The Role of Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Inpatient Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy: Not Associated With Bleeding Site Identification or 30-Day Readmission Prevention

Background The utility of small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) in the inpatient setting is controversial due to retention rates and costs. Aim This study aims to evaluate whether using SBCE significantly improved the identification of potential bleeding sites or reduced the risk of 30-day readmission for overt or occult gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods This was a single-center retrospective cohort study involving inpatients who underwent SBCE at a suburban tertiary care hospital from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2022, for suspected small bowel bleeding. There was no control group used in this observational study. We used chi-square testing to determine the significance among our categorical variables and t-tests to compare means for our numerical variables. We also did multivariable logistic regression to analyze risk factors for increased hospital stay. All statistical analysis was done in R (R Core Team, 2020, R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Results We identified 514 inpatients who underwent SBCE from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2022, including 300 (58.4%) men and 214 (41.6%) women. Most (305/514, 59.3%) had no notable findings on SBCE, but 209/514 (40.7%) subsequently underwent endoscopic procedures, and a bleeding site was identified and treated in 168/209 (80.4%). Undergoing a subsequent procedure significantly increased the average number of days between capsule deployment and discharge (9.6 vs. 4.9 days, p < 0.005) without significantly reducing the risk for 30-day readmission (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.9-1.9, p = 0.2). Among the 209 patients who had a subsequent procedure, identifying and treating a bleeding site did not significantly change readmission rates (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.6-3.1, p = 0.5) compared to patients who did not have a procedure. Conclusion We did not find that inpatient SBCE significantly affected 30-day readmission rates even if an endoscopic procedure was subsequently done or a potential bleeding site was treated.

Experiencia con el uso de videocápsula endoscópica en pacientes con anemia ferropénica inexplicada

Introducción: la prevalencia de la anemia ferropénica en países desarrollados se ha estimado entre 2 %-5 %, asociada con una alta morbimortalidad. La identificación etiológica a veces es difícil, y requiere de métodos diagnósticos, como la videocápsula endoscópica (VCE). Objetivo: el objeto del presente estudio fue caracterizar los hallazgos de esta técnica en pacientes con anemia ferropénica inexplicada. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. Se describen los hallazgos de VCE (PillCamSB2-SB3) en todos los pacientes atendidos entre 2011 y 2019. Los hallazgos se interpretaron según la clasificación de Saurin: normal (P0), potencial incierto (P1) y alto potencial de sangrado (P2). Resultados: del total de 490 VCE realizadas durante el período del estudio, 155 se efectuaron con indicación de anemia ferropénica; 106 fueron mujeres (68,4 %) y la edad media fue de 57,1 ± 16,6 años. Las comorbilidades principales fueron cardiovasculares en 23 (18,3 %) e hipertensión arterial en 16 (12,6 %). La ingesta de antiplaquetarios se presentó en 18 (15,4 %) y anticoagulantes en 6 (5,1 %). Las lesiones en el intestino delgado fueron vasculares en 44 estudios (28,4 %), inflamatorias en 33 (21,2 %) y neoplásicas en 7 (4,5 %). Las angiectasias fueron las lesiones más frecuentes en 33 casos (21,3 %). En 53 VCE se presentaron lesiones P2 (34,2 %). Conclusiones: la VCE es útil en el estudio de la anemia ferropénica, y ayuda a detectar hallazgos positivos en el intestino medio en 3 de cada 4 pacientes en los cuales se indica su uso. Las lesiones P2 significativas más frecuentes fueron las vasculares. Estos hallazgos permiten enfocar un tratamiento adecuado.

Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents on Small Intestinal Injuries as Evaluated by Capsule Endoscopy

BACKGROUND

Currently, because the population is aging, use of medications has been increasing, including use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antithrombotic agents.

AIMS

This study aims to investigate whether NSAIDs can cause damage to the small bowel (SB) mucosa.

METHODS

Endoscopic videos of subjects who had undergone capsule endoscopy (CE) were evaluated by three experts in order to identify SB injury. All medications taken within 2 weeks from the time of CE were investigated. Cases with a final diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Behcet's disease, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, small bowel lymphoma, or Henoch-Schönlein purpura were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 273 subjects, 125 (45.8%) had SB erosions or ulcers (erosion group) and the remaining 148 (54.2%) did not (no erosion group). SB erosions or ulcers were more common in females, patients aged > 60 years, and subjects taking NSAIDs (p = 0.048, 0.032, and < 0.001, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the following variables: history of cancer and GI surgery, reasons for the test, comorbidities, and use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. Multivariate analysis showed that use of NSAIDs [OR 4.191 (95% CI 1.858-9.458), p < 0.001] was an independent risk factor for SB erosions or ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of NSAIDs is the only independent risk factor for SB injury identified in this study. Antithrombotic agents do not cause or exacerbate damage to the SB, according to our results.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

KCT0004795.

Diagnostic agreement between video capsule endoscopy and single and double balloon enteroscopy for small bowel bleeding at a tertiary care hospital in Bogota, Colombia

INTRODUCTION

Video capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy are complementary diagnostic methods in the study of small bowel bleeding, and different factors can affect their diagnostic yield.

