Abstract
Obscure bleeding is defined as bleeding of unknown origin that persists or recurs, i.e., recurrent or persistent iron deficiency anemia (IDA), fecal occult blood test (FOBT) positivity, or visible bleeding, after a negative initial or primary endoscopy (colonoscopy and/or upper endoscopy) result (1). It has an estimated prevalence of approximately 5% in patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Obscure bleeding can have two clinical forms: (a) obscure-overt, with recurrent passage of visible blood; and (b) obscure-occult, as manifested by recurrent IDA and/or recurrent positive FOBT results. This chapter discusses the various etiologies for obscure upper GI bleeding, with a focus on the diagnostic workup and management of these disorders.
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