A comparison between capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy using propensity score-matching analysis in patients with previous obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Background: Recently, diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) has improved greatly due to introduction of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE). However, the efficacy of CE over DBE in patients with previous OGIB remains unclear. This study aimed to compare, in terms of diagnostic yield, the efficacy of DBE with that of CE in patients with previous OGIB.

Patients and methods: We enrolled 223 consecutive patients with previous OGIB who were treated between May 2007 and March 2012. We retrospectively evaluated the respective diagnostic yields of CE and DBE in patients with previous OGIB using propensity score-matching analysis. We compared the diagnostic yield of CE with that of DBE.

Results: The diagnostic yields were 41.9% in DBE group and 11.6% in CE group, respectively (p?<?.01). On logistic regression analysis, DBE was significantly superior to CE after matching (Odds ratio [OR], 4.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–12.6; p?<?.01), even after adjustment for propensity score (OR, 5.65; 95% CI, 1.56?20.5; p?<?.01).

Conclusions: Our results indicate that DBE might be more useful and perhaps safer than CE in achieving a positive diagnosis in patients with previous OGIB.     

Double Balloon Enteroscopy Detects Small Bowel Mass Lesions Missed by Capsule Endoscopy

BACKGROUND: Small bowel mass lesions (SBML) are a relatively common cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Their detection has been limited by the inability to endoscopically examine the entire small intestine. This has changed with the introduction of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) into clinical practice. STUDY AIM: To evaluate the detection of SBML by DBE and CE in patients with OGIB who were found to have SBML by DBE and underwent both procedures. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of all patients undergoing DBE for OGIB at seven North American tertiary centers was performed. Those patients who were found to have SBML as a cause of their OGIB were further analyzed. RESULTS: During an 18 month period, 183 patients underwent DBE for OGIB. A small bowel mass lesion was identified in 18 patients. Of these, 15 patients had prior CE. Capsule endoscopy identified the mass lesion in five patients; fresh luminal blood with no underlying lesion in seven patients, and non-specific erythema in three patients. Capsule endoscopy failed to identify all four cases of primary small bowel adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Double balloon enteroscopy detects small bowel mass lesions responsible for OGIB that are missed by CE. Additional endoscopic evaluation of the small bowel by DBE or intraoperative enteroscopy should be performed in patients with ongoing OGIB and negative or non-specific findings on CE.     

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。     

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...     

Assessment of multi-modality evaluations of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM To determine the frequency of bleeding source detection in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) who underwent double balloon enteroscopy(DBE) after pre-procedure imaging [multiphase computed tomography enterography(MPCTE), video capsule endoscopy(VCE), or both] and assess the impact of imaging on DBE diagnostic yield.METHODS Retrospective cohort study using a prospectively maintained database of all adult patients presenting with OGIB who underwent DBE from September 1~(st), 2002 to June 30~(th), 2013 at a single tertiary center.RESULTS Four hundred and ninety five patients(52% females; median age 68 years) underwent DBE for OGIB. AVCE and/or MPCTE performed within 1 year prior to DBE(in 441 patients) increased the diagnostic yield of DBE(67.1% with preceding imaging vs 59.5% without). Using DBE as the gold standard, VCE and MPCTE had a diagnostic yield of 72.7% and 32.5% respectively. There were no increased odds of finding a bleeding site at DBE compared to VCE(OR = 1.3, P = 0.150). There were increased odds of finding a bleeding site at DBE compared to MPCTE(OR = 5.9, P 0.001). In inpatients with overt OGIB, diagnostic yield of DBE was not affected by preceding imaging.CONCLUSION DBE is a safe and well-tolerated procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of OGIB, with a diagnostic yield that may be increased after obtaining a preceding VCE or MPCTE. However, inpatients with active ongoing bleeding may benefit from proceeding directly to antegrade DBE.     

