Abstract

CAUSA ANDRIEUA, P.I. et al. Utilidad de la enterotomografía en la hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro. Rev. argent. radiol. [online]. 2015, vol.79, n.3, pp.127-133. ISSN 1852-9992.

The aim of this article is to describe the imaging technique and CT enterography (CTE) findings in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). This condition is defined as the gastrointestinal bleeding of unknown origin that persists or recurs after having performed an upper endoscopy (UE) and a conventional colonoscopy (CC). Considering the presence or absence of visible bleeding in the stool, OGIB is classified as evident (OGIB -E) or occult (OGIB -O). In 40-70% of cases the bleeding source is found in the small bowel. The most common cause in young patients is neoplastic, while they are angiodysplasias in older patients. The CTE consists of previously administering an oral neutral contrast material, which distends the small and large bowel. Intravenous contrast allows the correct visualization and interpretation of mucosal and parietal lesions. The CTE diagnostic yield is approximately 40%.

Keywords : CT enterography; Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding; Angiodysplasias; Tumours.