Clinical utility, safety and tolerability of capsule endoscopy in urban Southeast Asian population

AIM: Capsule endoscopy has demonstrated its clinical utility in the evaluation of small bowel pathology in several Western studies. In this prospective study, we aimed to determine the clinical utility, safety and tolerability of capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of suspected small bowel disease in an urban Southeast Asian population.METHODS: We used the given (M2A) capsule endoscopy system in 16 consecutive patients with suspected small bowel pathology. In 9 patients the indication was obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, while in 6 patients it was to determine the extent of small bowel involvement in Crohn‘s disease. One patient underwent capsule endoscopy for evaluation of chronic abdominal pain. Patient‘‘s tolerabilityto the procedure was evaluated by standardized questionnaires and all patients were reviewed at one week to ensure that the capsule had been excreted without any adverse events.RESULTS: Abnormal findings were present in 8 patients (50 %). The cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding was determined in 5 out of 9 patients. Findings included 2 cases of angiodysplasia, 2 cases of jejunal ulcers and 1 case of both angiodysplasia and jejunal ulcer. One patient had smallbowel erosions and foci of erythema of doubtful significance. Ileal lesions were diagnosed in 2 out of 6 patients with Crohn‘‘s disease. Capsule endoscopy was well tolerated by allpatients. One patient with Crohn‘‘s disease had a complication of capsule retention due to terminal ileum stricture. Thecapsule eventually passed out spontaneously after 1 month. CONCLUSION: Our study, which represented the first Asian series, further confirms the diagnostic utility, safety and tolerability of wireless capsule endoscopy.     

胶囊内镜诊断小肠克罗恩病的应用研究

目的 探讨胶囊内镜在小肠克罗恩病诊断中的应用价值。方法 对20例其它检查正常但临床症状疑似小肠克罗恩病的患者进行胶囊内镜检查，这些患者伴有不同程度腹痛、消瘦、大便隐血阳性、缺铁性贫血、腹泻或发热等症状体征，平均持续6．5年。结果20例患者中共发现克罗恩病13例，胶囊内镜下表现包括黏膜糜烂(2例)、口疮样溃疡(5例)、肉芽肿性结节样病变(1例)，大溃疡(2例)和溃疡伴肠腔不完全狭窄(3例)。结论 胶囊内镜对经传统方法未能检出的疑似小肠克罗恩病具有较高的检出率，尤其是对疾病早期和对轻型患者的诊断具有明显优越性。     

Capsule endoscopy retention: is it a complication?

BACKGROUND: Capsule endoscopy has been found superior to barium x-rays and push enteroscopy in the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and in the evaluation of suspected Crohn's disease. Currently, small bowel obstruction and strictures are considered by many physicians to be a contraindication to capsule endoscopy for fear of capsule retention or impaction. The goal of this study was to reassess this conventional wisdom that capsule endoscopy is contraindicated in small bowel obstruction and to determine the safety and efficacy of capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of patients with suspected stricture or small bowel obstruction. STUDY: A retrospective chart review was performed using a database of 568 capsule endoscopy cases performed between August 2001 and November 2003. Cases of suspected small bowel obstruction were selected and reviewed. RESULTS: Nineteen cases were identified in which capsule endoscopy was used in the setting of suspected small bowel obstruction. The diagnosis of suspected small bowel obstruction was based on symptoms alone in 8 cases and on symptoms plus abnormal radiographs in the remaining 11 cases. Capsule endoscopy made a definitive diagnosis in 5 of the 19 cases (26%): 2 Crohn's strictures, 1 radiation induced stricture, 1 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced stricture, and 1 MALT lymphoma. The capsule was retained proximal to a stricture in 4 cases, in which the obstructing lesions were electively resected without complications. There was no case in which administration of the capsule led to an acute small bowel obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Capsule endoscopy can be safely used to help identify the etiology and site of a small bowel obstruction. Retention of the capsule may indicate the presence of a lesion requiring surgery, but small bowel obstruction or strictures are not in themselves contraindications to the procedure. It is understood, however, that retention may lead to surgery in a patient who otherwise may have been treated medically without surgery for the same illness (eg, Crohn's disease and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug enteropathy).     

