A prospective, single-blind trial comparing wireless capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND: Wireless capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) are new methods enabling diagnostic endoscopy of the entire small intestine. However, which of the two is superior is unclear. We therefore prospectively compared the clinical efficacy of CE and DBE. METHODS: We prospectively examined 32 patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. CE preceded DBE by 1-7 days, and all patients underwent DBE twice, by antegrade and retrograde approaches, to evaluate the entire small intestine. Physicians evaluating the results of CE and DBE were blind to the results of the other method. We evaluated diagnosis, diagnostic yield of the two methods, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: CE revealed abnormal findings in 29 (90.6%) of 32 patients. CE definitively or probably detected the sources of bleeding in 23 (71.9%) of the 32 patients, including angioectasias (eight), erosions (seven), ulcers (five), tumor (one), and hemorrhagic polyps (two). DBE definitely or probably detected the sources of bleeding in 21 (65.6%) of the 32 patients, including angioectasias (seven), erosions (four), ulcers (five), tumor (one), hemorrhagic polyps (two) and diverticula (two). CE yielded more abnormal findings than DBE (CE 90.6%, DBE 65.6%) (P = 0.032), although there were no significant differences in diagnostic yield between the methods. We were able to perform additional treatment or biopsy with DBE in 13 patients, including coagulation therapy (ten), endoscopic mucosal resection (one), biopsy (seven), and extraction of retained CE (two). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the superiority of CE in detecting abnormal lesions, and the superiority of DBE in endoscopic management.     

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: role of videocapsule and double-balloon enteroscopy

Capsule endoscopy (CE), which allows the non-invasive visualisation of mucosa throughout the entire small bowel, has revolutionised the exploration of small-bowel diseases, and particularly the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) after a negative initial evaluation, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy. CE has a high negative predictive value and a higher diagnostic yield than all other modalities, such as radiology (small-bowel X-rays or computed tomography scan) or push enteroscopy. CE may be the preferred initial diagnostic choice in OGIB because of its non-invasive quality and better tolerance. Double-balloon enteroscopy, also known as push-and-pull enteroscopy, has recently been developed. It has made it possible not only to explore the small bowel but also to carry out therapeutic interventions deep in the small bowel without the need for surgical laparotomy. This exploration should be considered as a second-line exploration for OGIB in patients with a positive finding on CE requiring endoscopic follow-up for histology or intervention, and in patients in whom suspicion of a small-bowel lesion is high despite a negative CE.     

Push enteroscopy alters management in a majority of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

INTRODUCTION: Although enteroscopy has been increasingly used to investigate occult or obscure bleeding, little is known about its impact on patient management. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate both the diagnostic yield and the impact of push enteroscopy on the management of patients referred to a tertiary Australian institution. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively in all patients undergoing push enteroscopy at Royal Adelaide Hospital. Fifty-five patients were investigated for obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (25 women, mean age 65.6 years), the cause of which remained unknown despite previous gastroscopy and colonoscopy. The patients were divided into two groups: occult-obscure (anemia without macroscopic blood loss) and overt-obscure (macroscopic bleeding). Findings at enteroscopy, therapeutic procedures, and complications were recorded. Patients were followed to establish the impact of the procedure on subsequent management and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Enteroscopy demonstrated a potential site of bleeding in 38 patients (69%), and 38% of lesions found were within the reach of the gastroscope. The most common lesions were small intestinal angiodysplasia. Seventy-five percent of patients with positive findings had alterations to their management. After subsequent treatment, 62% were no longer anemic and there was a significant reduction in rebleeding (P < 0.05) and transfusion requirements (P < 0.05) compared to patients with negative findings. The procedure was well tolerated and complications were rare. CONCLUSION: Enteroscopy has a positive impact on patient management and clinical outcome in a majority of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: Comparison of guidelines between Japan and other countries

Small-bowel bleeding accounts for the majority of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, but it is caused by various types of small bowel disease, upper gastrointestinal disease, and colorectal disease. For the diagnosis, history taking and physical examination are required, leading to a determination of what diseases are involved. Next, cross-sectional imaging, such as computed tomography, should be carried out, followed by the latest enteroscopy such as small bowel capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy according to the severity of hemorrhage and patient condition. After a comprehensive diagnosis, medical, enteroscopic, or surgical treatment should be selected. This article reviews recent advances in the endoscopic diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and compares perspectives of the management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in Japan with that in other countries.     

