To evaluate N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) embolization as the primary treatment for patients with severe and acute hemodynamically unstable lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with acute, unstable hemodynamics caused by lower gastrointestinal bleeding underwent therapeutic NBCA microcatheter embolization over a period of 27 months. The inclusion criteria were hematochezia or melena and hypotension refractory to conservative treatment and requiring blood transfusion. Bleeding was localized to the rectum, colon, or small intestine in all nine such cases. Fifteen patients had severe underlying comorbidities, including sepsis, respiratory failure, malignancy, or renal failure.

RESULTS

The procedure was technically successful in all patients. Twenty-six patients were treated solely with NBCA, and one required microcoil embolization. Embolization was performed at the level of the arteria recta or as close as possible to the point of bleeding. Immediate hemostasis occurred in all cases. Four patients experienced repeat hemorrhage, one of whom died. The other three were treated successfully with repeat NBCA embolization. None of the surviving patients had evidence of bowel ischemia. In addition, none of the patients with severe underlying disease died during the follow-up period (range, 3 mo to 2 y).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings suggest that NBCA embolization may be a safe alternative treatment for the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Further studies are warranted to confirm the findings.

Intra-arterial treatment in patients with acute massive gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic failure: comparisons between positive versus negative contrast extravasation groups

Objective

To determine whether treatment outcome is associated with visualization of contrast extravasation in patients with acute massive gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic failure.

Materials and Methods

From January 2007 to December 2009, patients that experienced a first attack of acute gastrointestinal bleeding after failure of initial endoscopy were referred to our interventional department for intra-arterial treatment. We enrolled 79 patients and divided them into two groups: positive and negative extravasation. For positive extravasation, patients were treated by coil embolization; and in negative extravasation, patients were treated with intra-arterial vasopressin infusion. The two groups were compared for clinical parameters, hemodynamics, laboratory findings, endoscopic characteristics, and mortality rates.

Results

Forty-eight patients had detectable contrast extravasation (positive extravasation), while 31 patients did not (negative extravasation). Fifty-six patients survived from this bleeding episode (overall clinical success rate, 71%). An elevation of hemoglobin level was observed in the both two groups; significantly greater in the positive extravasation group compared to the negative extravasation group. Although these patients were all at high risk of dying, the 90-day mortality rate was significantly lower in the positive extravasation than in the negative extravasation (20% versus 42%, p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis suggested that successful hemostasis (odds ratio [OR] = 28.66) is the most important predictor affecting the mortality in the two groups of patients.

Conclusion

Visualization of contrast extravasation on angiography usually can target the bleeding artery directly, resulting in a higher success rate to control of hemorrhage.

Angiographic embolization of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: predictors of clinical failure

BACKGROUND

Angiographic embolization (AE) has emerged as an important therapy for patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We hypothesized that discrete factors predictive of AE failure could be identified.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for patients with nonvariceal UGIB who underwent AE from 1999 to 2009 at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. AE clinical failure was defined as requirement for another intervention (surgery, endoscopic therapy, or another AE) for nonvariceal UGIB and/or death from bleeding after AE. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test and Student's t test to explore the risk of AE failure.

RESULTS

Of 48 total AE cases, 17 patients (35.4%) had clinically failed AE. Mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with AE clinical failure than in patients with AE clinical success (64.7% vs. 12.9%, p=0.001). Factors associated with AE clinical failure include anticoagulant use before admission (p=0.001), use of corticosteroids before admission (p=0.045), pre-AE vasopressor use (p=0.038), and embolization using either coils alone (p=0.05) or using coils with or without additional embolic materials (p=0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

AE clinical failure portends poor prognosis. Caution should be exercised when considering AE, particularly AE using coils, in patients with a history of anticoagulant, corticosteroid, or vasopressor use.

