Efficacy of emergency transarterial embolization in acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: A single-center experience

Twenty years of embolization for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis of rebleeding and ischaemia rates

BACKGROUND

Transarterial embolization (TAE) for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) can be technically challenging due to the compromise between achieving haemostasis and causing tissue ischaemia. The goal of the present study is to determine its technical success, rebleeding, and post-embolization ischaemia rates through meta-analysis of published literature in the last twenty years.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were queried. Technical success, rebleeding, and ischaemia rates were extracted. Baseline characteristics such as author, publication year, region, study design, embolization material, percentage of superselective embolization were retrieved. Subgroup analysis was performed based on publication time and embolization agent.

RESULTS

A total of 66 studies including 2121 patients who underwent embolization for acute LGIB were included. Endoscopic management was attempted in 34.5%. The pooled overall technical success, rebleeding, post-embolization ischaemia rates were 97.0%, 20.7%, and 7.5%, respectively. Studies published after 2010 showed higher technical success rates (97.8% vs 95.2%), lower rebleeding rates (18.6% vs 23.4%), and lower ischaemia rates (7.3% vs 9.7%). Compared to microcoils, NBCA was associated with a lower rebleeding rate (9.3% vs 20.8%) at the expense of a higher post-embolization ischaemia rate (9.7% vs 4.0%). Coagulopathy (P = .034), inotropic use (P = .040), and malignancy (P = .002) were predictors of post-embolization rebleeding. Haemorrhagic shock (P < .001), inotropic use (P = .026), malignancy (P < .001), coagulopathy (P = .002), blood transfusion (P < .001), and enteritis (P = .023) were predictors of mortality. Empiric embolization achieved a similarly durable haemostasis rate compared to targeted embolization (23.6% vs 21.1%) but a higher risk of post-embolization ischaemia (14.3% vs 4.7%).

CONCLUSION

For LGIB, TAE has a favourable technical success rate and low risk of post-embolization ischaemia. Its safety and efficacy profile has increased over the last decade. Compared to microcoils, NBCA seemed to offer a more durable haemostasis rate at the expense of higher ischaemia risk. Due to the heterogeneity of currently available evidence, future prospective and comparative studies are warranted.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

(1) Acute LGIB embolization demonstrate a high technical success rate with acceptable rate of rebleeding and symptomatic ischaemia rates. Most ischaemic stigmata discovered during routine post-embolization colonoscopy were minor. (2) Although NBCA seemed to offer a more durable haemostasis rate, it was also associated with a higher risk of ischaemia compared to microcoils. (3) Coagulopathy, malignant aetiology, and inotropic use were predictors of rebleeding and mortality. (4) Routine post-embolization endoscopy to assess for ischaemia is not indicated.

Preliminary report on embolization with quick-soluble gelatin sponge particles for angiographically negative acute gastrointestinal bleeding

Prophylactic embolization is usually performed using gelatin sponge particles, which are absorbed within several weeks, for managing angiographically negative gastrointestinal bleeding. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with quick-soluble gelatin sponge particles (QS-GSP) that dissolve in less than 4 h for treating angiographically negative gastrointestinal bleeding. We included ten patients (M:F = 7:3; mean age, 64.3 years) who underwent prophylactic TAE with QS-GSP for angiographically negative acute gastrointestinal bleeding between 2021 and 2023. The technical success rate of TAE, clinical outcomes focusing on rebleeding, and procedure-related complications were evaluated. The embolized arteries were the gastroduodenal (n = 3), jejunal (n = 4), and ileal (n = 3) arteries. QS-GSP (150-350 µm or 350-560 µm) were used alone (n = 8) or in combination with a coil (n = 1). A 100% technical success rate was accomplished. In 1 patient (10%), rebleeding occurred 2 days after prophylactic TAE of the gastroduodenal artery, and this was managed by repeat TAE. There were no procedure-related complications. The use of QS-GSP for prophylactic TAE appears to be safe and effective for controlling bleeding among patients with angiographically negative gastrointestinal bleeding. There were no cases of related ischemic complications of the embolized bowels likely attributable to recanalization of the affected arteries following biodegradation of QS-GSP.