Clinical application of wireless capsule endoscopy

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic modalities for identifying lesions within the small bowel have been quite limited. Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a new, innovative technique that can detect very small mucosal lesions in the entire small bowel and can be used in the outpatient setting. The present study explored the diagnostic value, tolerance and safety of WCE in the identification of small bowel pathology that was not detected with conventional small bowel imaging studies. METHODS: From May through September 2002, 15 patients with suspected small bowel diseases were prospectively examined, Of them, 12 presented with persistent obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and negative findings on upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, small bowel radiography, and bleeding‐scan scintig‐raphy or mesenteric angiography. RESULTS: Wireless capsule endoscopy identified pathologic small bowel findings in 11 of the 15 patients (73%): angioectasias, Dieulafoy's lesion, polypoid lesion, submucosal mass, Crohn's disease, carcinoid tumor, lipoma, aphthous ulcer, and hemorrhagic gastritis; four of the patients had two lesions. The images displayed were considered to be good. The capsule endoscopes remained in the stomach for an average of 82 min (range 6?311 min) and the mean transit time in the small bowel was 248 min (range 104?396 min). The mean time of recording was 7 h 29 min (from 5 h to 8 h 30 min). The mean time to reach the cecum was 336 min (180?470 min). The average number of the images transmitted by the capsule was 57 919 and the average time the physician took to review the images transmitted by the capsule was 82 min (range 30?120 min). The average time of elimination of the capsule was 33 h (range 24?48 h). All 15 patients reported that the capsule was easy to swallow, painless, and preferable to conventional endoscopy. No complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Wireless capsule endoscopy is safe, well tolerated, and useful for identifying occult lesions of the small bowel, especially in patients who present with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.     

胶囊内镜与推进式小肠镜诊断不明原因消化道出血的评价

目的 比较胶囊内镜与推进式小肠镜对不明原因消化道出血的诊断价值。方法 总结32例消化道出血患者的胶囊内镜检查结果及36例消化道出血患者推进式小肠镜检查结果，上述患者均经结肠镜、胃镜、X线钡餐、小肠钡剂灌肠、血管造影或核素扫描等检查未发现异常。结果 胶囊内镜检查的32例中共发现异常26例，检出率为8l％。其中能明确解释出血原因者2l例，包括消化道血管病变8例，小肠炎症性肠病5例，小肠息肉4例，小肠恶性间质肿瘤2例，小肠类癌l例(该患者同时伴升结肠脂肪瘤)及出血性胃炎l例；疑诊5例。推进式小肠镜检查的36例明确出血原因9例，即诊断率为25％，包括空肠上段血管畸形2例，平滑肌肉瘤2例，平滑肌瘤、腺瘤性息肉、克罗恩病、壶腹部腺癌及淋巴瘤各l例；疑诊2例。结论 胶囊内镜对不明原因消化道出血具有较高的检出率和诊断率，检查效果及方法明显优于推进式小肠镜。胶囊内镜可明显简化不明原因消化道出血患者的检查步骤．应成为经胃镜、结肠镜检查阴性患者的首选检查方法。     