Embolization of Bleeding Duodenal Ulcer Using Amplatzer Vascular Plug II and Hydrogel Coils: Case Report

Purpose: To present a case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) that was treated with percutaneous endovascular embolization using Amplatzer vascular plug and hydrogel coils after failed endoscopic treatment. Case Report: A 78-year-old male was referred for endovascular treatment of massive recurrent UGIB from a duodenal ulcer. Attempts at endoscopic treatment were unsuccessful. Based on our knowledge of the site of the bleeder in the duodenum from prior endoscopy, we decided to empirically embolize the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and the right gastroepiploic artery using a combination of coils (Azur peripheral hydrocoil; Terumo Medical Corporation, Somerset, New Jersey) and Amplatzer vascular plug II (AVP II; AGA Medical, Plymouth, Minnesota). Conclusion: We present this case of UGIB where effective, rapid, precise, and controlled embolization of the GDA was achieved using AVP II device in combination with coils. To our knowledge, the use of AVP II in embolization of GDA for treatment of emergent UGIB has not been described in the literature.

Embolization for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage: a systematic review

AIM

To assess the published evidence on the endovascular treatment of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An Ovid Medline search of published literature was performed (1966-2009). Non-English literature, experimental studies, variceal haemorrhage and case series with fewer than five patients were excluded. The search yielded 1888 abstracts. Thirty-five articles were selected for final analysis.

RESULTS

The total number of pooled patients was 927. The technical and clinical success of embolization ranged from 52-100% and 44-100%, respectively. The pooled mean technical/clinical success rate in primary upper gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage (PUGITH) only, trans-papillary haemorrhage (TPH) only, and mixed studies were 84%/67%, 93%/89%, and 93%/64%, respectively. Clinical outcome was adversely affected by multi-organ failure, shock, corticosteroids, transfusion, and coagulopathy. The anatomical source of haemorrhage and procedural variables did not affect the outcome. A successful embolization improved survival by 13.3 times. Retrospective comparison with surgery demonstrated equivalent mortality and clinical success, despite embolization being applied to a more elderly population with a higher prevalence of co-morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Embolization is effective in this very difficult cohort of patients with outcomes similar to surgery.

Gastroenterologists and interventional radiologists: friends or foes? A multidisciplinary approach for solving gastrointestinal problems

While endoscopy used to have more therapeutic abilities than radiology, interventional radiology is now racing to lead the minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in medicine as well as surgery. Expecting the new epidemic of hepatocellular carcinoma, radiologists and gastroenterologists are on the run competing in many procedures that are needed. While some radiologists worry about non-radiologists who "intervene" in radiology, many gastroenterologists defend their specialty. Both gastroenterologists and radiologists are invited to collaborate in diagnosing and treating many diseases. Treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeds should be multidisciplinary involving a team of gastroenterologists, radiologists and surgeons. The role of the interventional radiologist and surgeon arises only after the failure of the endoscopic treatment. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the preferred treatment for variceal bleeding after failed endoscopy. As the entire field of gastroenterology continues towards less invasive, safer and more effective means of diagnosing and treating diseases, digestive endoscopy will continue to expand the ways in which this unique and minimally invasive technology can be applied to the benefit of patients. In line with this trend, there will be a decline in simple diagnostic standard endoscopies. Development of new techniques, such as CT colonography and capsule endoscopy will actually increase the demand for digestive endoscopy. The trend of future digestive endoscopy will continue to move from diagnostic to therapeutic modalities. Future gastroenterologists will be trained and expected to become micro-surgeons of the gastrointestinal tract working in multispecialty teams along with their colleagues: surgeons and radiologists.

Endovascular treatment of nonvariceal acute arterial upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Transcatheter arterial embolization as treatment of upper nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding is increasingly being used after failed primary endoscopic treatment. The results after embolization have become better and surgery still has a high mortality. Embolization is a safe and effective procedure, but its use is has been limited because of relatively high rates of rebleeding and high mortality, both of which are associated with gastrointestinal bleeding and non-gastrointestinal related mortality causes. Transcatheter arterial embolization is a valuable minimal invasive method in the treatment of early rebleeding and does not involve a high risk of treatment associated complications. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary in the treatment of these patients and should comprise gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, anaesthesiologists, and surgeons to achieve the best possible results.

