Importance of risk assessment,endoscopic hemostasis,and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)is a common medical emergency in clinical practice.While the incidence has significantly reduced,the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades,thus presenting a significant challenge.This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis.Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population,the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes.A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly.Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality.Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC(age,blood tests,co-morbidities)score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions.While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches,novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives,particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities.By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities,clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.

Rare causes of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A comprehensive review

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB)is a common gastroenterological emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Gastroenterologists and other involved clinicians are generally assisted by international guidelines in its management.However,NVUGIB due to peptic ulcer disease only is mainly addressed by current guidelines,with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy being recommended as the gold standard modality for both diagnosis and treatment.Conversely,the management of rare and extraordinary rare causes of NVUGIB is not covered by current guidelines.Given they are frequently lifethreatening conditions,all the involved clinicians,that is emergency physicians,diagnostic and interventional radiologists,surgeons,in addition obviously to gastroenterologists,should be aware of and familiar with their management.Indeed,they typically require a prompt diagnosis and treatment,engaging a dedicated,patient-tailored,multidisciplinary team approach.The aim of our review was to extensively summarize the current evidence with regard to the management of rare and extraordinary rare causes of NVUGIB.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding management

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB)is one of the challenging situations in clinical practice.Despite that gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer are still the main causes of acute NVUGIB,there are other causes of bleeding which might not always be detected through the standard endoscopic evaluation.Standard endoscopic management of UGIB consists of injection,thermal coagulation,hemoclips,and combination therapy.However,these methods are not always successful for rebleeding prevention.Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)has been used recently for portal hypertension management,especially in managing acute variceal bleeding.EUS has been considered a better tool to visualize the bleeding vessel in gastroesophageal variceal bleeding.There have been studies looking at the role of EUS for managing NVUGIB;however,most of them are case reports.Therefore,it is important to review back to see the evolution and innovation of endoscopic treatment for NVUGIB and the role of EUS for possibility to replace the standard endoscopic haemostasis management in daily practice.

Endoscopic hemostasis techniques for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: A review

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) is an urgent disease that is often encountered in daily medical practice. Endoscopic hemostasis is currently indispensable for the treatment of UGIH. Initially, when UGIH is suspected, a cause of UGIH is presumed from the medical interview and physical findings. After ample primary treatment, urgent endoscopy is performed. Many methods of endoscopic hemostasis are in wide use, including hemoclip, injection and thermo-coagulation methods. Although UGIH develops from a wide variety of diseases, such as esophageal varices and gastric and duodenal ulcer, hemostasis is almost always possible. Identification of the causative diseases, primary treatment and characteristic features of endoscopic hemostasis are needed to allow appropriate treatment.

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Rescue treatment with a modified cyanoacrylate

AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a modified cyanoacrylate [N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate associated with methacryloxysulfolane(NBCA + MS)] to treat nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NV-UGIB).METHODS In our retrospective study we took into account 579 out of 1177 patients receiving endoscopic treatment for NV-UGIB admitted to our institution from 2008 to 2015; the remaining 598 patients were treated with other treatments. Initial hemostasis was not achieved in 45 of 579 patients; early rebleeding occurred in 12 of 579 patients. Thirty-three patients were treated with modified cyanoacrylate: 27 patients had duodenal, gastric or anastomotic ulcers, 3 had post-mucosectomy bleeding, 2 had Dieulafoy's lesions, and 1 had duodenal diverticular bleeding.RESULTS Of the 45 patients treated endoscopically without initialhemostasis or with early rebleeding, 33(76.7%) were treated with modified cyanoacrylate glue, 16(37.2%) underwent surgery, and 3(7.0%) were treated with selective transarterial embolization. The mean age of patients treated with NBCA + MS(23 males and 10 females) was 74.5 years. Modified cyanoacrylate was used in 24 patients during the first endoscopy and in 9 patients experiencing rebleeding. Overall, hemostasis was achieved in 26 of 33 patients(78.8%): 19 out of 24(79.2%) during the first endoscopy and in 7 out of 9(77.8%) among early rebleeders. Two patients(22.2%) not responding to cyanoacrylate treatment were treated with surgery or transarterial embolization. One patient had early rebleeding after treatment with cyanoacrylate. No late rebleeding during the follow-up or complications related to the glue injection were recorded.CONCLUSION Modified cyanoacrylate solved definitively NV-UGIB after failure of conventional treatment. Some reported life-threatening adverse events with other formulations, advise to use it as last option.

