Detecting a Small Bowel Tumor Via Wireless Capsule Endoscopy

Abstract

Tumors of the small intestine account for fewer than 5% of gastrointestinal neoplasms. Approximately 20% of small bowel neoplasms are gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors, a spectrum of mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract that range from benign to highly malignant. Diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors is usually incidental, given their rarity and the limitations of traditional endoscopy and radiology studies in visualizing the small intestine. The advent of wireless capsule endoscopy has improved the definitive diagnosis of small bowel disorders. This article outlines the course of diagnosis and treatment for a patient who presented to our hospital with severe anemia and demonstrates the role of capsule endoscopy in identifying the causes of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.