Are repeat upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy necessary within six months of capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding?

Background and Aim: Medicare reimbursement for capsule endoscopy for the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in Australia requires endoscopy and colonoscopy to have been performed within 6 months. This study aims to determine the diagnostic yield of repeating these procedures when they had been non‐diagnostic more than 6 months earlier. Methods: Of 198 consecutive patients who were referred for the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, 50 underwent repeat endoscopy and colonoscopy solely to enable reimbursement (35 females and 15 males; mean age 59.4 [range: 21–82] years). The average duration of obscure bleeding was 50.16 (range: 9–214) months. The mean number of prior endoscopies was 3 (median: 2) and 2.8 colonoscopies (median: 2). The most recent endoscopy had been performed 18.9 (median: 14; range: 7–56) months, and for colonoscopy, 19.1 (median 14; range 8‐51) months earlier. Results: A probable cause of bleeding was found at endoscopy in two patients: gastric antral vascular ectasia (1) and benign gastric ulcer (1). Colonoscopy did not reveal a source of bleeding in any patient. Capsule endoscopy was performed in 47 patients. Twenty four (51%) had a probable bleeding source identified, and another five (11%) a possible source. These included angioectasia (17 patients), mass lesion (2), non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug enteropathy (2), Cameron's erosions (2), and Crohn's disease (1). Four patients undergoing repeat capsule endoscopy had a probable bleeding source detected. Conclusion: The yield of repeat endoscopy and colonoscopy immediately prior to capsule endoscopy is low when these procedures have previously been non‐diagnostic. Such an approach is also not cost‐effective.     

Video capsule endoscopy for previous overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in patients using anti‐thrombotic drugs

Background and Aim: Little is known about the causes of overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) in patients using anti‐thrombotic therapy. We aimed to describe video capsule endoscopy (VCE) findings and to identify factors associated with positive findings in these patients. Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of 56 patients who underwent VCE for evaluation of previous overt OGIB during anti‐thrombotic therapy. VCE studies were re‐evaluated by a gastroenterologist blinded to clinical details. Clinical data included in the multivariate analysis were sex, age, indication for and type of anti‐thrombotic therapy, hemodynamic instability on admission, type of blood loss, hemoglobin on admission, use of a proton pump inhibitor, NSAID use, time between bleeding episodes and VCE, and whether or not anti‐thrombotic therapy was resumed before the VCE study. Results: A probable cause for gastrointestinal bleeding was identified in 28 (50%) of the 56 studies. Angiodysplasia was found in 19 patients. Twenty‐two studies showed a possible cause in the small bowel. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that reinstitution of anti‐thrombotic therapy before VCE was carried out was the only independent predictor of positive VCE findings (OR: 8.61, 95% CI: 1.20–60.42, P = 0.032). Conclusions: Small intestinal angiodysplasia was the most common cause for overt OGIB. Reinstitution of withdrawn anti‐thrombotic drugs before the VCE examination was carried out was associated with positive VCE findings in multivariate analysis.     

Double-balloon enteroscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: A single center experience in China

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). METHODS: The data about 75 OGIB patients who underwent DBE in January 2007-June 2009 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: DBE was successfully performed in all 75 patients without complication. Of the 75 patients, 44 (58.7%) had positive DBE findings, 22 had negative DBE findings but had potential bleeding at surgery and capsule endoscopy, etc . These 66 patients were fi...     

