The Role of Imaging for Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Consensus Recommendations From the American College of Gastroenterology and Society of Abdominal Radiology.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is the most common GI diagnosis leading to hospitalization within the United States. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of GI bleeding is critical to improving patient outcomes and reducing high healthcare utilization and costs. Radiologic techniques including computed tomography angiography, catheter angiography, computed tomography enterography, magnetic resonance enterography, nuclear medicine red blood cell scan, and technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy (Meckel scan) are frequently used to evaluate patients with GI bleeding and are complementary to GI endoscopy. However, multiple management guidelines exist which differ in the recommended utilization of these radiologic examinations. This variability can lead to confusion as to how these tests should be used in the evaluation of GI bleeding. In this document, a panel of experts from the American College of Gastroenterology and Society of Abdominal Radiology provide a review of the radiologic examinations used to evaluate for GI bleeding including nomenclature, technique, performance, advantages, and limitations. A comparison of advantages and limitations relative to endoscopic examinations is also included. Finally, consensus statements and recommendations on technical parameters and utilization of radiologic techniques for GI bleeding are provided.

The Role of Imaging for GI Bleeding: ACG and SAR Consensus Recommendations.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is the most common GI diagnosis leading to hospitalization within the United States. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of GI bleeding is critical to improving patient outcomes and reducing high health care utilization and costs. Radiologic techniques including CT angiography, catheter angiography, CT enterography, MR enterography, nuclear medicine red blood cell scan, and technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy (Meckel scan) are frequently used to evaluate patients with GI bleeding and are complementary to GI endoscopy. However, multiple management guidelines exist, which differ in the recommended utilization of these radiologic examinations. This variability can lead to confusion as to how these tests should be used in the evaluation of GI bleeding. In this document, a panel of experts from the American College of Gastroenterology and Society of Abdominal Radiology provide a review of the radiologic examinations used to evaluate for GI bleeding including nomenclature, technique, performance, advantages, and limitations. A comparison of advantages and limitations relative to endoscopic examinations is also included. Finally, consensus statements and recommendations on technical parameters and utilization of radiologic techniques for GI bleeding are provided. © Radiological Society of North America and the American College of Gastroenterology, 2024. Supplemental material is available for this article. This article is being published concurrently in American Journal of Gastroenterology and Radiology. The articles are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal's style. Citations from either journal can be used when citing this article. See also the editorial by Lockhart in this issue.

Follow-up of gallbladder polyps in a high-risk population of gallbladder cancer: a cohort study and multivariate survival competing risk analysis.

BACKGROUND: The risk of neoplasia in gallbladder polyps seems to be low, but the evidence from populations at high-risk of gallbladder cancer is limited. We aimed to estimate the risk and to identify the factors associated with neoplastic polyps in a high-risk Hispanic population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was recruited between January 2010 and December 2019 at a Chilean university center. Multivariate survival analyses were conducted. Fine-Gray models were fitted to account for competing risks. Covariate adjustment was conducted using propensity scores. The main outcome was the development of gallbladder adenomas or adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: Overall, 748 patients were included, 59.6% underwent cholecystectomy. The median follow-up of patients not subjected to cholecystectomy was 54.7 months (12-128.6 months). Seventeen patients (2.27%) developed the outcome. After adjustment by age, sex, intralesional blood flow, lithiasis and gallbladder wall thickening, only polyp size (≥10 mm, adjusted-HR: 15.01, 95%CI: 5.4-48.2) and number of polyps (≥3 polyps, adjusted-HR: 0.11, 95%CI: 0.01-0.55) were associated with neoplasia. CONCLUSION: In a Hispanic population at high-risk for gallbladder cancer, gallbladder polyps seem to have a low risk of neoplasia. Polyp size was the main risk factor, while having multiple polyps was associated with an underlying benign condition.

COVID-19-Associated Mold Infection in Critically Ill Patients, Chile.

Patients with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may have COVID-19-associated invasive mold infection (CAIMI) develop. We report 16 cases of CAIMI among 146 nonimmunocompromised patients with severe COVID-19 at an academic hospital in Santiago, Chile. These rates correspond to a CAIMI incidence of 11%; the mortality rate for these patients was 31.2%.

