Is endoscopic band ligation superior to injection therapy for Dieulafoy lesion? Surg Endosc. 2009;23:1465-1469. [PMID: 19125307 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-008-0255-8]

Ideal strategy for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Over 300 000 hospital admissions in the United States each year are due to patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (UGIB). Common etiologies of nonvariceal UGIB include peptic ulcers, mucosal erosions of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum, Mallory-Weiss tears, Dieulafoy lesions, upper GI tract malignancy, or other etiology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Peptic ulcers classified as Forrest Ia, Ib, or IIa require endoscopic hemostasis, while IIb ulcers may be considered for endoscopic clot removal with endoscopic treatment of any underlying major stigmata. Endoscopic hemostasis for ulcers classified as Forrest IIc or III is not advised due to the low risk of recurrent bleeding. Endoscopic hemostasis in ulcer bleeding can be achieved using injection, thermal, and/or mechanical modalities.

SUMMARY

This review focuses on the currently recommended endoscopic therapies of patients presenting with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Review article: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding - review of current evidence and implications for management

BACKGROUND

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common emergency requiring hospital-based care. Advances in care across pre-endoscopic, endoscopic and post-endoscopic phases have led to improvements in clinical outcomes.

AIMS

To provide a detailed, evidence-based update on major aspects of care across pre-endoscopic, endoscopic and post-endoscopic phases.

METHODS

We performed a structured bibliographic database search for each topic. If a recent high-quality meta-analysis was not available, we performed a meta-analysis with random effects methods and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Pre-endoscopic management of UGIB includes risk stratification, a restrictive red blood cell transfusion policy unless the patient has cardiovascular disease, and pharmacologic therapy with erythromycin and a proton pump inhibitor. Patients with cirrhosis should be treated with prophylactic antibiotics and vasoactive medications. Tranexamic acid should not be used. Endoscopic management of UGIB depends on the aetiology. For peptic ulcer disease (PUD) with high-risk stigmata, endoscopic therapy, including over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) and TC-325 powder spray, should be performed. For variceal bleeding, treatment should be customised by severity and anatomic location. Post-endoscopic management includes early enteral feeding for all UGIB patients. For high-risk PUD, PPI should be continued for 72 h, and rebleeding should initially be evaluated with a repeat endoscopy. For variceal bleeding, high-risk patients or those with further bleeding, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of acute UGIB should include treatment plans for pre-endoscopic, endoscopic and post-endoscopic phases of care, and customise treatment decisions based on aetiology and severity of bleeding.

Clinical outcomes of Dieulafoy's lesion compared with peptic ulcer in upper gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is an important cause of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, few studies have investigated the clinico-epidemiological outcomes due to its rarity. Here, we investigated clinical features of upper GI bleeding caused by peptic ulcer (PU) or DL and compared endoscopic treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with upper GI bleeding resulting from PU or DL who visited emergency room between January 2013 and December 2017 were eligible. Clinical features and treatment outcomes were retrospectively investigated.

RESULTS

Overall, 728 patients with upper GI bleeding due to PU (n = 669) and DL (n = 59) were enrolled. The median age was 64 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56-75 years), and 74.3% were male. Endoscopic intervention was performed in 53.7% (n = 359) and 98.3% (n = 58) of the PU and DL groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). Patients were matched by sex, age, body mass index, comorbidity, and past medical history, and 190 PU and 52 DL were finally selected. The rebleeding rates within 7 (7.37% vs 17.31%, P = 0.037) and 30 (7.37% vs 26.92%, P < 0.001) days after initial endoscopy were significantly lower in the PU than in the DL group after propensity score matching. During the median follow-up period of 52 months (IQR, 34-70 months), there was no difference in overall survival rate (67.9% vs 82.7%, P = 0.518).

CONCLUSIONS

Although DL is a rare cause of upper GI bleeding, it requires endoscopic hemostasis more frequently and has a higher rate of rebleeding than PU even after therapeutic endoscopy. Endoscopists should pay attention and perform active endoscopic hemostasis for DL bleeding.

