Role of interventional radiology in the management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding

Comparison of Unplanned/Urgent-Start Versus Conventional-Start Peritoneal Dialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The timing of peritoneal dialysis (PD) initiation, whether conventional-start (planned) or urgent-start (unplanned), may impact the outcomes of PD and the rate of associated complications in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of unplanned/urgent-start PD versus conventional-start PD in this cohort of patients. Electronic search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus databases was done from inception until July 2023 for studies reporting outcomes of unplanned/urgent-start and conventional-start PD in CKD patients. Outcomes of interest included mechanical complications, post-procedure infections, mortality, and transfer to hemodialysis. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and the influence of individual studies on the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were evaluated. Twenty-seven studies were finally included in the review. The overall risk of post-procedure infectious was comparable for both PD initiation methods (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.83-1.34). Similarly, the risks for peritonitis and exit site infections did not differ significantly. However, urgent-start PD correlated with a significantly higher risk of overall mechanical complications (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.23-2.34). Specifically, the risk for leaks was notably higher (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.67-3.65) in the urgent-start group compared to the conventional-start PD group. Urgent-start PD correlated with significantly increased mortality rates (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.39-2.41). There was no difference in the likelihood of technique survival and transfer to hemodialysis. Both urgent-start and conventional-start PD correlated with similar risks of overall infectious complications. Urgent-start PD resulted in significantly increased risks of mechanical complications and mortality. Our findings emphasize the need for meticulous planning and consideration when opting for PD initiation.

Variceal and Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Refractory to Endoscopic Management: Indications and Role of Interventional Radiology

For over 60 years, diagnostic and interventional radiology have been heavily involved in the evaluation and treatment of patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding. For patients who present with upper GI bleeding and have a contraindication to endoscopy or have an unsuccessful attempt at endoscopy for identifying or controlling the bleeding, interventional radiology is often consulted for evaluation and consideration of catheter-based intervention.

External Validation of the Oakland Score for Predicting Safe Discharge in Patients Presenting With Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding at the William Harvey Hospital in the United Kingdom

Introduction Lower gastrointestinal bleeds (LGIB) are defined by having a bleeding point in the gastrointestinal tract beyond the ligament of Treitz. The most common causes include diverticular bleeds, tumours, and colitis. There are no National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines regarding safe discharge of patients with LGIB. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the Oakland score, as suggested by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines, in patients presenting with LGIB at William Harvey Hospital. Methods Patients with LGIB who presented to Accident & Emergency or inpatient referral from January to December 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Data was extracted from patients' Sunrise documentation. The Oakland score for each patient was calculated. Those with a score of ≤8 were deemed safe for discharge; those with a higher score were deemed unsuitable. Patients' admission, discharges, and adverse outcomes, such as representation, blood transfusion, or further intervention, were investigated. Patients with no adverse outcomes were deemed to have had a safe discharge. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the Oakland score and adverse outcome (and therefore safe discharge) were calculated. Results A total of 123 patients were included. These led to a total of 144 LGIB presentations to the hospital. Twenty-nine patients had an Oakland score of ≤8; 21 (72.4%) cases were initially discharged with four representations (19.0%) and eight (27.6%) were admitted although none of these suffered from any adverse outcomes. For those who scored ≤8, 25 (86.2%) were therefore deemed to have had a safe discharge. A total of 115 had a score >8; 43 (37.4%) were initially discharged, 72 (62.6%) admitted and 41 (35.7%) experienced at least one adverse outcome including 16 (13.9%) representations, 21 (18.3%) blood transfusions, three (2.6%) surgical interventions and one (0.9%) endoscopic haemostasis. Out of the 115 cases which scored >8, 74 (64.3%) were deemed to have had a safe discharge. The AUROC for safe discharge was 0.84. Conclusion The Oakland score seems to be a safe and reliable tool for identifying LGIB patients who could be safely discharged home without hospital intervention. However, further research is required to assess whether a score of >8 could be used as many patients with a higher score did not experience adverse outcomes.

Role of Interventional Radiology (IR) in vascular emergencies among cirrhotic patients

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with liver cirrhosis. Mostly, these patients bleed from the gastroesophageal varices. However, nonvariceal bleeding is also more likely to occur in these patients. Because of frequent co-existing coagulopathy, cirrhotics are more prone to bleed from a minor vascular injury while performing percutaneous interventions. Ultrasound-guided bedside vascular access is an essential procedure in liver critical care units. Transjugular portosystemic shunts (TIPS) with/without variceal embolization is a life-saving measure in patients with refractory variceal bleeding. Whenever feasible, balloon-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is an alternative to TIPS in managing gastric variceal bleeding, but without a risk of hepatic encephalopathy. In cases of failed or unfeasible endotherapy, transarterial embolization using various embolic agents remains the cornerstone therapy in patients with nonvariceal bleeding such as ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma, gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding, and procedure-related hemorrhagic complications. Among various embolic agents, N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) enables better vascular occlusion in cirrhotics, even in coagulopathy, making it a more suitable embolic agent in an expert hand. This article briefly entails the different interventional radiological procedures in vascular emergencies among patients with liver cirrhosis.

The Role of Timely Angiography in Elderly Patients Presenting With Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. Timely diagnosis and establishing the etiology of the LGIB can guide appropriate treatment and management. Our patient is a 91-year-old female who presented to the ER with the complaint of several episodes of hematochezia that started four hours before her presentation. The patient underwent an urgent CT angiography showing active bleeding in the proximal ascending colon. She underwent a super-selective arteriogram followed by embolization of the ascending colon arterial culprit bleeding territory using two coils. Her clinical condition improved, and she had no further episodes of hematochezia. Her case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis of the underlying etiology of a patient presenting with LGIB.