胶囊内镜对不明原因消化道出血诊断的相关影响因素探讨

目的 分析在不同情况下胶囊内镜(CE)对于不明原因消化道出血(OGIB)患者的小肠疾病检出率,以探讨CE检查时机、OGIB出血类型、出血量等因素对于OGIB诊断率的影响.方法 收集北京军区总医院2005年7月-2012年5月209例因OGIB行CE检查患者的临床资料进行分析,将全部入选者分为显性出血组与隐性出血组及轻、中、重出血组;根据患者出血时间与胶囊内镜检查间隔时间将各组患者分别分为3组(A组:72 h内检查组;B组:2周内检查组;C组:2周后检查组).对各组小肠疾病检出情况进行记录并对各组间小肠疾病检出率进行比较.结果 显性出血组中小肠病变检出率58.0％,隐性出血组中小肠病变检出率37.9％,两组比较差异有统计学意义.轻、中、重出血3组小肠疾病检出率分别为30.6％、57.4％、61.3％.显性出血组中A组患者与B组患者小肠疾病检出率差异无统计学意义,A组及B组患者小肠疾病检出率明显高于C组患者.隐性出血组中B组小肠疾病检出率高于A组及C组患者.结论 CE对于OGIB的小肠疾病检出率与显性出血、出血量及CE检查时间等因素相关.对于显性出血患者来说,出血2周内行CE检查小肠疾病检出率明显高于出血2周后进行CE检查;选择显性出血时及中、重度出血患者可获得较高CE小肠疾病检出率.OGIB最常见病因为小肠血管发育异常.     

Double balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: an updated meta-analysis

Background and Aim: Uncertainty remains about the best test to evaluate patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Previous meta‐analyses demonstrated similar diagnostic yields with capsule endoscopy (CE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) but relied primarily on data from abstracts and were not limited to bleeding patients. Many studies have since been published. Therefore, we performed a new meta‐analysis comparing CE and DBE focused specifically on OGIB. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed of comparative studies using both CE and DBE in patients with OGIB. Data were extracted and analyzed to determine the weighted pooled diagnostic yields of each method and the odds ratio for the successful localization of a bleeding source. Results: Ten eligible studies were identified. The pooled diagnostic yield for CE was 62% (95% confidence interval [CI] 47.3–76.1) and for DBE was 56% (95% CI 48.9–62.1), with an odds ratio for CE compared with DBE of 1.39 (95% CI 0.88–2.20; P = 0.16). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the yield for DBE performed after a previously positive CE was 75.0% (95% CI 60.1–90.0), with the odds ratio for successful diagnosis with DBE after a positive CE compared with DBE in all patients of 1.79 (95% CI 1.09–2.96; P = 0.02). In contrast, the yield for DBE after a previously negative CE was only 27.5% (95% CI 16.7–37.8). Conclusions: Capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy provide similar diagnostic yields in patients with OGIB. However, the diagnostic yield of DBE is significantly higher when performed in patients with a positive CE.     

Outcome in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after capsule endoscopy

AIM: To investigate the clinical impact of capsule endoscopy (CE) after an obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) episode, focusing on diagnostic work-up, follow-up and predictive factors of rebleeding.METHODS: Patients who were referred to Hospital del Mar (Barcelona, Spain) between 2007 and 2009 for OGIB who underwent a CE were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, current treatment with non-steroid anti-inflammtory drugs or anticoagulant drugs, hemoglobin levels, transfusion requirements, previous diagnostic tests for the bleeding episode, as well as CE findings (significant or non-significant), work-up and patient outcomes were analyzed from electronic charts. Variables were compared by χ² analysis and Student t test. Risk factors of rebleeding were assessed by Log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression model.RESULTS: There were 105 patients [45.7% women, median age of 72 years old (interquartile range 56-79)] and a median follow-up of 326 d (interquartile range 123-641) included in this study. The overall diagnostic yield of CE was 58.1% (55.2% and 63.2%, for patients with occult OGIB and overt OGIB, respectively). In 73 patients (69.5%), OGIB was resolved. Multivariate analysis showed that hemoglobin levels lower than 8 g/dL at diagnosis [hazard ratios (HR) = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.9-6.3], patients aged 70 years and above (HR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-6.1) and significant findings in CE (HR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.1-5.8) were independent predictors of rebleeding.CONCLUSION: One third of the patients presented with rebleeding after CE; risk factors were hemoglobin levels < 8 g/dL, age ≥ 70 years or the presence of significant lesions.     