MANAGEMENT OF OBSCURE GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING BASED ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPIC BLEEDING FINDINGS

Background: Double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) and capsule endoscopy (CE) have been useful in managing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). However, DBE is invasive, complex and time‐consuming, therefore indications should probably be selective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the classification of the CE bleeding findings for determining the indications and timing of DBE in patients with OGIB. Methods: From February 2003 to January 2009, 123 patients with OGIB who underwent CE were included in this study. These CE findings were classified based on the bleeding source. Type CE‐I, II, III, IV and 0 indicate active bleeding, previous bleeding, lesions without active bleeding, a lesion outside of the small bowel, and no findings, respectively. We compared diagnostic yield and outcome between the classification and the findings of DBE or enteroclysis. Results: Comparisons of the positive findings rate with DBE or enteroclysis, the treatment rate and the rebleeding rate with the classification showed: CE‐Ia, 100% (6/6), 50% (3/6), 33.3% (2/6); Ib, 66.7% (4/6), 0% (0/6), 16.7% (1/6); IIa, 33.3% (1/3), 33.3% (1/3), 33.3% (1/3); IIb, 53.8% (7/13),15.4% (2/13), 30.8% (4/13); III, 100% (84/84), 9.5% (8/84), 8.3% (7/84); IV, 100% (2/2), 50% (1/2), 0% (0/2); and 0, 0% (0/9), 0% (0/9), 0% (0/9), respectively. Conclusions: The proportion of patients requiring treatment, the positive findings rate with DBE or enteroclysis and the rebleeding rates tended to be higher in the higher ranked classification types (CE‐I > II > III > IV > 0). These findings suggest that the classification can provide useful information on determining the indications and timing of DBE.     

Clinical impact of multidetector computed tomography before double-balloon enteroscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: To evaluate the clinical impact of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) before double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) for patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB).METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected cases with DBE and MDCT for overt OGIB was conducted from April 2004 to April 2010 at Changhua Christian Hospital. We evaluated the clinical impact of MDCT on the subsequent DBE examinations and the diagnostic yields of both MDCT and DBE respectively.RESULTS: From April 2004 to April 2010, a total of 75 patients underwent DBE for overt OGIB. Thirty one cases received MDCT followed by DBE for OGIB. The overall diagnostic yields of DBE and MDCT was 93.5% and 45.2%. The MDCT had a high diagnostic yield of tumor vs non-tumor etiology of OGIB (85.7% vs 33.3%, P = 0.014). Additionally, the choice of initial route of DBE was correct in those with a positive MDCT vs negative MDCT (100% vs 52.9%, P = 0.003).CONCLUSION: This study suggests MDCT as a triage tool may identify patients who will benefit from DBE and aid the endoscopist in choosing the most efficient route.     

A meta-analysis of the yield of capsule endoscopy compared to double-balloon enteroscopy in patients with small bowel diseases

AIM To compare the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy(CE) with that of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE).METHODS Pubmed, Embase, Elsevier ScienceDirect,the China Academic Journals Full-text Database, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched for the trials comparing the yield of CE with that of DBE.Outcome measure was odds ratio (OR) of the yield. Fixed or random model method was used for data analysis.RESULTS Eight studies (n = 277) which prospectively compared the yield of CE and DBE were collected. The results of meta-analysis indicated that there was no difference between the yield of CE and DBE [170/277 vs 156/277, OR 1.21 (95% CI 0.64-2.29)]. Based on sub analysis, the yield of CE was significantly higher than that of double-balloon enteroscopy without combination of oral and anal insertion approaches [137/219 vs 110/219, OR 1.67 (95% CI 1.14-2.44), P ＜ 0.01), but not superior to the yield of DBE with combination of the two insertion approaches [26/48 vs 37/48, OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.05-2.21), P ＞ 0.05)]. A focused meta-analysis of the fully published articles concerning obscure GI bleeding was also performed and showed similar results wherein the yield of CE was significantly higher than that of DBE without combination of oral and anal insertion approaches [118/191 vs 96/191, fixed model OR 1.61(95% CI 1.07-2.43), P ＜0.05)] and the yield of CE was significantly lower than that of DBE by oral and anal combinatory approaches [11/24 vs 21/24, fixed modelOR 0.12 (95% CI 0.03-0.52), P ＜ 0.01)].CONCLUSION With combination of oral and anal approaches, the yield of DBE might be at least as high as that of CE. Decisions made regarding the initial approach should depend on patient's physical status, technology availability, patient's preferences, and potential for therapeutic endoscopy.     