Characteristics, outcomes, and risk factors of surgery for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: nationwide cohort study of 10,342 hematochezia cases

BACKGROUND

Current evidence on the surgical rate, indication, procedure, risk factors, mortality, and postoperative rebleeding for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (ALGIB) is limited.

METHODS

We constructed a retrospective cohort of 10,342 patients admitted for acute hematochezia at 49 hospitals (CODE BLUE J-Study) and evaluated clinical data on the surgeries performed.

RESULTS

Surgery was performed in 1.3% (136/10342) of the cohort with high rates of colonoscopy (87.7%) and endoscopic hemostasis (26.7%). Indications for surgery included colonic diverticular bleeding (24%), colorectal cancer (22%), and small bowel bleeding (16%). Sixty-four percent of surgeries were for hemostasis for severe refractory bleeding. Postoperative rebleeding rates were 22% in patients with presumptive or obscure preoperative identification of the bleeding source and 12% in those with definitive identification. Thirty-day mortality rates were 1.5% and 0.8% in patients with and without surgery, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that surgery-related risk factors were transfusion need ≥ 6 units (P < 0.001), in-hospital rebleeding (P < 0.001), small bowel bleeding (P < 0.001), colorectal cancer (P < 0.001), and hemorrhoids (P < 0.001). Endoscopic hemostasis was negatively associated with surgery (P = 0.003). For small bowel bleeding, the surgery rate was significantly lower in patients with endoscopic hemostasis as 2% compared to 12% without endoscopic hemostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our cohort study elucidated the outcomes and risks of the surgery. Extensive exploration including the small bowel to identify the source of bleeding and endoscopic hemostasis may reduce unnecessary surgery and improve the management of ALGIB.

The Accuracy of Computed Tomography Angiography Compared With Technetium-99m Labelled Red Blood Cell Scintigraphy for the Diagnosis and Localization of Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Imaging tests are commonly used as an initial or early investigation for patients presenting with suspected acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB). However, controversy remains regarding which of two frequently used modalities, computed tomography angiography (CTA) or technetium-99m labelled red blood cell scintigraphy (RBCS), is most accurate. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare the accuracy of CTA and RBCS for the detection and localization of AGIB. Five electronic databases were searched with additional manual searching of reference lists of relevant publications identified during the search. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction and methodological assessments. Where appropriate, the bivariate model was used for meta-analysis of sensitivities and specificities for the detection of bleeding and Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation used for meta-analysis of proportions of correctly localized bleeding sites. Forty-four unique primary studies were included: twenty-two investigating CTA, seventeen investigating RBCS and five investigating both modalities. Meta-analysis produced similar pooled sensitivities; 0.83 (95% CI 0.74-0.90) and 0.84 (0.68-0.92) for CTA and RBCS respectively. Pooled specificity for CTA was higher than RBCS; 0.90 (0.72-0.97) and 0.84 (0.71-0.91) respectively. However, differences were not statistically significant. CTA was superior to RBCS in correctly localizing bleeding; pooled proportions of 1.00 (0.98-1.00) and 0.90 (0.83-0.96) respectively (statistically significant difference, P < 0.001). There is no evidence that CTA and RBCS have different diagnostic performance with respect to the detection of AGIB. However, CTA is superior to RBCS in terms of correctly localising the bleeding site, supporting usage of CTA over RBCS as the first line imaging investigation.

One in four patients with gastrointestinal bleeding develops shock or hemodynamic instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hemodynamic instability and shock are associated with untoward outcomes in gastrointestinal bleeding. However, there are no studies in the existing literature on the proportion of patients who developed these outcomes after gastrointestinal bleeding.

AIM

To determine the pooled event rates in the available literature and specify them based on the bleeding source.

METHODS

The protocol was registered on PROSPERO in advance (CRD42021283258). A systematic search was performed in three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) on 14th October 2021. Pooled proportions with 95%CI were calculated with a random-effects model. A subgroup analysis was carried out based on the time of assessment (on admission or during hospital stay). Heterogeneity was assessed by Higgins and Thompson's I2 statistics. The Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool was used for the risk of bias assessment. The Reference Citation Analysis (https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/) tool was applied to obtain the latest highlight articles.