The role of colonoscopy and radiological procedures in the management of acute lower intestinal bleeding

There are multiple strategies for evaluating and treating lower intestinal bleeding (LIB). Colonoscopy has become the preferred initial test for most patients with LIB because of its diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities and its safety. However, few studies have directly compared colonoscopy with other techniques and there are controversies regarding the optimal timing of colonoscopy, the importance of colon preparation, the prevalence of stigmata of hemorrhage, and the efficacy of endoscopic hemostasis. Angiography, radionuclide scintigraphy, and multidetector computed tomography scanning are complementary modalities, but the requirement of active bleeding at the time of the examination limits their routine use. In addition, angiography can result in serious complications. This review summarizes the available evidence regarding colonoscopy and radiographic studies in the management of acute LIB.

Is transcatheter arterial embolization a safer alternative than surgery when endoscopic therapy fails in bleeding duodenal ulcer?

OBJECTIVE

Emergency surgery after unsuccessful endoscopic therapy for bleeding duodenal ulcer has been reported to have a high mortality. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of the gastroduodenal artery is an alternative strategy when endoscopic therapy fails. This study is a retrospective analysis comparing these two treatment strategies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients who underwent TAE (n = 24) or open surgery (n = 50) after unsuccessful endoscopic therapy for bleeding duodenal ulcers at two university hospitals between 2000 and 2007 were compared. Mortality, morbidity, length of hospital stay, age, number of endoscopic interventions and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score were evaluated.

RESULTS

The groups were comparable concerning gender and length of hospital stay. The mean age (69.6 +/- 16.1 versus 61.9 +/- 14.1 years; P = 0.043), APACHE II score (17.0 +/- 5.1 versus 12.8 +/- 5.7; P = 0.004) and number of gastroscopies (P = 0.009) were significantly higher in the embolization group. Five patients (20.8%) died in the embolization group compared to 11 (22%) in the surgery group. However, mortality in high-risk patients (APACHE II score >or= 16.5) was lower in the TAE group (23.1% versus 50.0%; P = 0.236). Method-related as well as other complications were not significantly different between the two groups. There was, however, a higher re-bleeding rate in the TAE group.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE of the gastroduodenal artery appears to be a safe alternative when endoscopic therapy for bleeding duodenal ulcer fails, at least in high-risk patients. The role of TAE in low-risk patients with bleeding from duodenal ulcer needs to be defined by means of a prospective controlled trial.

[Radiological interventional procedures for the acute abdomen]

In patients with acute thrombo-embolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery, catheter-assisted thrombolytic therapy represents a procedure of increasing importance in addition to surgery and intensive care treatment. The thrombolytic drugs utilized for this purpose are urokinase, streptokinase and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA).Therapeutic embolization is predominantly used in the treatment of arterial bleeding from the gastro-intestinal tract, the liver, the intestines (due to an aneurysm or vascular malformation) and in bleeding from intestinal anastomoses. Polyvinyl alcohol particles, embospheres, gelfoam and microcoils can be utilized as embolic agents. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage and stent implantation are applied in patients with biliary obstructions caused by inoperable tumors of the gall bladder or bile ducts, of the pancreatic head or duodenum and by metastases located in the liver parenchyma or hepatic hilum.Image-guided percutaneous drainage is a valuable option in the management of abscesses in the peritoneal cavity; less common indications are lymphoceles, biliomas, urinomas, hematomas, necrosis and pseudocysts.

Acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Although most cases of acute gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage either spontaneously resolve or respond to medical management and/or endoscopic treatment, there remain a significant number of patients who require emergency evaluation and treatment by the interventional radiologist. Any angiographic evaluation should begin with selective catheterization of the artery supplying the most likely site of bleeding, as determined by the available clinical, endoscopic, and imaging data. If a source of hemorrhage is identified, superselective catheterization followed by transcatheter embolization with microcoils is the most effective means of successfully controlling hemorrhage while minimizing potential complications. This is now well-recognized as a viable and safe alternative to emergency surgery. In selected situations transcatheter intra-arterial infusion of vasopressin may also be useful in controlling acute GI bleeding. One must be aware of the various side effects and potential complications associated with this treatment, however, and recognize the high rebleeding rate. In this article, we review the current role of angiography, transcatheter arterial embolization, and infusion therapy in the evaluation and management of GI hemorrhage.