Evaluation and outcomes of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) is defined as recurrent or persistent bleeding or presence of iron deficiency anaemia after evaluation with a negative bidirectional endoscopy. OGIB accounts for 5% of gastrointestinal bleeding and presents a diagnostic challenge. Current modalities available for the investigation of OGIB include capsule endoscopy, balloon assisted enteroscopy, spiral enteroscopy and computed tomography enterography. These modalities overcome the limitations of previous techniques. Following a negative bidirectional endoscopy, capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy remain the cornerstone of investigation in OGIB given their high diagnostic yield. Longterm outcome data in patients with OGIB is limited, but is most promising for capsule endoscopy. This article reviews the current literature and provides an overview of the clinical evaluation of patients with OGIB, available diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and longterm clinical outcomes.     

Double-balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy have comparable diagnostic yield in small-bowel disease: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy (CE) with double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in small-bowel (SB) disease using meta-analysis. METHODS: We performed a search of studies comparing CE with DBE in SB disease. Data on diagnostic yield of CE and DBE were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. The weighted incremental yield (IY(W)) (yield of CE--yield of DBE) of CE over DBE and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for pooled data were calculated using a fixed-effect model (FEM) for analyses without, and a random-effect model (REM) for analyses with, significant heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eleven studies compared CE and DBE; the pooled overall yield for CE and DBE was 60% (n = 397) and 57% (n = 360), respectively (IY(W), 3%; 95% CI, -4% to 10%; P = .42; FEM). Ten studies reported vascular findings; the pooled yield for CE and DBE was 24% (n = 371) and 24% (n = 364), respectively (IY(W), 0%; 95% CI, -5% to 6%; P = .88; REM). Nine studies reported inflammatory findings; the pooled yield for CE and DBE was 18% (n = 343) and 16% (n = 336), respectively (IY(W), 0%; 95% CI, -5% to 6%; P = .89; FEM). Nine studies reported polyps/tumors; the pooled yield for CE and DBE was 11% (n = 343) and 11% (n = 336), respectively (IY(W), -1%; 95% CI, -5% to 4%; P = .76; FEM). CONCLUSIONS: CE and DBE have comparable diagnostic yield in SB disease, including obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. CE should be the initial diagnostic test because of its noninvasive quality, tolerance, ability to view the entire SB, and for determining the initial route of DBE. Because of its therapeutic capabilities, DBE may be indicated in patients with a positive finding on CE requiring a biopsy or therapeutic intervention, if suspicion for a SB lesion is high despite a negative CE, and in patients with active bleeding.     

不明原因消化道出血患者行双气囊小肠镜检查的时机选择

目的探讨不明原因消化道出血（OGIB）患者行双气囊小肠镜检查（DBE）的最佳时机。方法回顾性分析盛京医院2009年1月至2013年11月间接受DBE检查的OGIB患者的临床资料,按检查时机的不同分为急诊DBE组和非急诊DBE组,整理两组患者的临床特征、DBE检查结果、检查时间和并发症,并进行统计学分析及比较。结果78例OGIB患者接受DBE检查,发现病变48例,病变总检出率为61．54％。急诊DBE组病变检出率为77．14％（27／35）,明显高于非急诊DBE组的病变检出率48．83％（21／43）（P=0．019）。在检查时间方面,急诊DBE组明显短于非急诊组,差异有统计学意义（P=0．031）。结论对于OGIB患者,急诊DBE的检查时间更短,病变检出率更高。条件允许时,对OGIB患者应尽早行DBE检查。     

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.     

Capsule endoscopy and single-balloon enteroscopy in small bowel diseases: Competing or complementary?

