Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Research Articles

Laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer associated with Leriche syndrome: a case report

A 78-year-old male presented with a positive fecal occult blood test. Rectal cancer was detected during lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, and further investigations led to a diagnosis of cT1N0M0 cStage I (UICC classification, 8th edition). Preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed that the patient also had Leriche syndrome, which is associated with reduced blood flow to the rectum that may result in ischemic anastomosis during rectal cancer surgery with anastomotic reconstruction. The inferior epigastric arteries often function as collateral pathways to the lower limbs in patients with Leriche syndrome; therefore, care is needed to avoid vascular damage during trocar insertion when performing laparoscopic surgeries. We herein described a case of safe laparoscopic low anterior resection in a rectal cancer patient with Leriche syndrome using vascular architecture images obtained by preoperative CT angiography.

A metastatic G2 neuroendocrine tumor smaller than 5 mm: A case report

BackgroundNeuroendocrine tumors (NETs) measuring <10 mm are widely thought to be at low risk of lymph node metastasis. Here we report a case of lymph node metastasis in a patient with a 4-mm NET that was classified as grade 2.Presentation of caseA 32-year-old woman was referred to our hospital after a positive fecal occult blood test. Colonoscopy revealed a 4-mm yellowish submucosal tumor, which was diagnosed as NET of the upper rectum and removed by endoscopic submucosal resection with ligation. Pathological examination of the specimen showed a 4-mm grade 2 NET with a Ki-67 labeling index of 4.4% without lymphatic or venous invasion. In accordance with the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society guidelines, we performed robotic-assisted laparoscopic low anterior resection with lymph node dissection. Final pathological examination revealed invasion confined to the submucosal layer and metastasis to one lymph node (pT1aN1M0, Stage IIIB). There were no residual tumor cells in the scar after endoscopic submucosal resection with ligation.DiscussionShould G2 neuroendocrine tumors smaller than 5 mm be surgically resected?ConclusionsWe encountered a rare case of a small NET with lymph node metastasis that was treated by robotic-assisted laparoscopic low anterior resection with lymph node dissection. Additional surgery is an option to be considered for grade 2 NET even if it is small because of the possibility of lymph node metastasis.

Diabetes mellitus and colorectal cancer screening in the population of the Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia

&#x0D; Aims: Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Italy, where screening programs are now in place all over the country. We conducted a research to assess whether the use and outcomes of colorectal cancer screening are different between diabetics, who are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, and non-diabetics in the Italian Northeastern region Friuli Venezia Giulia.&#x0D; Methods: This was a retrospective population-based study which used the administrative databases of the regional health information system as the sources of information. For the two screening rounds 2010-2011 and 2012-2013, we compared adherence to the program and the results of the fecal occult blood tests and of the colonoscopy among diabetic and non-diabetic residents.&#x0D; Results: Overall, more than 300,000 persons were invited for the colorectal cancer screening in each round. Of them, approximately 8.8% were diabetic. In the regional population, adherence to the screening program was significantly lower among diabetics than among non-diabetics. The proportion of positive fecal occult blood tests was higher among diabetics than among non-diabetics. Among diabetics, the detection rate for initial and advanced adenomas was higher than among non-diabetics, whereas no clear pattern was observed for the detection of cancers.&#x0D; Conclusion: In Friuli Venezia Giulia, efforts should be directed at improving the management of diabetic patients and at reducing the inequalities in access to care due to this comorbidity.&#x0D;

Effect of Chronic Comorbidities on Follow-up Colonoscopy After Positive Colorectal Cancer Screening Results: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) are colorectal cancer screening tests used to identify individuals requiring further investigation with colonoscopy. Delayed colonoscopy after positive FOBT (FOBT+) is associated with poorer cancer outcomes. We assessed the effect of comorbidity on colonoscopy receipt within 12 months after FOBT+. Population-based healthcare databases from Ontario, Canada, were linked to assemble a cohort of 50-74-year-old individuals with FOBT+ results between 2008 and 2017. The associations between comorbidities and colonoscopy receipt within 12 months after FOBT+ were examined using multivariable cause-specific hazard regression models. Of 168,701 individuals with FOBT+, 80.5% received colonoscopy within 12 months. In multivariable models, renal failure (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.82), heart failure (HR 0.77, CI 0.75-0.80), and serious mental illness (HR 0.88, CI 0.85-0.92) were associated with the lowest colonoscopy rates, compared with not having each condition. The number of medical conditions was inversely associated with colonoscopy uptake (≥4 vs 0: HR 0.64, CI 0.58-0.69; 3 vs 0: HR 0.75, CI 0.72-0.78; and 2 vs 0: HR 0.87, CI 0.85-0.89). Having both medical and mental health conditions was associated with a lower colonoscopy uptake relative to no comorbidity (HR 0.88, CI 0.87-0.90). Persons with medical and mental health conditions had lower colonoscopy rates after FOBT+ than those without these conditions. Better strategies are needed to optimize colorectal cancer screening and follow-up in individuals with comorbidities.