RESULTS

We identified 11589 records, of which 220 studies were eligible for data extraction. The overall proportion of shock and hemodynamic instability in general gastrointestinal bleeding patients was 0.25 (95%CI: 0.17-0.36, I2 = 100%). In non-variceal bleeding, the proportion was 0.22 (95%CI: 0.14-0.31, I2 = 100%), whereas it was 0.25 (95%CI: 0.19-0.32, I2 = 100%) in variceal bleeding. The proportion of patients with colonic diverticular bleeding who developed shock or hemodynamic instability was 0.12 (95%CI: 0.06-0.22, I2 = 90%). The risk of bias was low, and heterogeneity was high in all analyses.

CONCLUSION

One in five, one in four, and one in eight patients develops shock or hemodynamic instability on admission or during hospitalization in the case of non-variceal, variceal, and colonic diverticular bleeding, respectively.

Transarterial Embolization for Active Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Predictors of Early Mortality and Early Rebleeding

Background: The aim of this study was to determine predictive factors of early mortality and early rebleeding (≤30 days) following transarterial embolization (TAE) for treatment of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods: All consecutive patients admitted for acute gastrointestinal bleeding to the interventional radiology department in a tertiary center between January 2012 and January 2022 were included. Exclusion criteria were patients: (1) aged < 18-year-old, (2) referred to the operation room without TAE, (3) treated for hemobilia, (4) with mesenteric hematoma, (5) lost to follow-up within 30 days after the procedure. We evaluated pre and per-procedure clinical data, biological data, outcomes, and complications. Results: Sixty-eight patients were included: 55 (80.9%) experienced upper gastrointestinal bleeding and 13 (19.1%) lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Median age was 69 (61−74) years. There were 49 (72%) males. Median hemoglobin was 7.25 (6.1−8.3) g/dL. There were 30 (50%) ulcers. Coils were used in 46 (67.6%) procedures. Early mortality was 15 (22.1%) and early rebleeding was 17 (25%). In multivariate analysis, hyperlactatemia (≥2 mmol/L) were predictive of early mortality (≤30 days). A high number of red blood cells units was associated with early rebleeding. Conclusion: This study identified some predictive factors of 30-day mortality and early rebleeding following TAE. This will assist in patient selection and may help improve the management of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Value of multiphase computed tomography for gastrointestinal bleeding before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable patients

BACKGROUND

There has been no practice-based study regarding the multiphase computed tomography (CT) before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and concerns exist regarding the time delay.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of multiphase CT before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable GIB and to investigate the predictors of angiographic localization and recurrent bleeding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The multicenter retrospective study included 93 consecutive hemodynamically unstable patients who underwent conventional angiography for non-variceal GIB after failed endoscopic localization. Enrolled patients were divided into a CT group (n = 61) and a non-CT group (n = 32).

RESULTS

The clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups except for the time to angiography (CT group, 14.8±15.1 h; non-CT group, 9.2±11.7 h, P = 0.022). The rate of angiographic localization was significantly higher in the CT group than in the non-CT group only for lower GIB (P = 0.049). Indirect sign was significantly more frequent in the CT group than in the non-CT group (P = 0.014). CT localization was positive predictor (odd ratio [OR] = 7.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1-27.94; P = 0.002) and prolonged time to angiography was negative predictor (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.9- 0.98; P = 0.001) for angiographic localization. A higher systolic blood pressure until index angiography (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.91-1; P = 0.044) was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent bleeding.

CONCLUSION

In hemodynamically unstable patients, multiphase CT is particularly useful for angiographic localization of lower GIB. It should be considered immediately after failed endoscopic hemostasis to reduce time to angiography.

Safety and efficacy of emergency transarterial embolization for mesenteric bleeding

Background

Patients with spontaneous or traumatic active mesenteric bleeding cannot be treated endoscopically. Transarterial embolization can serve as a potential alternative to emergency surgery. Literature on transarterial embolization for mesenteric bleeding remains very scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transarterial embolization for mesenteric bleeding. We reviewed all consecutive patients admitted for mesenteric bleeding to the interventional radiology department, in a tertiary center, between January 2010 and March 2021. Mesenteric bleeding was defined as mesenteric hematoma and contrast extravasation and/or pseudoaneurysm visible on pre-operative CT scan. We evaluated technical success, clinical success, and complications.