AIM To evaluate diagnostic yields of capsule endoscopy(CE) and/or single-balloon enteroscopy(SBE) in patients with suspected small bowel diseases.METHODS Were trospectively analyzed 700 patients with suspected small bowel diseases from September 2010 to March 2016. CE, SBE, or SBE with prior CE was performed in 401, 353, and 47 patients, respectively. Data from clinical and endoscopy records were collected for analysis. Indications, procedure times, diagnostic yields, and complications were summarized and evaluated.RESULTS The overall diagnostic yield for the CE group was 57.6%. The diagnostic yield of CE in patients with obscure gastroin testinal bleeding(OGIB) was significantly greater than that in patients with no bleeding(70.5% vs 43.8%, P 0.01). The overall diagnostic yield of SBE was 69.7%. There was no difference in the diagnostic yield of SBE between patients with OGIB and those with no bleeding(72.5% vs 68.9%, P = 0.534). Forty-seven patients underwent CE prior to SBE. Among them, the diagnostic yield of SBE with positive findings on prior CE was 93.3%. In addition, SBE detected two cases with superficial ulcer and erosive lesions in the small bowel, which were missed by CE. However, one case with lymphoma and two with Crohn's disease were not confirmed by SBE. The rate of capsule retention was 2.0%. There were no significant complications during or after SBE examinations.CONCLUSION SBE is a safe and effective technique for diagnosing small bowel diseases. SBE with prior CE seemed to improve the diagnostic yield of small bowel diseases.     

Meta-analysis shows similar re-bleeding rates among Western and Eastern populations after index video capsule endoscopy

Background & aimsVideo capsule endoscopy (VCE) is the first-line diagnostic procedure for investigating obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Different re-bleeding rates following index VCE have been reported among Western and Eastern studies.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify studies examining re-bleeding rates after VCE for OGIB. Meta-analysis assessed the pooled proportion of re-bleeding events after VCE for OGIB according to study’s origin (Western vs. Eastern) and according to the length of follow-up (≥24 months vs. <24 months). We also calculated the re-bleeding odds ratios (OR; 95% CI) after positive vs. negative index VCE, overt vs. occult initial presentation of bleeding and after interventional treatment for positive index cases, according to the study’s origin.ResultsWe included 46 (30 Western and 16 Eastern) studies with 5796 patients. Significant heterogeneity was detected among meta-analyzed studies. Overall, the pooled re-bleeding rate was similar between Western (29%; 95% CI: 23–34) and Eastern (21%; 95% CI: 15–27) populations, irrespective of the length of follow-up. The odds of re-bleeding was significantly higher after positive as compared to negative index VCE in Eastern studies (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.07–2.94). Application of specific treatment after positive index VCE was associated with lower re-bleeding odds in both Western (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.16–0.87) and Eastern (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21–0.72) populations.ConclusionsPatients undergoing VCE for OGIB have similar re-bleeding rates in the East and the West, regardless of the length of follow-up. However, increased re-bleeding odds after positive index VCE is observed in Eastern studies.     