Pancreaticobiliary Diseases with Severe Complications as a Rare Indication for Emergency Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Single-Center Experience and Review of the Literature

The pancreaticobiliary system is a complex and vulnerable anatomic region. Small changes can lead to severe complications. Pancreaticobiliary disorders leading to severe complications include malignancies, pancreatitis, duodenal ulcer, duodenal diverticula, vascular malformations, and iatrogenic or traumatic injuries. Different therapeutic strategies, such as conservative, interventional (e.g., embolization, stent graft applications, or biliary interventions), or surgical therapy, are available in early disease stages. Therapeutic options in patients with severe complications such as duodenal perforation, acute bleeding, or sepsis are limited. If less invasive procedures are exhausted, an emergency pancreaticoduodenectomy (EPD) can be the only option left. The aim of this study was to analyze a single-center experience of EPD performed for benign non-trauma indications and to review the literature concerning EPD. Between January 2015 and January 2022, 11 patients received EPD due to benign non-trauma indications at our institution. Data were analyzed regarding sex, age, indication, operative parameters, length of hospital stay, postoperative morbidity, and mortality. Furthermore, we performed a literature survey using the PubMed database and reviewed reported cases of EPD. Eleven EPD cases due to benign non-trauma indications were analyzed. Indications included peptic duodenal ulcer with penetration into the hepatopancreatic duct and the pancreas, duodenal ulcer with acute uncontrollable bleeding, and penetration into the pancreas, and a massive perforated duodenal diverticulum with peritonitis and sepsis. The mean operative time was 369 min, and the median length of hospital stay was 35.8 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 out of 11 patients (36.4%). Total 90-day postoperative mortality was 9.1% (1 patient). We reviewed 17 studies and 22 case reports revealing 269 cases of EPD. Only 20 cases of EPD performed for benign non-trauma indications are reported in the literature. EPD performed for benign non-trauma indications remains a rare event, with only 31 reported cases. The data analysis of all available cases from the literature revealed an increased postoperative mortality rate of 25.8%. If less invasive approaches are exhausted, EPD is still a life-saving procedure with acceptable results. Performed by surgeons with a high level of experience in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, mortality rates below 10% can be achieved.

A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study Evaluating the Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Coagulopathy Undergoing Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) for Acute Non-Neurovascular Bleeding

Background and Objectives: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is the mainstay of treatment for acute major hemorrhage, even in patients with coagulopathy and spontaneous bleeding. Coagulopathy is associated with worsening bleeding severity and higher mortality and clinical failure rates. Furthermore, some unanswered questions remain, such as the definition of coagulopathy, the indication for TAE or conservative treatment, and the choice of embolic agent. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of TAE for spontaneous non-neurovascular acute bleeding in patients with coagulopathy. Materials and Methods: This study is a multicenter analysis of retrospectively collected data of consecutive patients with coagulopathy who had undergone, from January 2018 to May 2023, transcatheter arterial embolization for the management of spontaneous hemorrhages. Results: During the study interval (January 2018-May 2023), 120 patients with coagulopathy underwent TAE for spontaneous non-neurovascular acute bleeding. The abdominal wall was the most common bleeding site (72.5%). The most commonly used embolic agent was polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles or microspheres (25.0%), whereas coils and gelatin sponge together accounted for 32.5% of the embolic agents used. Technical success was achieved in all cases, with a 92.5% clinical success rate related to 9 cases of rebleeding. Complications were recorded in 12 (10%) patients. Clinical success was significantly better in the group of patients who underwent correction of the coagulopathy within 24 h of TAE. Conclusions: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is effective and safe for the management of acute non-neurovascular bleeding in patients with coagulopathy. Correction of coagulopathy should not delay TAE and vice versa, as better clinical outcomes were noted in the subgroup of patients undergoing correction of coagulopathy within 24 h of TAE.

Emergent vessel embolization for major traumatic and non-traumatic hemorrhage: Indications, tools and outcomes

Endovascular embolization of bleeding vessels in trauma and non-trauma patients is frequently used and is an important tool for bleeding control. It is included in the EVTM (endovascular resuscitation and trauma management) concept and its use in patients with hemodynamic instability is increasing. When the correct embolization tool is chosen, a dedicated multidisciplinary team can rapidly and effectively achieve bleeding control. In this article, we will describe the current use and possibilities for embolization of major hemorrhage (traumatic and non-traumatic) and the published data supporting these techniques as part of the EVTM concept.

Resumption of Antiplatelet Therapy after Major Bleeding

Major bleeding is a common threat in patients requiring antiplatelet therapy. Timing and intensity with regard to resumption of antiplatelet therapy represent a major challenge in clinical practice. Knowledge of the patient's bleeding risk, defining transient/treatable and permanent/untreatable risk factors for bleeding, and weighing these against thrombotic risk are key to successful prevention of major adverse events. Shared decision-making involving various disciplines is essential to determine the optimal strategy. The present article addresses clinically relevant questions focusing on the most life-threatening or frequently occurring bleeding events, such as intracranial hemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding, and discusses the evidence for antiplatelet therapy resumption using individual risk assessment in high-risk cardiovascular disease patients.

Clinical outcomes of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding according to the risk indicated by Glasgow-Blatchford risk score-computed tomography score in the emergency room

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Acute upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding is a significant emergency situation with a mortality rate of 2% to 10%. Therefore, initial risk stratification is important for proper management. We aimed to evaluate the role of contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for risk stratification in patients with acute UGI bleeding in the emergency room (ER).

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with UGI bleeding in the ER. Glasgow-Blatchford risk score-computed tomography (GBS-CT) was assessed using a combination of GBS and the MDCT scan scoring system.

RESULTS

Of the 297 patients with UGI bleeding, 124 (41.8%) underwent abdominal MDCT. Among them, 90.3% were classified as high-risk by GBS, and five patients died (4.0%). Rebleeding occurred in nine patients (7.3%). The high-risk GBS-CT group had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (10.5% in high-risk vs. 1.4% in moderate risk vs. 0% in low-risk, p = 0.049), transfusion amount (p < 0.001), and endoscopic hemostasis (p < 0.001) compared to the moderate- and low-risk groups.

CONCLUSION

Adding MDCT scans to the existing validated prognosis model when predicting the risk of UGI bleeding in patients in the ER plays a significant role in determining in-hospital mortality, transfusions, and the need for endoscopic hemostasis.

Patient and endoscopic characteristics and clinical outcomes in subjects with non-variceal GI bleeding referred for transarterial embolization: a single-center experience

PURPOSE

Management of massive non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NV-UGIB) can be challenging. Transarterial Embolization (TAE) is often the first therapeutic approach when endoscopic therapy fails before surgery. The purpose of this study is to analyze the technical success, and outcome for our patients with an NV-UGIB referred for TAE.

