Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is defined as bleeding that is recurrent and that takes place in a patient who has had previous evaluation. The most common cause of bleeding is vascular ectasia, but familiarity with the various important lesions is required to make a specific diagnosis. Management includes early aggressive endoscopic evaluation. In certain clinical circumstances other diagnostic studies, such as angiography, CT examination, or Meckel's scan, are indicated. Management and care of this challenging group of patients requires a team approach, including internists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and surgeons.