A meta-analysis of the yield of capsule endoscopy compared to other diagnostic modalities in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVES: Due to its superior ability to examine the entire small bowel mucosa, capsule endoscopy (CE) has broadened the diagnostic evaluation of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Published studies have revealed a numerically superior performance of CE in determining a source of OGIB compared with other modalities, but due to small sample sizes, the overall magnitude of benefit is unknown. Additionally, the types of lesions more likely to be found by CE versus alternate modalities are also unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of small bowel findings with CE in patients with OGIB compared to other modalities using meta-analysis. METHODS: We performed a recursive literature search of prospective studies comparing the yield of CE to other modalities in patients with OGIB. Data on yield and types of lesions identified among various modalities were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. Incremental yield (IY) (yield of CE-yield of comparative modality) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of CE over comparative modalities were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies (n = 396) compared the yield of CE with push enteroscopy for OGIB. The yield for CE and push enteroscopy was 63% and 28%, respectively (IY = 35%, p < 0.00001, 95% CI = 26-43%) and for clinically significant findings (n = 376) was 56% and 26%, respectively (IY = 30%, p < 0.00001, 95% CI = 21-38%). Three studies (n = 88) compared the yield of CE to small bowel barium radiography. The yield for CE and small bowel barium radiography for any finding was 67% and 8%, respectively (IY = 59%, p < 0.00001, 95% CI = 48-70%) and for clinically significant findings was 42% and 6%, respectively (IY = 36%, p < 0.00001, 95% CI = 25-48%). Number needed to test (NNT) to yield one additional clinically significant finding with CE over either modality was 3 (95% CI = 2-4). One study each compared the yield of significant findings on CE to intraoperative enteroscopy (n = 42, IY = 0%, p= 1.0, 95% CI =-16% to 16%), computed tomography enteroclysis (n = 8, IY = 38%, p= 0.08, 95% CI =-4% to 79%), mesenteric angiogram (n = 17, IY =-6%, p= 0.73, 95% CI =-39% to 28%), and small bowel magnetic resonance imaging (n = 14, IY = 36%, p= 0.007, 95% CI = 10-62%). Ten of the 14 trials comparing CE with push enteroscopy classified the types of lesions found on examination. CE had a 36% yield for vascular lesions versus 20% for push enteroscopy, with an IY of 16% (p < 0.00001, 95% CI = 9-23%). Inflammatory lesions were also found more often in CE (11%) than in push enteroscopy (2%), with an IY of 9% (p= 0.0001, 95% CI = 5-13%). There was no significant difference in the yield of tumors or "other" findings between CE and push enteroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: CE is superior to push enteroscopy and small bowel barium radiography for diagnosing clinically significant small bowel pathology in patients with OGIB. In study populations, the IY of CE over push enteroscopy and small bowel barium radiography for clinically significant findings is >or=30% with an NNT of 3, primarily due to visualization of additional vascular and inflammatory lesions by CE.     

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.     

Video capsule endoscopy vs double-balloon enteroscopy in the diagnosis of small bowel bleeding: A systematic review and metaanalysis

AIM To compare the diagnostic accuracy of video capsule endoscopy(VCE) and double-balloon enteroscopy(DBE) in cases of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) of vascular origin.METHODS MEDLINE(via PubMed), LILACS(via BVS) and Cochrane/CENTRAL virtual databases were searched for studies dated before 2017. We identified prospective and retrospective studies, including observational, cohort, single-blinded and multicenter studies, comparing VCE and DBE for the diagnosis of OGIB, and data of all the vascular sources of bleeding were collected. All patients were subjected to the same gold standard method. Relevant data were then extracted from each included study using a standardized extraction form. We calculated study variables(sensitivity, specificity, prevalence, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy) and performed a meta-analysis using Meta-Disc software.RESULTS In the per-patient analysis, 17 studies(1477 lesions) were included. We identified3150 exams(1722 VCE and 1428 DBE) in 2043 patients and identified 2248 sources of bleeding, 1467 of which were from vascular lesions. Of these lesions, 864(58.5%) were diagnosed by VCE, and 613(41.5%) were diagnosed by DBE. The pretest probability for bleeding of vascular origin was 54.34%. The sensitivity of DBE was 84%(95%CI: 0.82-0.86; heterogeneity: 78.00%), and the specificity was92%(95%CI: 0.89-0.94; heterogeneity: 92.0%). For DBE, the positive likelihood ratio was 11.29(95%CI: 4.83-26.40; heterogeneity: 91.6%), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.20(95%CI: 0.15-0.27; heterogeneity: 67.3%). Performing DBE after CE increased the diagnostic yield of vascular lesion by 7%, from 83% to90%.CONCLUSION The diagnostic accuracy of detecting small bowel bleeding from a vascular source is increased with the use of an isolated video capsule endoscope compared with isolated DBE. However, concomitant use increases the detection rate of the bleeding source.     