Role of transcatheter arterial embolization for massive bleeding from gastroduodenal ulcers

Intractable bleeding from gastric and duodenal ulcers is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Aggressive treatment with early endoscopic hemostasis is essential for a favourable outcome. In as many as 12%-17% of patients, endoscopy is either not available or unsuccessful. Endovascular therapy with selective catheterization of the culprit vessel and injection of embolic material has emerged as an alternative to emergent operative intervention in high-risk patients. There has not been a systematic literature review to assess the role for embolotherapy in the treatment of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding from gastroduodenal ulcers after failed endoscopic hemostasis. Here, we present an overview of indications, techniques, and clinical outcomes after endovascular embolization of acute peptic-ulcer bleeding. Topics of particular relevance to technical and clinical success are also discussed. Our review shows that transcatheter arterial embolization is a safe alternative to surgery for massive gastroduodenal bleeding that is refractory to endoscopic treatment, can be performed with high technical and clinical success rates, and should be considered the salvage treatment of choice in patients at high surgical risk.

Risk factors for rebleeding after angiographically negative acute gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: To identify possible predictive factors for rebleeding after angiographically negative findings in patients with acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS: From January 2000 to July 2007, 128 patients with acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding had negative findings after initial angiography. Clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS: Among 128 patients, 62 had no recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and 66 had recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding within 30 d. As determined by the use of multivariate analysis, an underlying malignancy, liver cirrhosis and hematemesis were significant factors related to recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSION: Clinical factors including underlying malignancy, liver cirrhosis, and hematemesis are important predictors for rebleeding after angiographically negative findings in patients with acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding.

Long-term outcome of transcatheter embolotherapy for acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the safety, short- and long-term efficacy, and durability of transcatheter embolization for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage (LGH) unresponsive to endoscopic therapy and to analyze the overall survival of the embolized patients.

METHODS

Between January 1997 and January 2008, 122 patients were referred for angiographic evaluation to control major LGH. Overall, 43 patients (35.3%) presented with angiographic signs of contrast extravasation. In 39 patients (26 men, 13 women; mean age 67.7 years), a transcatheter embolization was performed to stop the bleeding.

RESULTS

In all 39 patients, no contrast extravasation could be depicted on completion of angiography after embolization. Rebleeding occurred in eight patients (20%), in six of them within the first 30 days after embolization. Ischemic intestinal complications requiring surgery occurred in four patients (10%) within 24 h after embolization. Long-term follow-up depicted estimated survival rates of 70.6, 56.5, and 50.8% after 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter embolotherapy to treat lower gastrointestinal bleeding is very effective, with a relatively low rebleeding and ischemic complication rate, mostly occurring within the first month after the embolization. Long-term follow-up shows a very low late rebleeding rate, and half of the embolized patients survive more than 5 years. This study shows that the majority of patients presenting with lower gastrointestinal bleeding, unresponsive to endoscopic therapy, do not benefit from transcatheter embolization. In cases of angiography extravasation, a good immediate clinical outcome-defined as high immediate success with acceptable rebleeding-and ischemic complication rate may be obtained.

Evaluation of transcatheter arterial embolization with gelatin sponge particles, microcoils, and n-butyl cyanoacrylate for acute arterial bleeding in a coagulopathic condition

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome of transcatheter arterial embolization with gelatin sponge particles, microcoils, and N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for acute arterial hemorrhage in the setting of coagulopathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Coagulopathy is defined by a platelet count less than 5 x 10(4)/microL and/or International Normalized Ratio (INR) greater than 1.5. Forty-six patients (31 male patients; mean age, 62 years) with acute arterial hemorrhage in a coagulopathic condition were treated by transcatheter arterial embolization with gelatin sponge particle, microcoils, and NBCA.