Diagnostic yield and clinical outcomes of capsule endoscopy

BACKGROUND: Capsule endoscopy is proving to be superior to push enteroscopy and barium contrast radiography for evaluation of the small bowel. However, its impact on clinical outcome has not been thoroughly investigated. This study assessed changes in therapy based on capsule endoscopy findings and on the impact of such changes on patient outcomes. METHODS: Forty-four consecutive capsule endoscopies in 43 patients were reviewed. Data were collected by systematic review of patient records and included indication, results of prior diagnostic tests, and capsule endoscopy findings. Specific interventions after capsule endoscopy and clinical outcome were noted. RESULTS: The indication for capsule endoscopy was obscure GI bleeding in 40 patients, iron deficiency anemia in one, and right lower quadrant abdominal pain in two patients. Overall diagnostic yield was 42% (18/43 patients). Diagnostic findings included angiodysplasias (n = 13), intestinal ulcers (n = 2), Crohn's disease (n = 2), and mass lesion (n = 1). As a result of the capsule endoscopy findings, a specific intervention was implemented in 12 of 18 patients with positive findings. These included endoscopy with coagulation (n = 5), laparotomy (n = 2), pharmacotherapy (n = 4), and discontinuation of medication (n = 1). At a mean follow-up of 6.7 months, the clinical outcome was considered positive in 7 of 43 patients (16%). CONCLUSIONS: Although it has a high diagnostic yield, capsule endoscopy has a positive influence on clinical outcome in a relatively small proportion of patients. Larger studies are needed that assess the influence of capsule endoscopy on clinical outcomes.     

Capsule endoscopy in diagnosis of small bowel Crohn′s disease

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of wireless capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected Crohn′s disease (CD)of the small bowel undetected by conventional modalities,and to determine the diagnostic yield of M2A Given Capsule.METHODS: From lay 2002 to April 2003, we prospectively examined 20 patients with suspected CD by capsule endoscopy. The patients had the following features:abdominal pain, weight loss, positive fecal occult blood test, iron deficiency anaemia, diarrhoea and fever. All the patients had normal results in small bowel series (SBS)and in upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy before they were examined. Mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 6.5 years.RESULTS: Of the 20 patients, 13 (65%) were diagnosed as CD of the small bowel according to the findings of M2A Given Capsule. The findings detected by the capsule were mucosal erosions (2 patients), aphthas (5 patients),nodularity (1 patient), large ulcers (2 patients), and ulcerated stenosis (3 patients). The distribution of the lesions was mainly in the distal part of the small bowel,and the mild degree of lesions was 54%.CONCLUSION: Wireless capsule endoscopy is effective in diagnosing patients with suspected CD undetected by conventional diagnostic methods. It can be used to detect early lesions in the small bowel of patients with CD.     

Capsule endoscopy in diagnosis of small bowel Crohn＇s disease

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of wireless capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected Crohn‘s disease (CD) of the small bowel undetected by conventional modalities,and to determine the diagnostic yield of M2A Given Capsule.METHODS: From May 2002 to April 2003, we prospectively examined 20 patients with suspected CD by capsule endoscopy. The patients had the following features:abdominal pain, weight loss, positive fecal occult blood test, iron deficiency anaemia, diarrhoea and fever. All the patients had normal results in small bowel series (SBS) and in upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy beforethey were examined. Mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 6.5 years.RESULTS: Of the 20 patients, 13 (65%) were diagnosed as CD of the small bowel according to the findings of M2A Given Capsule. The findings detected by the capsule were mucosal erosions (2 patients), aphthas (5 patients),nodularity (1 patient), large ulcers (2 patients), and ulcerated stenosis (3 patients). The distribution of the lesions was mainly in the distal part of the small bowel,and the mild degree of lesions was 54%.CONCLUSION: Wireless capsule endoscopy is effective in diagnosing patients with suspected CD undetected by conventional diagnostic methods. It can be used to detect early lesions in the small bowel of patients with CD.     