METHOD

This retrospective analysis included 74 consecutive patients with an NV-UGIB in whom TAE was performed after endoscopic treatment between February 2016 to May 2019 at Prisma Health-Upstate Greenville Memorial Hospital.

RESULTS

TAE was 98.7% technically successful, with a failure due to severe celiac stenosis, and 85.1% clinically successful. Most TAEs were performed empirically due to lack of extravasation yet were clinically as effective as targeted TAE. We noted a 30-day rebleeding rate and mortality rate of 14.8% and 13.5%, respectively. No complications were reported during the angiographic procedure. Subjects with coagulopathy had more rebleeding (45.5% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.040), and mortality (30% vs 7.4%, p = 0.012). Mortality was also associated with the number of transfused packed blood cells (13.6 ± 8.4 vs. 6.1 ± 5.4, p = 0.020) units and hypotension on admission (27.8% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.043). Interestingly, subjects that underwent left gastric artery (LGA) compared to non-LGA embolization had a higher rebleeding rate of (37.5% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.004) and a greater mortality rate of (37.5% vs. 6.9%, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

TAE is clinically effective in the presence or absence of contrast extravasation to treat uncontrolled or high-risk NV-UGIB. Less effective clinical outcomes regarding TAE targeting the LGA warrant further investigation.

The use of cyanoacrylate in the treatment of angiodysplasias: A safe and cheap alternative to coils

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia (GIAD) represents one of the most frequent causes of recurrent lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the elder population. Clinical manifestations are highly variable, diagnosis is done with colonoscopy or CT and management consists of either endoscopic or, more conservatively, endovascular approach. Trans-arterial embolization (TAE) reduces blood flow into the lesion and may complicate with perforation, dissection, vasospasm and bowel ischaemia. To date, coils and Gelfoam represent the most employed embolizing agents, followed by PVA and onyx. We report the successful embolization of GIADs in four patients with n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and Lipiodol Ultra-Fluid (LUF): despite the reported higher risk of bowel infarction when compared with the other agents, no major complication or short-term recurrence occurred in our series.

Indian College of Radiology and Imaging Consensus Guidelines on Interventions in Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the common gastrointestinal conditions presenting as medical emergency. Clinically, the severity of AP ranges from mild to severe. Mild AP has a favorable outcome. Patients with moderately severe and severe AP, on the other hand, require hospitalization and considerable utilization of health care resources. These patients require a multidisciplinary management. Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) and arterial bleeding are the most important local complications of pancreatitis. PFCs may require drainage when infected or symptomatic. PFCs are drained endoscopically or percutaneously, based on the timing and the location of collection. Both the techniques are complementary, and many patients may undergo dual modality treatment. Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) remains the most extensively utilized method for drainage in patients with AP and necrotic PFCs. Besides being effective as a standalone treatment in a significant proportion of these patients, PCD also provides an access for percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy and minimally invasive necrosectomy. Endovascular embolization is the mainstay of management of arterial complications in patients with AP and chronic pancreatitis. The purpose of the present guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the percutaneous management of complications of pancreatitis.

Endovascular Management of Hematomas in Pediatric Transplant Patients

OBJECTIVES

Transcatheter arterial embolization is used to control active hemorrhage at different anatomic locations. Because hematomas can suddenly deteriorate and become life threatening for transplant patients, they require prompt diagnosis and intervention rather than conservative management. Here, we evaluated computed tomography in treatment planning and transcatheter embolization effectiveness for hematoma management in pediatric liver transplant patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between June 2012 and December 2021, 10 pediatric liver transplant patients were referred to our interventional radiology unit. Computed tomography and angiograms were reviewed for hematoma location and presence of extravasation. We analyzed correlations between computed tomography and angiography findings and technical and clinical success of the endovascular interventions.

RESULTS

Active leak of contrast material during arterial phase was detected on 9/10 CT scans. Although there was no active bleeding on CT in 1 patient, active arterial bleeding was detected on angiography. On the contrary, in 2 patients, although active bleeding was observed on computed tomography, it was not detected on angiography. Source of bleeding was superior mesenteric artery branches in 4, hepatic artery branch in 2, superior epigastric artery in 1, and phrenic artery in 1 patient. Six of 8 patients with active bleeding were treated with endovascular procedures. The remaining 2 patients received surgery: 1 had bleeding from liver cut surface originating from a hepatic artery branch and received open surgery because the bleeding branch was too thin for catheterization, and 1 was hemodynamically unstable and selective catheterization of the internal thoracic artery would take time. Two patients received embolization procedures with N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (glue) diluted with iodized oil, and 1 patient had coil and glue with iodized oil. Embolization with coils was performed in 3 patients. Rate of success with transcatheter arterial embolization was 75%. No complications related to patient comorbidities or embolization procedures were shown. No deaths occurred due to progression of the hematoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter arterial embolization is effective and safe for treatment of pediatric liver transplant patients with hematomas. Computed tomography has value in identifying the bleeding source and its anatomic relationships and may enhance our intervention abilities to become quicker, more effective, and more secured.

Endovascular embolization techniques in acute thoracic and abdominal bleedings can be technically reproduced and trained in a standardized simulation setting using SLA 3D printing: a 1-year single-center study

Background

Endovascular embolization techniques are nowadays well established in the management of acute arterial bleedings. However, the education and training of the next generation of interventionalists are still based on the traditional apprenticeship model, where the trainee learns and practices directly at the patient, which potentially affects the patient’s safety. The objective of this study was to design and develop a standardized endovascular simulation concept for the training of acute bleeding embolizations, based on real-life cases.

Results

An adaptable and cost-effective endovascular simulator was developed using an in-house 3D print laboratory. All thoracic and abdominal acute bleeding embolizations over more than a year with appropriate pre-interventional computed tomography scans were included to manufacture 3D printed vascular models. A peristaltic pump was used to generate pulsatile flow curves. Forty embolization cases were engaged in this study, and 27 cases were fully reproduced in the simulation setting (69.23%). The simulation success was significantly lower in pulmonary embolizations (p = 0.031) and significantly higher in soft tissue (p = 0.032) and coil embolizations (p = 0.045). The overall simulation success was 7.8 out of 10 available points.