Diagnostic yield of dual-phase computed tomography enterography in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and a non-diagnostic capsule endoscopy

Background and Aim: In patients with obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, capsule endoscopy is widely used to determine the source of bleeding. However, there is currently no consensus on how to further evaluate patients with obscure GI bleeding with a non‐diagnostic capsule endoscopy examination. This study aims to determine the diagnostic yield of dual‐phase computed tomographic enterography (CTE) in patients with obscure GI bleeding and a non‐diagnostic capsule endoscopy. Methods: Patients with obscure GI bleeding who were referred for capsule endoscopy were prospectively enrolled. Obscure GI bleeding was defined as overt if there was obvious GI bleeding; otherwise it was defined as occult. Patients with a non‐diagnostic capsule endoscopy and no contraindications underwent a CTE. Results: Capsule endoscopy was performed in 52 patients; 26 patients (50%) had occult GI bleeding and 26 patients (50%) had overt GI bleeding. CTE was then performed in 25 of the 48 patients without a definitive source of bleeding seen on capsule endoscopy. The diagnostic yield of CTE was 0% (0/11) in patients with occult bleeding versus 50% (7/14) in patients with overt bleeding (P < 0.01). Using clinical follow up as the gold standard, for the 25 patients with a non‐diagnostic capsule, CTE had a sensitivity of 33% (95% confidence interval 0.15, 0.56) and a specificity of 75% (95% confidence interval 0.22, 0.99). Conclusions: In patients with a non‐diagnostic capsule endoscopy examination, CTE is useful for detecting a source of GI bleeding in patients with overt, but not occult, obscure GI bleeding.     

Single center experience of capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM:To identify optimum timing to maximize diagnostic yield by capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB).METHODS:We identified patients who underwent CE at our institution from August 2003 to December 2009.Patient medical records were reviewed to determine type of OGIB (occult,overt),CE results and complications,and timing of CE with respect to onset of bleeding.RESULTS:Out of 385 patients investigated for OGIB,284 (74%) had some lesion detected by CE.In 222 patients (...     

不同年龄层不明原因消化道出血患者胶囊内镜诊断结果分析

目的 对不明原因消化道出血患者的胶囊内镜(CE)检查结果进行分析,总结不同年龄层患者的病变特点.方法 收集我院2006年12月～2010年2月间符合纳入标准的患者163例,采集患者信息并分析病变特点.结果 163例患者中,老年组患者检出率高于青年组和中年组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);不同年龄组患者检出病变类型分布比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),青年组以肿物为主;中年组以溃疡、血管畸形为主;老年组以血管畸形为主.结论 各年龄组间的检出率和诊断率比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),提示CE检查对老年组患者的不明原因消化道出血有更好的检出率.     

Best candidates for capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Background and Aim: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has an important role in the diagnosis of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. However, there was still controversy regarding the best candidates for CE. The present retrospective study aimed to access the best candidates for CE. Methods: There were 91 consecutive patients referred to the present study for 94 CE examinations from May 2002 to January 2005. They were divided into two groups (41 with active bleeding, and 50 with previous bleeding). Results: The CE findings were positive in 74.7%, suspicious in 11% of cases and negative in 14.3% of cases, respectively. The positive and suspected positive yield of CE were 75.6% and 19.5% in the active bleeding group, 74% and 4% in the previous bleeding group (P = 0.01), 75.7% and 21.6% in the overt bleeding group, 75% and 0% in the occult bleeding group (P = 0.206), 89.7% and 3.4% in patients who bled 2 weeks previously, 52.38% and 4.76% in patients who bled >2 weeks previously (P = 0.003), 75.6% and 19.5% in active bleeding group, 89.7% and 3.4% in patients who bled 2 weeks ago (P = 0.128). Conclusions: The best candidates for the procedure are those with active bleeding, or active bleeding in the previous 2 weeks.     

