O índice esplênico como preditor de sangramento e recidiva varicosa no seguimento tardio de paciente esquistossomóticos após tratamento endoscópico exclusivo / The splenic index as predictor of bleeding and variceal recurrence in the late follow-up of schistosomotic patients after exclusive endoscopic treatment

RESUMO - RACIONAL: O tratamento endoscópico das varizes esofágicas tem sido utilizado como principal intervenção em pacientes com hipertensão portal secundária à esquistossomose, mas com taxas significativas de recorrência de varizes esofágicas e ressangramento. Os resultados em longo prazo do tratamento endoscópico exclusivo são pouco estudados quanto à relação das dimensões esplênicas neste contexto. OBJETIVO: Avaliar, por meio da ultrassonografia, o índice esplênico e a dimensão longitudinal (craniocaudal) do baço como preditores de ressangramento e recorrência de varizes no seguimento tardio de pacientes esquistossomóticos não operados, após erradicação endoscópica das varizes esofágicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional retrospectivo por meio da análise de prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de esquistossomose hepatoesplênica. A curva ROC foi usada para determinar o melhor ponto de corte para o índice esplênico médio como preditor de recorrência e sangramento. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 54 pacientes, durante o período de 2002 a 2018. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 8 anos. O índice esplênico provou ser um teste sensível em valores acima de 144 como preditor de ressangramento. Na análise da dimensão longitudinal, o valor acima de 20 cm apresentou teste estatisticamente significativo para recorrência de varizes e valor acima de 19 cm apresentou-se como teste muito sensível e estatisticamente significativo para ressangramento. CONCLUSÃO: A análise do índice esplênico e da dimensão craniocaudal, obtidos por ultrassonografia, podem predizer recorrência de varizes e ressangramento após erradicação endoscópica exclusiva.

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic treatment for esophageal variceal has been used as the main intervention in patients with portal hypertension secondary to schistosomiasis, but with significant rates of recurrence of esophageal variceal and rebleeding. The long-term results of exclusive endoscopic treatment are poorly studied as the relationship of the splenic dimensions in this context. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify, through ultrasonography, whether the splenic index and the longitudinal (craniocaudal) dimension of the spleen are the predictors of rebleeding and variceal recurrence in late follow-up of patients with nonoperated schistosomiasis, after endoscopic eradication of esophageal variceal. METHODS: This is a retrospective and observational study analyzing the medical records of patients diagnosed with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff point for the mean splenic index as a predictor of recurrence and bleeding. Results: A follow-up of 54 patients were analyzed during the period from 2002 to 2018. The mean follow-up time was 8 years. The splenic index with value >144 was proved to be a sensitive test for rebleeding. In the analysis of the longitudinal dimension, the spleen length of >20 cm showed a statistically significant test for recurrence of variceal and a length >19 cm presented as a very sensitive and statistically significant test for rebleeding. CONCLUSION: Splenic index and craniocaudal dimension analysis, obtained by ultrasonography, can predict recurrence of varicose veins and rebleeding after exclusive endoscopic treatment.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the time to endoscopy in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding / Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en el tiempo hasta la endoscopia en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta

ABSTRACT Introduction : During the COVID-19 pandemic, endoscopic procedures are associated with a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, in cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), priority should be given to an early endoscopy. Objective : The main objective was to compare the time since arrival at the hospital and the performance of the endoscopy between both groups. Materials and methods : We performed a retrospective study. Data contains information of patients who attended to the hospital with UGIB and underwent an endoscopy between October 19th, 2019 and June 6th, 2020. Patients were divided into 2 phases: pre-pandemic and pandemic. The time between arrival at the hospital and the performance of the endoscopy in both phases were compared as well as other indicators such hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Results : With information from 219 patients, the median age was 69 years. 154 and 65 endoscopies were performed in pre-pandemic and pandemic phase, respectively. The time between arrival at the hospital and the performance of the endoscopy was significantly longer during the pandemic (10.00 vs. 13.08 hours, p-value = 0.019). Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in hospital stay or mortality. Conclusion : The management of patients with UGIB during the COVID-19 pandemic is complex and requires the application of clinical judgment to decide the best timing to perform an endoscopy without affecting patient care.