Upper non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding-review the effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis methods

Upper non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding is a conditionthat requires immediate medical intervention and has a high associated mortality rate(exceeding 10%). The vast majority of upper gastrointestinal bleeding cases are due to peptic ulcers. Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin are the main risk factors for peptic ulcer disease. Endoscopic therapy has generally been recommended as the firstline treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding as it has been shown to reduce recurrent bleeding, the need for surgery and mortality. Early endoscopy(within 24 h of hospital admission) has a greater impact than delayed endoscopy on the length of hospital stay and requirement for blood transfusion. This paper aims to review and compare the efficacy of the types of endoscopic hemostasis most commonly used to control non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding by pooling data from the literature.

Endoscopic advances in the management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A review

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is defined as the bleeding originating from the esophagus to the ligament of Treitz and further classified into variceal and nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding.Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains a common clinical problem globally.It is associated with high mortality,morbidity,and cost of the health care system.Despite the continuous improvement of therapeutic endoscopy,the 30-d readmission rate secondary to rebleeding and associated mortality is an ongoing issue.Available Food and Drug Administration approved traditional or conventional therapeutic endoscopic modalities includes epinephrine injection,argon plasma coagulation,heater probe,and placement of through the scope clip,which can be used alone or in combination to decrease the risk of rebleeding.Recently,more attention has been paid to the novel advanced endoscopic devices for primary treatment of the bleeding lesion and as a secondary measure when conventional therapies fail to achieve hemostasis.This review highlights emerging endoscopic modalities used in the management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal related bleeding such as over-the-scope clip,Coagrasper,hemostatic sprays,radiofrequency ablation,cryotherapy,endoscopic suturing devices,and endoscopic ultrasound-guided angiotherapy.In this review article,we will also discuss the technical aspects of the common procedures,outcomes in terms of safety and efficacy,and their advantages and limitations in the setting of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding etiology score for predicting variceal and non-variceal bleeding

AIM:To identify clinical parameters,and develop an Upper Gastrointesinal Bleeding (UGIB) Etiology Score for predicting the types of UGIB and validate the score.METHODS:Patients with UGIB who underwent endoscopy within 72 h were enrolled. Clinical and basic laboratory parameters were prospectively collected. Predictive factors for the types of UGIB were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses and were used to generate the UGIB Etiology Score. The best cutoff of the score was defi ned from the receiver operating curve and prospectively validated in another set of patients with UGIB.RESULTS:Among 261 patients with UGIB,47 (18%) had variceal and 214 (82%) had non-variceal bleeding. Univariate analysis identified 27 distinct parameters significantly associated with the types of UGIB. Logistic regression analysis identified only 3 independent factors for predicting variceal bleeding; previous diagnosis of cirrhosis or signs of chronic liver disease (OR 22.4,95% CI 8.3-60.4,P < 0.001),red vomitus (OR 4.6,95% CI 1.8-11.9,P = 0.02),and red nasogastric (NG) aspirate (OR 3.3,95% CI 1.3-8.3,P = 0.011). The UGIB Etiology Score was calculated from (3.1 × previous diagnosis of cirrhosis or signs of chronic liver disease) + (1.5 × red vomitus) + (1.2 × red NG aspirate),when 1 and 0 are used for the presence and absence of each factor,respectively. Using a cutoff≥ 3.1,the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value (PPV),and negative predictive value (NPV) in predicting variceal bleeding were 85%,81%,82%,50%,and 96%,respectively. The score was prospectively validated in another set of 195 UGIB cases (46 variceal and 149 non-variceal bleeding). The PPV and NPV of a score ≥ 3.1 for variceal bleeding were 79% and 97%,respectively.CONCLUSION:The UGIB Etiology Score,composed of 3 parameters,using a cutoff ≥ 3.1 accurately predicted variceal bleeding and may help to guide the choice of initial therapy for UGIB before endoscopy.