The role of capsule endoscopy in small bowel Crohn's disease

Video capsule endoscopy is an invaluable tool for examining the small bowel. It is non-invasive and generally well tolerated, however its role in the assessment of the severity and extent of small bowel Crohn's disease has not, to date, been adequately evaluated.MethodsAll capsule endoscopies performed over a two year period in a tertiary referral centre in subjects with known or suspected Crohn's disease were reviewed.ResultsTwenty-six capsule endoscopy studies in total were included. These were performed in 15 cases of known Crohn's disease, 5 cases of suspected Crohn's disease, 3 cases of endoscopically diagnosed non-specific terminal ileal inflammation and finally 3 post colectomy cases of indeterminant being considered for IPAA formation. Ten patients known to have small bowel Crohn's disease were prospectively recruited; of 3 with normal small bowel follow through or CT exams, one had an abnormal capsule endoscopy. The other 7 patients had small bowel follow through or abdominal CT scans consistent with small bowel Crohn's disease; additional mucosal abnormalities were detected by capsule endoscopy in 6 cases with capsule retention in the stomach in one. Of 5 with colonic Crohn's disease normal small bowel imaging corresponded with normal capsule endoscopy in all but one. A diagnosis of Crohn's disease was made in 2 out of 5 cases of suspected Crohn's disease on the basis of the capsule endoscopy findings. Three patients with non-specific acute terminal ileal inflammation at ileocolonoscopy were confirmed to have ongoing inflammation. The capsule was retained in four subjects beyond 24 h.ConclusionCapsule endoscopy more accurately determines the severity and extent of the Crohn's disease in the small bowel than traditional imaging modalities.     

Wireless capsule endoscopy in a community gastroenterology practice

GOALS: This study was performed to evaluate the use of wireless capsule endoscopy in a community gastroenterology practice. BACKGROUND: Experience with wireless capsule endoscopy at referral centers has been reported, but little has been reported about community gastroenterologists' experience. STUDY: A retrospective review of charts and wireless capsule endoscopies performed at a community hospital was performed. RESULTS: A total of 99 wireless capsule endoscopies were reviewed and complete data were available in 72 cases. Indications included suspected obscure GI bleeding in 97% of cases; 55% of patients were taking anti-platelet or anti-coagulant medications; 71% of examinations were complete. Pathologic findings included angioectasias (36%), gastritis/erosions (21%), bleeding (18%), small bowel ulcers (16%), duodenitis (7%), and small bowel erosions (6%). Strictures, Crohn's disease, and tumors were each seen in 3%. There were no abnormal findings in 37%. One complication, nonnatural excretion of the capsule, caused a transient bowel obstruction but passed without endoscopic intervention or surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In a community-based gastroenterology setting, wireless capsule endoscopy is a safe tool that shows abnormalities in a significant proportion of exams.     

Diagnosing small bowel Crohn's disease with wireless capsule endoscopy

BACKGROUND: The small bowel is the most commonly affected site of Crohn's disease (CD) although it may involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The current methodologies for examining the small bowel are x ray and endoscopy. AIMS: To evaluate, for the first time, the effectiveness of wireless capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected CD of the small bowel undetected by conventional modalities, and to determine the diagnostic yield of the M2A Given Capsule. PATIENTS: Seventeen patients (eight males, mean age 40 (15) years) with suspected CD fulfilled study entry criteria: nine had iron deficiency anaemia (mean haemoglobin 10.5 (SD 1.8) g%), eight had abdominal pain, seven had diarrhoea, and three had weight loss. Small bowel x ray and upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopic findings were normal. Mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 6.3 (SD 2.2) years. METHODS: Each subject swallowed an M2A Given Capsule containing a miniature video camera, batteries, a transmitter, and an antenna. Recording time was approximately eight hours. The capsule was excreted naturally in the patient's bowel movement, and the data it contained were retrieved and interpreted the next day. RESULTS: Of the 17 study participants, 12 (70.6%, six males, mean age 34.5 (12) years) were diagnosed as having CD of the small bowel according to the findings of the M2A Given Capsule. CONCLUSIONS: Wireless capsule endoscopy diagnosed CD of the small bowel (diagnostic yield of 71%). It was demonstrated as being an effective modality for diagnosing patients with suspected CD undetected by conventional diagnostic methodologies.     

