Computed Tomography Signs for Active Severe Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize the positive signs on multi-detector CT angiography (CTA) for active severe gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB).Methods We retrospectively evaluated the clinical records and CT images of 93 patients with active severe GIB confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA),endoscopy or surgery. The positive CT signs indicating the locations and causes of the bleeding were recorded. Results Intraluminal extravasation of contrast material was identified in 44 cases (47.3%),vascular malformation was found in 22 cases (23.7%),gastrointestinal tumor was detected in 18 cases (19.4%),focal or segmental abnormal bowel mucosal enhancement was present in 7 cases (7.5%),and diverticulum with abnormal enhancement was found in 2 cases (2.2%). Conclusion Positive signs for active severe GIB on CT are diverse and thus should be carefully interpreted in clinical setting.