Use of capsule endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice in Spain. Results from a national survey

INTRODUCTION

Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique whose use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has spread. A panenteric capsule, PillCam Crohn's (PCC), has recently been developed. We lack information on the availability and use of the CEID and PCC in our environment.

METHODS

We conducted an electronic and anonymous survey among the members of the Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (GETECCU) [Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis] and the Asociación Española de Gastroenterología (AEG) [Spanish Association of Gastroenterology], consisting of 37 multiple-choice questions.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty members participated, the majority dedicated to IBD (69.3%). 72.8% worked at centres with an IBD unit. 79% had SBCE available at their hospital, 14% referred patients to another centre; 22% had a PCC available, 9% referred patients to another centre. 79.3% of respondents with available SBCE used it in a small percentage of patients with IBD and 15.6% in the majority. The most frequent scenarios were suspicion of Crohn's disease (76.3%), assessment of inflammatory activity (54.7%) and assessment of the extent of the disease (54.7%). More than half (59.7%) preferentially used the Patency capsule to assess intestinal patency. Almost all respondents (99.3%) considered that training resources should be implemented in this technique.

CONCLUSIONS

SBCE is widely available in Spanish hospitals for the management of IBD, although its use is still limited. There is an opportunity to increase training in this technique, and consequently its use.

Capsule endoscopy, a useful tool for the diagnosis of a tapeworm infection

The incidence of parasitic infections is rising in developed countries and its diagnosis might be challenging. We present the case of a woman diagnosed with a tapeworm infection by capsule endsocopy. Capsule endoscopy may have a role when the microscopic stool examination is negative in patients with non-specific symptoms.

Use of patency capsule in daily practice

We read with great interest the paper by Albuquerque et al. entitled "Predictive factors of small bowel patency in Crohn's disease patients". Despite being a safe procedure, capsule endoscopy (CE) retention is a complication that should be kept in mind, especially in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. However, the risk of CE retention can be minimized using the patency capsule (PC). Although some clinical trials confirm its effectiveness, its use in daily practice has been poorly investigated. Albuquerque et al. report a PC negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% in this setting.