Imaging of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: An Update

Abstract

Imaging of gastrointestinal bleeding crucial in the diagnosis of occult gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding scintigraphy is a well-established study to aid localisation of gastrointestinal bleeding site. This article discusses about the use of gastrointestinal bleeding scintigraphy in its current practice with emphasis on radiopharmaceutical, imaging techniques, interpretation and pitfalls. There is also discussion on the use of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography-Computed Tomography (SPECT-CT) within this method of scintigraphy. Meckel's diverticulum is known to be a frequent source of bleeding, mainly in children. It is also know that nuclear medicine imaging can help with Meckel's diverticulum identification. This article also discusses about the technique, imaging, interpretation and SPECT-CT usage for Meckel's diverticulum imaging.