Conclusions

Using stereolithography 3D printing in a standardized simulation concept, endovascular embolization techniques for treating acute internal hemorrhages in the chest and abdomen can be simulated and trained based on the patient-specific anatomy in a majority of the cases and at a broad spectrum of different causes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13244-022-01206-7.

Acute Upper Non-variceal and Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common surgical emergency requiring hospital admission and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Appropriate decision-making is essential to make a prompt diagnosis, accurate risk assessment, and proper resuscitation of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite multiple randomized trials and meta-analyses, there is still controversy on various management issues like appropriate risk stratification, the timing of endoscopy, choosing an appropriate endoscopic, and radiological intervention in these groups of patients. As the usage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelet, and antithrombotic agents is common in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, the physician is challenged with proper management of these drugs. The present review summarizes the current strategies for risk stratification, localization of bleeding source, endoscopic and radiological intervention in patients with acute nonvariceal upper GI, middle GI, and lower GI bleeding.

A Novel approach to catheterizing the Left Gastric Artery for bariatric embolization

We present the case of a 45 Y/o morbidly obese male who - unable to lose weight despite extensive lifestyle interventions, presented to us for an experimental procedure known as bariatric embolization. This arterial embolization procedure was performed targeting the left gastric artery with aims to restrict blood flow to the gastric fundus, and lowering serum ghrelin levels. In this case the left gastric artery arose cephalad from the celiac, earlier than where it normally branches; a variation known as a “false tripod”, causing some initial difficulty with selection. We describe how introducing a tertiary curve on the guidewire proved successful. Adapting the guidewire for difficult anatomy is an often a very underutilized skillset for many interventionalists - but led to success in this rather nascent procedure.

A case report of endovascular management of delayed upper gastrointestinal bleeding after open esophagectomy for a benign esophageal stricture

INTRODUCTION

Delayed upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a rare complication of esophagectomy and can be difficult to manage.

PRESENTATION

A 76-year-old female represented 17 days post open esophagectomy with an unstable upper GI bleed. When control could not be achieved endoscopically, she was transferred to the Radiology Department where a triphasic CT angiogram confirmed active contrast extravasation into the gastric tube. She proceeded to the Interventional Radiology suite where a thoracic angiogram revealed an active arterial bleed from a branch of the thyrocervical trunk. The bleeding vessel was successfully embolised with coils and haemostasis was achieved.

DISCUSSION

Management options for upper GI bleeding post esophagectomy include medical, endoscopic and endovascular approaches.

CONCLUSION

Our case represents a rare example of delayed bleeding into a gastric conduit post open esophagectomy for a benign stricture. The case reinforces.

Artificial intelligence in gastrointestinal radiology: A review with special focus on recent development of magnetic resonance and computed tomography

Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly the deep learning technology, have been proven influential to radiology in the recent decade. Its ability in image classification, segmentation, detection and reconstruction tasks have substantially assisted diagnostic radiology, and has even been viewed as having the potential to perform better than radiologists in some tasks. Gastrointestinal radiology, an important subspecialty dealing with complex anatomy and various modalities including endoscopy, have especially attracted the attention of AI researchers and engineers worldwide. Consequently, recently many tools have been developed for lesion detection and image construction in gastrointestinal radiology, particularly in the fields for which public databases are available, such as diagnostic abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). This review will provide a framework for understanding recent advancements of AI in gastrointestinal radiology, with a special focus on hepatic and pancreatobiliary diagnostic radiology with MRI and CT. For fields where AI is less developed, this review will also explain the difficulty in AI model training and possible strategies to overcome the technical issues. The authors’ insights of possible future development will be addressed in the last section.

Intraluminal Endovascular Coil Migration: A Rare Complication Post-Embolization of the Gastroduodenal Artery for a Previously Bleeding Duodenal Ulcer

Transarterial angiographic embolization is a highly effective, safe treatment for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding refractory to endoscopic intervention. However, intraluminal coil migration is a possible complication. Coil migration, while usually a self-limiting process, can lead to significant rebleeding. In our case, a patient presented with a life-threatening duodenal ulcer hemorrhage, likely precipitated by intraluminal endovascular coil migration after a recent gastro-duodenal artery embolization. He was successfully managed without endoscopic coil removal and had no additional gastrointestinal bleeding. It is important for endoscopists to be aware of this complication and weigh the risks and benefits of coil removal.

Multicenter retrospective study of transcatheter arterial embolisation for life-threatening haemorrhage in patients with uncorrected bleeding diathesis

BACKGROUND

We retrospectively investigated outcomes of emergency TAE for the management of life-threatening haemorrhage in patients with uncorrected bleeding diathesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective, study, was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous TAE for the management of life-threatening haemorrhage in patients with uncorrected bleeding disorder at the time of embolization. All consecutive patients with uncorrected coagulation who underwent TAE for the treatment of haemorrhage, between January 1st and December 31th 2019 in three European centers were included. Inclusion criteria were thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50,000/mL) and/or International Normalized Ratio (INR) ≥2.0, and/or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) > 45 s, and/or a pre-existing underlying blood-clotting disorder such as factor VIII, Von Willebrand disease, hepatic cirrhosis with abnormal liver function tests. Primary outcome measures were technical success, rebleeding rate and clinical success. Secondary outcome measures included patients' 30-day survival rate, and procedure-related complications.

RESULTS

In total, 134 patients underwent TAE for bleeding control. A subgroup of 17 patients with 18 procedures [11 female, mean age 70.5 ± 15 years] which represent 12.7% of the total number of patients, presented with pathological coagulation parameters at the time of TAE (haemophilia n = 3, thrombocytopenia n = 1, cirrhosis n = 5, anticoagulants n = 7, secondary to bleeding n = 1) and were analyzed. Technical success was 100%, as in all procedures the bleeding site was detected and successfully embolised. Clinical success was 100%, as none of the patients died of bleeding during hospitalization, nor was surgically treated for bleeding relapse. Only one rebleeding case was noted (5.9%) that was successfully treated with a second TAE. No procedure-related complications were noted. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis the estimated 30-day survival rate was 84.2%.

