Diagnostic Yield Of Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy Research Articles

Diagnostic Yield and Outcomes of Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Small Bowel Bleeding Receiving Antithrombotics.

We aimed to determine the diagnostic yield and outcome of patients receiving antithrombotic drug therapy subjected to small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) for the investigation of small bowel bleeding (SBB). A multicenter retrospective analysis of collected data from all patients undergoing SBCE for the investigation of SBB from March 2003 to June 2023 was performed. The diagnostic yield of SBCE was defined as the detection of positive findings that could explain the cause of the patient's bleeding. Rebleeding was defined as evidence of bleeding within 1 year after the index episode. During the study period, 8401 patients underwent SBCE for SBB investigation. Bleeding lesions were detected in 1103/2535 (43.5%) antithrombotic users, compared to 1113/5866 (18.9%) in nonusers (p < 0.00001). Following capsule endoscopy, a therapeutic intervention was possible in 390/2216 (17.5%) patients with a bleeding lesion. Rebleeding occurred in 927 (36.5%) of antithrombotic users (36.5%), compared to 795 (13.5%) of nonusers (13.5%, p < 0.00001). Both the diagnostic yield of SBCE and the rebleeding rates were higher in patients with SBB receiving antithrombotics. Therapeutic intervention was possible in a real-world setting only for a minority of patients with positive findings.

Diagnostic yield of small bowel capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: a real-world prospective study

Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) visualizes the small bowel (SB) mucosa. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from SB accounts for the majority of SBCE indications. We aimed to assess, in a “real-world” prospective study, the diagnostic yield of SBCE in a cohort of consecutive patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Secondary end point was to assess the frequency of adverse events and the role of SBCE in determining the diagnostic work-up and clinical outcome. From 2016 to 2018, all patients referred for SBCE examination were enrolled. Indication for SBCE was re-assessed by 2 dedicated gastroenterologists. Inclusion criteria: (1) age ≥ 18 and ≤ 85 years; (2) diagnosis of OGIB; 3) non-diagnostic standard bidirectional endoscopy; (4) informed consent. Exclusion criteria: (1) deglutition impairment; (2) SBCE contraindications; (3) pregnancy. The cohort included 50 patients [males 18 (36%), age 68 (27–83)]. SBCE indication: patients with ongoing overt OGIB (Group A) (n = 11; 22%), previous overt OGIB (Group B) (n = 14; 28%), occult bleeding (with Iron Deficiency Anaemia) (Group C) (n = 25; 50%). SBCE detected clinically relevant lesions in 46 (92%) cases. Clinically relevant lesions were more frequent in Group C (24/25; 96%), followed by Group A (10/11; 91%) and Group B (12/14; 85.5%). After SBCE, treatment was medical (60%); endoscopic (14%), surgical (36%) or conservative (18%). Clinical follow-up showed complete resolution in 63.2%, partial/absent resolution in 18.4% of cases. In a prospective study, the high diagnostic yield of SBCE supports its role as first-line investigation in patients with OGIB. However, this achievement requires an accurate and timely assessment by dedicated gastroenterologists.

Utilidad clínica de la videocápsula endoscópica en el estudio de patologías de intestino delgado en Colombia: resultados de un registro nacional

IntroductionThe small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) has revolutionised the study of small bowel diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the indications, findings and diagnostic yield of SBCE in a national registry. Patients and methodsAn observational, analytical cross-sectional study was carried out, analysing the SBCE records at seven centres in the country, where different variables were collected. Results1,883 SBCEs were evaluated. The average age was 55.4 years (5.6-94.2). The most frequent indications were suspicion of small bowel bleeding (SBB) (64.4%), study of Crohn's disease (15.2%) and chronic diarrhoea (11.2%). 54.3% were prepared with laxatives. The most frequent lesions found were erosions/ulcers (31.6%), angioectasias (25.7%) and parasitosis (2.7%). The diagnostic yield (P1+P2, Saurin classification) of SBCE in SBB was 60.6%, being higher in overt SBB (66.0%) compared to occult SBB (56.0%) (P=.003). The studies with better preparation showed higher detection of lesions (93.8% vs. 89.4%) (OR=1.8, CI: 95%: 1.2-2.6; P=.004). The SBCE complication rate was 3.1%, with complete SB visualisation at 96.6% and SB retention rate of 0.7%. 81.5% of SBCEs were performed on an outpatient basis, and presented a greater complete SB visualisation than hospital ones (97.1% vs. 94.3%) (OR=2.1, CI: 95%, 1.2-3.5; P=.008). ConclusionsThe indications, findings and diagnostic performance of SBCEs in Colombia are similar to those reported in the literature, with a high percentage of complete studies and a low rate of complications.

Use of small-bowel capsule endoscopy in cases of equivocal celiac disease

Seronegative villous atrophy (SNVA), raised intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), and crypt hyperplasia on duodenal histology can be secondary to celiac disease (CD) or other causes such as medications or infections. Our aims were to assess the role of small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) in these patients and to ascertain whether findings on SBCE at diagnosis can predict disease outcome. Patients (n= 177) with SNVA, IELs, ± crypt hyperplasia on duodenal histology were studied. These patients all had an equivocal diagnosis of CD. Overall, 56 patients (31.6%) had a positive SBCE. Thirty-three patients (58.9%) had disease affecting the proximal third of the small bowel (SB). The diagnostic yield of SBCE was 40.0% (22 patients), 51.4% (18 patients), 27.0% (10 patients), and 14.0% (7 patients) in patients with an unknown cause for SNVA (SNVA-UO), patients with SNVA who responded to a gluten-free diet (SNVA-CD), patients with a known cause for SNVA, and patients with railed IELs ± crypt hyperplasia, respectively. In SNVA-UO, SBCE at diagnosis was more likely to be positive in patients with persistent SNVA (10, 90.9%) and persistent SNVA with lymphoproliferative features (4, 80.4%) than patients with spontaneous resolution of SNVA (8, 20.5%) (P= .0001). All patients in the SNVA-CD group who eventually developed adverse events had a positive SBCE (P= .022). They also had more extensive SB disease than those without adverse events (50% vs 1% P= .002). More extensive SB disease on SBCE correlated with a higher SNVA-related mortality in patients with SNVA-UO and SNVA-CD (P= .019). Severity of histology did not correlate with mortality (P= .793). A positive SBCE at diagnosis predicts a worse outcome. More importantly, more extensive disease in these patients is associated with poor survival. Targeting patients with extensive disease at diagnosis with more aggressive therapy can help to improve prognosis.

Bowel preparation for small bowel capsule endoscopy – The later, the better!

BackgroundIn small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE), the presence of residue may compromise diagnostic accuracy. AimsTo assess differences in quality of visualisation and diagnostic yield of SBCE using 3 different preparation protocols. MethodsProspective, randomized, blind, pilot study. Protocol A:Clear liquids diet the day before the examination with fasting from 8p.m.; Protocol B:Protocol A + 2 pouches of Moviprep®(polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution + sodium ascorbate) in 1 L of water from 8p.m. of the day before the examination; Protocol C: Protocol A + 2 pouches of Moviprep® in 1 L of water consumed after real-time confirmation of capsule arrival at small bowel.Small bowel preparation was classified by two experienced physicians, considering the percentage of the examination during which mucosal observation was adequate: Excellent(>90%); Good(90–75%); Fair(75–50%); Poor(<50%). Results101 patients randomized to the 3 protocols (A 37, B 31, C 33 patients). Protocol C had an excellent/good small bowel preparation in a higher percentage of examinations for both readers(Reader 1-A:37.8% vs B:45.2% vs C:78.8%, p = 0.002 and Reader 2 –A:37.8% vs B:41.9% vs C:75.8%, p = 0.003). Also, protocol C had a higher detection of angioectasia (A:5.4% vs B:9.7% vs C:27.3%, p = 0.022). ConclusionsThe administration of Moviprep® after the capsule had reached the small bowel was associated with a better small bowel preparation and a higher detection of angioectasia.

ORBIT score: an useful predictor of small bowel rebleeding in patients under chronic anticoagulation

Background and study aims: Available scoring systems to assess the risk for major bleeding in patients on chronic anticoagulation seem inadequate in predicting higher diagnostic yields of small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) or higher rebleeding rates in patients with suspected small bowel bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the new ORBIT score in predicting positive findings of SBCE or higher rebleeding rates in chronically anticoagulated patients with suspected small bowel bleeding.Patients and methods: Retrospective analysis of 570 patients who consecutively underwent SBCE for the study of suspected small bowel bleeding. For each of the 67 patients who were on chronic anticoagulation, ORBIT score (Older age, Reduced hemoglobin/hematocrit, Bleeding history, Insufficient kidney function and Treatment with antiplatelets) was calculated. Patients were classified as high-risk (ORBIT score ≥4) or low/intermediate-risk (ORBIT score <4). Data on SBCE findings, diagnostic yield and rebleeding were compared between groups.Results: When ORBIT score was calculated, 41 and 26 patients were classified as low/intermediate-risk and high-risk, respectively. When low/intermediate-risk and high-risk groups were compared, no differences were found in the diagnostic yield of SBCE (39.0% vs. 23.1%; p = .176). However, in high-risk patients, rebleeding was significantly more common than in low/intermediate-risk patients (80.0% vs. 36.6%; p = .003).Conclusions: In patients presenting with suspected small bowel bleeding and on chronic anticoagulation, the new ORBIT score seems promising in identifying those with a higher risk of rebleeding, in whom a closer follow-up and a more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic strategy is advisable.

Quality Indicators for Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy.

Capsule endoscopy (CE) enables evaluation of the entire mucosal surface of the small bowel (SB), which is one of the most important steps for evaluating obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Although the diagnostic yield of SB CE depends on many clinical factors, there are no reports on quality indicators. Thus, the Korean Gut Image Study Group (KGISG) publishes an article titled, “Quality Indicators for Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy” under approval from the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (KSGE). Herein, we initially identified process quality indicators, while the structural and outcome indicators are reserved until sufficient clinical data are accumulated. We believe that outcomes of SB CE can be improved by trying to meet our proposed quality indicators.

Finding the solution for incomplete small bowel capsule endoscopy

To evaluate whether the use of real time viewer (RTV) and administration of domperidone to patients with delayed gastric passage of the capsule could reduce the rate of incomplete examinations (IE) and improve the diagnostic yield of small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE). Prospective single center interventional study, from June 2012 to February 2013. Capsule location was systematically checked one hour after ingestion using RTV. If it remained in the stomach, the patient received 10 mg domperidone per os and the location of the capsule was rechecked after 30 min. If the capsule remained in the stomach a second dose of 10 mg of domperidone was administered orally. After another 30 min the position was rechecked and if the capsule remained in the stomach, it was passed into the duodenum by upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. The rate of IE and diagnostic yield of SBCE were compared with those of examinations performed before the use of RTV or domperidone in our Department (control group, January 2009 - May 2012). Both groups were similar regarding age, sex, indication, inpatient status and surgical history. The control group included 307 patients, with 48 (15.6%) IE. The RTV group included 82 patients, with 3 (3.7%) IE, P = 0.003. In the control group, average gastric time was significantly longer in patients with IE than in patients with complete examination of the small bowel (77 min vs 26 min, P = 0.003). In the RTV group, the capsule remained in the stomach one hour after ingestion in 14/82 patients (17.0%) vs 48/307 (15.6%) in the control group, P = 0.736. Domperidone did not significantly affect small bowel transit time (260 min vs 297 min, P = 0.229). The capsule detected positive findings in 39% of patients in the control group and 49% in the RTV group (P = 0.081). The use of RTV and selective administration of domperidone to patients with delayed gastric passage of the capsule significantly reduces incomplete examinations, with no effect on small bowel transit time or diagnostic yield.

The use of small-bowel capsule endoscopy in iron-deficiency anemia alone; be aware of the young anemic patient

Background & aim.The role of Small-Bowel Capsule Endoscopy (SBCE) in Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) alone is still under validation. We aim to assess the usefulness of SBCE in patients with IDA alone; Methods.Retrospective study; patients with IDA (no GI symptoms or known previous diagnosis), who underwent SBCE were included. SBCE findings were classified as clinically significant/sinister (small-bowel malignancy, significant/sinister inflammation and/or strictures and coeliac disease) or vascular, i.e., signifcant/angioectasias (P1/P2 lesions); Results. A total of 221 (151F/70M) patients had SBCE for IDA as the sole indication. The diagnostic yield (DY) was 30.7% (68/221). The DY for significant/sinister pathology and significant/angioectasias was 9% and 21.7%, respectively. In those ≤40 years (20; 13F/7M), significant pathology was found in 25% (5/20); in the >40-year group (201; 138F/63M), significant/sinister pathology was found in 7.5% (15/201), p = 0.0231. None of the patients ≤40 years had angioectasias, such lesions were found in 48/201 (21.7%) of those >40 years, p = 0.009. Fifty percent of those >80 years (16; 12F/4M) had angioectasias, but none had significant/sinister pathology (p = 0.0126). On multiple regression analysis, only prior blood transfusion was predictive of higher DY in SBCE; Conclusions.IDA alone is one of the main indications (27%) for referral to SBCE; the majority of patients are >40 years. In our cohort, the DY of SBCE for IDA was 30.7% and the commonest finding was angioectasias. The detection rate of sinister small-bowel pathology for those >40 years is low decreasing to zero in the >80 age group. In contrast, 25% of those ≤40 years had a sinister diagnosis.

Luminal View of an Intussusception Captured by Capsule Endoscopy

FigureA 6-year-old boy was investigated for iron-deficiency anemia refractory to oral supplementation. He did not have a history of abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding, and stool microscopy was normal. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy were normal. To exclude an occult cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, a small-bowel capsule endoscopy (CE) was undertaken. The image/video (https://links.lww.com/MPG/A42) is a luminal view of a nonobstructive intussusception occurring at 1 hour 30 minutes into the small-bowel CE. It was asymptomatic and was not associated with any visible mucosal irregularity or blood in the lumen. No lead point such as a polyp was visualised during the study, and further investigations included a normal barium contrast follow-through study. No cause of his anemia has been identified to date. Gastrointestinal obstruction is a contraindication to performing a CE and should be excluded with imaging or the use of a degradable, radio-opaque patency capsule except in certain circumstances. Several studies have looked at the diagnostic yield of small-bowel CE in pediatrics, and the capture of an intussusception on CE is a noteworthy event because it is a rare occurrence (1). It is not possible to verify whether an intussusception is antegrade or retrograde unless one is absolutely certain of the capsule's orientation (the capsule lens can spin). In the present case the capsule passed through the intussusception with minimal delay, possibly reducing it with its passage. The smooth, moist surface suggests that there may be a bubble contributing the sheen seen in the image. The present case is a useful teaching point because it visually demonstrates an intussusception occurring as a normal physiological occurrence. In younger children, intussusception is thought to be caused by lymphoid hyperplasia. In older children and adults pathological lead points may be responsible for triggering the intussusception (2). Intussusceptions can present with abdominal mass, pain, bloody stool, and vomiting. Symptomatic intussusceptions can be treated pneumatically or surgically. Further investigations may be necessary to exclude a lead point such as adenitis, Peutz-Jeghers polyp, and carcinoma, if clinically indicated.