Factors influencing hospital stay duration for patients with mild ischemic colitis: a retrospective study

BackgroundIschemic colitis is the most prevalent ischemic injury of the gastrointestinal tract. The majority of patients with mild ischemic colitis usually achieve complete clinical recovery shortly. However, the predictors of longer hospital stay duration are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of hospital stay duration for patients with mild ischemic colitis.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 100 patients with mild ischemic colitis between January 2010 and December 2020 at Xiangya Hospital (a tertiary care center). The clinical characteristics and therapeutic drugs of patients who were hospitalized for ≤ 8 days and ≥ 12 days were compared.ResultsOf the 100 patients included, 63 (63%) were hospitalized for ≤ 8 days and 37 (37%) were hospitalized for ≥ 12 days. Patients with cerebrovascular disease (29.7% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.019) and abdominal surgical history (29.7% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.004) were more likely to be hospitalized for ≥ 12 days than for ≤ 8 days. The d-dimer levels [0.78 (0.41–1.82) vs. 0.28 (0.16–0.73), p = 0.001] and positive fecal occult blood test results (86.5% vs. 60.3%, p = 0.006) were higher in patients who were hospitalized for ≥ 12 days than in those who were hospitalized for ≤ 8 days. Probiotic use was greater in patients hospitalized for ≤ 8 days (76.2% vs. 54.1%, p = 0.022). Multivariate analysis indicated that cerebrovascular disease (odds ratio [OR] = 4.585; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.129–18.624; p = 0.033), abdominal surgical history (OR = 4.551; 95% CI 1.060–19.546; p = 0.042), higher d-dimer levels (OR = 1.928; 95% CI 1.024–3.632; p = 0.042), and higher positive fecal occult blood test results (OR = 7.211; 95% CI 1.929–26.953; p = 0.003) were associated with longer hospital stays.ConclusionCerebrovascular disease, abdominal surgical history, higher d-dimer levels, and higher positive fecal occult blood test results are independent and significant factors that influence longer hospital stays for patients with mild ischemic colitis. Probiotics helped reduce hospital stay in these patients.

Could a Behavioral Model Explain Adherence to Second-Level Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Screening? Results of a Cross-Sectional Study of the Palermo Province Population.

According to Italian Essential Levels of Assistance (ELA), a colonoscopy is strongly recommended after a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) due to its effectiveness in early colorectal cancer detection. Despite the evidence, the Palermo province population (Italy), after a positive FOBT, have a lower colonoscopy adherence compared to Italian standards. This cross-sectional study analyzed patients’ perceptions of colonoscopy procedures to understand the reasons for non-adherence. Patients with a positive FOBT who did not undergo a colonoscopy within the national organized screening program were administered a telephone interview based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) questionnaire. The number of non-compliant patients with a colonoscopy after a positive FOBT were 182, of which 45 (25.7%) patients had undergone a colonoscopy in another healthcare setting. Among the HBM items, in a multivariate analysis only perceived benefits were significantly associated with colonoscopy adherence (aOR = 6.7, p = 0.03). Health promotion interventions should focus on the importance of the benefits of colorectal screening adherence to prevent colorectal cancer, implementing health communication by healthcare workers that have closer contacts with people, as general practitioners.

A Rare Hidden Mole, an Incidental Finding in Colonoscopy

Question: An 82-year-old man with hypertension, auricular fibrillation, with a pacemaker and mitral/aortic biological protheses was referred to our hospital for total colonoscopy owing to a positive fecal occult blood test. Two small tubular adenomas were found. In addition, a dark 3-mm-diameter macule in the anal canal closely below the pectinate line in the right anal wall was detected (Figure A). An endoscopic biopsy was performed under local anesthesia with mepivacaine and epinephrine. Histopathological images are shown in Figures B to D.

Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an original glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor in healthy volunteers: results of the clinical trial

Aim. To study the tolerability, safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of single intravenous infusions of Angipur in healthy male volunteers.Material and methods. The Phase I trial included 20 healthy male volunteers (mean age, 30,8±7,7 years; mean body weight, 77,4±12,1 kg). Angipur (0,02% concentrate for solution for infusion) was administered to every subject in single doses 0,015, 0,05, 0,09 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days. Volunteers were divided in 6 groups (1, 1, 3, 5, 5, 5); every following group was recruited only after the previous one finished the study. The following were assessed: rate and severity of adverse events (AEs), key PK parameters of Angipur and its antiplatelet activity by impedance aggregometry.Results. No moderate or severe AEs, as well as no serious AEs were reported according to obtained data of clinical and laboratory monitoring of healthy subjects. Totally 6 mild AEs were registered in 4 subjects. Four AEs (mild hematological deviations and episode of nose bleed) were classified as possibly related to study drug and 1 AE (positive fecal occult blood test) — probably related. Key PK parameters of Angipur in single intravenous doses 0,015, 0,05 и 0,09 mg/kg were determined as follows: Cmax — 12,44±4,689, 46,10±14,295, 92,48±33,896 ng/ml; Vd — 304,01±55,300, 299,67±64,244, 252,96±47,790 l; T1/2 — 6,72±1,290, 6,84±2,341, 6,06±2,287 h; Cl — 32,19±6,919, 32,29±8,357, 31,55±10,113 l/h, respectively. Dose proportionality (linear PK) for parameters Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ was established. Dose-dependent reduction of ADP-induced platelet aggregation degree and area under curve was revealed at period of 15 min to 2-4 h after Angipur infusion in doses 0,05 and 0,09 mg/kg.Conclusion. Results of phase I clinical trial demonstrated good tolerability of single intravenous infusions of Angipur (0,015, 0,05 и 0,09 mg/kg) in healthy subjects. We determined key PK parameters and indicated dose-dependent antiplatelet activity of Angipur.

Monitoring of autoantibodies against CYP4Z1 in patients with colon, ovarian, or prostate cancer

We have previously monitored the detection of autoantibodies (aAbs) directed against CYP4Z1 in the sera of breast and lung cancer patients. In the present study, the occurence of anti-CYP4Z1 aAbs in patients suffering from colon (n = 100), ovarian (n = 72), or prostate (n = 85) cancer was examined. Determination of aAbs was done using our previously established ELISA method. On average, the levels of anti-CYP4Z1 aAbs detected in sera from all cancer patients were not significantly higher than controls. No correlations were found with respect to gender or tumor stage. However, a subgroup of colon cancer patients with increased anti-CYP4Z1 aAb titers exhibited positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) results and higher levels of both carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). These results do not suggest that anti-CYP4Z1 aAbs have value as an independent biomarker for the detection of either colon, ovarian, or prostate cancer. However, they might be useful in combination with other biomarkers for the identification of a subset of colon cancers. Investigations involving a more powered sample size of this subgroup are needed to support this notion.

Cancer screening in prisons: lessons for health providers.

Lifestyle factors place those who experience incarceration at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from a range of preventable diseases, including cancer. Two nurses were employed for a period of 6months to facilitate bowel and breast cancer screening of prisoners across four correctional centres in Queensland. We identify factors impacting on cancer screening in prisons and document the outcomes for those screened. Both screening programs produced a positivity rate of ∼17% in those screened, with 23 individuals returning a positive faecal occult blood test and five women requiring further investigations following breast screening. At 3months postscreening, all of the positive cases had been referred for further investigations. It is likely that the screening programs were instrumental in preventing morbidity (and mortality) in the subgroup with positive test results. Cancer screening within the prison environment presents a number of challenges. Intervention at the individual and systems level is required to ensure prisoners can access a standard of care equal to that provided in the community.

Significance of computed tomography colonography in patients with a positive fecal occult blood test result who refuse colonoscopy or undergo incomplete colonoscopy

Significance of computed tomography colonography in patients with a positive fecal occult blood test result who refuse colonoscopy or undergo incomplete colonoscopy

Colon adenocarcinoma associated with intestinal sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, characterized by non-caseating granulomas. Sarcoidosis has the potential to involve every tissue in the body, which mainly affect the lymphatic system and lungs; gastrointestinal system, and particularly the colon, is an extremely rare location. We report the case of a 64-year-old male with history of pulmonary and cutaneous sarcoidosis diagnosed with neoplasm in the hepatic flexure of the colon and a polyp with high-grade dysplasia in the transverse colon by colonoscopy after a positive fecal occult blood test. The case was presented to a multidisciplinary committee and it was decided to perform a total laparoscopic colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis with histopathological evidence of infiltrating adenocarcinoma and intestinal sarcoidosis with non-caseating granulomas in the appendix, terminal ileum, colon and locoregional lymph nodes. The relationship between colon cancer and sarcoidosis is controversial, with studies showing a possible increased risk of cancer in patients with sarcoidosis, relating it to the chronic proinflammatory state of the disease. In these cases, lymph node involvement is especially important when assessing tumor extension studies, and may lead to changes in staging and, as a consequence, in the therapeutic approach.