Early versus deferred anti-SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma in patients admitted for COVID-19: A randomized phase II clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Convalescent plasma (CP), despite limited evidence on its efficacy, is being widely used as a compassionate therapy for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early CP therapy in COVID-19 progression. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The study was an open-label, single-center randomized clinical trial performed in an academic medical center in Santiago, Chile, from May 10, 2020, to July 18, 2020, with final follow-up until August 17, 2020. The trial included patients hospitalized within the first 7 days of COVID-19 symptom onset, presenting risk factors for illness progression and not on mechanical ventilation. The intervention consisted of immediate CP (early plasma group) versus no CP unless developing prespecified criteria of deterioration (deferred plasma group). Additional standard treatment was allowed in both arms. The primary outcome was a composite of mechanical ventilation, hospitalization for >14 days, or death. The key secondary outcomes included time to respiratory failure, days of mechanical ventilation, hospital length of stay, mortality at 30 days, and SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR clearance rate. Of 58 randomized patients (mean age, 65.8 years; 50% male), 57 (98.3%) completed the trial. A total of 13 (43.3%) participants from the deferred group received plasma based on clinical aggravation. We failed to find benefit in the primary outcome (32.1% versus 33.3%, odds ratio [OR] 0.95, 95% CI 0.32-2.84, p > 0.999) in the early versus deferred CP group. The in-hospital mortality rate was 17.9% versus 6.7% (OR 3.04, 95% CI 0.54-17.17 p = 0.246), mechanical ventilation 17.9% versus 6.7% (OR 3.04, 95% CI 0.54-17.17, p = 0.246), and prolonged hospitalization 21.4% versus 30.0% (OR 0.64, 95% CI, 0.19-2.10, p = 0.554) in the early versus deferred CP group, respectively. The viral clearance rate on day 3 (26% versus 8%, p = 0.204) and day 7 (38% versus 19%, p = 0.374) did not differ between groups. Two patients experienced serious adverse events within 6 hours after plasma transfusion. The main limitation of this study is the lack of statistical power to detect a smaller but clinically relevant therapeutic effect of CP, as well as not having confirmed neutralizing antibodies in donor before plasma infusion. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we failed to find evidence of benefit in mortality, length of hospitalization, or mechanical ventilation requirement by immediate addition of CP therapy in the early stages of COVID-19 compared to its use only in case of patient deterioration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04375098.

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.

[Chilean consensus on diagnosis and management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms]. / Consenso chileno de diagnóstico y manejo de neoplasias quísticas pancreáticas. Club de páncreas Chile-SCHGE.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) are frequently detected on abdominal images performed for non-pancreatic indications. Their prevalence in asymptomatic population ranges from 2.7 to 24.8%, and increases with age. There are several types of pancreatic cysts. Some may contain cancer or have malignant potential, such as mucinous cystic neoplasms, including mucinous cystadenoma (MCN) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). In contrast, others are benign, such as serous cystadenoma (SCA). However, even those cysts with malignant potential rarely progress to cancer. Currently, the only treatment for pancreatic cysts is surgery, which is associated with high morbidity and occasional mortality. The Board of the Chilean Pancreas Club of the Chilean Gastroenterology Society developed the first Chilean multidisciplinary consensus for diagnosis, management, and surveillance of PCN. Thirty experts were invited and answered 21 statements with five possible alternatives: 1) fully agree; 2) partially agree; 3) undecided; 4) disagree and 5) strongly disagree. A consensus was adopted when at least 80% of the sum of the answers "fully agree" and "partially agree" was reached. The consensus was approved by the Board of Directors of the Chilean Pancreas Club for publication.

[CT-guided core biopsy for retroperitoneal lesions. Experience in 136 procedures]. / Biopsia percutánea core con aguja gruesa guiada por tomografía computada en lesiones retroperitoneales: Experiencia de 10 años.

BACKGROUND: CT-guided core biopsy is a widely used diagnostic technique for retroperitoneal lesions. AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of 136 patients aged 57 ± 16 years (55% males) subjected to core biopsies performed between 2006 and 2016. Procedure images, biopsy reports and patients' medical charts were reviewed. Diagnostic yield was calculated in those patients whose final diagnosis was confirmed using strict criteria for malignancy. RESULTS: A final diagnosis was confirmed in 122/136 patients. Of these, 110 had malignant lesions. The sensitivity and global accuracy of the procedure for malignancy were 93%. In only 4 of 13 benign lesions (31%), a specific diagnosis was obtained with the biopsy. Only minor complications were reported (6 small, self-contained hematomas). There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided core biopsy of retroperitoneal lesions is a safe procedure, with an excellent diagnostic yield.