Therapeutic endoscopy of a Dieulafoy lesion in a 10-year-old girl: A case report

BACKGROUND

There are multiple causes of sudden gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Reports of Dieulafoy lesions (DLs) in children are scarce. DLs can be fatal without appropriate treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a retrospective analysis of the clinical manifestations, endoscopic features, and treatment of a Chinese girl with a DL, as well as a review of the relevant literature. A 10-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital with sudden massive hematemesis and melena. Abdominal computed tomography revealed suspected submucosal bleeding in the stomach. Finally, the disease was diagnosed with endoscopy due to the typical manifestations. We used electrocoagulation and hemoclips under endoscopy for hemostasis. No recurrence of hematemesis was identified during 4-wk’ follow-up.

CONCLUSION

DLs in children are rare but an important cause of sudden gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Many pediatricians are inexperienced and often miss or delay diagnosis. Endoscopy as early as possible is the first choice for diagnosis and treatment.

Outcomes in Severe Upper GI Hemorrhage from Dieulafoy's Lesion with Monitoring of Arterial Blood Flow

BACKGROUND

Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is a rare but increasingly recognized cause of severe upper GI hemorrhage (SUGIH). There is little consensus regarding the endoscopic approach to management of bleeding from DL.

AIMS

Our purposes were to compare 30-day outcomes of patients with SUGIH from DL with Doppler endoscopic probe (DEP) monitoring of blood flow and guided treatment versus standard visually guided hemostasis (VG).

METHODS

Eighty-two consecutive DL patients with SUGIH were identified in a large CURE Hemostasis database from previous prospective cohort studies and two recent RCTs at two university-based medical centers. 30-day outcomes including rebleeding, surgery, angiography, death, and severe medical complications were compared between the two treatment groups.

RESULTS

40.2% of DL bleeds occurred in inpatients. 43.9% of patients had cardiovascular disease, and 48.7% were taking medications associated with bleeding. For the entire cohort, 41.3% (26/63) of patients treated with VG had a composite 30-day outcome as compared to 10.5% (2/19) of patients treated with DEP (p = 0.017). Rebleeding occurred within 30 days in 33.3% and 10.5% of those treated with VG and DEP, respectively (p = 0.051). After propensity score matching, the adjusted 30-day composite outcome occurred in 39.0% in the VG group compared to 2.6% in the DEP group (p < 0.001). Adjusted 30-day rebleeding occurred in 25.3% in the VG group versus 2.6% in the DEP group (p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

DL patients with SUGIH were frequently inpatients and had severe cardiovascular comorbidities and recurrent bleeding. Lesion arterial blood flow monitoring and obliteration are an effective way to treat bleeding from DL which reduces negative 30-day clinical outcomes.

Risk Factors for Rebleeding after Emergency Endoscopic Treatment of Dieulafoy Lesion

Background and Objective: Dieulafoy lesion is a rare, but life-threatening, cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and endoscopic therapy is the preferred first-line treatment. The present study aims to analyze the risk factors for rebleeding after endoscopic hemostasis of gastroduodenal Dieulafoy lesion. Methods. A retrospective review of patients with Dieulafoy lesion who developed acute gastrointestinal bleeding and were treated primarily with endoscopic therapy from September 2014 to April 2019 was conducted. Results. A total of 133 patients with Dieulafoy lesion were included in the present study. The mean age of these patients was 56.05 ± 16.58 years, and 115 patients were male. Among these 133 patients, 26 patients developed rebleeding within 30 days of endoscopic therapy. The 30-day rebleeding rate for pure injection therapy (epinephrine, cyanoacrylate, or lauromacrogol injection alone), nonpure injection therapy (argon plasma coagulation, band ligation, and hemoclip application alone), and combination therapy (combination of any >2 methods) was 45.2%, 12.8%, and 11%, respectively. In the univariable analysis, endoscopic treatment, prothrombin time, gender, Rockall score, and leukocyte count were the risk factors for rebleeding. In the multivariable analysis, pure injection endoscopic treatment, white blood cells (>10 × 109/L), and prothrombin time >12 seconds were the independent risk factors for rebleeding. Conclusion. Patients who undergo pure injection endoscopic treatment and have a high leukocyte count (>10 × 109/L) or elevated prothrombin time (>12 seconds) have an increased risk of rebleeding within 30 days after endoscopic treatment for gastroduodenal Dieulafoy lesion. Combined endoscopic treatment is the most effective therapy to prevent rebleeding in gastroduodenal Dieulafoy lesion.