RESUMEN Introducción : Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, los procedimientos endoscópicos se asocian con un alto riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2. Sin embargo, en casos de hemorragia digestiva alta (HDA), se debe dar prioridad a una endoscopia precoz. Objetivo : El objetivo principal fue comparar el tiempo transcurrido desde la llegada al hospital y la realización de la endoscopia entre ambos grupos. Materiales y métodos : Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo. Los datos contienen información de pacientes que acudieron al hospital con HDA y fueron sometidos a endoscopia entre el 19 de octubre de 2019 y el 6 de junio de 2020. Los pacientes se dividieron en 2 fases: prepandémica y pandémica. Se comparó el tiempo transcurrido entre la llegada al hospital y la realización de la endoscopia en ambas fases, así como otros indicadores como la estancia hospitalaria y la mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Resultados : Con información de 219 pacientes, la mediana de edad fue de 69 años. Se realizaron 154 y 65 endoscopias en fase prepandémica y pandémica, respectivamente. El tiempo entre la llegada al hospital y la realización de la endoscopia fue significativamente mayor durante la pandemia (10,00 frente a 13,08 horas, valor de p = 0,019). Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias significativas en la estancia hospitalaria ni en la mortalidad. Conclusión : El manejo de pacientes con HDA durante la pandemia de COVID-19 es complejo y requiere la aplicación del juicio clínico para decidir el mejor momento para realizar una endoscopia sin afectar la atención del paciente.

Fístula aorto-ileal primaria / Primary Aortoenteric Fistulas

RESUMEN Introducción: Las fístulas aorto-entéricas son una causa infrecuente de hemorragia digestiva. El pronóstico, generalmente ominoso, depende de una alta sospecha clínica y diagnóstico oportuno. Objetivo: Presentar el caso de una hemorragia digestiva por una fístula Aortoentérica diagnosticada y tratada. Presentación del caso: Se reporta el caso de un hombre de 72 años intervenido con el diagnóstico hemorragia digestiva masiva en el preoperatorio; sin embargo, el diagnóstico de la fístula se hizo en el intraoperatorio, sin observar dilatación aneurismática, pero si una aorta ateromatosa y un proceso inflamatorio hacia la fístula. Se realizó reparación quirúrgica urgente con reparación cara anterior aorta infrarrenal cercana a la bifurcación y resección del íleo terminal con ileoascendentostomía termino-lateral. Discusión: Las fístulas aorto-entéricas es una causa potencialmente fatal de hemorragia digestiva. El diagnóstico continúa siendo un desafío debido a su presentación inespecífica y siempre debiese ser considerado frente a una hemorragia digestiva sin causa aparente. Existen varias opciones para el enfrentamiento quirúrgico que deben ser analizadas caso a caso, sin retrasar la reparación. Conclusiones: La fístula aorto-entérica primaria es una causa poco frecuente de hemorragia digestiva, que todo médico y cirujano debe tener en cuenta frente a un paciente con sangrado digestivo de causa no precisada(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aortoenteric fistulas are a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. The generally ominous prognosis depends on high clinical suspicion and timely diagnosis. Objective: To present a case of gastrointestinal hemorrhage for aortoenteric fistula diagnosed and treated. Case presentation: The case is reported of a 72-year-old man who received surgery after the diagnosis of massive gastrointestinal bleeding during the preoperative period. However, the diagnosis of the fistula was made intraoperatively, without observing aneurysmal dilation, but an atheromatous aorta and an inflammatory process leading to the fistula instead. Urgent surgical repair was performed with repair of anterior infrarenal aorta near the bifurcation and resection of the terminal ileum with end-to-side ascending ileostomy. Discussion: Aortoenteric fistulas are a potentially fatal cause for gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis continues to be a challenge due to its nonspecific presentation and should always be considered for any case of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding. There are several options for surgical management that must be analyzed case by case, without delaying repair. Conclusions: Primary aortoenteric fistula is a rare cause for gastrointestinal bleeding, which every doctor and surgeon must take into account when dealing with a patient with digestive bleeding of an unspecified cause(AU)

Transesplenic access in the treatment of varicose gastrointestinal bleeding. Case and technical report / Uso do acesso transesplênico no tratamento do sangramento gastrointestinal varicoso. Relato de caso e técnica

ABSTRACT Varicose gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. Endoscopic treatment is the first therapeutic line for these patients, however, for those whom this therapeutic modality fail, a broad knowledge of alternative treatment options may improve the prognosis. We describe a case of a patient who were successfully embolized from gastroesophageal varices via transsplenic access.

RESUMO O sangramento gastrointestinal varicoso está entre as maiores causas de morbimortalidade nos paciente com doença hepática crônica. O tratamento endoscópico é a primeira linha terapêutica neste pacientes, porém naqueles que apresentam falha nesta modalidade terapêutica, o amplo conhecimento de opções alternativas de tratamento pode melhorar o prognóstico. Descrevemos um caso de paciente submetido à embolização com sucesso de varizes gastresofágicas por acesso transesplênico.

A pancreatic hemorrhagic pseudocyst with pseudoaneurysm and the role of doppler ultrasonography: a case report

SUMMARY Hemorrhagic pseudocysts with pseudoaneurysms are a rare and fatal complication of chronic pancreatitis due to the erosion of pancreatic to peripancreatic arteries. The timing of the rupture cannot be accurately predicted, but prompt diagnosis and management are essential to prevent further bleeding. We describe the case of a 68-year-old man who presented acute epigastric pain and anemia and had a history of chronic pancreatitis with a pseudocyst. A biliary and pancreas MRI showed an enlarged size of a known pancreatic pseudocyst with internal high signal intensity material. Color-Doppler ultrasonography showed pulsating signals in the pseudocyst, and our final diagnosis was a pseudoaneurysm in the pancreatic hemorrhagic pseudocyst. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated with coil embolization of the feeding artery. We report this case of a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis to show that color-Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive and effective diagnostic tool for pseudoaneurysm, which enables early detection and prompt treatment without the need for invasive diagnostic modalities.

Mesocaval Shunt Creation for Jejunal Variceal Bleeding with Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis

The creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a widely performed technique to relieve portal hypertension, and to manage recurrent variceal bleeding and refractory ascites in patients where medical and/or endoscopic treatments have failed. However, portosystemic shunt creation can be challenging in the presence of chronic portal vein occlusion. In this case report, we describe a minimally invasive endovascular mesocaval shunt creation with transsplenic approach for the management of recurrent variceal bleeding in a portal hypertension patient with intra- and extrahepatic portal vein occlusion.

Suspected blood indicator in capsule endoscopy: a valuable tool for gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosis / "Suspected Blood Indicator" na enteroscopia por cápsula: uma ferramenta útil no diagnóstico de hemorragia gastrointestinal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Small bowel bleeding is a leading indication for small bowel capsule endoscopy. The Suspected Blood Indicator (SBI) is a software feature directed to automatically detect bleeding lesions during small bowel capsule endoscopy. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess SBI diagnostic accuracy for small bowel haemorrhage or potentially bleeding lesions during small bowel capsule endoscopy for small bowel bleeding. Methods - Single-centre retrospective study including 281 consecutive small bowel capsule endoscopy performed for small bowel bleeding during 6 years. The investigators marked lesions with high bleeding potential (P2), such as angioectasias, ulcers and tumours, as well as active bleeding during regular small bowel capsule endoscopy viewing with PillCam SB2(r). All small bowel capsule endoscopy were independently reviewed by another central reader using SBI. RESULTS Among the 281 patients, 29 (10.3%) presented with active haemorrhage while 81 (28.9%) presented with a P2 lesion. The most frequently observed P2 lesions were angioectasias (52), ulcers (15), polyps (7) and ulcerated neoplasias (7). SBI showed a 96.6% (28/29) sensitivity for active small bowel bleeding, with a 97.7% negative predictive value. Regarding P2 lesions, the SBI displayed an overall sensitivity of 39.5%, being highest for ulcerated neoplasias (100%), but significantly lower for angioectasias (38.5%) or ulcers (20.0%). CONCLUSION Although SBI sensitivity for the automatic detection of potentially bleeding lesions was low, it effectively detected active small bowel bleeding with very high sensitivity and negative predictive value.

RESUMO CONTEXTO A hemorragia do intestino delgado é uma das principais indicações para a realização de enteroscopia por cápsula. A ferramenta "Suspected Blood Indicator (SBI)", incluída no software de leitura da enteroscopia por cápsula, tem como objetivo a deteção automática de hemorragia e de lesões potentialmente hemorrágicas. OBJETIVO Pretendemos avaliar a acuidade diagnóstica do SBI para a deteção de hemorragia ou lesões potencialmente hemorrágicas durante a enteroscopia por cápsula no contexto de hemorragia do intestino delgado. MÉTODOS Estudo retrospectivo incluindo 281 enteroscopia por cápsula (PillCam SB2(r)) consecutivas realizadas por hemorragia do intestino delgado durante 6 anos. Os investigadores registaram lesões com potential hemorrágico elevado (P2), como angiectasias, úlceras e neoplasias, assim como hemorragia activa. Todos os exames foram revistos independentemente por outro investigador, utilizando o SBI. RESULTADOS Dos 281 doentes, 29 (10,3%) apresentaram hemorragia ativa, enquanto 81 (28,9%) apresentaram uma lesão P2. As lesões P2 mais frequentes foram angiectasias (52), úlceras (15), póipos (7) e neoplasias ulceradas (7). O SBI demonstrou uma sensibilidade de 96,6% (28/29) para hemorragia activa, com um valor preditivo negativo de 97,7%. Para as lesões P2, a sensibilidade global foi de 39%: 100% para neoplasias ulceradas, 38,5% para angiectasias e 20% para úlceras. CONCLUSÃO Apesar da sensibilidade do SBI para lesões potencialmente hemorrágicas do instestino delgado ser baixa, permitiu a deteção de hemorragia activa com uma muito elevada sensibilidade e excelente valor preditivo negativo.

Clinical Efficacy of Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Multidetector-row Computed Tomography in Patients with Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) accounts for 5% of all gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding cases. Dynamic contrast-enhanced multidetector-row CT (DCE-MDCT) is not generally recommended in OGIB patients due to its low sensitivity. However, it can be used to quickly and simply diagnose OGIB according to some guidelines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of DCE-MDCT in OGIB patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 362 patients who underwent DCE-MDCT between March 2009 and January 2014. A total of 45 patients diagnosed with OGIB were included in this study. Their baseline characteristics and treatment procedure were analyzed retrospectively. The positive rates of DCE-MDCT for the detection of bleeding and associated factors were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 59 years, and males represented 51.1%. Melena was the most common symptom (44.4%). Positive rate of DCE-MDCT findings was 20.0% (9/45). Among these patients, intraluminal contrast extravasation was found in 5 patients (55.6%) and intraluminal hematoma or mass lesions were found in 2 patients each (22.2%). Thirty nine patients (86.7%) underwent conservative management, and 6 patients (13.3%) underwent specific treatment, such as endoscopic treatment, embolization, or surgery. Patients who showed positivity in DCE-MDCT more frequently received specific treatment compared with those who were negative (44.4% vs. 5.6%, p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Although DCE-MDCT showed a low positive rate (20.0%), positive findings of DCE-MDCT could lead to specific treatment. Positive DCE-MDCT findings play a useful role in the management of patients with OGIB.

Enterorrhagia due to pelvic hematoma after femoral catheterization / Enterorragia por hematoma pélvico após cateterismo femoral

Arterial puncture, better known as catheterization, has become an important diagnostic tool in recent years. For its realization, generally the option is the Seldinger technique, which is considered today the safest and most often used procedure. This technique allows the insertion of large-caliber or multiple-lumen catheters in the vessel. Arterial catheterization helps in several exams, for instance, mesenteric angiography and cardiac output assessment, and contributes in cineangiocoronariography procedures. We report the case of a 67-year-old male patient who was submitted to cineangiocoronariography and evolved with enterorrhagia due to pelvic hematoma. Throughout the patient's care, a conservative treatment was chosen. The progression of the patient was uneventful and then the patient was discharged. It is very hard to determine which arterial segment was injured; however, as the hematoma was located predominantly in the pelvic region, it is believed that an injury occurred at the internal iliac artery, or directly at the bifurcation of the common iliac artery. Furthermore, it is assumed that a catheter kinking occurred during its progression, due to any tortuosity or to the presence of an atheromatous plaque, thus favoring the occurrence of the more distal lesion, rather than the proximal one. We decided to report this case because of its high degree of rarity, with a scarce number of papers in the literature related to the topic. Thus, with the description of this report we believe that other medical teams will have facilitated their decision-making process, when facing a similar case. (AU)

