The Role of Imaging in Managing Patients with Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background

Existing guidelines for managing gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding vary in their recommendations for when to use radiologic studies for evaluation. Furthermore, no thorough evaluation of the advantages and limitations of endoscopic and radiologic studies has been done previously. This guideline fills that void.

Key Points

• Evaluating nonvariceal upper GI bleeding (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum):

  • Unless contraindicated, begin with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

  • Catheter angiography is indicated when EGD is unsuccessful in achieving hemostasis.

  • Computed tomographic angiography (CTA), followed by catheter angiography if CTA is positive, can …