Diagnosis of acute overt gastrointestinal bleeding with CT-angiography: Comparison of the diagnostic performance of individual acquisition phases

Rapid, moderate, or slow bleeding? CT analysis of abdominopelvic active vascular contrast extravasation classes and mortality outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Building on prior findings that active vascular contrast extravasation (AVCE) size is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in abdominopelvic hemorrhages, this study aimed to categorize AVCEs using latent profile analysis (LPA) and examine differences in patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively included consecutive adults with CT-detected AVCE between January 2019 and May 2022. LPA was applied to classify AVCEs based on size-related features, optimizing the number of classes predictive of 24-h and in-hospital mortality. These classes were compared using univariable analysis with post-hoc pairwise comparisons to identify significant differences. Cutoff values for categorization were derived from size parameters and changes across arterial (AP) and portovenous (PVP) phases.

RESULTS

LPA classified 223 patients with single-organ, traumatic, and nontraumatic AVCEs (mean age 59.8 ± 20.1 years, 123 men) into three groups-slow (n = 136), moderate (n = 75), and rapid (n = 12). Slow AVCEs showed smaller size parameters and minimal changes between AP and delayed phases. Rapid AVCEs frequently exhibited coexisting pseudoaneurysms, smaller areas on AP, lower mean attenuation differences in AP-PVP pairs, and were associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures, requiring the highest quantity of packed red cells. Perimeter percentage changes between AP and PVP performed comparably to LPA classes and provided practical classification cutoffs.

CONCLUSION

LPA-based classification of AVCEs into slow, moderate, and rapid types revealed distinct size patterns and associated clinical outcomes, offering a robust framework for risk stratification and guiding management of abdominopelvic hemorrhages.

KEY POINTS

Question It is unclear if the size of active vascular contrast extravasation (AVCE) is predictive of mortality in patients with abdominopelvic hemorrhage. Findings AVCEs could be classified by latent profile analysis into three groups: slow, moderate, and rapid, based on size at multiphasic CT with distinct mortality risks. Clinical relevance Practical cutoff values of perimeter percentage changes of AVCE between arterial- and portovenous-phase CT were identified for AVCE classification, potentially guiding clinical prioritization and management of patients with abdominopelvic hemorrhage.

Prognostic relevance of CT-defined body composition in patients with acute bleeding undergoing endovascular embolization

OBJECTIVES

Body composition assessment includes the parameter skeletal muscle mass, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (SAT and VAT). The purpose of this study was to elucidate associations of body composition parameters with mortality in patients with acute bleeding undergoing transarterial embolization (TAE).

METHODS

A mixed cohort of patients from 2018 to 2022 with acute bleeding requiring treatment with a TAE was retrospectively evaluated. In every case, the triphasic CT to diagnose the source of bleeding was used to calculate the body composition parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 251 patients (93 female, 37.1%) with a mean age of 65.5 ± 14.3 years, 30-d mortality of 40.2%, and 24-h mortality of 7.6% were included in the analysis. In the Cox regression analysis, no statistically significant correlations were found between the body composition parameters and 24-h or 30-day mortality. In the subgroup analysis of patients aged older than 65 years, skeletal muscle index was associated with short-term 24-h mortality HR of 0.95 (95% CI 0.90; 0.99, P = .035).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated the prognostic impact of clinical, laboratory, aniography-related, and CT-defined body composition in patients with acute haemorrhage undergoing endovascular therapy. Although the overall effect of CT-defined body composition appears to be small, skeletal muscle index was a prognostic factor in the age group over 65 years.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This is a large single-centre study to investigate the prognostic relevance of CT-defined body composition in patients undergoing TAE. The effect is overall small but might be further investigated in older patients in further trials.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: 2024 Update

This document summarizes the relevant literature for the selection of the initial imaging in five clinical scenarios in patients with suspected or known nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). These clinical scenarios include suspected nonvariceal UGIB without endoscopy performed; endoscopically confirmed nonvariceal UGIB with clear source but treatment not possible or continued bleeding after endoscopic treatment; endoscopically confirmed nonvariceal UGIB without a confirmed source; suspected nonvariceal UGIB with negative endoscopy; and postsurgical or post-traumatic nonvariceal UGIB when endoscopy is contraindicated. The appropriateness of imaging modalities as they apply to each clinical scenario is rated as usually appropriate, may be appropriate, and usually not appropriate to assist the selection of the most appropriate imaging modality in the corresponding clinical scenarios of nonvariceal UGIB. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Localization and etiological stratification of non-neoplastic small bowel bleeding via CT imaging: a 10-year study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to assess the diagnostic efficacy of contrast-enhanced CT scans for small bowel bleeding.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated patients diagnosed with non-neoplastic small intestinal bleeding (including duodenum) who underwent abdominal CT at our institution from December 2013 to March 2023. Patients were categorized into diverticulum and non-diverticulum groups based on the cause of bleeding. Active bleeding was defined on the CT images as extravasation of contrast material in the intestinal lumen during the arterial phase and/or progressive accumulation of contrast material during the venous phase. We have documented the original report (extracted from the medical record system and additional consultation opinions from senior radiologists), including the presence of active bleeding and its potential bleeding location. Furthermore, two radiologists reassessed the CT images, seeking consensus on the diagnosis between them.