RESULTS

Because of failure of hemostasis or recurrent hemorrhage, 10 patients who underwent gelatin sponge particle embolization also received transcatheter arterial embolization with microcoils or NBCA embolization and two patients who underwent microcoil embolization also received transcatheter arterial embolization with NBCA. The gelatin sponge particle group consisted of 27 hemorrhagic arteries in 25 patients, the microcoil group had 20 in 20 patients, and the NBCA group had 16 in 13 patients. The mean platelet count and mean INR value were 5.8 x 10(4)/microL +/- 3.5 and 1.81 +/- 0.50, respectively. The primary hemostatic rate, recurrent hemorrhage rate, and mean treatment time for the gelatin sponge particle, microcoil, and NBCA groups were 67%, 23%, and 25 minutes +/- 10; 80%, 0%, and 37 min +/- 19; and 100%, 0%, and 9 min +/- 4, respectively. Primary and secondary hemostasis were achieved in 50 (80%) and 60 (95%) of the 63 hemorrhagic arteries, respectively. Three hemorrhagic arteries in which transcatheter arterial embolization failed were treated with surgical repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Although transcatheter arterial embolization with microcoils took a greater amount of time, transcatheter arterial embolization with NBCA or microcoils was more effective and feasible than that with gelatin sponge particle in terms of hemostasis and prevention of recurrent hemorrhage in a coagulopathic condition.

Effectiveness of coil embolization in angiographically detectable versus non-detectable sources of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

PURPOSE

To determine whether the effectiveness of arterial embolization in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage is related to the visualization of contrast medium extravasation at angiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Transcatheter embolization was performed in 108 patients who experienced acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage during a 5-year period. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-six patients who underwent embolization after angiography demonstrated active contrast medium extravasation from an involved artery. Seventy-two patients underwent embolization in the absence of contrast medium extravasation into a bowel lumen. Embolization technique, requirement for further blood products, need for further surgery, and 30-day mortality were recorded.

RESULTS

The gastroduodenal artery (GDA) was embolized in 26 of the 36 patients (72%) with extravasation, and the left gastric artery was embolized in 10 (28%). The GDA was embolized in 64 of the 72 patients (89%) without extravasation, and the left gastric artery was embolized in 13 (18%). After embolization, 23 of the 36 patients (64%) with extravasation and 44 of the 72 (61%) without extravasation required additional blood product transfusions. Seven of the 36 patients (19%) with extravasation and 16 of the 72 (22%) without extravasation required subsequent surgery secondary to bleeding. Thirty-day hemorrhage-related mortality was 17% (six of 36 patients) in the positive extravasation group and 22% (16 of 72 patients) in the negative extravasation group. The treatment success rate was 44% (16 of 36 patients) in the positive extravasation group and 44% (32 of 72 patients) in the negative extravasation group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, arterial embolization is equally effective in patients who demonstrate active contrast medium extravasation at angiography as in those who do not show contrast extravasation.

The clinical outcomes of transcatheter microcoil embolization in patients with active lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the small bowel

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical outcomes of the transcatheter microcoil embolization in patients with active lower gastrointestinal (LGI) bleeding in the small bowel, as well as to compare the mortality rates between the two groups based on the visualization or non-visualization of the bleeding focus determined by an angiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated all of the consecutive patients who underwent an angiography for treatment of acute LGI bleeding between January 2003 and October 2007. In total, the study included 36 patients who underwent a colonoscopy and were diagnosed to have an active bleeding in the LGI tracts. Based on the visualization or non-visualization of the bleeding focus, determined by an angiography, the patients were classified into two groups. The clinical outcomes included technical success, clinical success (no rebleeding within 30 days), delayed rebleeding (> 30 days), as well as the major and minor complication rates.