Aspirin use for primary prophylaxis: Adverse outcomes in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: To compare outcomes of patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB) taking aspirin for primary prophylaxis to those not taking it.METHODS: Patients not known to have any vascular disease(coronary artery or cerebrovascular disease) who were admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center between 1993 and 2010 with NVUGIB were included. The frequencies of in-hospital mortality, re-bleeding, severe bleeding, need for surgery or embolization, and of a composite outcome defined as the occurrence of any of the 4 bleeding related adverse outcomes were compared between patients receiving aspirin and those on no antithrombotics. We also compared frequency of in hospital complications and length of hospital stay between the two groups.RESULTS: Of 357 eligible patients, 94 were on aspirin and 263 patients were on no antithrombotics(controlgroup). Patients in the aspirin group were older, the mean age was 58 years in controls and 67 years in the aspirin group(P < 0.001). Patients in the aspirin group had significantly more co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension [25(27%) vs 31(112%) and44(47%) vs 74(28%) respectively,(P = 0.001)], as well as dyslipidemia [21(22%) vs 16(6%), P < 0.0001).Smoking was more frequent in the aspirin group [34(41%) vs 60(27%), P = 0.02)]. The frequencies of endoscopic therapy and surgery were similar in both groups. Patients who were on aspirin had lower inhospital mortality rates(2.1% vs 13.7%, P = 0.002),shorter hospital stay(4.9 d vs 7 d, P = 0.01), and fewer composite outcomes(10.6% vs 24%, P = 0.01). The frequencies of in-hospital complications and re-bleeding were similar in the two groups.CONCLUSION: Patients who present with NVUGIB while receiving aspirin for primary prophylaxis had fewer adverse outcomes. Thus aspirin may have a protective effect beyond its cardiovascular benefits.

Prophylactic transcatheter arterial embolization reduces rebleeding in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Despite the improvement in the endoscopic hemostasis of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB),rebleeding remains a major concern.AIM To assess the role of prophylactic transcatheter arterial embolization(PTAE)added to successful hemostatic treatment among NVUGIB patients.METHODS We searched three databases from inception through October 19th,2020.Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and observational cohort studies were eligible.Studies compared patients with NVUGIB receiving PTAE to those who did not get PTAE.Investigated outcomes were rebleeding,mortality,reintervention,need for surgery and transfusion,length of hospital(LOH),and intensive care unit(ICU)stay.In the quantitative synthesis,odds ratios(ORs)and weighted mean differences(WMDs)were calculated with the random-effects model and interpreted with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS We included a total of 3 RCTs and 9 observational studies with a total of 1329 patients,with 486 in the intervention group.PTAE was associated with lower odds of rebleeding(OR=0.48,95%CI:0.29–0.78).There was no difference in the 30-d mortality rates(OR=0.82,95%CI:0.39–1.72)between the PTAE and control groups.Patients who underwent PTAE treatment had a lower chance for reintervention(OR=0.48,95%CI:0.31–0.76)or rescue surgery(OR=0.35,95%CI:0.14–0.92).The LOH and ICU stay was shorter in the PTAE group,but the difference was non-significant[WMD=-3.77,95%CI:(-8.00)–0.45;WMD=-1.33,95%CI:(-2.84)–0.18,respectively].CONCLUSION PTAE is associated with lower odds of rebleeding and any reintervention in NVUGIB.However,further RCTs are needed to have a higher level of evidence.

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by superwarfarin poisoning

Superwarfarins are a class of rodenticides. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a fatal complication of superwarfarin poisoning, requiring immediate treatment. Here, we report a 55-year-old woman with tardive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by superwarfarin poisoning after endoscopic cold mucosal biopsy.

