Frequency and clinical outcome of capsule retention during capsule endoscopy for GI bleeding of obscure origin.
BACKGROUND
Capsule endoscopy is now commonly performed for GI bleeding of obscure origin. Regional transit abnormality refers to slowed capsule movement during capsule endoscopy. The frequency and clinical outcome of capsule retention and regional transit abnormalities are unknown.


METHODS
Initial capsule endoscopies performed at a single institution in 52 patients with GI bleeding of obscure origin were reviewed retrospectively. For patients with capsule retention or regional transit abnormality, preprocedural characteristics, and post-procedural outcomes were recorded.


METHODS
Capsule retention occurred in 7 patients, all of whom remained asymptomatic. Regional transit abnormality was noted in 3 patients. Sources of bleeding were localized in all cases. Seven patients underwent surgery. Stricture induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was the major cause of retention. In all patients, anemia resolved during follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Capsule retention and regional transit abnormality occurred in almost 20% of patients who had capsule endoscopy for GI bleeding of obscure origin. These capsule movement abnormalities led to the diagnosis of bleeding sources and thereby influenced patient management. A history of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use may be associated with an increased risk of capsule retention.
Sears
Dawn M
DM
Division of Gastoenterology, Scott and White Memorial Hospital, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, Temple, USA.
Avots-Avotins
Andrejs
A
Culp
Kim
K
Gavin
Michael W
MW
D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007583:Jejunum / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal