Evaluation of iron deficiency anaemia for gastrointestinal causes in patients without GI symptoms in high prevalent GI malignancy zones

ABSTRACT

Background and study aims: gastric cancer is highly prevalent in Kashmir, as are lower gastrointestinal [LGI] malignancies. Colonic cancer, gastric cancer, and coeliac disease are the most important gastrointestinal [GI] causes of iron deficiency anaemia [IDA] worldwide. Approximately 9% of patients with IDA present with a suspicious lesion in the GI tract upon examination. However, the absence of GI symptoms and a possible lesion accounting for blood loss in IDA have not been studied in this zone with a high prevalence of GI malignancy. We aimed to examine IDA patients without GI symptoms to determine the most plausible cause of their blood loss