Urgent Endoscopy in Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage:A Retrospective Analysis

Objective:The role of urgent endoscopy in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage(NVUGIH)remains controversial.We designed a retrospective study to compare the outcomes between urgent endoscopy(within 12 h)and non-urgent endoscopy for patients with NVUGIH.Methods:A total of 540 hospitalized patients with NVUGIH were included in our study.Patients who received endoscopy within 12 h or after 12 h were divided into two groups,the urgent and non-urgent endoscopy groups,respectively.The clinical outcomes including rebleeding,mortality,endoscopic re-intervention,need for emergency surgery and interventional radiotherapy were compared between the groups.Patients with Glasgow-Blatchford scores(GBS)<12 and>12 were defined as the lower-and high-risk groups,respectively,and the predictors of rebleeding and mortality in both groups were analyzed individually.Results:Patients with NVUGIH in the urgent endoscopy group had a higher rate of rebleeding(27.6%vs.16.9%,P=0.003)and blood transfusion(73.2%vs.55.5%,P<0.001)than those in the non-urgent endoscopy group,while the mortality and the length of hospitalization were not significantly different between the groups(P>0.05).For lower-risk patients,urgent endoscopy was independently associated with a higher likelihood of rebleeding(adjusted OR:1.73,95%CI:1.03-2.88),while it was not associated with in-hospital mortality.However,the urgent need for endoscopy was not associated with rebleeding and in-hospital mortality in high-risk patients.Conclusion:Endoscopy within 12 h did not provide any advantage in the outcomes of patients with NVUGIH,and may even lead to an increased rebleeding rate in lower-risk patients.

Pseudoxantoma elasticum,as a repetitive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage cause in a pregnant woman

Pseudoxantoma elasticum is a rare, hereditary, multisystemic disease affecting the skin, eye, and cardiovascular system. A twenty-eight-year-old female has presented to emergency unit with the complaint of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. This patient, who had been monitored in the gastroenterology clinic more than 10 times in the past 8 years, noted a repetitive hemorrhage during her previous pregnancy in her history. The examination of the patient revealed the following signs and symptoms: atrophy in the epithelium of the retina pigment; typical angioid streaks and peau d'orange finding in the fundus; thinning of the retinal nerve fiber in OCT (optic coherence tomography); bilateral and reticular papillary lesions with yellowish-color in the neck region (plucked chicken appearance); presence of bleeding foci in fundus; and nephrocalcinosis in kidneys. In light of these symptoms, the patient was diagnosed with pseudoxantoma elasticum. Skin biopsy confirmed the pseudoxantoma elasticum diagnose. PXE is an uncommon, hereditary disease. Early diagnosis of pseudoxantoma elasticum cases, is important for minimalizing systemic complications and informing the other family members through genetic counseling.

Effect of adjuvant reduced glutathione therapy on vasoactive molecules and oxidative stress in patients with cirrhosis-induced upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Objective: To study the effect of adjuvant reduced glutathione therapy on vasoactive molecules and oxidative stress in patients with cirrhosis-induced upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Methods: Patients diagnosed with cirrhosis-induced upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in No. 215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Industry between June 2015 and March 2017 were selected as the research subjects, and random number table was used to divide them into the GSH group who accepted reduced glutathione combined with conventional therapy and the control group who accepted conventional therapy. Serum levels of liver function indexes, vasoactive molecules and oxidative stress reaction molecules in two groups of patients were detected before treatment and 3 d after treatment. Results: 3 d after treatment, serum ALT, AST, γ-GT, TBIL, PRA, AT-Ⅱ, ALD, MDA, ox-LDL, AOPP and 8-OHdG levels of both groups of patients were significantly lower than those before treatment while SOD, GSH-Px and CAT levels were significantly high than those before treatment, and serum ALT, AST, γ-GT, TBIL, PRA, AT-II, ALD, MDA, ox-LDL, AOPP and 8-OHdG levels of GSH group were significantly lower than those of control group while SOD, GSH-Px and CAT levels were significantly higher than those of control group. Conclusion: The adjuvant reduced glutathione therapy for cirrhosis-induced upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage can improve the liver function, regulate the secretion of vasoactive molecules and reduce the oxidative stress response.