Dieulafoy lesion: two pediatric case reports

BACKGROUND

Massive gastrointestinal bleeding in children is uncommon. Dieulafoy lesion is an uncommon disease which may lead to massive and repeated upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We report two cases of gastric Dieulafoy lesion successfully treated with either band ligation or endoscopic hemoclipping.

CASE PRESENTATION

First case report: A previously healthy 18-month-old female infant with E. coli sepsis, pneumonia and respiratory failure with bilateral pneumothorax requiring chest drainage. Over a few days, the patient presented hematemesis and melena with progressively worsening anemia. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an arterial vessel with eroded apex located between the body and the fundus of the stomach. Two elastic bands were applied which resulted in resolution of hematemesis and melena and improvement of the anemia. Second case report: A 8-year-old male was admitted to our department with sudden massive hematemesis and melena. Clinical examination revealed anemia (hemoglobin, 6.8 g/dl). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a mucosal erosion with visible vessel located along the small curvature, close to the antrum. Three hemostatic clips were placed on the Dieulafoy lesion and hemostasis was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

we showed that, similar to gastric DL in adult patients,, gastric DL in pediatric patients can be successfully treated with endoscopic therapy, and both hemoclipping and band ligation are suitable techniques.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: endoscopic assessment and treatment

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) represents 10% of medical emergencies in the UK and is associated with a significant mortality risk. Mortality has remained steady over the past 2 decades, at approximately 10%, with over 4000 deaths per annum in the UK. Patients with significant bleeding present with symptoms of haematemesis, melaena or haematochezia (rapid transit of red blood through the GI tract). An assessment of haemodynamic stability along with adequate resuscitation is vital prior to performing safe endoscopy. The performance of prompt upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is then necessary, as it has diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic roles. Early identification of aetiology (variceal versus non-variceal bleeding) is important and directs endoscopic and medical treatment. An increasing number of endoscopic therapeutic options are now available.

Potential role of new technological innovations in nonvariceal hemorrhage

The present armamentarium of endoscopic hemostatic therapy for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage includes injection, electrocautery and clips. There are newer endoscopic options such as hemostatic sprays, endoscopic suturing and modifications of current options including coagulation forceps and over-the-scope clips. Peptic hemorrhage is the most prevalent type of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and traditional endoscopic interventions have demonstrated significant hemostasis success. However, the hemostatic success rate is less for other entities such as Dieulafoy’s lesions and bleeding from malignant lesions. Novel innovations such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and peroral endoscopic myotomy has spawned a need for dependable hemostasis. Gastric antral vascular ectasias are associated with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding and usually treated by standard argon plasma coagulation (APC), but newer modalities such as radiofrequency ablation, banding, cryotherapy and hybrid APC have been utilized as well. We will opine on whether the newer hemostatic modalities have generated success when traditional modalities fail and should any of these modalities be routinely available in the endoscopic toolbox.

Life-threatening bleeding from gastric dieulafoy's lesion in a pregnant woman with hellp syndrome: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is one of the rare causes of upper gastrointestional bleeding. This disease is characterized by small sub-mucosal arteriole that eroded the stomach mucosa and cause severe upper GI bleeding without obvious ulceration. The most common location is fundus area of stomach and usually affects patients over 50 years of age with multiple comorbidities.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of life-threatening bleeding from DL during late pregnancy 31 weeks. Hemoclips were used twice through upper endoscopy with successful hemostasis. Unfortunately, she developed HELLP syndrome diagnosed 5 days after the GI bleeding was stopped. Her pregnancy had to be terminated with delivery of a premature infant. She recovered from her illness and discharged from hospital uneventfully. There is no current report in literature of DL in pregnant woman subsequently suffered HELLP syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic hemoclip application is an effective technique in the treatment of upper GI bleeding from DL. For this patient, laparoscopic surgery or combination therapy before pregnancy may have been a suitable treatment on preventing rebleeding.

