Use of heparin in the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Objective. To determine if the administration of heparin improves the predi ctive value of angiography in the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Methods: 18 patients with a history of chronic GI bleeding were investigated with angiography. For 6 patients, the cause of GI bleedin g was established with angiography; the 12 patients who had negative result s were given heparin for 24 h and were reassessed with angiography. Results : After heparin administration, the source of GI bleeding was determined wi th angiography for 6 of the remaining 12 patients. Thus, heparinization inc reased diagnostic yield from 33% (6 of 18) to 67% (12 of 18). No significan t complications, such as uncontrolled GI bleeding, occurred. Conclusion: He parinization improves the diagnostic yield of angiography when obscure GI b leeding is being investigated.