A punção arterial, mais conhecida como cateterização, tornou-se uma importante ferramenta diagnóstica nos últimos anos. Para sua realização geralmente opta-se pela técnica de Seldinger que é considerada a mais segura e utilizada na atualidade. Esta técnica permite a inserção de cateteres de grosso calibre e ou de múltiplos lúmens em vasos. A cateterização arterial auxilia na realização de exames como arteriografia mesentérica, avaliação do débito cardíaco, além de contribuir na realização da cineangiocoronariografia (CATE). Relata-se um caso de que um paciente masculino de 67 anos que foi submetido ao CATE e evoluiu com enterorragia devido ao hematoma pélvico. Em todo momento foi optado por tratamento conservador. A evolução do paciente ocorreu sem intercorrências e entao o paciente foi de alta. Dificilmente é possível precisar qual segmento arterial foi lesado, entretanto, como o hematoma localizou-se predominantemente na regiao pélvica, acredita-se que ocorreu uma lesão da artéria ilíaca interna ou logo na bifurcação da artéria ilíaca comum. Ademais, supõe-se que aconteceu uma dobra no cateter durante a sua progressão devido a alguma tortuosidade ou mesmo pela presença de placas ateromatosas. Favorecendo, dessa forma, a ocorrência da lesao mais distal e nao proximal. Optou-se por relatar tal caso devido ao alto grau de raridade, e consequentemente, nota-se que há poucos achados na literatura relacionados ao tema. Dessa forma, com a descrição deste relato podem-se ajudar equipes médicas a tomarem condutas quando deparadas com um caso semelhante. (AU)

Hemorragia digestiva baixa maciça por doença diverticular em jejuno / Lower massive bleeding due to jejunum diverticulosis

A doença diverticular do trato gastrointestinal é uma entidade que ocorre mais requentemente no cólon. No intestino delgado, a prevalência é de 0,3-1,9%, com 60-70% ocorrendo no duodeno, 20-25% no jejuno e 5-10% no íleo. Localiza-se na borda mesentérica e resulta da combinação da discinesia intestinal com o aumento da pressão intraluminal, acometendo preferencialmente idosos e o sexo masculino. É geralmente assintomática e suas complicações, como volvo, obstrução intestinal, diverticulite, perfuração, abscesso e hemorragia digestiva são raras. Na hemorragia digestiva baixa (HDB) maciça, a história clínica e o exame físico são pouco úteis e, embora extremamente rara, têm alta taxa de mortalidade. Os exames disponíveis para diagnóstico incluem colonoscopia, angiografia mesentérica, cintilografia com hemácias marcadas Tc 99, endoscopia por duplo balão e cápsula endoscópica. Pacientes hemodinamicamente instáveis devem ser submetidos à laparotomia com ressecção do segmento ? contendo os divertículos ? com anastomose primária. Relatamos um caso de HDB maciça em paciente idosa, acometida por neoplasia metastática de origem desconhecida e em uso crônico de anticoagulante oral. Apesar de a paciente ter recebido manejo considerado apropriado, com acesso aos exames adequados, tratamento cirúrgico de escolha e sem evidências de ressangramento após o ato operatório, seu desfecho foi negativo.