Colon Polyp Detection in Primary Health Care Institutions of Korea: Detection Rate and Issues with Following the Guidelines.

There have been few multicenter studies on colonic polyps conducted by primary medical institutions. This study examined the detection rate of colonic polyps in primary health care institutions and the related factors while following the guidelines. The medical records of 14,029 patients who underwent colonoscopy between January-June 2020 at 40 primary medical institutions in Korea were analyzed. High-risk adenoma was defined as advanced adenoma, carcinoma, or ≥3 adenomas. Most patients (71.2%) aged ≥50 years underwent re-colonoscopy within 5 years (51.3%) for diagnostic purposes (61.3%) in Korean primary medical institutions. The detection rates of colon polyps, adenoma, advanced adenoma, high-risk adenoma, and carcinoma was 59.9%, 38.9%, 5.9%, 11.4%, and 0.3% in all subjects and 59.8%, 37.5%, 8.5%, 12.9%, and 0.3% in average-risk patients, respectively. The incidences of adenoma in average-risk patients increased significantly with age (30s/40s/50s: 20.1%/29.4%/43% for adenoma, 4.4%/6.7%/10.3% for advanced adenoma, and 5.6%/9.5%/14.6% for high-risk adenoma; p<0.05). Before 50 years of age, high-risk adenoma was detected in 9.1% of patients in the first-time screening group, and the significant risk factors were being male and ≥40 years of age. The detection rate of high-risk adenoma in the normal index colonoscopy group within 5 years was 9.0%. The significant risk factors included older age, male sex, positive fecal occult blood test, stool form changes, and nonspecific symptoms (gas and indigestion). More colonic adenoma studies targeting real-world clinical practice will be needed to revise the Korean guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance.

Low potency of fecal immunological surveillance testing soon after negative colonoscopy or resection of low-risk adenoma in average-risk patients.

Postcolonoscopy surveillance colonoscopy based on positive fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is often performed, although its long-term efficacy has not been established. The aim of this study was to clarify the low potency of FOBT surveillance at short intervals after colonoscopy. Colonoscopy was performed in 1308 average-risk patients, based on positive results of immunological FOBT [fecal immunological test (FIT)]. Patients were stratified according to the length of time since their last colonoscopy and their colonoscopy results [no adenoma or 1-2 small (<10 mm) adenomas]. Tumor detection rates were determined. The baseline patients characteristics did not differ between the groups. The advanced lesion detection rate (ALDR) among the patients who had never undergone a colonoscopy was 21.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 19.1-25.0%]. Among the patients who had no adenoma detected in the previous colonoscopy within the past 5 years, the past 5-10 years and over 10 years, the ALDRs were 2.5% (95% CI, 1.0-5.5%), 4.1% (95% CI, 1.5-9.4%) and 9.3% (95% CI, 3.1-22.2%), respectively. Among the patients who had 1-2 small adenomas, the ALDRs were 7.4% (95% CI, 3.4-14.8%), 12.1% (95% CI, 4.2-27.9%) and 27.8% (95% CI, 12.2-51.2%), respectively. Invasive cancer was not observed in any patients within 5 years since the prior colonoscopy. In average-risk patients whose prior colonoscopy detected no adenomas or low-risk adenomas, postcolonoscopy surveillance by FIT has a low positive predictive value within a 5-year interval.