Dieulafoy lesion in a two-year-old boy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Massive gastrointestinal bleeding in children, mostly caused by esophageal varices secondary to chronic liver disease, is uncommon. Dieulafoy lesion in the gastrointestinal tract is a rare but important cause of gastrointestinal bleeding; massive bleeding from this lesion can be fatal unless adequate treatment is promptly initiated. We report a case of gastric Dieulafoy lesion in a 2-year old successfully treated with endoscopic hemoclipping.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 2-year-old Japanese boy was admitted to our department with sudden massive hematemesis. He had no significant past medical illness, and he was well just before the episode of hematemesis. A clinical examination revealed anemia (hemoglobin, 8.0 g/dl). The rapidly progressive anemia associated with massive hematemesis indicated the presence of an active bleeding in his upper gastrointestinal tract. We performed emergency gastroscopy under general anesthesia. The gastroscopy revealed the presence of an abnormal visible vessel with an adherent clot on the lower body of his stomach. No mucosal abnormality surrounding the lesion was noted; the lesion was thus diagnosed as Dieulafoy lesion. One hemostatic clip was placed on the Dieulafoy lesion and excellent hemostasis was obtained. He recovered without blood transfusion and was discharged 4 days post-endoscopy. He has recovered well with no recurrence of hematemesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Dieulafoy lesion is rare cause of sudden massive gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Nevertheless, it should be considered a differential diagnosis, even in babies. With advances in gastrointestinal endoscopy, as both a diagnostic and therapeutic modality, laparotomy secondary to gastrointestinal bleeding from Dieulafoy lesion has decreased in pediatric cases. Our case report demonstrates the feasibility of endoscopic hemoclipping for gastric Dieulafoy lesion in a child.

Clinical outcome of endoscopic management of duodenal Dieulafoy's lesions: endoscopic band ligation versus endoscopic hemoclip placement

BACKGROUND

The most appropriate type of endoscopic hemostasis for bleeding due to duodenal Dieulafoy's lesions (DLs) is not yet established. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of mechanical endoscopic hemostasis for duodenal DLs and long-term outcome after successful hemostasis, as well as to compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and endoscopic hemoclip placement (EHP).

METHODS

Patients admitted to the emergency unit with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding from duodenal DLs were enrolled in this study. The data were collected prospectively, but data analysis was performed retrospectively. Twenty-four patients with duodenal DLs were treated with EBL (n = 11) or EHP (n = 13).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between groups with respect to clinical or endoscopic characteristics, apart from the number of epinephrine (three cases with EBL vs. 11 cases with EHP; p = 0.011). Primary hemostasis was achieved in all patients. Recurrent bleeding was observed in one patient (9.1 %) from the EBL group and in five patients (38.5 %) from the EHP group (p = 0.166). The recurrent bleeding in the patient from the EBL group was treated by EHP. In the EHP group, all five patients achieved successful secondary hemostasis by endoscopic treatment (EBL in two patients and EHP in three patients). There were no differences in secondary outcomes between the two groups, including the number of endoscopic sessions required, need for angiographic embolization or emergent surgery, transfusion requirements, or length of hospital stay. No complications occurred, and there was no recurrence of bleeding in either group during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical endoscopic treatments are effective and safe for the treatment of bleeding duodenal DLs. A large-scale, randomized, controlled study is required to confirm the efficacy and safety of EBL and EHP for the management of bleeding duodenal DLs.

Predictors of Rebleeding in Upper Gastrointestinal Dieulafoy Lesions

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Dieulafoy lesions (DLs) are a rare but significant cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We aimed to define the clinical significance of rebleeding and identify the predictors of rebleeding and mortality in upper gastrointestinal Dieulafoy lesions (UGIDLs).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with UGIDLs between January 2004 and June 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to define the predictors of rebleeding and mortality in patients with UGIDLs.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 81 male and 36 female patients. Primary hemostasis was achieved in 115 out of 117 patients (98.3%) with various endoscopic therapies. Rebleeding occurred in 10 patients (8.5%). The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with rebleeding than in those without rebleeding (30.0% vs. 4.7%, p=0.020). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that kidney disease (p=0.006) and infection (p=0.005) were significant predictors of rebleeding in UGIDLs and that kidney disease (p=0.004) and platelet count (p=0.013) were significant predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Rebleeding has an important prognostic significance in patients with UGIDLs. Kidney disease and infection are major predictors of rebleeding and mortality in patients with UGIDLs.

