Evaluation of arterial phase MDCT for the characterization of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children: Preliminary results

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.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding: 2021 Update

Diverticulosis remains the commonest cause for acute lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding (GIB). Conservative management is initially sufficient for most patients, followed by elective diagnostic tests. However, if acute lower GIB persists, it can be investigated with colonoscopy, CT angiography (CTA), or red blood cell (RBC) scan. Colonoscopy can identify the site and cause of bleeding and provide effective treatment. CTA is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that is better tolerated by patients, can identify actively bleeding site or a potential bleeding lesion in vast majority of patients. RBC scan can identify intermittent bleeding, and with single-photon emission computed tomography, can more accurately localize it to a small segment of bowel. If patients are hemodynamically unstable, CTA and transcatheter arteriography/embolization can be performed. Colonoscopy can also be considered in these patients if rapid bowel preparation is feasible. Transcatheter arteriography has a low rate of major complications; however, targeted transcatheter embolization is only feasible if extravasation is seen, which is more likely in hemodynamically unstable patients. If bleeding site has been previously localized but the intervention by colonoscopy and transcatheter embolization have failed to achieve hemostasis, surgery may be required. Among patients with obscure (nonlocalized) recurrent bleeding, capsule endoscopy and CT enterography can be considered to identify culprit mucosal lesion(s). 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 include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Does radiotherapy prior to surgery improve long term prognosis in pediatric colorectal cancer in lower- and upper-middle income countries with limited resources? Our experience and literature review

Colorectal carcinoma in children and adolescents is extremely rare, with an annual incidence <0.3 cases per million, most frequently reported in the second decade of life. It accounts for severe morbidity and poor prognosis owing to the low index of suspicion, delayed diagnosis, advanced stage at presentation and the aggressive tumor nature. Patients present with abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, abdominal distension, rectal tenesmus, iron-deficiency anemia, change in bowel habit and weight loss. Rectal bleeding is an uncommon presentation in children. Bowel obstruction presents frequently in children compared to adults. In 90% of pediatric cases, colorectal carcinoma occurs sporadically. In 10%, predisposing conditions and syndromes are identified. We present a case study of a 12-year-old female with advanced colorectal cancer without a predisposing disease or syndrome, who received radio-chemotherapy ten weeks prior to radical abdominopelvic surgery, followed by radio-chemotherapy postoperatively, with a positive outcome.

Emergency management of lower gastrointestinal bleed in children

Lower gastro intestinal bleed (LGIB) is defined as any bleeding that occurs distal to the ligament of Treitz (situated at the duodeno jejunal junction). It constitutes the chief complaint of about 0.3 % of children presenting to the pediatric emergency department(ED). Among Indian children the most common causes are colitis and polyps. In most of the cases of LGIB the bleeding is small and self limiting, but conditions like Meckel's diverticulum often presents with life threatening bleeds. The approach in ED should include in order of priority-assessment and maintenance of hemodynamic stability, confirmation of LGIB and then to attempt for specific diagnoses and their management. This is achieved with help of rapid cardiopulmonary assessment, focused history and examination. The management of all serious hemodynamically significant bleeds includes, rapid IV access, volume replacement with normal saline 20 ml/kg, blood sampling (for cross matching, hematocrit, platelet, coagulogram and liver function tests), Inj. Vit K 5-10 mg IV, acid suppression with H2 antagonists/PPI and nasogastric lavage to rule out upper gastrointestinal bleed. Continuous ongoing monitoring of vital signs is important after stabilization. In ill looking infant, infectious colitis, Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), Hirschsprung enterocolitis and volvulus and in older infants and children, intussusceptions, typhoid fever, volvulus should be looked for. Proctosigmoidoscopy remains the first investigation to be done and reveals majority of etiology. Multidetector CT scan, Tc 99 m RBC scan, angiography and Push enteroscopy are the further investigation choices according to the clinical condition of the child. Intra operative enteroscopy is reserved for refractory cases with an obscure etiology.