Evaluation and outcomes of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is defined as recurrent or persistent bleeding or presence of iron deficiency anaemia after evaluation with a negative bidirectional endoscopy. OGIB accounts for 5% of gastrointestinal bleeding and presents a diagnostic challenge. Current modalities available for the investigation of OGIB include capsule endoscopy, balloon assisted enteroscopy, spiral enteroscopy and computed tomography enterography. These modalities overcome the limitations of previous techniques. Following a negative bidirectional endoscopy, capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy remain the cornerstone of investigation in OGIB given their high diagnostic yield. Long-term outcome data in patients with OGIB is limited, but is most promising for capsule endoscopy. This article reviews the current literature and provides an overview of the clinical evaluation of patients with OGIB, available diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and long-term clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding; Capsule endoscopy; Double balloon enteroscopy; Outcomes; Anaemia

Core tip: This article examines the role of current diagnostic modalities for the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) and outcomes in patients undergoing these investigations. Capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy remain the cornerstone of diagnostic and therapeutic management. The diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of certain modalities are influenced by the nature of bleeding in OGIB. Long-term outcome data in patients with OGIB is limited but is most promising for capsule endoscopy.