Correlation Between Findings of Multislice Helical Computed Tomography (CT), Endoscopic Examinations, Endovascular Procedures, and Surgery in Patients with Symptoms of Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundEndoscopic methods (gastroscopy and colonoscopy) are considered fundamental for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding. In recent years, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has also gained importance in diagnosing gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in hemodynamically unstable patients and in cases with suspected lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding. CT can detect both the source and the cause of active gastrointestinal bleeding, thereby expediting treatment initiation.Material/MethodsThe study group consisted of 16 patients with clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding in whom features of active bleeding were observed on CT. In all patients, bleeding was verified by means of other methods such as endoscopic examinations, endovascular procedures, or surgery.ResultsThe bleeding source was identified on CT in all 16 patients. In 14 cases (87.5%), bleeding was confirmed by other methods.ConclusionsCT is an efficient, fast, and readily available tool for detecting the location of acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

Diagnostic imaging in the diagnosis of acute complications of bariatric surgery

“…Of these, 3 (30%) were anastomotic dehiscences and 7 (70%) were obstructive syndromes of the small intestine. Anastomotic dehiscences are early complications that usually affect the gastro-jejunal anastomosis [ 10 , 18 , 19 ]. The leaks can be small in size and self-limiting in paucisymptomatic patients, or they can assume considerable size with septic complications [ 24 , 25 ].…”

“…The leaks can be small in size and self-limiting in paucisymptomatic patients, or they can assume considerable size with septic complications [ 24 , 25 ]. For this reason, an early diagnosis is indispensable, in which the GI transit plays a limited role due to its low sensitivity [ 10 , 26 , 27 ]. These data are confirmed in our case studies, because the diagnosis of leakage at the GI transit was possible in only 1 of the 3 cases, making it necessary to resort to CT to identify the spreading, any fluid collections, and free air.…”

“…Diagnostic imaging plays an important role [9][10][11][12] because the number of bariatric surgeries is increasing, which has caused an increase also in the number of radiological investigations performed for the study of obese patients, both in the phases prior to treatment and in the post-operative period. For this reason, it is important that radiologists are familiar with the post-operative anatomy derived from the main surgical techniques and possible complications [13].…”