The diverticular disease of the gastrointestinal tract is an entity that occurs more frequently in the Cólon. In the small bowel the prevalence is 0.3 to 1.9%, with 60-70% occurring in the duodenum, 20-25% in the jejunum and 5-10% in the ileum. It is located in the mesenteric border and results from the combination of intestinal dyskinesia with high intraluminal pressure. It also affects mainly elderly and male gender. It is usually asymptomatic and its complications such as volvulus, intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, perforation, abscess and gastrointestinal bleeding are rare. The massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding, although extremely rare, has a high mortality rate. History and physical examination are of little use. The tests available for diagnosis include colonoscopy, mesenteric angiography, Tc-99m cintigraphy, double balloon endoscopy and capsule endoscopy. Hemodynamically unstable patients should undergo laparotomy and the resection of the segment with primary nastomosis is the procedure of choice. We report a case of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding in elderly patient, affected by severe comorbidity ? metastatic neoplasia - and concomitant use of oral anticoagulants. Although the patient had received management considered appropriate, with access to the right imaging exams, treatment of choice and no evidence of bleeding after surgery, her outcome was negative.

The Efficacy and Long-Term Outcome of Microcoil Embolotherapy for Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy as well as long-term clinical outcomes of superselective microcoil embolization for lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2009, 26 patients with intended transcatheter embolotherapy for LGIB were retrospectively reviewed. Embolization was performed only when the catheter could be advanced to or distal to the mesenteric border of the bowel. The main purpose of our study was to assess technical success, recurrent bleeding rate and complications. We also evaluated the long-term clinical outcome, including late recurrent LGIB, bowel ischemia and the survival rate. RESULTS: Twenty-two bleeding sources were in the territory of superior mesenteric artery and four in the inferior mesenteric artery. Technical success was achieved in 22 patients (84.6%). The target vessel of embolization was vasa recta in seventeen patients and marginal artery in the remaining five patients. Early rebleeding occurred in two patients (7.7%) and bowel ischemia in two patients, of whom the embolized points were both at the marginal artery. Delayed recurrent bleeding (> 30 days) occurred in two angiodysplasia patients. Five patients (19.2%) died within the first 30 days of intervention. Long-term follow-up depicted estimated survival rates of 58.2 and 43.1% after one, and five years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter embolotherapy to treat LGIB is effective with low rebleeding and ischemic complications. Considering the advanced age and complex medical problems of these patients, the minimal invasive embolotherapy may be used as both a primary and potentially definitive treatment of LGIB.

Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: the Usefulness of Rotational Angiography after Endoscopic Marking with a Metallic Clip

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to assess the usefulness of rotational angiography after endoscopic marking with a metallic clip in upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients with no extravasation of contrast medium on conventional angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 16 patients (mean age, 59.4 years) with acute bleeding ulcers (13 gastric ulcers, 2 duodenal ulcers, 1 malignant ulcer), a metallic clip was placed via gastroscopy and this had been preceded by routine endoscopic treatment. The metallic clip was placed in the fibrous edge of the ulcer adjacent to the bleeding point. All patients had negative results from their angiographic studies. To localize the bleeding focus, rotational angiography and high pressure angiography as close as possible to the clip were used. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, seven (44%) had positive results after high pressure angiography as close as possible to the clip and they underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with microcoils. Nine patients without extravasation of contrast medium underwent TAE with microcoils as close as possible to the clip. The bleeding was stopped initially in all patients after treatment of the feeding artery. Two patients experienced a repeat episode of bleeding two days later. Of the two patients, one had subtle oozing from the ulcer margin and that patient underwent endoscopic treatment. One patient with malignant ulcer died due to disseminated intravascular coagulation one month after embolization. Complete clinical success was achieved in 14 of 16 (88%) patients. Delayed bleeding or major/minor complications were not noted. CONCLUSION: Rotational angiography after marking with a metallic clip helps to localize accurately the bleeding focus and thus to embolize the vessel correctly.

Consideraciones éticas ante el paciente con hemorragia digestiva alta / Ethical considerations regarding the patient with upper digestive bleeding

Se hace un análisis de la actuación que debe tener el personal de la salud ante una enfermedad aguda, como es el caso de la hemorragia digestiva, y de la repercusión que ésta tiene en las esferas física y psíquica del paciente y de sus familiares, así como de las alteraciones que puede ocasionar en la relación del hombre con su comunidad. Las consideraciones éticas sustentadas en la medicina basada en evidencias son de suma importancia para lograr la recuperación de estos pacientes graves y la mejor opción para que el enfermo recupere su salud de forma integral. Se hacen reflexiones respecto a los conceptos que sobre la ética médica han sido considerados y respecto a aquellos sobre los que se basa nuestra sociedad actual(AU)

