Provocative angiography in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.
Obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is relatively common but difficult to manage. By definition, diagnosis of a specific etiology is particularly challenging. We report the diagnostic use of provocative angiography in a patient with recurrent obscure GI bleeding. Although provocative angiography led to localization of bleeding and allowed specific treatment (placement of a 2-mm long, 0.010-inch diameter platinum coil, resulting in cessation of bleeding for 2 months), ultimately, the use of provocative angiography delayed specific diagnosis in our patient. We conclude that provocative angiography is a potentially powerful adjunct in the management of obscure GI bleeding, but that caution is required when using it. Provocative angiography should be reserved for patients who have had adequate imaging studies with negative results.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Recurrence
- Radiography, Interventional
- Middle Aged
- Intestine, Small
- Humans
- General & Internal Medicine
- Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
- Female
- Angiography
- 42 Health sciences
Citation
Published In
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Recurrence
- Radiography, Interventional
- Middle Aged
- Intestine, Small
- Humans
- General & Internal Medicine
- Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
- Female
- Angiography
- 42 Health sciences