RESULTS

Of the 36 patients, 17 had angiography-proven bleeding that was distal to the marginal artery. The remaining 19 patients did not have a bleeding focus based on the angiography results. The technical and clinical success rates of performing transcatheter microcoil embolizations in patients with active bleeding were 100% and 88%, respectively (15 of 17). One patient died from continued LGI bleeding and one patient received surgery to treat the continued bleeding. There was no note made on the delayed bleeding or on the major or minor complications. Of the 19 patients without active bleeding, 16 (84%) did not have recurrent bleeding. One patient died due to continuous bleeding and multi-organ failure.

CONCLUSION

The superselective microcoil embolization can help successfully treat patients with active LGI bleeding in the small bowel, identified by the results of an angiography. The mortality rate is not significantly different between the patients of the visualization and non-visualization groups on angiography.

Exsanguinating upper GI bleeds due to Unusual Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) of stomach and spleen: a case report

BACKGROUND

In this paper we are reporting one case of exsanguinating upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) bleed requiring massive blood transfusion and immediate life saving surgery.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 30 years old female, 12 weeks pregnant was referred to our hospital from the earth-quake affected area of Kashmir with history of upper abdominal pain, haematemesis and melaena for one week. After stabilizing the patient, upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy was performed. It revealed gastric ulcer just distal to the gastro-esophageal junction on the lesser curvature. Biopsy from the ulcer edge led to profuse spurting of the blood and patient went into state of shock. Immediate resuscitation led to rebleeding and recurrence of post haemorrahagic shock.

CONCLUSION

The patient was immediately explored and total gastrectectomy with splenectomy concluded as life saving procedure. A review of literature was conducted to make this report possible.

Emergent embolization of the gastroduodenal artery in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The experience from a surgeon-initiated interventional program

BACKGROUND

Intractable nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endovascular therapy is an alternative to surgery for high-risk patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Review of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent emergent gastroduodenal artery embolization for UGIB.

RESULTS

Eight patients (mean age 68.5 years) were identified. They all had significant comorbidities and were deemed to be at high risk for surgical intervention. Endoscopy was performed in 7 patients. Active extravasation was present at the time of embolization in 5 (62.5%) patients. The technical success and clinical response rates were each 100%. The 30-day mortality rate was 12.5%. [corrected] There were no procedure-related complications. During mean follow-up of 9 months, 1 patient developed recurrent bleeding that was managed conservatively.

COMMENTS

Endovascular embolization is a safe alternative to open surgical intervention after failed endoscopic treatment for UGIB. Surgeons with endovascular skills can perform this procedure with superior results.

Supraduodenal branch of the left hepatic artery: a rare cause of bleeding duodenal ulcer

This is a case report describing a rare cause of massive duodenal ulcer hemorrhage resulting from the erosion of the supraduodenal branch of the left hepatic artery. This arterial branch is not a well known variation and is rarely recognized as a source of duodenal bleeding.

Transcatheter arterial embolization versus surgery in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after therapeutic endoscopy failure

PURPOSE

To retrospectively compare the outcome of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and surgery as salvage therapy of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after failed endoscopic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 1998 to December 2005, 658 patients were referred to diagnostic/therapeutic emergency endoscopy and diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Ninety-one of these 658 patients (14%) had repeat bleeding or continued to bleed. Forty of those 91 patients were treated with TAE and 51 were treated with surgery. From the medical records, the following variables were recorded: demographic data, endoscopic diagnoses, comorbidities, lowest hemoglobin levels, total transfusion requirements, lengths of hospitalization stays, postprocedure complications, and mortality rates. The relative survival rate was calculated, and survival probability was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier technique.

RESULTS

Patients treated with TAE were older (mean age, 76 years; age range, 40-94 years) and had slightly more comorbidities compared to patients who underwent surgery (mean age, 71 years; age range, 45-89 years). The 30-day mortality rate in patients treated with TAE was one of 40 (3%) compared to seven of 51 (14%) in patients treated with surgery (P < .07). Most repeat bleeding could be effectively treated with TAE, both in the surgical and TAE groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that, after failure of therapeutic endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, TAE should be the treatment of choice before surgery and that TAE can also be used to effectively control bleeding after failed surgery or TAE. There was a clear trend to lower 30-day mortality with use of TAE instead of surgery.