Upper non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding - review the effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis methods

Upper non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding is a condition that requires immediate medical intervention and has a high associated mortality rate (exceeding 10%). The vast majority of upper gastrointestinal bleeding cases are due to peptic ulcers. Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin are the main risk factors for peptic ulcer disease. Endoscopic therapy has generally been recommended as the first-line treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding as it has been shown to reduce recurrent bleeding, the need for surgery and mortality. Early endoscopy (within 24 h of hospital admission) has a greater impact than delayed endoscopy on the length of hospital stay and requirement for blood transfusion. This paper aims to review and compare the efficacy of the types of endoscopic hemostasis most commonly used to control non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding by pooling data from the literature.

A single-center United States experience with bleeding Dieulafoy lesions of the small bowel: diagnosis and treatment with single-balloon enteroscopy

INTRODUCTION

A Dieulafoy lesion (DL) of the small bowel can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding, and presents a difficult clinical setting for endoscopists. Limited data exists on the therapeutic yield of treating DLs of the small bowel using single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE).

METHODS

Data were collected from Tampa General Hospital a 1 018-bed teaching hospital affiliated with University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Patients were selected from a database of patients that underwent SBE from January 2010 - August 2013.

RESULTS

Eight patients were found to have DL an incidence of 2.6 % of 309 SBE performed for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. 7/8 were identified in the jejunum, with one found in the duodenum. The mean age of patients with DL was 71.5 years old. 6/8 patients were on some form of anticoagulant/antiplatelet agent. The primary modality of therapy employed was electrocautery, multipolar electrocoagulation in seven patients and APC (argon plasma coagulation) in one patient. In three patients, electrocoagulation was unsuccessful and hemostasis was achieved with clip placement. Three patients required repeat SBE with one found to have rebleeding from a failed clip with hemostasis achieved upon reapplication of one clip.

CONCLUSION

In our United States' experience, SBE offers a reasonable therapeutic approach to treat DL of the small bowel with low rates of rebleeding, no adverse events, and no patient requiring surgery.

Outcomes in Dieulafoy's Lesion: A 10-Year Clinical Review

BACKGROUND

Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is a rare, but serious cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, most frequently treated with endoscopic therapy. We examined 10 years of data to assess clinical outcomes in DL.

METHODS

Data were captured by retrospective chart review to assess 109 patients treated endoscopically for bleeding DL from 2003 to 2013. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, risk factors, laboratory values, treatment, rebleeding, surgical intervention, and mortality. Treatment success, rebleeding rates, and mortality were the main outcomes measured.

RESULTS

Of 109 patients with bleeding DL, 54 % were male and 46 % were female. Mean age was 79.4 years; mean follow-up duration was 40.4 ± 35.8 months. Clinical presentation for most patients included melena, hematemesis, hematochezia, and/or anemia with approximately one-third of patients also experiencing anemia-related symptoms. Most lesions were located in stomach (53 %) followed by duodenum/jejunum (33 %) and large intestine (13 %). Thermal endoscopic therapy (70 %) was the most frequently performed procedure followed by injection (46 %) and mechanical (46 %) endoscopy therapy at equal frequency. Combined therapy (51 %) was common, with over half of patients undergoing two or more endoscopic modalities simultaneously. The finding that only 11 (10 %) patients had rebleeding from DL suggests that endoscopic therapy resulted in successful hemostasis in the remaining 98 patients (90 %) during follow-up. Mortality related to DL was low.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with bleeding DL presented with symptoms of acute bleeding, but many had symptoms suggesting subacute or chronic bleeding. Endoscopic therapy resulted in successful hemostasis in approximately 90 % of patients during follow-up. Rebleeding was rare and particularly uncommon in those treated with combined endoscopic therapy.