CONCLUSION

TAE in selected patients with uncorrected bleeding diathesis should be considered as a suitable individualized management approach. Emergency TAE for life threatening haemorrhage in patients with coagulation cascade disorders should be used as an aid in realistic clinical decision making.

What is the Role of Image-Guided Endovascular Surgery in Postbariatric Surgery Bleeding Complications?

Background: Obesity treatment requires surgical procedures included in bariatric surgery. Bleeding complications are reported in 1%-4%. Image-guided surgery (IGS) includes minimally invasive procedures that have the advantage of less aggression to the patient, fewer complications, and a quick recovery. Endovascular therapy by interventional radiology (IR) is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure widely used in central, peripheral, and splanchnic vascular pathology. Treatment of postoperative bleeding in bariatric surgery can be aided by image-guided endovascular procedures. Objectives: The aim of this study is to carry out an update on the application of IR in bariatric surgery bleeding complications. Bleeding Complications: General rate of postoperative complications in bariatric surgery is 0%-10%. Postoperative bleeding (1%-4%) can be gastrointestinal (endoscopic treatment) or intra-abdominal (surgical treatment/relaparoscopy). In the case of arterial vascular lesions that cannot be resolved either endoscopically or surgically, the option of endovascular treatment with IR should be considered. Conclusions: Endovascular approach through IR and IGS in bleeding complications after bariatric surgery is presented as a valid minimally invasive therapy option in this group of patients.

Dieulafoy lesions and gastrointestinal bleeding

A Dieulafoy lesion is a dilated, submucosal artery that can erode through the adjacent gastrointestinal mucosa, resulting in spontaneous rupture and massive gastrointestinal bleeding. If misdiagnosed or left untreated, these lesions have up to an 80% mortality rate. Here we present the case of a 70-year-old woman with abdominal pain who was found to have a submucosal gastric vascular structure on computed tomography angiography of the pulmonary arteries. She underwent outpatient esophagogastroduodenoscopy to confirm the presence of a gastric Dieulafoy lesion and was successfully treated with mesenteric angiography and transarterial embolization.

Acute Coronary Syndrome, Antiplatelet Therapy, and Bleeding: A Clinical Perspective

Inhibition of platelet function by means of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is the cornerstone of treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While preventing ischemic recurrences, inhibition of platelet function is clearly associated with an increased bleeding risk, a feared complication that may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Since bleeding risk management is intrinsically associated with therapeutic adjustments undertaken during the whole clinical history of patients with acute coronary syndrome, single decisions taken from the very first day to years of follow-up might be decisive. This review aims at providing a clinically oriented, patient-tailored approach in reducing the risk and manage bleeding complications in ACS patients treated with DAPT. The steps in clinical decision making from the day of ACS to follow-up are analyzed. New treatment strategies to enhance the safety of DAPT are also described.

Sending in the ViCE Squad: Evaluation and Management of Patients with Small Intestinal Bleeding

Bleeding from the small intestine remains a clinically challenging diagnostic and therapeutic problem. It may be minor, requiring only supplemental iron treatment, to patients who have severe overt bleeding that requires multimodal intervention. This article provides an up-to-date review of the state-of-the-art of diagnosis and treatment of small intestinal bleeding.

High-Value Multidetector CT Angiography of the Superior Mesenteric Artery: What Emergency Medicine Physicians and Interventional Radiologists Need to Know

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) provides vital blood supply to the midgut, and an acute abnormality can rapidly precipitate bowel ischemia and infarction and lead to morbidity and mortality. Vascular diseases that acutely compromise the SMA threaten its tributaries and include occlusion, dissection, aneurysm rupture, pseudoaneurysm, vasculitis, and SMA branch hemorrhage into the bowel. Emergency medicine physicians rely on the radiologist to identify SMA abnormalities, to characterize them, and to detail findings that guide the appropriate triage of these patients. As such, radiologists must be cognizant of the features that influence patient treatment to assist vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists in decision making. Some patients can be treated medically, while clinical and radiographic findings may suggest the need for interventional or surgical repair of the artery. In the latter case, multidetector CT findings aid in determining which of the various surgical and endovascular treatment options is optimal, and both vascular and gastrointestinal sequelae of acute SMA abnormalities contribute to these determinations. The authors review acute life-threatening conditions involving the SMA including acute occlusion, dissection, aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, and hemorrhage and discuss the vascular and gastrointestinal multidetector CT findings in each of these conditions that help to guide surgical and interventional management. ^©RSNA, 2019.

Rare Complication of Interventional Radiology-guided Arterial Embolization of the Gastroduodenal Artery in the Setting of Acute Gastrointestinal Bleed: Migrated Coils in the Duodenum

A 91-year-old male presented to the emergency room with hemodynamically significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which showed frank blood in the duodenum interfering with the visualization. Hence, the patient underwent urgent interventional radiology (IR)-guided arteriogram and embolization. An EGD done 48 hours later showed a giant, non-bleeding, cratered duodenal ulcer with a visible vessel and vascular coils partially protruding into the duodenal bulb lumen. The patient had no evidence of bleeding post embolization. The patient presented three months later with abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen showed multiple liver abscesses. IR-guided drainage of abscesses was performed, and the culture grew Streptococcus intermedius. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and barium enema were unremarkable. The patient was treated with a prolonged course of intravenous (IV) antibiotics and recovered without any further issues. IR guided arterial embolization can be lifesaving in cases where GI bleeding cannot be controlled endoscopically, however, it can lead to serious complications, including endovascular coil migration into the gastrointestinal (GI) lumen causing infection and re-bleeding. Endovascular coil migration can occur immediately or several years later, which can result in fatal bleeding and infection. The best approach to prevent and manage migrated endovascular coils in the GI lumen remains unclear.

