A Case of Capsule Endoscopy in a 42-month-old Girl / 대한소화기내시경학회지

ABSTRACT

Capsule endoscopy (CE) provides a minimally invasive examination of the entire small intestine, and is the preferred procedure for evaluation of patients with GI bleeding of unknown origin. Even though the FDA approved its use for pediatric patients between 10 and 18 years old in January 2004, little information is available regarding the effectiveness of CE in the younger pediatric population (below 6 years old) because of safety issues. A 42-month child with recurrent melena was referred to evaluate the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite extensive evaluation, including EGD, colonoscopy, a small bowel series, and Meckel's scan, the bleeding source was not identified. Finally, wireless CE demonstrated angiodysplasia on the mucosa of proximal jejunum. This is the first pediatric case of endoscopy-assisted CE under intravenous sedation without endotracheal intubation in Korea.