Clinical relevance of small-bowel findings detected by wireless capsule endoscopy

OBJECTIVE: Capsule endoscopy is becoming known as a valid tool for identifying sources of obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Fewer data are available about its clinical value for other indications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients (31 F, mean age 47 years, range 14-80 years) with no signs of overt GI bleeding were investigated by Given M2A video capsule for suspected small-bowel disease. The main clinical features were: iron deficient anemia (20), abdominal pain (12), chronic diarrhea (9), malabsorption and weight loss (7), Crohn's disease (CD) (5), and familial adenomatous polyposis (3). Three patients underwent wireless endoscopy for suspected GI neoplasm and one for portal thrombosis. RESULTS: Complete vision of the small bowel was achieved in 55 patients. No small-bowel lesions were identified in 17 patients, but 5 of them had gastric abnormalities. Small-bowel abnormality was found in 38 patients. Lesions compatible with CD were found in 14 patients, diffuse or patchy enteropathy in 7 and polyps in 6. Actively bleeding lesions were detected in 6 patients and potential bleeding sources in 5. Capsule endoscopy had an overall diagnostic yield of 62%. In particular, three small-bowel malignancies were detected and 9 patients received a better definition of their already-known pathology. However, further endoscopies were needed in 10 patients to obtain a diagnosis. One patient, diagnosed with ileal CD, underwent surgery, as the capsule remained trapped in a stricture. CONCLUSIONS: Wireless endoscopy effectively visualizes small-bowel abnormalities even though more accurate selection of the patients is needed in order to optimize its diagnostic efficacy.     

Cápsula endoscópica para el estudio de patologías de intestino delgado: experiencia en una institución privada en México

Introduction and aimsCapsule endoscopy has revolutionized the study of small bowel disorders. Its diagnostic yield, reasons for referral, and frequency of significant endoscopic findings at our institution are unknown. The aims of our study were to describe the reasons for referral, the frequency of significant endoscopic findings, and the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy in patients that underwent the procedure for the study of small bowel disorders.Material and methodsA retrospective study was conducted that included all patients that underwent capsule endoscopy for small bowel disorder evaluation at our institution. The diagnostic yield for significant endoscopic findings, the frequency of significant endoscopic findings, and the reasons for referral for capsule endoscopy were determined.ResultsA total of 134 patients were included in the study and 143 capsule endoscopies were performed. Women made up 48.5% of the sample and the mean patient age was 63 years (18.7 standard deviation). The main reasons for referral were suspicion of overt small bowel bleeding (55.9%) and suspicion of occult small bowel bleeding (28.6%). The overall diagnostic yield was 66.4%. The most common significant findings were small bowel angioectasias (52.6%) and small bowel ulcers (38.9%). There were two adverse events (1.3%): one capsule retention that required enteroscopic removal and one asymptomatic bronchoaspiration of the capsule that resolved spontaneously.ConclusionsThe frequency of significant endoscopic findings with capsule endoscopy at our institution was different from that reported in other Mexican studies, but the reasons for referral and the diagnostic yield were similar.     

Diagnosis of a high-grade B-cell lymphoma of the small bowel by means of wireless capsule endoscopy

Wireless capsule endoscopy is a new diagnostic procedure to detect diseases of the small bowel, in particular in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. We report on a 76-year-old patient who presented at our hospital with signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and hypochromic anaemia. Bidirectional endoscopy, push enteroscopy, angiography as well as small bowel barium enema rendered no pathologic findings. Wireless capsule endoscopy demonstrated a polypous space in the cantral area of the small bowel. Subsequent intraoperative endoscopy revealed a subtotal stenosing tumour of the upper jejunum which was resected. Based on the histology a high-grade B-Cell lymphoma was diagnosed. The postoperative staging examinations did not indicate any further extranodal involvement.     