Manejo endovascular de la hemorragia digestiva, experiencia del Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael

Introducción. La hemorragia digestiva ocasiona el 2 % de las hospitalizaciones; se clasifica en alta o baja, la primera se presenta en el 80 % de casos. Después de la estabilización hemodinámica, se determinan la causa y el tratamiento mediante la endoscopia; no obstante, esta falla en 10 a 20 % de los casos, y del 15 al 20 % requieren cirugía mayor, con una mortalidad de más del 40 %. El tratamiento para la hemorragia digestiva mediante la formación de émbolos de los vasos mesentéricos, es una conducta bien establecida, produce buenos resultados, evita la cirugía y disminuye la morbimortalidad. Objetivos. Determinar la indicación y el éxito del tratamiento endovascular para la hemorragia digestiva en nuestra institución. Materiales y métodos. estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo, se incluyeron 10 pacientes que requirieron la urgente formación de émbolos por falla o imposibilidad del manejo endoscópico, y que presentaban gran riesgo quirúrgico y anestésico con la técnica abierta. Se evaluaron la causa de la hemorragia, la arteria comprometida, los hallazgos angiográficos, la hemoglobina antes y después de la formación de los émbolos, la reincidencia de la hemorragia, las complicaciones, la necesidad de intervención quirúrgica, la eficacia del procedimiento y la mortalidad a 30 días. Resultados. Todos los pacientes se intervinieron por vía endovascular, para la oclusión selectiva de las arterias comprometidas. La hemorragia se controló en todos ellos. Se presentaron dos muertes tempranas (<30 días) no asociadas con el procedimiento. No hubo complicaciones secundarias a la formación de los émbolos o al acceso percutáneo y, tampoco, necesidad de cirugías mayores posteriores para controlar la hemorragia. Conclusión. Los métodos endovasculares para controlar la hemorragia digestiva son eficaces, no se acompañan de complicaciones, y disminuyen la morbimortalidad y la necesidad de cirugías mayores. Se requieren estudios con mayor número de pacientes para lograr un mayor grado de certeza.

Advances in Biomaterials and Technologies for Vascular Embolization

Minimally invasive transcatheter embolization is a common nonsurgical procedure in interventional radiology used for the deliberate occlusion of blood vessels for the treatment of diseased or injured vasculature. A wide variety of embolic agents including metallic coils, calibrated microspheres, and liquids are available for clinical practice. Additionally, advances in biomaterials, such as shape-memory foams, biodegradable polymers, and in situ gelling solutions have led to the development of novel preclinical embolic agents. The aim here is to provide a comprehensive overview of current and emerging technologies in endovascular embolization with respect to devices, materials, mechanisms, and design guidelines. Limitations and challenges in embolic materials are also discussed to promote advancement in the field.

Management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: an update for the general physician

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleed (AUGIB) is one of the most common medical emergencies in the UK, with roughly one presentation every 6 min. Despite advances in therapeutics and endoscopy provision, mortality following AUGIB over the last two decades has remained high, with over 9,000 deaths annually in the UK; consequently, several national bodies have published UK-relevant guidelines. Despite this, the 2015 UK National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death in AUGIB highlighted variations in practice, raised concerns regarding suboptimal patient care and released a series of recommendations. This review paper incorporates the latest available evidence and UK-relevant guidelines to summarise the optimal pre-endoscopic, endoscopic, and post-endoscopic approach to and management of non-variceal and variceal AUGIB that will be of practical value to both general physicians and gastroenterologists.

Wunder-women: Systematic review of causes, treatment and outcomes of Wunderlich syndrome during pregnancy

Objective:

The objective of this article is to conduct a contemporary literature review on Wunderlich syndrome, or spontaneous renal haemorrhage (SRH), among pregnant women to describe contemporary aetiology, investigations and management patterns.

Methods:

A systematic review of MEDLINE and CENTRAL in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed. All articles, including case reports and case series on SRH published from 2000 to 2016, were included. Full-text manuscripts describing SRH among pregnant women were reviewed for clinical parameters, which were collated and analysed.

Results:

Twenty cases of SRH in pregnant women were identified. The median age and gestation were 32.1 years and 26.5 weeks, respectively, with SRH most commonly occurring in the third trimester (nine patients; 45%) and due to renal neoplasm, specifically angiomyolipoma (AML; 12 patients; 60%), followed by renal artery aneurysm (RAA; five patients; 25%). Surgical intervention (55%) was most commonly used for acute SRH. Foetal demise was not uncommon (15%).

Conclusions:

SRH in pregnant women is an uncommon but complex urological and obstetric emergency with potentially catastrophic consequences. A multidisciplinary approach is key to timely diagnosis and appropriate management considering the well-being both of mother and foetus. Pre-emptive diagnosis and intervention may reduce complications.

Level of evidence:

4

Imaging of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Emergencies in Binge Drinking

Excess alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. The pattern of consumption of alcoholic beverages has changed in our society in the recent past, with binge drinking becoming more and more common, especially among young adults. Abdominal pain following alcohol consumption can be secondary to a wide range of pathologies, the treatment algorithm of which can range from medical supportive treatment to more invasive life-saving procedures such as transarterial embolization and emergency laparotomy. Correct diagnosis, differentiation among these conditions, and implementing the correct management algorithm is heavily reliant on accurate and appropriate imaging. We review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, imaging features and management options of acute abdominal emergencies secondary to binge drinking, based on a selection of illustrative cases.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a guide for nurses

This article outlines latest evidence-based care for patients with acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. It aims to help gastroenterology and general medical ward nurses plan nursing interventions and understand the diagnostic treatment options available. Acute upper GI bleeding can present as variceal or non-variceal bleeding and has a high death rate. Endoscopy is used for diagnosis and to provide therapy, prior to which the patient should be adequately resuscitated and assessed. Various therapies can be initiated at endoscopy, depending on the source of bleeding. If bleeding continues in spite of these therapies, further interventions such as the Sengstaken tube, oesophageal stents, radiological or surgical treatments may be required. After endoscopy, it is important to have a plan for ongoing treatment. Patients may require acid suppression treatment or eradication of Helicobacter pylori as part of their treatment plan. They may in additional require correction of their haemoglobin levels and follow-up endoscopy. It is essential that nurses caring for such patients are aware of the current UK guidance and help patients to adhere to agreed treatment plans.