Imaging of Hydatid Disease with a Focus on Extrahepatic Involvement.

Hydatid disease (HD) is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of a tapeworm that is endemic to many regions around the world-South America, Africa, and Asia, in particular. Humans are infected as intermediate hosts in the parasite's life cycle; thus, HD can be seen in persons living in areas where animal husbandry is practiced. However, owing to the varied patterns of migration and immigration during the past several decades, HD can be diagnosed in individuals living anywhere. The liver is the most common organ involved, with hepatic HD accounting for the majority of published cases. However, HD can affect multiple organs and tissues other than the liver, including the spleen, kidneys, lungs, heart, peritoneum, muscles, and brain. Knowledge of the route of spread, clinical findings at presentation, and possible complications involving each extrahepatic location can be useful for the radiologist when evaluating imaging findings in patients suspected of having HD. The ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of extrahepatic hydatid lesions frequently simulate those of hepatic HD, as long as rupture, bleeding, and/or superimposed bacterial infection has not occurred. Specific features of HD seen at different extrahepatic sites can help tailor the diagnosis. The differential diagnoses that can mimic HD at every nonhepatic location should be considered, as many of these entities are common, especially in nonendemic areas. ©RSNA, 2017.

Multimodality Imaging of Liver Infections: Differential Diagnosis and Potential Pitfalls.

Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis, characterization, and management of infectious liver disease. In clinical practice, the main contributions of imaging are in detecting early disease, excluding other entities with a similar presentation, establishing a definitive diagnosis when classic findings are present, and guiding appropriate antimicrobial, interventional, or surgical treatment. The most common imaging features of bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal hepatic infections are described, and key imaging and clinical manifestations are reviewed that may be useful to narrow the differential diagnosis and avoid pitfalls in image interpretation. Ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging allow accurate detection of most hepatic infections and, in some circumstances, may provide specific signs to identify the underlying pathogen and exclude other entities with similar imaging features. In bacterial and parasitic infections, specific imaging features may be enough to exclude a neoplasm and, occasionally, to identify the underlying infectious agent. US and CT are important means to guide percutaneous aspiration or drainage when needed. In viral infections, imaging is critical to exclude entities that may manifest with similar clinical and laboratory findings. Disseminated fungal infections require early detection at imaging because they can be fatal if not promptly treated. Familiarity with the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, imaging features, and treatment of hepatic infections can aid in radiologic diagnosis and guide appropriate patient care. (©)RSNA, 2016.

High prevalence of undiagnosed liver cirrhosis and advanced fibrosis in type 2 diabetic patients.

UNLABELLED:  Background. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at risk for developing end-stage liver disease due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the aggressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Data on prevalence of advanced fibrosis among T2DM patients is scarce. AIM: To evaluate prevalence of steatosis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis using non-invasive methods in T2DM patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 145 consecutive T2DM patients (> 55 years-old) were prospectively recruited. Presence of cirrhosis and advanced fibrosis was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) respectively. Exclusion criteria included significant alcohol consumption, markers of viral hepatitis infection or other liver diseases. Results are expressed in percentage or median (interquartile range). RESULTS: 52.6% of patients were women, the median age was 60 years old (57-64), mean BMI was 29.6 ± 4.7 kg/m2 and diabetes duration was 7.6 ± 6.9 years. A high prevalence of liver steatosis (63.9%), advanced fibrosis assessed by NFS (12.8%) and evidence of liver cirrhosis in MRI (6.0%) was observed. In a multivariate analysis GGT > 82 IU/L (P = 0.004) and no alcohol intake (P = 0.032) were independently associated to advanced fibrosis. CONCLUSION: A high frequency of undiagnosed advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis was observed in non-selected T2DM patients. Screening of these conditions may be warranted in this patient population.

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumor with unresectable liver metastases: an example of multimodal therapeutic approach.

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NET) frequently present with unresectable hepatic metastases, which poses a barrier for curative treatment. Resection of the primary tumor and subsequent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has been proposed as a treatment approach but available data in this regard is limited. We present a clinical case of an otherwise asymptomatic 44-yo man complaining of abdominal pain and dyspepsia that was diagnosed of a 10 cm duodenal tumor with multiple hepatic metastases. A CT-guided biopsy confirmed a NET. He underwent first a Whipple's procedure, and then was listed for liver transplantation. During the waiting time a multimodal therapeutic approach was used including the use of radioactive 177lutetium-labeled somatostatin analogues, long-acting somastostatin analogues and antiangiogenic antibodies (bevacizumab) in order to keep neoplastic disease under control. Two years after Whipple's procedure and given disease stability he underwent OLT with an uneventful postoperative evolution. Patient condition and graft function are optimal after a 4-year follow-up period with no evidence of recurrence. This case report underscores how a multimodal approach involving careful patient selection, resective surgery as well as use of somatostatin analogues and antiangiogenic biological therapy followed by liver transplantation can achieve excellent long-term results in this difficult patient population.

Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection during hepatitis C treatment with telaprevir, peginterferon and ribavirin.

The first generation protease inhibitors has been the mainstay of hepatitis C treatment for the last couple of years, showing marked improvement in sustained virological response, but also increased side effects. Infection has emerged as a common complication of telaprevir and boceprevir in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin, usually caused by common pathogens. We present the case of a 65 years old man who developed a Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection during treatment with telaprevir, peginterferon and ribavirin. The patient was successfully treated with amikacin, imipenem and chlarithromycin. The present case is relevant for increasing awareness for recognition of opportunistic infections and particularly nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in patients receiving triple therapy for chronic hepatitis C, especially in cirrhotic subjects who develop significant lymphopenia.

Portal biliopathy: a multitechnique imaging approach.

Portal biliopathy (PB) is a disorder characterized by biliary ductal and gallbladder wall abnormalities seen in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. These abnormalities consist mainly of bile duct compression and tethering, stenoses, fibrotic strictures and dilatation of both extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts, as well as gallbladder varices. In this pictorial essay, we describe the imaging findings of PB, which allow differentiation of this entity from other diseases that may have similar imaging findings including cholangiocarcinoma, extrinsic compression of the bile duct caused by metastatic adenopathy or sclerosing cholangitis.

Discriminative Capacity of CT Volumetry to Identify Autonomous Cortisol Secretion in Incidental Adrenal Adenomas.

CONTEXT: Incidentally discovered adrenal adenomas are common. Assessment for possible autonomous cortisol excess (ACS) is warranted for all adrenal adenomas, given the association with increased cardiometabolic disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the discriminatory capacity of 3-dimensional volumetry on computed tomography (CT) to identify ACS. METHODS: Two radiologists, blinded to hormonal levels, prospectively analyzed CT images of 149 adult patients with unilateral, incidentally discovered, adrenal adenomas. Diameter and volumetry of the adenoma, volumetry of the contralateral adrenal gland, and the adenoma volume-to-contralateral gland volume (AV/CV) ratio were measured. ACS was defined as cortisol ≥ 1.8 mcg/dL after 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and a morning ACTH ≤ 15. pg/mL. RESULTS: We observed that ACS was diagnosed in 35 (23.4%) patients. Cortisol post-DST was positively correlated with adenoma diameter and volume, and inversely correlated with contralateral adrenal gland volume. Cortisol post-DST was positively correlated with the AV/CV ratio (r = 0.46, P < 0.001) and ACTH was inversely correlated (r = -0.28, P < 0.001). The AV/CV ratio displayed the highest odds ratio (1.40; 95% CI, 1.18-1.65) and area under curve (0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.96) for predicting ACS. An AV/CV ratio ≥ 1 (48% of the cohort) had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 70% to identify ACS. CONCLUSION: CT volumetry of adrenal adenomas and contralateral adrenal glands has a high discriminatory capacity to identify ACS. The combination of this simple and low-cost radiological phenotyping can supplement biochemical testing to substantially improve the identification of ACS.

Infantile/Capillary Hemangioma of the Uterine Corpus: A Rare Cause of Abnormal Genital Bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas are vascular anomalies. However, they rarely cause genital bleeding. Here, we present the case of a young female with an endocavitary hemangioma who presented with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). CASE: The patient was an 8-year-old female with genital bleeding. Transabdominal pelvic ultrasound showed a 20-mm highly vascularized focal intrauterine endocavitary lesion. Vascular computerized tomography excluded vascular anomalies. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested a hemangioma. Minimally invasive open surgery was performed to remove the lesion. Subsequent pathology analyses confirmed an infantile/capillary hemangioma. CONCLUSIONS: Infantile hemangiomas are vascular anomalies that should be considered potential causes of AUB in early puberty. The study of these cases should include pelvic ultrasound and vascular magnetic resonance imaging. Experienced surgeons can successfully accomplish fertility-sparing surgical procedures. SUMMARY: We describe an unusual case of peripubertal AUB caused by an endocavitary capillary hemangioma. Management included fertility-sparing surgery and the complete resolution of symptoms.

