[Role of multi-detector row computed tomography for localization of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding].
OBJECTIVE
Recent studies have shown good performance for the detection of sources of gastrointestinal bleeding using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT). However, there are limited reports about the role of MDCT for localization of acute lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of MDCT for detection and localization of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding.


METHODS
A total of 49 patients underwent MDCT examination for the evaluation of acute lower GI bleeding were investigated prospectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of MDCT for the detection of acute lower GI bleeding were assessed. Colonoscopy, angiography, RBC scan or postoperative results were adopted as the reference standard.


RESULTS
Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of MDCT for the detection of acute lower GI bleeding were 72.7%, 80%, 93.9% and 25%, respectively. Eighteen patients experienced massive bleeding and 5 of them could not undergo the colonoscopic examination due to massive bleeding. MDCT detected the bleeding focuses in all of 5 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
MDCT is useful for the localization of acute lower GI bleeding. The procedure is brief, less invasive, and relatively accurate diagnostic method. Moreover, positive finding will allow directed therapeutic procedure such as angiography.
Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Seo-gu, Busan, Korea.
Sun Mi
SM
Lee
Tae Oh
TO
Kim
Hyoung Yoel
HY
Park
Kyung Yeob
KY
Kim
Gwang Ha
GH
Kim
Dae Hwan
DH
Kang
Geun Am
GA
Song
Suk
S
Kim
D000208:Acute Disease; D000792:Angiography; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed