Scintigraphic Detection and Localization of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gabriel Andries, Gheorghe Cobzac
Department of Nuclear Medicine, County Clinical Hospital, Cluj-Napoca

Abstract

By frequency and often through the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding plays an important role in the activity of medico-surgical departments. Successful management of patient with GI bleeding depends on accurate localization of the bleeding site. The early etiological diagnosis of GI bleeding is important for the early optimal treatment (medical or surgical). In addition to the clinical exams, endoscopy and angiography may be used as invasive methods to localize the bleeding site. Beside these, the isotopic technique in detecting GI bleeding is non invasive, rapid and with high sensitivity.
Correctly indicated and performed, the imaging methods, invasive or not, play an important role in the success of treatment. For the clinicians it is important to know the best algorithm of examination and the role of each technique and, bearing in mind the technical equipment of the hospital to use quickly the appropriate method rapidely.

Key words

Scintigraphy - gastrointestinal bleeding – diagnosis