Predictors of double balloon endoscopy outcomes in the evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM:To identify patients' characteristics associated with double balloon endoscopy(DBE)outcomes in investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB).METHODS:Retrospective study performed at an academic tertiary referral center.Evaluated endpoints were clinical factors associated with no diagnostic yield or non-therapeutic intervention of DBE performed for OGIB evaluation.RESULTS:We included fifty-five DBE between August 2010 and April 2012.The mean age of the sample was 67 with 32 males(58.2%).Twenty-four DBE had no diagnostic yield and 30 DBE did not require therapy.Non-diagnostic yield was associated with performing two or more DBE studies in one day [odds ratio(OR):13.72,P=0.008],absence of blood transfusions within a year of the DBE(OR:7.16,P=0.03)and absence of ulcers or arteriovenous malformations(AVMs)on prior esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)or colonoscopy(OR:19.30,P=0.033).Non-therapeutic DBE was associated with performing two or more DBE per day(OR:18.579,P=0.007),gastrointestinal bleeding episode within a week of the DBE(OR:11.48,P=0.003),fewer blood transfusion requirements prior to DBE(OR:4.55,P=0.036)and absence of ulcers or AVMs on prior EGD or colonoscopy(OR:8.47,P=0.027).CONCLUSION:Predictors of DBE yield and therapeutic intervention on DBE include blood transfusion requirements,previous endoscopic findings and possibly endoscopist fatigue.     

Clinical outcomes after double-balloon enteroscopy in patients with obscure GI bleeding and a positive capsule endoscopy

BACKGROUND: Obscure GI bleeding (OGIB) accounts for about 5% of all patients with GI bleeding. There are limited data on double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) after a positive finding on capsule endoscopy (CE) in this setting. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical outcomes after DBE therapy. DESIGN: Prospective single-center cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral university hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Recurrent bleeding and blood transfusion requirements. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study of 60 consecutive patients with OGIB was conducted between July 2004 and March 2006. Patients underwent CE before DBE to target the lesion for either further diagnostic evaluation or therapeutic intervention. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) duration of follow-up was 10.0 +/- 5.2 months. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 62 +/- 18 years, with 31 men. A total of 74 DBE procedures were performed. An abnormality was seen by DBE in 45 patients (75%). In 12 patients (20%), a diagnosis was clarified or a new diagnosis was made. Therapy at DBE was performed in 34 patients (57%): 30 diathermies and 4 polypectomies. Endoscopic tattooing for targeted surgical removal was made in 3 additional patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified previous blood transfusion (odds ratio 10.5, 95% confidence interval 3.1-35; P < .001) to be the only independent predictor that required endoscopic therapy at DBE. Forty-eight patients (80%) had no further bleeding, and 46 patients (77%) had a normal Hb. Blood transfusion requirements fell from 34 patients to 10, P < .001. One patient had a perforation after therapeutic diathermy. LIMITATIONS: Nonrandomized study. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with OGIB and a positive finding on CE, DBE provided a safe and ambulatory method to achieve an excellent clinical outcome with significant reductions in recurrent bleeding and blood-transfusion requirements.     

Diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of double-balloon enteroscopy in a large cohort of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVES: Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a novel endoscopic technique developed to investigate small bowel disease. There are limited available data on its impact in the diagnosis and management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of DBE in the management of patients with OGIB. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of patients referred to our hospital from December 2003 to January 2005 for the investigation of overt or occult OGIB who underwent DBE after negative upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Demographic, clinical, procedural, and outcome data were collected for analysis. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two patients (73 women and 79 men) were studied, with a mean age of 48.2 yr. Seventeen patients presented with occult OGIB while 135 patients had overt OGIB. A total of 191 DBEs was performed. Antegrade and retrograde approaches were performed in 60 and 53 patients, respectively, and 39 patients had a combination of both routes. DBE demonstrated a potential bleeding site in 115 (75.7%) patients (102 overt, 13 occult). The more common abnormalities detected were small bowel tumors (39.1%) and angioectasia (30.4%). DBE altered management in 83.5% of patients with positive findings. Follow-up was obtained on 119 patients (mean 16 months, range 8-23 months). Of the 95 patients with follow-up and a positive DBE finding, 85 (89%) had no further rebleeding. The procedure was well tolerated with 23 patients (15.1%) experiencing mild self-limited bleeding during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: DBE appears to have a high diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact in patients with OGIB with previously negative upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.