Non-small-bowel abnormalities identified during small bowel capsule endoscopy

AIM:To investigate the incidence of non-small-bowelabnormalities in patients referred for small bowel capsule endoscopy,this single center study was performed.METHODS:Small bowel capsule endoscopy is an accepted technique to investigate obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.This is defined as bleeding from the digestive tract that persists or recurs without an obviousetiology after a normal gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy.Nevertheless,capsule endoscopy sometimesreveals findings outside the small bowel,i.e.,withinreach of conventional endoscopes.In this retrospectivesingle center study,595 patients undergoing capsuleendoscopy between 2003 and 2009 were studied.Theincidence of non-small bowel abnormalities was defined as visible abnormalities detected by capsule endoscopy that are located within reach of conventionalendoscopes.RESULTS:In 595 patients,referred for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or for suspected Crohn’s disease,abnormalities were found in 306(51.4%).Of these 306patients,85(27.7%)had abnormalities within reach of conventional endoscopes;63 had abnormalities apparently overlooked at previous conventional endoscopies,10 patients had not undergone upper and lower endoscopy prior to capsule endoscopy and 12 had abnormalities that were already known prior to capsule endoscopy.The most common type of missed lesions were vascular lesions(n=47).Non-small-bowel abnormalities were located in the stomach(n=15),proximal small bowel(n=22),terminal ileum(n=21),colon(n=19)or at other or multiple locations(n=8).Ten patients with abnormal findings in the terminal ileum had not undergone examination of the ileum during colonoscopy.CONCLUSION:A significant proportion of patients undergoing small bowel capsule endoscopy had lesions within reach of conventional endoscopes,indicating that capsule endoscopy was unnecessarily performed.     

Pillcam SB3 vs. Pillcam SB2: ¿pueden los avances tecnológicos de la cápsula endoscópica mejorar el rendimiento diagnóstico en pacientes con hemorragia de intestino delgado?

Introduction and objectiveThe SB3 capsule endoscopy system has better image resolution and the capacity to increase the number of images from 2 to 6 frames per second. Small bowel bleeding is the most common indication. The aim To determine if the advances in capsule endoscopy technology increase diagnostic yield in cases of small bowel bleeding, according to the Saurin classification.Material and methodsA retrospective, observational, analytic, cross-sectional study included 100 SB2 capsule endoscopies and 100 SB3 capsule endoscopies in patients that presented with small bowel bleeding. The findings obtained with both systems were evaluated. The lesions identified by the two capsules were categorized using the Saurin classification. The relation between the lesions identified with the SB3 and those found with the SB2 was identified through a logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn the SB2 capsule endoscopy group, 60% were women, patient age was 59 years (42.2, 73), and intestinal transit time was 271 min (182, 353). In the SB3 group, 57% were women, patient age was 60 years (42.5, 73), and intestinal transit time was 277 min (182, 352). There were no significant differences in the identification of P0 and P2 lesions between the two systems. The SB3 capsule endoscope identified more P1 lesions (p = 0.020, OR: 2.35, 95% CI:1.12-4.90). There was no significant difference in relation to location of the lesions in the small bowel.ConclusionsA greater number of P1 lesions were detected through the technologic advances made in SB3 capsule endoscopy, but the diagnostic yield for P2 lesions was not modified.     

Economic aspects and evidence-based decision making in evaluating patients with suspected small bowel disorders

Obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage is defined as overt or occult bleeding present after normal endoscopic examination of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts. Approximately 5% of patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage can be classified as having obscure bleeding, with most patients found to have responsible lesions in the small intestine. The advent of video capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy allows for endoscopic access and therapeutic options in the small intestine. In our current era of cost minimization, reductions in capital equipment expenditures, and a high rate of malpractice claims against clinicians, the decision regarding whether a clinical enterprise should offer small bowel endoscopy using any of the more recent technologies requires an understanding of several factors. This article highlights some of the economic and medicolegal aspects of deep small bowel endoscopy. The following topics will be discussed: costs involved to perform endoscopic imaging of the small bowel; downstream revenue effect resulting from deep enteroscopy; coding, billing, and reimbursement issues; cost-effectiveness studies for diagnostic testing; algorithms for diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected small bowel pathology; and medicolegal ramifications associated with endoscopic procedures of the small bowel.     

