Key Points
Question
Can video capsule endoscopy be safely used as an alternative to standard endoscopic procedures for the initial evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Findings
In this cohort study of 146 patients (74 with COVID-19), active bleeding was more frequently identified with video capsule endoscopy as the first strategy (59.5%) compared with conventional endoscopic evaluation (25.0%). The number of invasive procedures was significantly decreased with video capsule endoscopy without increased risk of rebleeding or compromising safety.
Meaning
The results of this study suggest that video capsule endoscopy can serve as a safe alternative to the standard endoscopic evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding because it reduces the number of invasive procedures, personnel involved, and use of personal protective equipment.
Despite the conflicting evidence surrounding select studies, a significant amount of evidence shows that GBP has benefit for a majority of primary headache syndromes, including chronic daily headaches. GBP has some efficacy in migraine headache, but not sufficient evidence to suggest primary therapy. When primary headache treatments fail, a GBP trial may be considered in the individual patient.
Pancreatic fistulas are rare complications of chronic pancreatitis, typically caused when disruption of the pancreatic duct causes leakage of pancreatic fluid that erodes through neighboring organs and structures. Pancreatic fistulas to the pericardium and pleural spaces are extremely rare, and cases of multiple fistulas tracking from the pancreas have not been reported before. Management of these fluid collections is challenging with no consensus described in the current literature. We report a case of a patient with concurrent pancreaticopericardial and pancreaticopleural fistulas who improved with endoscopic management.
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