Management of gastrointestinal bleeding: Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) Institutional Survey.

Despite guidelines developed to standardize the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, significant variability remains in recommendations and practice. The purpose of this survey was to obtain information on practice patterns for the evaluation of overt lower GI bleeding (LGIB) and suspected small bowel bleeding. A 34-question electronic survey was sent to all Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) members. Responses were received from 52 unique institutions (40 from the United States). Only 26 (50%) utilize LGIB management guidelines. 32 (62%) use CT angiography (CTA) for initial evaluation in unstable patients. In stable patients with suspected LGIB, CTA is the preferred initial exam at 21 (40%) versus colonoscopy at 24 (46%) institutions. CTA use increases after hours for both unstable (n = 32 vs. 35, 62% vs. 67%) and stable patients (n = 21 vs. 27, 40% vs 52%). CTA is required before conventional angiography for stable (n = 36, 69%) and unstable (n = 15, 29%) patients. 38 (73%) institutions obtain two post-contrast phases for CTA. 49 (94%) institutions perform CT enterography (CTE) for occult small bowel bleeding with capsule endoscopy (n = 26, 50%) and CTE (n = 21, 40%) being the initial test performed. 35 (67%) institutions perform multiphase CTE for occult small bowel bleeding. In summary, stable and unstable patients with overt lower GI are frequently imaged with CTA, while CTE is frequently performed for suspected occult small bowel bleeding.

Clinical Presentation and Perioperative Management of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas: A 4-Decade Experience.

PURPOSE: Latin American reports on pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are scarce. Recent studies demonstrate changes in clinical presentation and management of these patients. Herein, we assessed the main characteristics of PPGL patients in our academic center over the past 4 decades. METHODS: Demographic, clinical, biochemical, and perioperative data from 105 PPGL patients were retrospectively and prospectively collected over the 1980-2019 period. Data were organized into 4 periods by decade. RESULTS: Age at diagnosis, gender, tumor size and percentage of bilaterality, percentage of paragangliomas, and metastases remained stable across the 4 decades. The proportion of genetic testing and incidentalomas increased in recent decades (all P < 0.001). Therefore, we compared PPGLs diagnosed as incidentalomas (36%) with those clinically suspected (64%). Incidentalomas had fewer adrenergic symptoms (38 vs. 62%; P < 0.001) and lower rates of hypertension (64% vs. 80%; P = 0.01) and hypertensive crisis (28% vs. 44%; P = 0.02); also, they had lower functionality (79% vs. 100%; P = 0.01) and lower catecholamines levels (8.4-fold vs. 12.5-fold above upper cutoffs; P = 0.04). Regarding management of all PPGLs over the decades, we observed significant increases in both perioperative doxazosin dose (P = 0.003) and laparoscopic approach rates (P < 0.001), along with a decrease in the length of hospital stays (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a change in the clinical presentation of PPGL in recent decades, with a marked increase in incidental cases and milder symptoms. The implementation of a multidisciplinary program for adrenal disorders in our institution has translated into more timely diagnoses, more genetic testing, and improvements in perioperative management.

Society of abdominal radiology gastrointestinal bleeding disease-focused panel consensus recommendations for CTA technical parameters in the evaluation of acute overt gastrointestinal bleeding.

PURPOSE: To formulate consensus recommendations for CT angiography technical parameters used to evaluate overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire consisting of 17 questions was sent to a panel of 16 radiologists with expertise on the imaging of GI bleeding from the Society of Abdominal Radiology GI Bleeding disease-focused panel to obtain consensus agreement on issues related to CTA technical parameters for imaging overt GI bleeding. A multi-round Delphi method of voting was performed to obtain consensus which was defined as ≥ 80% agreement. RESULTS: Consensus agreement was reached in 15/17 (89%) of the questions including the technique for the administration of IV contrast, the number of phases, scan timing, and image reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: A panel of experts on the imaging of GI bleeding from the Society of Abdominal Radiology was able to reach consensus on the majority of technical parameters used for CTA of overt GI bleeding. These recommendations should improve the quality of patient care by adopting these minimal technical requirements for optimal exam performance and lead to less variation in the performance of these exams which will facilitate collecting and comparing published data from different centers. These recommendations will need revisions as additional scientific data become available.