Optimized multidetector computed tomographic protocol for the diagnosis of active obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: a feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this feasibility study was to prospectively evaluate an optimized multidetector computed tomographic protocol for the diagnosis of active obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB).


METHODS
Between October 2006 and February 2008, patients admitted for active OGIB were included in this prospective unicenter study. Water was administered orally and rectally as neutral luminal contrast material. A contrast-enhanced 16-row multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was performed in the arterial and venous phases. Mesenteric digital subtraction angiography was carried out immediately after MDCT as standard of reference.


RESULTS
Six patients were included in this study. Multidetector computed tomography identified the bleeding site and source in 5 (83%) of the patients. Digital subtraction angiography was performed in 4 patients, and the result was positive in 1 (25%) of the patients. Multidetector computed tomography detected the site and source of bleeding in 2 patients whose digital subtraction angiographic result was negative.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this feasibility study indicate that optimized MDCT is an excellent diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of active OGIB.
Heiss
Peter
P
Department of Radiology, University of Regensburg, 93042 Regensburg, Germany. heiss.peter@web.de
Zorger
Niels
N
Hamer
Okka W
OW
Seitz
Johannes
J
Müller-Wille
Rene
R
Koller
Michael
M
Herold
Thomas
T
Schölmerich
Jürgen
J
Feuerbach
Stefan
S
Wrede
Christian E
CE
D000328:Adult; D002086:Butylscopolammonium Bromide; D003287:Contrast Media; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D002086:Butylscopolammonium Bromide