Results

Among the 17 patients admitted to the interventional department for mesenteric bleeding, 15 presented with active mesenteric bleeding requiring transarterial embolization with five patients with hemodynamic instability. Mean age was 67 ± 14 years, including 12 (70.6%) males. Technical success was achieved in 14/15 (93.3%) patients. One patient with technical failure was treated by percutaneous embolization with NBCA-Lipiodol mixture. Three patients (20%) had early rebleeding: two were treated by successful repeat embolization and one by surgery. One patient (6.7%) had early death within 30 days and two patients (13.3%) had late death after 30 days. Mean length of hospitalization was 12.8 ± 7 days. There were no transarterial embolization-related ischemic complications.

Conclusion

Transarterial embolization is a safe and effective technique for treating mesenteric bleeding even in patients with hemodynamic instability. Transarterial embolization doesn’t close the door to surgery and could be proposed as first intention in case of mesenteric bleeding.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization in Acute Non-Variceal Gastrointestinal Bleedings: A Ten-Year Single-Center Experience in 91 Patients and Review of the Literature

Objective: To report the safety and efficacy of trans-arterial embolization (TAE) for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) due to different etiologies in 91 patients for ten years. Methods: A retrospective analysis of GIB treated between January 2010 and December 2020 was performed. TAE was performed using different embolic agents (coils, particles, glue, gelatin sponge, and EVOH-based agents). Technical success, secondary technical success, clinical success, and complications were evaluated. Results: Technical success was achieved in 74/91 (81.32%) patients. Seventeen patients (18.68%) required re-intervention. Secondary technical success was achieved in all cases (100.0%). Clinical success was achieved in 81/91 patients (89.01%). No major complications were recorded; overall, minor complications occurred in 20/91 patients. Conclusions: TAE is a technically feasible and safe therapeutic option for patients with GIB from a known or blind anatomic source where endoscopic therapy has failed or is deemed unfeasible.

Contrast extravasation on computed tomography angiography in patients with hematochezia or melena: Predictive factors and associated outcomes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify variables associated with extravasation on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with hematochezia/melena and compare the outcome of patients with extravasation on CTA to those without extravasation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-four patients (51 men, 38 women; mean age, 69 ± 16 [SD] years) who underwent CTA within 30 days of hematochezia/melena were included. Variables associated with extravasation on CTA were searched using univariable and multivariable analyses. Outcomes of patients with visible extravasation on CTA were compared with those without visible extravasation.

RESULTS

One hundred and one CTA examinations were included. Extravasation was observed on 26/101 CTA examinations (26%). At multivariable analysis the need for vasopressor drugs (odds ratio [OR], 7.6; P = 0.040), high transfusion requirements (> 2 blood units) (OR, 7.1; P = 0.014), CTA performed on the day of a hemorrhagic event (OR, 46.2; P = 0.005) and repeat CTA (OR, 27.8; P = 0.011) were independently associated with extravasation on CTA. Extravasation on CTA was followed by a therapeutic procedure in 25/26 CTAs (96%; 26 patients) compared to 13/75 CTAs (17%; 68 patients) on which no extravasation was present (P < 0.001). No patients (0/26; 0%) with contrast extravasation on CTA died while 8 patients (8/61; 13%) without contrast extravasation died, although the difference was not significant (P = 0.099).

CONCLUSION

Extravasation on CTA in the setting of hematochezia or melena is especially seen in clinically unstable patients who receive more than two blood units. Presence of active extravasation on CTA leads to more frequent application of a therapeutic procedure; however, this does not significantly affect patient outcome.

Angiography and transcatheter arterial embolization for non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND AND GOALS

Acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding (NVGIB) is one of the most common medical emergencies, leading to significant morbidity and mortality without proper management. This study was to analyze the causes of NVGIB and to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for the treatment of NVGIB.

STUDY

From November 2012 to October 2018, 158 patients with NVGIB underwent digital subtraction angiography, and TAE was performed for confirmed gastrointestinal bleeding. Patient characteristics, cause of bleeding, angiographic findings, technical and clinical success rates, complication rates, and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Bleeding was confirmed in 71.5% (113/158) of performed angiographies, and 68 patients had visible contrast extravasation on angiography, with the other 45 patients having indirect signs of bleeding. Among the 113 patients with confirmed gastrointestinal bleeding, TAE was technically successful in 111 patients (98.2%). The mean procedure time required for TAE was 116 ± 44 min (ranging from 50 to 225 min). The primary total clinical success rate of TAE was 84.7% (94/111). The primary clinical success rates of TAE for vascular abnormality, neoplastic disease, and iatrogenic condition were 84.5% (49/58), 84.1% (37/44), and 88.9% (8/9), respectively. Intestinal necrosis and perforation were found in two patients after TAE.

CONCLUSIONS

The causes of NVGIB are complex and the onset, location, risk, and clinical presentations are variable. NVGIB can be generally divided into three types: vascular abnormality, neoplastic disease, and iatrogenic condition. TAE is a safe, effective, and fast procedure in the management of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Cases report: severe colonic bleeding in ulcerative colitis is refractory to selective transcatheter arterial embolization

BACKGROUND

Severe haemorrhage is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of ulcerative colitis (UC). Superselective transcatheter embolization has shown to be an effective and safe therapeutic modality in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding of various aetiologies; nevertheless, its role in UC-related acute bleeding is unknown.

CASES PRESENTATION

Efficacy and safety of selective transcatheter arterial embolization in three consecutive UC patients diagnosed with massive haemorrhage admitted in a tertiary institution are reported. In all patients computed tomography scan showed active arterial haemorrhage from ascendant or sigmoid colon; subsequent arteriography demonstrated active arterial bleeding from colic branches of the superior or inferior mesenteric arteries, and selective transcatheter embolization was performed with immediate technical success in all three cases. Nevertheless, rebleeding requiring subtotal colectomy occurred between 5 h and 6 days after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter arterial embolization is not an effective therapeutic approach in UC patients with severe, acute colonic haemorrhage. Colectomy should not be delayed in this setting.

[Clinical Outcomes of Angiography and Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Analyses according to Bleeding Sites and Embolization Types]

Background/Aims

The clinical outcomes of angiography and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) have not been completely assessed, especially according to bleeding sites. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of angiography and safety of TAE in acute GIB.

Methods

This was a retrospective study evaluating the records of 321 patients with acute GIB who underwent angiography with or without TAE. Targeted TAE was conducted in 134 patients, in whom angiography showed bleeding sources. Prophylactic TAE was performed in 29 patients when the bleeding source was not detected but a specific vessel was strongly suspected by other examinations. The rate of technical success, clinical success, and complications were analyzed.

Results

The detection rate of bleeding source via angiography was 50.8% (163/321), which was not different according to the bleeding sites. The detection rate was higher if the probable bleeding source had already been found by another investigation (59.7% vs. 35.8%, p<0.001). TAE sites were upper GIB in 67, mid GIB in 74, and lower GIB in 22. The technical success rate was 99.3% (133/134), and the clinical success rate was 63.0% (104/163). The prophylactic embolization group showed lower clinical success rate than the targeted embolization group (44.8% vs. 67.9%, p=0.06). The TAE-related complication rate was 12.9% (21/163). Ischemia and/or infarction was more common after TAE for mid and lower GIB than for upper GIB (15.6% vs. 3.0%, p=0.007).

Conclusions

Angiography with or without TAE was an effective method for acute GIB. Targeted embolization should be performed if possible given that it has a higher clinical success rate.

Successful treatment for severe pancreatitis with colonic perforation using video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement: A case report

•

Severe acute pancreatitis with necrotizing colonic perforation is refractory and the mortality is high.

•

Step-up approach for severe acute pancreatitis with infectious walled-off necrosis has been increasingly used.

