The combination of several morphological sonographic findings using a score can differentiate most cases of diverticulitis from colon carcinoma in sigmoid strictures.

Introduction. The small bowel capsule endoscopy is the first line procedure in patients with suspected small bowel bleeding. Data regarding overt suspected small bowel bleeding and its predictive factors remain still limited. Aim. To assess the diagnostic yield of the capsule endoscopy and the factors predicting positive findings in patients with overt suspected small bowel bleeding. Methods. Patients with overt suspected small bowel bleeding (melena or enterorrhagia) and negative upper and lower endoscopy were included. A positive diagnostic yield was considered when the capsule endoscopy diagnosed one or more P2 or P3 type lesions (Modified Saurin Classification) Demographic and laboratory data were recorded. Results. 79 patients were included (mean age 62.92 (15-89); F:M 46:33). The diagnostic yield of the capsule endoscopy was 62%. The most frequent finding was angioectasia (44.8%), followed by nonspecific inflammation/ulceration (20.4%). The multivariate analysis found that age older than 50 years and male sex were independent variables that were associated with an increased risk of positive findings and angioectasia. Conclusions. In this group of patients with overt suspected small bowel bleeding, the capsule endoscopy was useful (with a diagnostic yield of 62%). The most frequent lesions were the vascular ones. Age over 50 and male sex were independent predictors of finding lesions and angioectasia.