Diagnostika a endoskopická intervence u raritního MALT lymfomu proximálního jejuna

Summary: Extranodal lymphoma from the marginal zone mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) is one of the primary extranodal non-Hodgkin‘s lymphomas with low degrees of malignancy but with the risk of spreading to distant locations in the body. B-lymphomas are sometimes associated with other diseases (eg. Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni infections or inflammatory bowel disease). B-lymphomas may manifest with a variety of clinical signs, from dyspeptic syndrome with malabsorption and weight loss to ileus or massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Dia­gnosis is based on the clinical condition and the results of laboratory tests and imaging techniques, while endoscopy is the essential procedure for visualizing the tumor mass and collecting a bio­psy sample to determine the definitive histopathological dia­gnosis. MALT lymphoma treatment is managed by oncologists and includes chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, with resection indicated in rare cases. In this case report we present an elderly female patient who was referred to our IBD centre for non-specific abdominal pain with a positive fecal occult blood test. Computed tomography (CT) examination was used before endoscopy and showed an infiltration of the splenic flexure by an unspecified mass, a subsequent colonoscopy showed intact mucosa of the colon, including the terminal ileum. In the second reading of the CT scan the location of the infiltrate was identified more specifically as the area of the proximal jejunum and jejunal mesentery. Subsequent upper endoscopy revealed a stenosing exulcerated tumor in the proximal jejunum, with the stenosis impassable even for a pediatric colonoscope. The dia­gnosis of MALT lymphoma was confirmed by a histological examination of the bio­psied tissue. A follow-up upper endoscopy was performed after the patient had completed her oncological treatment (chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy), showing the presence of stenosis at the proximal jejunum, still impassable for the endoscope. In clinical terms, the patient experienced weight loss, which was to some extent caused by intermittent pseudo-obstruction when on a solid diet, therefore we decided to enrich her oral intake with high-calorie sip feed. The next follow-up CT scan of the abdomen showed a regression of the infiltrate, but the stenosis of the proximal jejunum, about 7 centimeters long, persisted. To respect the patient‘s wishes, no surgical resection of the stenotic section of the intestine was performed, but we proceeded with endoscopic dilatation of the stenotic section of the jejunum with a balloon. After the first two endoscopic dilatations of the stenotic area the patient experienced a temporary improvement in solid food tolerance. Because of restenosis, a third endoscopic dilatation was performed, with the development of complications that included short-term circulatory instability with abdominal pain and eventually required an urgent surgical solution. Key words: marginal zone B-cell lymphoma – stenosis – dilatation – intestinal perforation – jejunum – MALT

Artificial Intelligence Successfully Identifies Subjects Who are at High Risk for Colorectal Cancer and Will Not Show Up for Colonoscopy within Six Months Following a Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test

Background: We aimed to identify subjects that harbor colorectal cancer and will not complete colonoscopy within six months following a positive fecal occult blood test (target population) by artificial intelligence (A.I.) based tools. Methods: We trained and validated a machine learning model based on a dataset of the Clalit Health Services. The entire population included 25,219 subjects aged 50 to 74 years with a positive FOBT result who participated in the screening program between 2011 and 2013. The target population included 202 patients (0.8% of the total cohort; 26.5% of all cancer cases). Multiple socioeconomic, administrative, and laboratory data were collected. The portion of the total population singled out by the model was termed as subjects needed to engage (SNE). Findings: Using two threshold levels the model reduced the number of SNE to 3.85% (of the entire validation cohort), identifying 25.8% of the target population [Positve Predictive Value Value (PPV) 5.1%, 95% Confidence Intrval (CI) 4.4-5.8; Negative Predictive Value (NPV) 99.4%, 95%CI 99.4-99.4; Area Under Receiver Operative Curve (AUROC) 0.74 95%CI 0.73-0.76] or reduced the number of SNE to 15.9%, identifying 55% of the target population (PPV 2.7%, 95%CI 2.4-3.0; NPV 99.5%, 95%CI 99.5-99.6; AUROC 0.74 95%CI 0.73-0.76). Interpretation: An AI-derived tool can successfully identify subjects with a positive FOBT that are at high risk for both harboring CRC and not completing colonoscopy within six months. Implementing this approach may improve FOBT-based CRC screening programs from the first day of a positive FOBT. Funding: None to declare. Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: The CHS ethical committee authorized the study.