An analysis is made of the way the health personal should act in the presence of an acute disease, such as digestive hemorrhage, of its impact on the physical and psychical spheres of the patients and their relatives, as well as of the disorders it may cause in the man-community relationship. The ethical considerations sustained on evidence-based medicine are very important to attain the recovery of these severe patients and they are the best option for the comprehensive recuperation of the patient's health. Reflections are made on the concepts of medical ethics that have been considered so far and on those on which our current society is based(AU)

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization of Arterial Esophageal Bleeding with the Use of N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for the treatment of arterial esophageal bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Between August 2000 and April 2008, five patients diagnosed with arterial esophageal bleeding by conventional angiography, CT-angiography or endoscopy, underwent a TAE with NBCA. We mixed NBCA with iodized oil at ratios of 1:1 to 1:4 to supply radiopacity and achieve a proper polymerization time. After embolization, we evaluated the angiographic and clinical success, recurrent bleeding, and procedure-related complications. RESULTS: The bleeding esophageal artery directly originated from the aorta in four patients and from the left inferior phrenic artery in one patient. Although four patients had an underlying coagulopathy at the time of the TAE, angiographic and clinical success was achieved in all five patients. In addition, no procedure-related complications such as esophageal infarction were observed during this study. CONCLUSION: NBCA can be an effective and feasible embolic agent in patients with active arterial esophageal bleeding, even with pre-existing coagulopathy.

Angiographically Negative Acute Arterial Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Incidence, Predictive Factors, and Clinical Outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, predictive factors, and clinical outcomes of angiographically negative acute arterial upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS:From 2001 to 2008, 143 consecutive patients who underwent an angiography for acute arterial upper or lower GI bleeding were examined. RESULTS: The angiographies revealed a negative bleeding focus in 75 of 143 (52%) patients. The incidence of an angiographically negative outcome was significantly higher in patients with a stable hemodynamic status (p < 0.001), or in patients with lower GI bleeding (p = 0.032). A follow-up of the 75 patients (range: 0-72 months, mean: 8 +/- 14 months) revealed that 60 of the 75 (80%) patients with a negative bleeding focus underwent conservative management only, and acute bleeding was controlled without rebleeding. Three of the 75 (4%) patients underwent exploratory surgery due to prolonged bleeding; however, no bleeding focus was detected. Rebleeding occurred in 12 of 75 (16%) patients. Of these, six patients experienced massive rebleeding and died of disseminated intravascular coagulation within four to nine hours after the rebleeding episode. Four of the 16 patients underwent a repeat angiography and the two remaining patients underwent a surgical intervention to control the bleeding. CONCLUSION: Angiographically negative results are relatively common in patients with acute GI bleeding, especially in patients with a stable hemodynamic status or lower GI bleeding. Most patients with a negative bleeding focus have experienced spontaneous resolution of their condition.

How to Increase the Probability of Visualizing Angiographic Extravasation in Patients with Acute Hemorrhage from the Gastrointestinal Tract?

No abstract available.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization of Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 1999 and December 2002, TAE for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding was performed in 93 patients. The endoscopic approach had failed or was discarded as an approach for control of bleeding in all study patients. Among the 93 patients NBCA was used as the primary embolic material for TAE in 32 patients (28 men, four women; mean age, 59.1 years). The indications for choosing NBCA as the embolic material were: inability to advance the microcatheter to the bleeding site and effective wedging of the microcatheter into the bleeding artery. TAE was performed using 1:1-1:3 mixtures of NBCA and iodized oil. The angiographic and clinical success rate, recurrent bleeding rate, procedure related complications and clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The angiographic and clinical success rates were 100% and 91% (29/32), respectively. There were no serious ischemic complications. Recurrent bleeding occurred in three patients (9%) and they were managed with emergency surgery (n = 1) and with a successful second TAE (n = 2). Eighteen patients (56%) had a coagulopathy at the time of TAE and the clinical success rate in this group of patients was 83% (15/18). CONCLUSION: TAE with NBCA is a highly effective and safe treatment modality for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when it is not possible to advance the microcatheter to the bleeding site and when the patient has a coagulopathy.