Wireless capsule endoscopy detects small bowel ulcers in patients with normal results from state of the art enteroclysis

BACKGROUND: Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a new technology for small bowel imaging. AIM: To report our initial experience with sensitivity of high quality enteroclysis in patients with small bowel ulcers detected by WCE. METHODS: Medical records of all patients referred for WCE from December, 2001 to April, 2002 at our institution were reviewed. All patients had negative upper and lower endoscopies and small bowel barium studies before WCE. RESULTS: There were 40 patients (19 female, mean age 57.3 yr) during this study period. Three patients had multiple small bowel ulcers detected by WCE. One with ileal ulcers and abdominal pain had an enteroclysis at another hospital before WCE. Review of the study at our institution showed that it was of excellent quality and was normal. Two patients with chronic iron deficiency anemia had multiple small bowel ulcers and were referred after WCE for a repeat small bowel barium study by biphasic enteroclysis performed by experienced GI radiologists. The radiologists were told in advance of the WCE findings. Both studies were considered technically to be of perfect quality. Despite this, both studies were negative. All 3 patients improved after therapy for Crohn's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicates that WCE may be more sensitive for small bowel ulcers than the best enteroclysis available.     

Diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVES: Chronic occult blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract is a recognized major cause of iron-deficiency anemia. After conventional investigation of the upper and lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract, the source of bleeding remains unidentified in approximately 10% of these patients. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy from patients enrolled in clinical studies due to persistent or recurrent iron-deficiency anemia. METHODS: In this large cohort study, patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding were identified in a company-sponsored clinical study (Given Imaging, Ltd.) database which contains data from >50 clinical studies. Information on suitable patients was derived from 31 of them. Each subject swallowed an M2A Given Capsule containing a miniature video camera, batteries, a transmitter and an antenna. Recording time was approximately 8 h. The capsule was excreted naturally in the patient's bowel movement, and the data it transmitted were retrieved and interpreted the next day. RESULTS: 293 patients were studied (135 males, 46.1%, mean age 59.4 +/- 16.8 years) whose mean number of bleeding episodes was 4.3 +/- 5.5 and mean hemoglobin level was 9.8 +/- 2.4 g/dl. The average number of diagnostic procedures per patient prior to the capsule endoscopy study was 5.59. Capsule endoscopy detected definitive findings in 213/293 patients (72%) and findings missed by other diagnostic procedures in 22/293 patients (8%). Neither capsule endoscopy nor the other diagnostic procedures yielded diagnoses in 58/293 patients (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Capsule endoscopy has a high diagnostic yield in evaluating patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Role of wireless capsule endoscopy in the follow-up of inflammatory bowel disease

The introduction of wireless capsule endoscopy in 2000 has revolutionized our ability to visualize parts of the small bowel mucosa classically unreached by the conventional endoscope, and since the recent introduction of colon capsule endoscopy, a promising alternative method has been available for the evaluation of large bowel mucosa. The advantages of wireless capsule endoscopy include its non-invasive character and its ability to visualize proximal and distal parts of the intestine, while important disadvantages include the procedure’s inability of tissue sampling and significant incompletion rate. Its greatest limitation is the prohibited use in cases of known or suspected stenosis of the intestinal lumen due to high risk of retention. Wireless capsule endoscopy plays an important role in the early recognition of recurrence, on Crohn’s disease patients who have undergone ileocolonic resection for the treatment of Crohn’s disease complications, and in patients’ management and therapeutic strategy planning, before obvious clinical and laboratory relapse. Although capsule endoscopy cannot replace traditional endoscopy, it offers valuable information on the evaluation of intestinal disease and has a significant impact on disease reclassification of patients with a previous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease unclassified/indeterminate colitis. Moreover, it may serve as an effective alternative where colonoscopy is contraindicated and in cases with incomplete colonoscopy studies. The use of patency capsule maximizes safety and is advocated in cases of suspected small or large bowel stenosis.