Colorectal endometriosis with a large polypoid lesion

A 39-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a positive fecal occult blood test result. She had undergone uterine myomectomy 6 years earlier, and she had been treated with levothyroxine for hypothyroidism after thyroidectomy for Graves’s disease. A physical examination revealed a left-sided abdominal mass without tenderness. A laboratory test showed that the levels of serum tumor markers were within normal range. A barium enema revealed a 4-cm protruding lesion in the descending colon (A). The lesion looked like a submucosal tumor with reddish mucosa and dilatated vessels (B). Magnifying endoscopy with crystal violet staining showed 2 types of pit pattern: most was regular and rounded, whereas a small area had an enlarged and irregular pit pattern (C). Surgical histopathologic examination confirmed that the protruding lesion was composed of endometrial glands and stroma surrounded by smooth muscle bundles (D, H&E, orig. mag. ×40). The results of testing for immunohistochemistry, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor were positive. Therefore, we diagnosed polypoid endometriosis. Retrospectively, a biopsy specimen from the lesion with irregular pits showed that a few glands were positive for ER (E, Immunohistochemistry for ER, orig. mag. ×200). Colorectal endometriosis usually presents as eccentric wall thickening and surface nodularities, and diagnosis by endoscopic biopsy is difficult. Our case suggests that magnifying endoscopy is useful for diagnosis with target biopsy for intestinal endometriosis.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding at CT Angiography and CT Enterography: Imaging Atlas and Glossary of Terms.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common potentially life-threatening medical condition frequently requiring multidisciplinary collaboration to reach the proper diagnosis and guide management. GI bleeding can be overt (eg, visible hemorrhage such as hematemesis, hematochezia, or melena) or occult (eg, positive fecal occult blood test or iron deficiency anemia). Upper GI bleeding, which originates proximal to the ligament of Treitz, is more common than lower GI bleeding, which arises distal to the ligament of Treitz. Small bowel bleeding accounts for 5-10% of GI bleeding cases commonly manifesting as obscure GI bleeding, where the source remains unknown after complete GI tract endoscopic and imaging evaluation. CT can aid in identifying the location and cause of bleeding and is an important complementary tool to endoscopy, nuclear medicine, and angiography in evaluating patients with GI bleeding. For radiologists, interpreting CT scans in patients with GI bleeding can be challenging owing to the large number of images and the diverse potential causes of bleeding. The purpose of this pictorial review by the Society of Abdominal Radiology GI Bleeding Disease-Focused Panel is to provide a practical resource for radiologists interpreting GI bleeding CT studies that reviews the proper GI bleeding terminology, the most common causes of GI bleeding, key patient history and risk factors, the optimal CT imaging technique, and guidelines for case interpretation and illustrates many common causes of GI bleeding. A CT reporting template is included to help generate radiology reports that can add value to patient care. An invited commentary by Al Hawary is available online. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2021.

Intestinal Spirochetosis

A 49-year-old heterosexual man presented to our outpatient clinic after a positive fecal occult blood test result. He had no remarkable past medical history and reported neither weight loss nor bowel symptoms. Colonoscopy showed a small erosive lesion in the cecum (Figure A), and biopsies were performed. Light microscopy revealed a band of spirochetes resembling a “false brush border” that was adherent to the border of the epithelial layer (Figure B, arrows; hematoxylin-eosin staining). This was highlighted by immunostaining for Treponema pallidum (Figure C, arrows).

Evaluation of colonoscopic findings in patients undergoing colonoscopy due to positive fecal occult blood test: a single center experience

Aim: Fecal occult blood test is used in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancers. We aimed to evaluate the colonoscopic and pathological findings of patients who underwent colonoscopy due to positive fecal occult blood test in a tertiary center.&#x0D; Material and Method: Patients who had a positive fecal occult blood test and referred to the xxx Training and Research Hospital endoscopy unit for colonoscopy were included in this study. Age, gender, colonoscopic findings and pathology results of the patients were recorded. Statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS.&#x0D; Results: Two hundred and twenty three patients were included in the current study. Of the patients, 101 (45.3%) were male and 122 (54.7%) were female, with a mean age of 53.2 (18-90 years). Endoscopic diagnoses were as 49 (22%) polyps, 13 (5.8%) colon cancer, 4 (1.8%) inflammatory bowel disease, 15 (6.7%) diverticulum, 63 (28.3%) perianal disease, 79 (35.4%) normal colonoscopic findings. Pathological features of colon polyps were as; tubular adenoma in 51%, tubulovillous adenoma in 18.4%, serrated adenoma in 2%, and hyperplastic polyp in 28.6%. Colonoscopy findings of patients according to age groups (over and under 50 years of age); the incidence of polyps (p=0.01) and diverticulum (p=0.001) were significantly higher in patients older than 50 years, while perianal diseases (p=0.031) and normal colonoscopic findings (p=0.008) were higher in patients younger than 50 years of age.&#x0D; Conclusion: Colon pathology was detected in approximately 2/3 of the patients presenting with a positive fecal occult blood test. This test is an inexpensive, easily applicable method that helps to detect colon cancer and precursor lesions, as well as pathologies such as subclinical inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulum causing chronic blood loss.