CT for Evaluation of Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is common and necessitates rapid diagnosis and treatment. Bleeding can occur anywhere throughout the GI tract and may be caused by many types of disease. The variety of enteric diseases that cause bleeding and the tendency for bleeding to be intermittent may make it difficult to render a diagnosis. The workup of GI bleeding is frequently prolonged and expensive, with examinations commonly needing to be repeated. The use of computed tomography (CT) for evaluation of acute GI bleeding is gaining popularity because it can be used to rapidly diagnose active bleeding and nonbleeding bowel disease. The CT examinations used to evaluate acute GI bleeding include CT angiography and multiphase CT enterography. Understanding the clinical evaluation of acute GI bleeding, including the advantages and limitations of endoscopic evaluation, is necessary for the appropriate selection of patients who may benefit from CT. Multiphase CT enterography is used primarily to evaluate stable patients who have undergone upper and lower endoscopy without identification of a bleeding source. CT angiography is used to examine stable and unstable patients who respond to resuscitation, are believed to be actively bleeding, and are considered unlikely to have an upper GI source of hemorrhage. In the emergent setting, CT may yield critical information regarding the presence, location, and cause of active bleeding-data that can guide the choice of subsequent therapy. Recent developments in the use of and techniques for performing CT angiography have made it a potential first-line tool for evaluating acute GI bleeding. ^©RSNA, 2018.

Evaluation and management of Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The most common causes include peptic ulcer disease, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, erosive gastritis, duodenitis, esophagitis, malignancy, angiodysplasias and Dieulafoy's lesion. Initial assessment and early aggressive resuscitation significantly improves outcomes. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy continues to be the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment. We present a comprehensive review of literature for the evaluation and management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

A delayed acute complication of bariatric surgery: Gastric remnant haemorrhagic ulcer after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Acute gastric remnant bleeding is an exceptionally rare complication when it occurs long after bariatric surgery. We present the case of a patient with a bleeding ulcer of the excluded stomach (i.e., the remnant), occurring 7 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity. A computed tomography scan managed to locate the active bleeding source in the gastric remnant. During emergency laparotomy, a bleeding ulcer of the fundic region of the excluded stomach was identified. Total resection of the remnant was performed, with good post-operative recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first full report of a significantly delayed haemorrhagic ulcer of the gastric remnant, occurring years after RYGB.

Magnetic Particle Imaging for Highly Sensitive, Quantitative, and Safe in Vivo Gut Bleed Detection in a Murine Model

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding causes more than 300 000 hospitalizations per year in the United States. Imaging plays a crucial role in accurately locating the source of the bleed for timely intervention. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an emerging clinically translatable imaging modality that images superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) tracers with extraordinary contrast and sensitivity. This linearly quantitative modality has zero background tissue signal and zero signal depth attenuation. MPI is also safe: there is zero ionizing radiation exposure to the patient and clinically approved tracers can be used with MPI. In this study, we demonstrate the use of MPI along with long-circulating, PEG-stabilized SPIOs for rapid in vivo detection and quantification of GI bleed. A mouse model genetically predisposed to GI polyp development (ApcMin/+) was used for this study, and heparin was used as an anticoagulant to induce acute GI bleeding. We then injected MPI-tailored, long-circulating SPIOs through the tail vein, and tracked the tracer biodistribution over time using our custom-built high resolution field-free line (FFL) MPI scanner. Dynamic MPI projection images captured tracer accumulation in the lower GI tract with excellent contrast. Quantitative analysis of the MPI images show that the mice experienced GI bleed rates between 1 and 5 μL/min. Although there are currently no human scale MPI systems, and MPI-tailored SPIOs need to undergo further development and evaluation, clinical translation of the technique is achievable. The robust contrast, sensitivity, safety, ability to image anywhere in the body, along with long-circulating SPIOs lends MPI outstanding promise as a clinical diagnostic tool for GI bleeding.

A Novel Technique to Measure the Intensity of Abnormality on GI Bleeding Scans: Development, Initial Implementation, and Correlation With Conventional Angiography

PURPOSE

Develop a technique to quantify intensity of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) on Tc-labeled red blood cell (RBC) scintigraphy, correlate with angiography, and determine the tool's predictive value.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An IRB-approved, single institution database query of GI bleeding scans performed between January 2013 and December 2015. Reports from all studies and imaging from all positive studies were reviewed. A technique was developed for scan analysis, allowing for calculation of percent increase of activity in the region of interest (ROI, area of bleeding) and ROI in the aorta and liver (controls). Database query determined which patients underwent angiography, and which had positive angiograms. Median ROI percent increase in patients with positive scintigraphy and positive angiography was compared to those with positive scintigraphy and negative angiography.

RESULTS

Of 194 bleeding scans performed during the study period, 71 were positive for active LGIB, 37 had angiography, and 9 had active contrast extravasation. The new tool was used to analyze the 37 cases with positive nuclear scans sent for angiography. Median percent increase in ROI activity was 50% in those with positive scan and positive angiogram and 26.8% in those with positive scan but negative angiogram. Using ROI percent change quartiles, we observed a statistically significant association between percent increase in ROI activity from baseline and the probability of having a positive angiogram (Cochran-Armitage trend test, P = 0.01), such that there are no positive angiogram cases when ROI change was <20% and a majority of the positive angiogram cases (67%) in the highest quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization of processing protocol to determine percent increase in activity from baseline within ROI of active LGIB on scintigraphy has predictive value in determining which patients will not benefit from conventional angiography.

Endoscopic and angiographic management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding: Review of the published literature

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is common and occurs often in elderly patients. In rare cases it is associated with hemorrhagic shock. A large number of such bleedings, which are often caused by colon diverticula, subside spontaneously. Alternatively they can be treated by endoscopic procedures successfully. Given the aging population of our society, the rising incidence of lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding and new anticoagulant therapies, some of the bleedings tend to be severe. Colonoscopy is the established standard procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. However, a small number of patients experience re-bleeding or shock; their bleeding does not resolve spontaneously and cannot be treated successfully by endoscopic procedures. In such patients, interventional radiology is very useful for the detection of bleeding and the achievement of hemostasis. Against this background we performed a literature search using PubMed to identify all relevant studies focused on the endoscopic and radiological management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and present recent conclusions on the subject.