RESULTS

The study included 165 patients, predominantly male, with a median age of 30 years. Active bleeding was identified in 48.3% of patients. Notably, all identified bleeding diverticula in the diverticulum group exhibited cul-de-sac termination. Among the identified causes of bleeding, Crohn's disease was most prevalent (46.7%, N of causes = 64). Significant differences were observed in the diagnostic methods between the diverticulum and non-diverticulum groups, with surgery predominantly applied in the diverticulum group, and endoscopy in the non-diverticulum group (n = 49 vs n = 15, p = 0.001). Contrast agent extravasation was significantly higher in the diverticulum group (n = 54 vs n = 16, p = 0.001), and Meckel's diverticulum cases appearing tubular were significantly higher than in other diverticulum cases (n = 25 vs n = 3, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CT allows for a higher detection rate of diverticular bleeding, even if asymptomatic, guiding classification into multiple potentially clinically relevant categories.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Contrast-enhanced CT imaging is effective in determining the location and cause of non-neoplastic small bowel bleeding, especially diverticular bleeding. Therefore, the use of enhanced CT should be prioritized in the diagnosis and management of small bowel bleeding.

KEY POINTS

CT has potential value in the diagnosis of small bowel bleeding. CT imaging suggests possible surgical intervention for active bleeding detection. CT diagnoses and localizes small bowel bleeding, aiding in treatment and prioritizing in guidelines.

The Accuracy of Computed Tomography Angiography Compared With Technetium-99m Labelled Red Blood Cell Scintigraphy for the Diagnosis and Localization of Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Imaging tests are commonly used as an initial or early investigation for patients presenting with suspected acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB). However, controversy remains regarding which of two frequently used modalities, computed tomography angiography (CTA) or technetium-99m labelled red blood cell scintigraphy (RBCS), is most accurate. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare the accuracy of CTA and RBCS for the detection and localization of AGIB. Five electronic databases were searched with additional manual searching of reference lists of relevant publications identified during the search. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction and methodological assessments. Where appropriate, the bivariate model was used for meta-analysis of sensitivities and specificities for the detection of bleeding and Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation used for meta-analysis of proportions of correctly localized bleeding sites. Forty-four unique primary studies were included: twenty-two investigating CTA, seventeen investigating RBCS and five investigating both modalities. Meta-analysis produced similar pooled sensitivities; 0.83 (95% CI 0.74-0.90) and 0.84 (0.68-0.92) for CTA and RBCS respectively. Pooled specificity for CTA was higher than RBCS; 0.90 (0.72-0.97) and 0.84 (0.71-0.91) respectively. However, differences were not statistically significant. CTA was superior to RBCS in correctly localizing bleeding; pooled proportions of 1.00 (0.98-1.00) and 0.90 (0.83-0.96) respectively (statistically significant difference, P < 0.001). There is no evidence that CTA and RBCS have different diagnostic performance with respect to the detection of AGIB. However, CTA is superior to RBCS in terms of correctly localising the bleeding site, supporting usage of CTA over RBCS as the first line imaging investigation.

Hemosuccus pancreaticus as a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding

Hemosuccus pancreaticus is a life-threatening condition that should be considered in patients with abdominal pain, gastrointestinal hemorrhage and high serum amylase. The varied presentation of hemosuccus pancreaticus and the limited literature evidence due to its rarity make it challenging to diagnose. Diagnostic modalities include contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans, endoscopic procedures (esophagoduodenoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) and angiography. Therapeutic management through an interventional radiology using coil embolization is safe and effective in hemodynamically stable patients with hemosuccus pancreaticus. Endosonography can be an innovative approach for the diagnosis and treatment of patients in whom contrast cannot be administered; however, its safety and efficacy need to be confirmed by future studies. This review presents current views on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with hemosuccus pancreaticus.