Risk Factors for Dieulafoy Lesions in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The purpose of this study is to verify the risk factors associated with Dieulafoy lesion formation in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed by reviewing the electronic medical records of 42 patients who were admitted to a tertiary medical center in the Daejeon region for Dieulafoy lesions from September 2008 to October 2013, and the records of 132 patients who were admitted during the same period and who underwent endoscopic examination for reasons other than bleeding. We analyzed clinical and endoscopic findings retrospectively, and searched for risk factors associated with Dieulafoy lesion formation.

RESULTS

All 42 patients diagnosed with Dieulafoy lesion had accompanying bleeding, and the location of the bleeding was proximal in 25 patients (59.5%), the middle portion in seven patients (16.7%), and distal in 10 patients (23.8%). Antiplatelet agents (p=0.022) and alcohol (p=0.001) use showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the two factors were 2.802 (1.263 to 6.217) and 3.938 (1.629 to 9.521), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that antiplatelet agents and alcohol consumption were risk factors associated with Dieulafoy lesion formation in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Endoscopic Management of Dieulafoy's Lesion

A Dieulafoy's lesion is a vascular abnormality consisting of a large caliber-persistent tortuous submucosal artery. A small mucosal defect with the eruption of this protruding vessel can cause bleeding. In fact, a Dieulafoy's lesion is a relatively rare but potentially life-threatening condition. It accounts for 1% to 2% of cases of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Although there is no consensus on the treatment of Dieulafoy's lesions; treatment options depend on the mode of presentation, site of the lesion, and available expertise. Endoscopic therapy is usually successful in achieving primary hemostasis, with hemostasis success rates reaching 75% to 100%. Although various therapeutic endoscopic methods are used to control bleeding in Dieulafoy's lesions, the best method for endoscopic intervention is not clear. Combination endoscopic therapy is known to be superior to monotherapy because of a lower rate of recurrent bleeding. In addition, mechanical therapies including hemostatic clipping and endoscopic band ligation are more effective and successful in controlling bleeding than other endoscopic methods. Advances in endoscopic techniques have reduced mortality in patients with Dieulafoy's lesion-from 80% to 8%-and consequently, the need for surgical intervention has been reduced. Currently, surgical intervention is used for cases that fail therapeutic endoscopic or angiographic interventions.

State-of-the-art management of acute bleeding peptic ulcer disease

The management of patients with non variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding has evolved, as have its causes and prognosis, over the past 20 years. The addition of high-quality data coupled to the publication of authoritative national and international guidelines have helped define current-day standards of care. This review highlights the relevant clinical evidence and consensus recommendations that will hopefully result in promoting the effective dissemination and knowledge translation of important information in the management of patients afflicted with this common entity.

Prognostic factors for recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding due to Dieulafoy's lesion

AIM: To analyze the effectiveness of the endoscopic therapy and to identify prognostic factors for recurrent bleeding.

METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to Dieulafoy’s lesion (DL) from 2005 to 2011. We analyzed the demographic characteristics of the patients, risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding, endoscopic findings, characteristics of the endoscopic treatment, and the recurrence of bleeding. We included cases in which endoscopy described a lesion compatible with Dieulafoy. We excluded patients who had potentially bleeding lesions such as angiodysplasia in other areas or had undergone other gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures.

RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients with DL were identified. Most of them were men with an average age of 71.5 years. Fifty-five percent of the patients received antiaggregatory or anticoagulant therapy. The most common location for DL was the stomach (51.7%). The main type of bleeding was oozing in 65.5% of cases. In 27.6% of cases, there was arterial (spurting) bleeding, and 6.9% of the patients presented with an adherent clot. A single endoscopic treatment was applied to nine patients (31%); eight of them with adrenaline and one with argon, while 69% of the patients received combined treatment. Six patients (20.7%) presented with recurrent bleeding at a median of 4 d after endoscopy (interquartile range = 97.75). Within these six patients, the new endoscopic treatment obtained a therapeutic success of 100%. The presence of arterial bleeding at endoscopy was associated with a higher recurrence rate for bleeding (50% vs 33.3% for other type of bleeding) [P = 0.024, odds ratio (OR) = 8.5, 95% CI = 1.13-63.87]. The use of combined endoscopic treatment prevented the recurrence of bleeding (10% vs 44.4% of single treatment) (P = 0.034, OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.19-0.99).