An unusual case of giant ileal diverticulum-A case report

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Large ileal diverticula are extremely rare and bleeding complications can result in high overall mortality.

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Small bowel diverticulosis though uncommon has to be considered during workup for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

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Endoscopic treatment for small bowel diverticular bleeding is an alternative approach that can be considered for high-risk patients.

Small bowel diverticulosis is rare with an incidence of 1–2% in the general population. It is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that ranges from obscure to overt bleeding. Large ileal diverticula are extremely rare and bleeding complications can result in high overall mortality.

A young gentleman presented with persistent per-rectal bleeding and drop in hemoglobin level. He was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and was undergoing chemotherapy. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a giant ileal diverticulum. In view of on-going bleeding, he underwent double balloon enteroscopy which revealed active bleeding from an ulcer within the giant ileal diverticulum and successful hemostasis was performed with hemostatic clips.

Small bowel diverticulosis though uncommon has to be considered during workup for gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopic treatment is a modern approach towards small bowel diverticular bleeding that is effective and less invasive.

Changing etiology and management patterns for spontaneous renal hemorrhage: a systematic review of contemporary series

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic literature review on spontaneous renal hemorrhage (SRH) in a contemporary cohort describing patterns in etiology and treatment.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases was conducted to include articles, including case reports and case series on SRH published from 2000 to 2016. Full-text manuscripts were reviewed for clinical parameters which were collated and analyzed with univariate methods.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine publications met inclusion criteria, reporting on 102 cases. Renal neoplasms (56.9%) and polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) (11.8%) remained as the most common overall and vascular causes of SRH, respectively. Angiomyolipoma (AML) was the most common causative renal neoplasm (74.1%), and patients were more likely to be female and present with macroscopic hematuria than those with vasculitis, while malignant neoplasms were more common in men. Proportions of SRH due to malignant neoplasms (specifically renal cell carcinoma, RCC) were reported less than PAN. Among this contemporary series, transarterial embolization (TAE) was most commonly used for acute SRH (42.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Renal neoplasms remain as the most common cause of SRH, of which AML predominates, while PAN is currently the second most common etiology in acute SRH, replacing RCC. Minimally invasive approaches, such as TAE and conservative/medical management, were preferred to initial surgery.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42017069222.

Gastrointestinal bleeding from supraduodenal artery with aberrant origin

Angiography and endovascular embolization play an important role in controlling acute arterial upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, particularly when endoscopic intervention fails to do so. In our case, the patient presented with recurrent life-threatening bleed in spite of multiple prior endoscopic interventions and gastroduodenal artery embolization. Our teaching points focus on the role of angiography in acute upper gastrointestinal bleed and when to conduct empiric embolization, while reviewing the supraduodenal artery as an atypical but important potential culprit for refractory upper gastrointestinal bleed.

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.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for traumatic mesenteric bleeding: a 15-year, single-center experience

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for mesenteric bleeding following trauma.

METHODS

From 2001 to 2015, 12 patients were referred to our interventional unit for mesenteric bleeding following trauma, based on clinical decisions and computed tomography (CT) images. After excluding one patient with no bleeding focus and one patient who underwent emergency surgery, a total of 10 patients (male:female ratio, 9:1; mean age, 52.1 years) who underwent super selective TAE of visceral arteries were included in this study. Technical and clinical success, complications, and 30-day mortality rate were analyzed.

RESULTS

In 10 patients who underwent TAE, the types of trauma were motor vehicle collision (n=6), fall (n=2), assault (n=1), and penetrating injury (n=1), and the bleeding arteries were in the pancreaticoduodenal arterial arcade (n=4), jejunal artery (n=3), colic artery (n=2), and sigmoid artery (n=1). N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) (n=2), microcoils (n=2), and combinations of NBCA, microcoils, or gelatin sponge particles (n=6) were used as embolic agents. Technical success was achieved in all 10 patients, with immediate cessation of bleeding. Clinical success rate was 90% (9/10), and all patients were discharged with no further treatment required for mesenteric bleeding. However, one patient showed rebleeding 10 days later and underwent repeated TAE with successful result. There were no TAE-related ischemic complications such as bowel infarction. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%.

CONCLUSION

Our clinical experience suggests that TAE used to control mesenteric bleeding following trauma is safe and effective as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.

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

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in the treatment of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) and to determine the potential factors that influence treatment outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 38 patients with acute LGIB who were treated by TAE were retrospectively included. There were 24 men and 14 women, with a mean age of 61 years (range: 9-84 years). Patient characteristics, laboratory findings, treatments, causes of bleeding, angiographic findings, and outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Active contrast extravasation was observed in 26/38 patients (68.4%) and was the most frequent angiographic finding, followed by abnormal mucosal staining (8/38; 21.1%) and tumor staining (4/38; 10.5%). Technical success of TAE was obtained in 35/38 patients (92%) whereas technical failure was observed in 3/38 patients (8%). Clinical success rate following TAE was 63%. Bowel ischemia occurred in 5/38 patients (13%) following TAE; mild ischemia without sequelae was observed in 3 patients and severe ischemias with bowel perforation requiring surgery in 2 patients. No variables were identified as significant predictive factors of failed TAE.

CONCLUSION

TAE is a safe and effective treatment to control massive acute LGIB, especially in the emergency setting with a clinical success rate of 63%.

A Smart Capsule System for Automated Detection of Intestinal Bleeding Using HSL Color Recognition

There are no ideal means for the diagnosis of intestinal bleeding diseases as of now, particularly in the small intestine. This study investigated an intelligent intestinal bleeding detection capsule system based on color recognition. After the capsule is swallowed, the bleeding detection module (containing a color-sensitive adsorptive film that changes color when absorbing intestinal juice,) is used to identify intestinal bleeding features. A hue-saturation-light color space method can be applied to detect bleeding according to the range of H and S values of the film color. Once bleeding features are recognized, a wireless transmission module is activated immediately to send an alarm signal to the outside; an in vitro module receives the signal and sends an alarm. The average power consumption of the entire capsule system is estimated to be about 2.1mW. Owing to its simplicity, reliability, and effectiveness, this system represents a new approach to the clinical diagnosis of intestinal bleeding diseases.