MDCTA volumetric analysis for the quantification and grading of acute non-cerebral, non-gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a feasibility study

PURPOSE

To assess the feasibility of multi-detector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) volumetry for the quantification and grading of acute non-cerebral, non-gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study investigated consecutive patients with MDCTA positive for active non-cerebral, non-gastrointestinal bleeding, between January 2020 and June 2020. Outcome measures were the quantification of active extravasation at the arterial and parenchymal phase using volumetry measurements, the calculation of active bleeding rate and bleeding grading, 30-day mortality rate, identification of independent predictors of mortality and correlation between volumetric analysis, various clinical features, and the decision to proceed with an intervention.

RESULTS

In total 30 patients (17 females; 56.6%; mean age 70.0 ± 16.0 years) were analyzed. Volumetric analysis was feasible in all cases resulting in excellent inter-observer variability (interclass correlation coefficient 0.999 for arterial and 0.919 for venous volume measurements). Mean volume of contrast extravasation was 1.06 ± 1.09 ml and 3.07 ± 2.48 ml at the arterial and parenchymal phases, respectively. Mean bleeding rate was 6.95 ± 7.82 ml/min. High bleeding volume at arterial phase (grade 4 bleeding) was the only independent predictor of 30-day mortality (HR 1383.58; p = 0.042). There was a positive correlation between bleeding volume at arterial phase (rs = 0.340; p = 0.033) and arterial bleeding rate (rs = 0.381; p = 0.019) with the decision to proceed with an intervention. Bleeding volume of 0.6 ml was the cutoff value for the prediction of intervention (sensitivity 96.3%; specificity 66.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

MDCTA volumetric analysis for the quantification and grading of acute hemorrhage was feasible with excellent inter-observer agreement. The proposed bleeding grading system could optimize decision making and predict clinical outcomes.

Contrast extravasation on computed tomography angiography in patients with hematochezia or melena: Predictive factors and associated outcomes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify variables associated with extravasation on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with hematochezia/melena and compare the outcome of patients with extravasation on CTA to those without extravasation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-four patients (51 men, 38 women; mean age, 69 ± 16 [SD] years) who underwent CTA within 30 days of hematochezia/melena were included. Variables associated with extravasation on CTA were searched using univariable and multivariable analyses. Outcomes of patients with visible extravasation on CTA were compared with those without visible extravasation.

RESULTS

One hundred and one CTA examinations were included. Extravasation was observed on 26/101 CTA examinations (26%). At multivariable analysis the need for vasopressor drugs (odds ratio [OR], 7.6; P = 0.040), high transfusion requirements (> 2 blood units) (OR, 7.1; P = 0.014), CTA performed on the day of a hemorrhagic event (OR, 46.2; P = 0.005) and repeat CTA (OR, 27.8; P = 0.011) were independently associated with extravasation on CTA. Extravasation on CTA was followed by a therapeutic procedure in 25/26 CTAs (96%; 26 patients) compared to 13/75 CTAs (17%; 68 patients) on which no extravasation was present (P < 0.001). No patients (0/26; 0%) with contrast extravasation on CTA died while 8 patients (8/61; 13%) without contrast extravasation died, although the difference was not significant (P = 0.099).

CONCLUSION

Extravasation on CTA in the setting of hematochezia or melena is especially seen in clinically unstable patients who receive more than two blood units. Presence of active extravasation on CTA leads to more frequent application of a therapeutic procedure; however, this does not significantly affect patient outcome.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding at CT Angiography and CT Enterography: Imaging Atlas and Glossary of Terms

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common potentially life-threatening medical condition frequently requiring multidisciplinary collaboration to reach the proper diagnosis and guide management. GI bleeding can be overt (eg, visible hemorrhage such as hematemesis, hematochezia, or melena) or occult (eg, positive fecal occult blood test or iron deficiency anemia). Upper GI bleeding, which originates proximal to the ligament of Treitz, is more common than lower GI bleeding, which arises distal to the ligament of Treitz. Small bowel bleeding accounts for 5-10% of GI bleeding cases commonly manifesting as obscure GI bleeding, where the source remains unknown after complete GI tract endoscopic and imaging evaluation. CT can aid in identifying the location and cause of bleeding and is an important complementary tool to endoscopy, nuclear medicine, and angiography in evaluating patients with GI bleeding. For radiologists, interpreting CT scans in patients with GI bleeding can be challenging owing to the large number of images and the diverse potential causes of bleeding. The purpose of this pictorial review by the Society of Abdominal Radiology GI Bleeding Disease-Focused Panel is to provide a practical resource for radiologists interpreting GI bleeding CT studies that reviews the proper GI bleeding terminology, the most common causes of GI bleeding, key patient history and risk factors, the optimal CT imaging technique, and guidelines for case interpretation and illustrates many common causes of GI bleeding. A CT reporting template is included to help generate radiology reports that can add value to patient care. An invited commentary by Al Hawary is available online. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2021.