AIMS

To define the level of agreement between video capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy in small bowel bleeding, according to the type of lesion, in a cohort of patients at a tertiary care referral center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted that included 428 capsule endoscopies performed within the time frame of 2011 and 2019 at our healthcare institution. Seventy-four video capsule endoscopies, followed by enteroscopy, in 71 patients suspected of presenting with small bowel bleeding, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 63.9 ± 13.5 years and 42 patients were women. The two diagnostic procedures were performed. Overall diagnostic yield of positive findings between video capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy was 86.5% vs. 58.1%, respectively (p = 0.0527). Agreement between video capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy for positive pathologic findings was weak (Ik = 0.17, 95% CI: -0.0097-0.3543), but according to lesion type, it was good for inflammatory lesions (Ik = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.5182-0.9119) and moderate for angiectasias (Ik = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.2469-0.6538) and tumors (Ik = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.1217-0.6794). The results between the two methods differed in 38 patients (51.3%). There was complete intestinal capsule retention in one patient (1.4%) and active bleeding in 13 (17.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the two techniques had a similar overall detection rate for small bowel lesions, but the type of lesion was the main factor that could modify diagnostic agreement.

Clinical Utility of Emergency Capsule Endoscopy for Diagnosing the Source and Nature of Ongoing Overt Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background and Aims

In patients with ongoing overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), prompt detection of the bleeding source is crucial to treatment success. However, there is no consensus on the optimal timing of diagnostic capsule endoscopy (CE). We investigated the clinical utility of emergency CE for detecting the source of ongoing overt OGIB.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 146 consecutive patients who, between February 2009 and July 2018, underwent emergency CE at Hiroshima University Hospital to detect the source of ongoing overt OGIB. Patients with a bleeding source located outside the small bowel were excluded. The remaining 127 patients were stratified according to the timing of CE relative to the onset of bleeding: patients in group A (n = 15, 12 men; mean age: 75 years; age range: 62–83 years) underwent CE within 48 hours of bleeding onset, whereas patients in group B (n = 112, 73 men; mean age: 65 years; age range: 17–88 years) underwent CE at >48 hours after bleeding onset. All patients underwent double-balloon endoscopy, and the final diagnosis was compared against the CE findings.

Results

The CE lesion detection rate was significantly higher in group A (12/15 patients, 80%) than in group B (53/112 patients, 47%) (p = 0.0174). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the patients' background characteristics. Vascular lesions were the most frequent finding in both groups. The diagnostic concordance rate between emergency CE and double-balloon endoscopy was 100% in group A and 92.9% in group B. Rebleeding after endoscopic treatment was confirmed in only one patient in group B.

Conclusions

Emergency CE represents a useful diagnostic modality in patients with ongoing overt OGIB, potentially improving detection rates and reducing rebleeding risk.

CapsoCam SV-1 Versus PillCam SB 3 in the Detection of Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Results of a Prospective Randomized Comparative Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Newer capsule with a panoramic viewing mode is available and might increase the detection rate of bleeding lesions in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Furthermore, an improved patient acceptance rate is expected.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a randomized prospective comparative multicenter study, patients with OGIB were included and examined either with CapsoCam SV-1 or with PillCam SB 3. Detection of bleeding lesions, transit, and evaluation time and adverse events were evaluated. Physicians were interviewed about their experience with both capsules and the evaluation software. A detailed subject questionnaire analyzed acceptance of each capsule. Follow-up was 3 months.

RESULTS

In total, 181 patients with OGIB were recruited into the study. After exclusion of 28 patients 153 patients were randomized and CapsoCam SV-1 (n=78) or PillCam SB 3 (n=75) was administered. CapsoCam SV-1 detected more cases of bleeding (31/79, diagnostic yield 39.7%) compared with PillCam SB 3 (26/75, diagnostic yield 34.6%, NS). Transit time of both capsules was not different. Evaluation time with PillCam SB 3 was superior to CapsoCam SV-1 (27 vs. 40 min, P=0.01). In total, 95% of the physicians were satisfied with each capsule system and evaluation software. The acceptance rate of the patients to retrieve the CapsoCam SV-1 was high. Adverse events/serious adverse events were 17.9%/1.3% with CapsoCam SV-1 and 16%/0% with PillCam SB 3. Rebleeding rate was 28.75% within 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

CapsoCam SV-1 detected more lesions; however, relevant bleeding sources were visualized by both capsules. Physician's satisfaction was high with both capsule systems and evaluation software. Patient's acceptance with CapsoCam SV-1 was unexpectedly high. Serious adverse events were 0% with PillCam SB 3 and 1.3% with CapsoCam SV-1.

Magnetic-Guided Capsule Endoscopy in the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Diseases in Minors

Objective

This study aimed at investigating the clinical value of magnetic-guided capsule endoscopy (MGCE) in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases in minors.

Methods

Eighty-four minor patients hospitalized in the pediatric department at Ruijin Hospital between June 2015 and January 2018 were enrolled for this study. Following bowel preparation, all patients underwent MGCE. The feasibility, safety, diagnostic yield, and sensitivity of MGCE were analyzed. Patients were followed up for more than 2 weeks.