Observation on the Clinical Effect of Emergency Interventional Therapy on Acute Severe Non- Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of emergency interventional therapy for patients with acute severe non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods:78 patients with acute severe non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding who were treated in the General Hospital of the Eastern Theater Command from May 2020 to May 2023 were randomly divided into two groups according to different treatment plans.The study group underwent emergency upper gastrointestinal angiography and interventional embolization therapy,the control group was treated with esomeprazole;the clinical data related to the two groups were compared,including the total effective rate of treatment,blood pressure stabilization time,bleeding control time,etc.Results:The effective rate of clinical treatment in the study group was 97.44%,which was higher than that in the control group,which was 79.49%(P<0.05).Both were significantly shorter(P<0.05);the 7 d rebleeding rate and 30 d rebleeding rate of the study group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05);the 7 d and 30 d mortality rates of the two groups after treatment were compared,and the comparative study group was lower,but there was no significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion:Emergency interventional therapy can control bleeding more quickly,shorten bleeding control time and complete hemostasis time,shorten blood pressure stabilization time and abdominal pain relief time,and reduce rebleeding rate in patients with acute severe non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Rare presentation of primary (AL) amyloidosis as gastrointestinal hemorrhage without systemic involvement

We are reporting a rare case of a patient with primary(AL) amyloidosis presenting with an acute non-varicealupper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the absence ofother systemic involvement. The case report involves a58-year-old woman with significant cardiac history andhereditary blood disorder who came in complaining ofabdominal pain and coffee-ground emesis for two days.Computed tomography(CT) scan of the abdomen andpelvis with contrast revealed segmental wall thickeningof the proximal jejunum with hyperdense, heterog-enous luminal content. Similar findings were evident inthe left lower small bowel region, suspicious for smallbowel hematoma and the possibility of intraluminalclots. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed postresuscitation showed punctate, erythematous lesionsthroughout the stomach as well as regions of smallbowel mucosa that appeared scalloped, ulcerated, andhemorrhaged on contact. Despite initial treatment for immunostain-positive focal cytomegalovirus gastritis, follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy after two months continued to demonstrate friable and irregular duodenal mucosa hinting at a different underlying etiol-ogy. Pathology reports from analyses of biopsy samples highlighted infiltration and expansion of the lamina pro-pria and submucosa. Subsequent staining with congo red/crystal violet and appropriate subtyping established the diagnosis of AL(kappa)-type amyloidosis. The sig-nificance of this case lies in the fact that our patient did not have the typically seen diagnostic systemic involvements-namely of heart and kidneys-usually seen in primary(AL) amyloidosis patients. It was the persis-tent endoscopic findings and biopsy results which gave clues to the physicians regarding the possibility of an abnormal protein-deposition entity.

Endovascular treatment of nonvariceal acute arterial upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Transcatheter arterial embolization as treatment of upper nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding is increasingly being used after failed primary endoscopic treatment.The results after embolization have become better and surgery still has a high mortality.Embolization is a safe and effective procedure,but its use is has been limited because of relatively high rates of rebleeding and high mortality,both of which are associated with gastrointestinal bleeding and non-gastrointestinal related mortality causes.Transcatheter arterial embolization is a valuable minimal invasive method in the treatment of early rebleeding and does not involve a high risk of treatment associated complications.A multidisciplinary approach is necessary in the treatment of these patients and should comprise gastroenterologists,interventional radiologists,anaesthesiologists,and surgeons to achieve the best possible results.