胶囊内镜诊断不明原因消化道出血107例

目的:探讨胶囊内镜在不明原因消化道出血中的诊断价值及其与双气囊小肠镜在病因诊断中联合应用的意义。方法:采用M2A胶囊内镜对107例不明原因消化道出血患者进行检查,其中男61例,女46例,平均年龄(51.6±18.9)岁。其中36例患者依据胶囊内镜所观察到的结果,选择经口或经肛行双气囊小肠镜检查和(或)手术探查。结果:107例患者中106例(99.1%)完成胶囊内镜检查,75例(70.8%)胶囊内镜通过回盲瓣。107例中病变检出96例(89.7%)、确诊70例(65.4%)。36例中再经双气囊小肠镜检查和(或)手术后证实胶囊内镜诊断者为26例(72.2%)。2例(1.9%)发生胶囊滞留。结论:胶囊内镜对不明原因消化道出血具有较高的诊断价值,可作为病因诊断的首选筛查手段,与双气囊小肠镜联合应用可大大提高疾病的确诊率。     

影响胶囊内镜诊断不明原因消化道出血因素的分析

目的为提高胶囊内镜诊断不明原因消化道出血的诊断率,探讨影响胶囊内镜诊断不明原因消化道诊断率的因素。方法胶囊内镜检查172例,其中不明原因的消化道出血的患者61例,分为2组,A组为胶囊内镜检查明确出血病变者,B组为无明确出血病变者,根据年龄、性别、病史、病变程度、病变表现、排空时间、肠道清洁、检出率、诊断率等对比分析。结果消化道出血的检出率为88．52％,包括胃炎、肠炎、血管畸形、肠息肉、食管静脉曲张等。出血的诊断率为67．2％,包括小肠糜烂,克罗恩病、糜烂性胃炎、溃疡病、肿瘤等。两组病人年龄、性别比较无明显差异,A组病史活动性出血者多,病史长,合并症多,小肠转运时间较长,肠道清洁好,病变程度重,病变检出率高。结论注意病人的选择、合理的小肠转运时间、肠道清洁好、了解出血原因和排序、提高病变鉴别、图像解读及临床综合判断和随访等,可以提高胶囊内镜检查的诊断率,使不明原因消化道出血病变得到及时明确的处理。     

双气囊小肠镜与胶囊内镜在小肠出血应用中的对比研究

目的比较双气囊小肠镜与胶囊内镜在小肠出血中的病变检出率、病因诊断率、耐受性和安全性,初步探讨双气囊小肠镜对小肠出血的内镜下治疗。方法2006年4月至2009年10月烟台毓璜顶医院消化内科收治的可疑小肠出血患者159例,其中81例患者行双气囊小肠镜检查,首选进镜方式分为经口或经肛2种,首选方式检查后未发现病灶者,日后改换进镜方式再行检查。对活动性出血病灶行内镜下止血治疗。另78例患者行胶囊内镜检查。两组患者分别由专门医师独立操作并诊断,最后进行汇总分析,对比双气囊小肠镜与胶囊内镜的临床应用价值。结果双气囊小肠镜组的病变检出率为95.06%,病因诊断率为82.72%,23例检查时见病变活动性出血,行内镜下止血治疗,21例止血成功,内镜止血成功率为91.30%;胶囊内镜组的病变检出率82.05%,病因诊断率为66.67%。双气囊小肠镜组的病因检出率及病因诊断率均显著高于胶囊内镜组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。在耐受性方面,胶囊内镜的耐受性最好,双气囊小肠镜的耐受性依次为:全麻下经肛进镜、全麻下经口进镜、非麻醉经肛进镜、非麻醉经口进镜。所有患者均未发生严重并发症。结论双气囊小肠镜对小肠出血的病因诊断明显优于胶囊内镜,并且可行内镜下止血治疗,是一项安全、有效的临床诊疗方法。