The utility of a dual-phase, dual-energy CT protocol in patients presenting with overt gastrointestinal bleeding

Background

Due to their easy accessibility, CT scans have been increasingly used for investigation of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

Purpose

To estimate the performance of a dual-phase, dual-energy (DE) GI bleed CT protocol in patients with overt GI bleeding in clinical practice and examine the added value of portal phase and DE images.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive patients with GI bleeding underwent a two-phase DE GI bleed CT protocol. Two gastroenterologists established the reference standard. Performance was estimated using clinical CT reports. Three GI radiologists rated confidence in GI bleeding in a subset of 62 examinations, evaluating first mixed kV arterial images, then after examining additional portal venous phase images, and finally after additional DE images (virtual non-contrast and virtual monoenergetic 50 keV images).

Results

52 of 176 patients (29.5%) had GI bleeding by the reference standard. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the CT GI bleed protocol for detecting GI bleeding were 65.4%, 89.5%, 72.3%, and 86.0%, respectively. In patients with GI bleeding, diagnostic confidence of readers increased after adding portal phase images to arterial phase images (p = 0.002), without additional benefit from dual energy images. In patients without GI bleeding, confidence in luminal extravasation appropriately decreased after adding portal phase, and subsequently DE images (p = 0.006, p = 0.018).

Conclusion

A two-phase DE GI bleed CT protocol had high specificity and negative predictive value in clinical practice. Portal venous phase images improved diagnostic confidence in comparison to arterial phase images alone. Dual-energy images further improved radiologist confidence in the absence of bleeding.

Society of abdominal radiology gastrointestinal bleeding disease-focused panel consensus recommendations for CTA technical parameters in the evaluation of acute overt gastrointestinal bleeding

PURPOSE

To formulate consensus recommendations for CT angiography technical parameters used to evaluate overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

METHODS

An electronic questionnaire consisting of 17 questions was sent to a panel of 16 radiologists with expertise on the imaging of GI bleeding from the Society of Abdominal Radiology GI Bleeding disease-focused panel to obtain consensus agreement on issues related to CTA technical parameters for imaging overt GI bleeding. A multi-round Delphi method of voting was performed to obtain consensus which was defined as ≥ 80% agreement.

RESULTS

Consensus agreement was reached in 15/17 (89%) of the questions including the technique for the administration of IV contrast, the number of phases, scan timing, and image reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

A panel of experts on the imaging of GI bleeding from the Society of Abdominal Radiology was able to reach consensus on the majority of technical parameters used for CTA of overt GI bleeding. These recommendations should improve the quality of patient care by adopting these minimal technical requirements for optimal exam performance and lead to less variation in the performance of these exams which will facilitate collecting and comparing published data from different centers. These recommendations will need revisions as additional scientific data become available.

The diagnostic ability of SPECT/CT fusion imaging for gastrointestinal bleeding: a retrospective study

Background

Blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract can be an acute and life-threatening event. For the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding, it is important to accurately detect gastrointestinal bleeding and to localize the sites of bleeding. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the capabilities of SPECT/CT in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding by a comparison with planar imaging alone as well as planar and SPECT.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 20 patients (21 examinations) who underwent gastrointestinal bleeding scintigraphy in the past 7 years and in whom the bleeding site was identified by endoscopy or capsule endoscopy, or in whom no evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was identified during the clinical course. Five patients (5 examinations) were diagnosed by planar imaging (planar group). Eight patients (9 examinations) were diagnosed by planar imaging and SPECT (planar + SPECT group). Seven patients (7 examinations) were diagnosed by planar imaging and SPECT/CT (planar + SPECT/CT group). We calculated the diagnostic ability of each method in detecting the presence of bleeding, as well as the ability of each method to identify the sites of bleeding. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the methods were compared.

Results

The diagnostic ability of the three imaging methods in detecting the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding was as follows. Planar imaging showed 100% sensitivity (3/3), 100% specificity (2/2), and 100% accuracy (5/5). Planar + SPECT imaging showed 85.7% sensitivity (6/7), 100% specificity (2/2), and 88.9% accuracy (8/9). Planar + SPECT/CT imaging showed 100% sensitivity (6/6), 100% specificity (1/1), and 100% accuracy (7/7). The diagnostic ability of the three modalities in detecting the site of bleeding was as follows: planar, 33.3% (1/3); planar + SPECT, 71.4% (5/7); and planar + SPECT/CT, 100% (6/6).

Conclusions

All 3 imaging methods showed good accuracy in detecting the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding. The addition of SPECT or SPECT/CT made the anatomical position of the uptake clear and contributed to the localization of the site of gastrointestinal bleeding. Planar + SPECT/CT imaging therefore showed the highest diagnostic ability for detecting the site of gastrointestinal bleeding.