Use of CT enterography for the diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in pediatric patients

Abstract

Diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) represents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for any physician. While CT enterography (CTE) has been applied in adults with occult LGIB, its use in children has been limited to evaluation of Crohn's disease. We reviewed 6 patients ages 4-15 who underwent CTE for LGIB at a tertiary pediatric institution. In sum, CTE appears to be a valuable tool for localizing the source of LGIB prior to surgical or endoscopic intervention. However, rapid lesion identification must be weighed against the increased radiation exposure and patient discomfort due to bowel distention associated with this diagnostic technique.