Small bowel malignancy in patients undergoing capsule endoscopy at a tertiary care academic center: Case series and review of the literature

Connor A Johnston, Diana E Yung, Alka Joshi, John N Plevris, Anastasios Koulaouzidis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS : Small bowel cancer is rare, accounting for < 5 % of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. Capsule endoscopy has become the procedure of choice for non-invasive diagnosis of small bowel diseases. Data on capsule endoscopy diagnosis of small bowel cancer are limited. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency, indications and diagnostic work-up of patients with small bowel malignancy found by capsule endoscopy at a Scottish tertiary center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS : In this retrospective study, records all patients who underwent small bowel capsule endoscopy at our center over a 10-year period were reviewed for possible malignancy. Further data were gathered on preceding and subsequent investigations, management and outcome of these patients.

RESULTS : From 1949 studies, small bowel malignancies were diagnosed in only 7 patients (0.36 %; 2F/5M; median age 50, range 34 - 67). The main indication was iron-deficiency anemia (n = 5). Prior to capsule endoscopy, 6 of 7 patients had bidirectional endoscopies and one had gastroscopy. All prior investigations were normal or nondiagnostic. Two of 7 experienced capsule retention. Five of 7 underwent surgery. Four patients died, giving a 5-year survival rate of 42.9 %.

CONCLUSION:  Small bowel malignancies diagnosed by capsule endoscopy are rare, and the median age of 50 indicates they are more common in relatively younger patients. Capsule endoscopy is effective at diagnosing a rare malignancy when other imaging modalities have failed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E463-E470
JournalEndoscopy International Open
Volume5
Issue number6
Early online date31 May 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2017

Keywords

  • Journal Article

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Small bowel malignancy in patients undergoing capsule endoscopy at a tertiary care academic center: Case series and review of the literature'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this