Results

The main indications for MGCE in minors were Crohn's disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and abdominal pain. The main causes of gastric disease were gastric inflammatory hyperplasia, exudative gastritis, and polyps. The most common small bowel diseases in minors were Crohn's disease, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and polyps. The diagnostic yield in the stomach and small intestine was 13.1% and 28.6%, respectively, and the sensitivity was 100% and 96.0%, respectively. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

MGCE is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated procedure with good sensitivity and has a potential clinic value for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases in minors.

Management of occult obscure gastrointestinal bleeding patients based on long-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus regarding the management of occult obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) patients without a confirmed bleeding source. This study aimed to consider the management of occult OGIB patients based on their long-term outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 357 consecutive occult OGIB patients (203 men; mean age: 59.7 years) who underwent capsule endoscopy (CE) at Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan and were followed up for more than 12 months (mean follow-up period; 50.2 months). Patients were divided into three groups as follows: Group A consisted of 98 of 157 patients who had positive findings and indication for treatment, Group B consisted of 59 of 157 patients who had positive findings but no indication for treatment, and Group C consisted of 200 patients who had negative small-bowel findings. We examined the rate of positive CE findings, detection rate and details of bleeding sources, overt bleeding rate, the rate of anemia exacerbation, 5-year anemia exacerbation rate, and overall survival rate.

RESULTS

The positive CE findings rate was 44% (157/357) and detection rate of bleeding source was 27% (98/357). The details of Group A were as follows: angioectasia (n = 61), nonspecific ulceration (n = 10), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcer (n = 8), and others (n = 19). The details of Group B were as follows: erythema (n = 31), angioectasia (n = 25), and others (n = 3). There were no patients with overt bleeding in Group B. Although six patients had anemia exacerbation in Group B, they had angioectasia without a bleeding source.

CONCLUSION

The long-term outcomes of occult OGIB patients were good. Occult OGIB patients without bleeding source lesions may not require follow-up CE.

Diagnostic Benefit of Simultaneous Capsule Endoscopy Using Two Different Systems

Background/Aims

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a noninvasive test for diagnosing small bowel disorders. However, several studies reported that the CE-based visualization is suboptimal. This study, the first to use two CEs simultaneously, aimed at evaluating the diagnostic ability of dual CE.

Methods

Dual CE procedures were prospectively conducted. All patients completed bowel cleansing 2 hours before examination. Subsequently, they simultaneously swallowed two capsules: MiroCam (IntroMedic, Seoul, Korea) and PillCam SB3 (Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA). We assessed the completeness and feasibility of small bowel examination and the detection rate of duodenal papilla and diagnostic yield.

Results

Twenty consecutive patients who underwent complete small bowel examination with dual CE were enrolled in the study. The mean time of small bowel passage was 245 ± 99 min. Dual CE examination increased the duodenal papilla detection rate to up to 75% (versus PillCam SB3 alone (P = 0.031) and MiroCam alone (P = 0.063)) and overall diagnostic yield to up to 70% (P = 0.063) in comparison to single CE. Adverse events or electrical interference during data transmission between the two capsule endoscopes were not detected.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that dual CE enhances diagnostic accuracy and could increase the diagnostic power of existing CE systems using simply applicable methods. This trial is registered with KCT0002541.

Development and validation of a new scoring system to determine the necessity of small-bowel endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is the recommended first-line procedure for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). However, a method for predicting the necessity of subsequent double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) has not been established.

AIMS

We aimed to develop a new scoring system that predicts the necessity of DBE in OGIB.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in 330 patients who underwent SBCE for OGIB at Nagoya University Hospital. The enrolled patients were randomly assigned to either a development or a validation dataset. The former was used to construct a prediction scoring system to assess the necessity of DBE using independent predictors selected by logistic regression. The diagnostic yield of the prediction model was assessed using the validation dataset.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the development dataset identified OGIB type, blood transfusion, and SBCE findings as independent predictors of the necessity of DBE. A prediction score gave an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.77. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value at a cutoff ≥2.5 points were 72.5%, 74.6%, 72.6%, and 74.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our scoring system may aid clinicians in deciding when to recommend DBE for patients with OGIB.

[Usefulness of small-bowel capsule endoscopy in gastrointestinal bleeding]

In France, upper gastrointestinal haemorrhages have an estimated annual incidence of 143 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Classically, two types of digestive hemorrhage are described: acute and chronic digestive hemorrhages. Upper endoscopy is carried out in case of hematemesis or melena. It requires that the patient has been fasting for at least 6hours for solids and 3hours for liquids. The main etiologies of hemorrhagic hemorrhage of the origin are the vascular abnormalities, inflammatory or drug-induced ulcerations, intestinal tumors, Meckel's diverticulum, and Dieulafoy ulcer. The modalities of exploration of the small intestine before digestive hemorrhage are the wireless capsule, a reference examination for the exploration of the small intestine, enteroscopy, therapeutic examination, entero-CT or MRI, and 99mTc-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy. In this review, we will discuss the different etiologies of the digestive haemorrhage of intestinal origin and propose a management algorithm.