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We performed percutaneous drainage, ileostomy, and video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) as a step-up approach.

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VARD enable sufficient washing of the abscess and radical debridement of the necrotic tissues under direct view.

Introduction

Colorectal complications including penetration and perforation in acute pancreatitis often become severe and fatal. Effective drainage is pivotal for successful treatment. We present a case of large retroperitoneal abscess with colonic necrotizing perforation due to severe acute pancreatitis treated with video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) in a step-up approach.

Presentation of case

A 31-year-old man was admitted to a general hospital with a diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis. Ten days after onset, he was referred to our hospital for more intensive treatment. On day 16, he experienced melena and shock, and embolization of the three straight arteries of the descending colon was performed. On day 30, percutaneous drainage was performed for large retroperitoneal abscess. On day 36, ileostomy was performed because the drained pus from the retroperitoneal abscess became feces-like. On day 58, VARD was performed to treat the refractory retroperitoneal abscesses causing high systemic inflammation due to insufficient drainage. On day 85, fluoroscopic examination showed disappearance of the abscess cavity. He was transferred to the previous hospital on day 89.

Discussion

Colonic perforation due to severe acute pancreatitis often causes sepsis and fatal condition of patients, and drainage of the retroperitoneal abscesses via laparotomy is thought to be highly invasive and risky. VARD enables radical necrosectomy and drainage less invasively.

Conclusions

VARD enabled less invasive treatment for patients with large retroperitoneal abscess due to colonic necrotizing perforation in severe pancreatitis.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization in Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Ischemia Remains a Concern Even with a Superselective Approach

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in the treatment of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB).

METHODS

Study group comprised all patients receiving angiography for LGIB in the Helsinki University Hospital during the period of 2004-2016. Hospital medical records provided the study data. Rebleeding, complication, and mortality rates (≤ 30 days) were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included need for blood transfusions, durations of intensive care unit and hospital admissions, incidence of delayed rebleeding, and long-term complications, as well as overall survival.

RESULTS

During the study period, angiography for LGIB was necessary on 123 patients. Out of 123, 55 (45%) underwent embolization attempts. TAE was technically successful in 53 (96%). Rebleeding occurred in 14 (26%). The complication rate was 36%, minor complications occurring in 10 (19%) and major in nine (17%). Major complications resulted in bowel resection in seven (13%). Post embolization ischemia was the most common single complication seen in nine (17%). The mortality rate was 6%. Survival estimates of 1 and 5 years were 79 and 49%.

DISCUSSION

LGIB is a severe physiological insult occurring in patients who are often elderly and moribund. Although major post embolization complications occur, transcatheter arterial embolization should be the first-line approach over surgery in profuse LGIB in patients with hemodynamic instability, when colonoscopy fails or is unavailable, or when computerized tomography angiography detects small intestinal bleeding.

Diagnosis of acute overt gastrointestinal bleeding with CT-angiography: Comparison of the diagnostic performance of individual acquisition phases

PURPOSE

To compare the respective values of arterial phase, portal venous phase and combination of phases using 64-section multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for diagnosing acute overt gastrointestinal bleeding (AOGIB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-nine patients with AOGIB were included. There were 30 men and 19 women, with a mean age of 65.4±15.6 (SD) years [range, 34-91years]. Two observers reviewed MDCT examinations in consensus for presence of active bleeding, location of bleeding site and nature of causative lesion. The different acquisition phases were reviewed independently.

RESULTS

AOGIB was identified in 28/49 patients (57%) with the multiphasic set, in 26/49 patients (53%) with arterial phase and in 25/49 patients (51%) with portal venous phase. Multiphasic set helped locate the bleeding site in 40/49 patients (82%). The cause was elucidated in 23/49 patients (47%) with multiphasic set. The differences between set performances were not statistically significant. Sensitivity for depicting AOGIB with the multiphasic set was 92% and specificity was 76%.

CONCLUSION

Multiphasic 64-section MDCT has high diagnostic performances in patients with AOGIB. Further studies with a larger population are needed to reach statistical significance and demonstrate better diagnostic performance of multiphasic MDCT in comparison with the arterial or portal phase alone.