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of DL is safe and effective. Adrenaline monotherapy and arterial (spurting) bleeding are associated with a high rate of bleeding recurrence.

The Evolution of Dieulafoy's Lesion Since 1897: Then and Now-A Journey through the Lens of a Pediatric Lesion with Literature Review

Background. In 1897, Dieulafoy was the first to characterize a gaping arteriole within the gastric mucosa causing massive hematemesis, designating it as “exulceratio simplex.” A hundred years later, this vascular abnormality, now commonly referred to as a “Dieulafoy lesion,” has been identified through the entire gastrointestinal tract and the bronchus. Objectives and Methods. As the original findings have been subjected to revisions and modifications by modern authors, Dieulafoy's original paper was reviewed and analyzed. The evolution of the current usage of “Dieulafoy's lesion” in the literature has been summarized with comparisons to the original report. Additionally, an index case of a 10-year-old female with a gastric “exulceratio simplex” is reported with a review of previously reported paediatric Dieulafoy lesions. Conclusions. The term “Dieulafoy lesion” in modern literature no longer adheres to the initial conclusions with regards to its origin, demographics, and presenting symptoms. Dieulafoy lesions remain a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that can cause life-threatening haemorrhages in children.

Hemostatic efficacy and clinical outcome of endoscopic treatment of Dieulafoy's lesions: comparison of endoscopic hemoclip placement and endoscopic band ligation

BACKGROUND

The most suitable mechanical endoscopic hemostasis for a bleeding Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is not yet well established.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the hemostatic efficacy and clinical outcome of endoscopic hemoclip placement (EHP) and endoscopic band ligation (EBL).

DESIGN

Retrospective, single-center study.

SETTING

A tertiary-care referral university hospital.

PATIENTS

Sixty-six patients who received mechanical endoscopic hemostasis for bleeding DLs.

INTERVENTIONS

Endoscopic hemostasis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

Primary hemostasis and rebleeding rates.

RESULTS

DLs accounted for 3.8% of cases of acute nonvariceal upper GI bleeding during the study period. Active bleeding from DLs was noted in 34 patients (51.5%). EHP and EBL were performed as a method of endoscopic hemostasis in 34 and 32 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to baseline characteristics (except comorbidities) and endoscopic features of DLs. Primary hemostasis was achieved in all 66 patients (100%). There were 6 cases of recurrent bleeding: 5 (14.7%) and 1 (3.1%) in the EHP and EBL groups, respectively. Secondary hemostasis was achieved with endoscopic treatment and angiographic embolization in 5 patients and 1 patient, respectively, and no patients required surgery. The mean procedure time of endoscopic hemostasis was significantly longer in the EHP group (19.1 vs 11.5 minutes, P = .015). There was no bleeding-related mortality.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Both EHP and EBL are suitable for the treatment of bleeding DLs. EBL can be used as an initial hemostatic method for bleeding DLs because of a favorable clinical outcome comparable to that with EHP and a shorter procedure time.

Therapeutic endoscopy for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Endoscopy is the primary diagnostic and therapeutic tool for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). The performance of endoscopic therapy depends on findings of stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH). For peptic ulcer disease-the most common etiology of UGIB-endoscopic therapy is indicated for findings of major SRH, such as active bleeding, oozing, or the presence of a nonbleeding visible vessel, but not indicated for minor SRH, such as a pigmented flat spot or a simple ulcer with a homogeneous clean base. Endoscopic therapies include injection, ablation, and mechanical therapy. Monotherapy reduces the risk of rebleeding in patients with peptic ulcer disease with major SRH to about 20%. Combination therapy, especially injection followed by either ablation or mechanical therapy, is generally recommended to further reduce the risk of rebleeding to about 10%. Endoscopic dual hemostasis by an experienced endoscopist reduces the risk of rebleeding, the need for surgery, the number of blood transfusions required, and the length of hospital stay. This Review article comprehensively analyzes the principles, indications, instrumentation, techniques, and efficacy of endoscopic hemostasis.