Efficacy of ankaferd blood stopper application on nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM:To prospectively assess the hemostatic efficacy of the endoscopic topical use of ankaferd blood stopper(ABS) in active non-variceal upper gastrointestinal system(GIS) bleeding.METHODS:Endoscopy was performed on 220 patients under suspiciency of GIS bleeding.Patients with active non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB) with a spurting or oozing type were included.Firstly,8-10 cc of isotonic saline was sprayed to bleeding lesions.Then,8 cc of ABS was applied on lesions in which bleeding continued after isotonic saline application.The other endoscopic therapeutic methods were applied on the lesions in which the bleeding did not stop after ABS.RESULTS:Twenty-seven patients had an active NVUGIB with a spurting or oozing type and 193 patients were excluded from the study since they did not have non-variceal active bleeding.8 cc of ABS was sprayed on to the lesions of 26 patients whose bleeding continued after isotonic saline and in 19 of them,bleeding stopped after ABS.Other endoscopic treatment methods were applied to the remaining patients and the bleeding was stopped with these interventions in 6 of 7 patients.CONCLUSION:ABS is an effective method on NVUGIB,particularly on young patients with no coagulopathy.ABS may be considered as part of a combination treatment with other endoscopic methods.

Giant splenic artery aneurysm presenting with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Splenic artery aneurysm(SAA)and pseudoaneurysm are rare vessel’s lesions.Pseudoaneurysm is often symptomatic and secondary to pancreatitis or trauma.True SAA is the most common aneurysm of visceral vessels.In contrast to pseudoaneurysm,SAA is usually asymptomatic until the rupture,with high mortality rate.The clinical onset of SSA’s rupture is a massive life-threatening bleeding with hemodynamic instability,usually into the free peritoneal space and more rarely into the gastrointestinal tract.CASE SUMMARY We describe the case of a 35-year-old male patient,with negative past medical history,who presented to the emergency department for massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding,severe anemia and hypotension.An esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed in emergency showed a gastric bulging in the greater curvature/posterior wall with a small erosion on its surface,with a visible vessel,but no active bleeding.Endoscopic injection therapy with cyanoacrylate glue was performed.Urgent contrast-enhanced computed tomography was carried out due to the clinical scenario and the unclear endoscopic aspect:The radiological examination showed a giant SAA which was adherent to posterior stomach wall,and some smaller aneurysms of the left gastric and ileocolic artery.Because of the high risk of a two-stage rupture of the giant SAA with dramatic outcome,the patient underwent immediate open surgery with aneurysmectomy,splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy with a good postoperative outcome.CONCLUSION The management of a ruptured giant SAA into the stomach can be successful with surgical approach.

The clinical significance of upper gastrointestinal bleeding etiology score in determining variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common, and potentially life threatening condition, which can be divided into variceal and non-variceal sources of bleeding. OBJECTIVE: To examine the validity of the upper gastrointestinal bleeding etiology score compared to the current gold standard, the emergency Esophagogastroduodenos-copy (EGD), for determining the etiology of UGIB. METHODOLOGY: 101 patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding presented in the emergency department of Capital Hospital, Islamabad between February 2010 and March 2012 were in- cluded in this cross-sectional study. The upper gastrointestinal bleeding score was computed for each case by accounting for the clinical parameters of previous diagnosis of cirrhosis or signs of chronic liver disease × 3.1, presence of red vomitus × 1.5, and red N/G aspirate × 1.2. Each parameter was given a score of 1 if present, and 0 if absent, with a total score ≥3.1 favoring variceal bleed, and a score of <3.1 indicating non-variceal bleeding as a cause of UGIB. Esophago-gastroduodenoscopy was performed within 72 hours of presentation. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age of the patients was 50.2 ± 14.1 years ranging from 18 to 80 years. Out of 101 patients, 56% were males while the remaining 44% were females. The sensitivity of the UGIB score was 78.2% and the specificity was 84.3%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 91.5% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 64.2%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of UGIB score in determining variceal bleeding was found to be 80.2%. CONCLUSION: Variceal bleeding is a common cause of UGIB in Pakistan. UGIB etiology score is a highly sensitive and specific clinical tool in determining the etiology of UGIB as either variceal or non-variceal bleeding.