[Demonstration and localization of hemorrhage in the intestinal tract. Comparison between 99mTc-colloid scintigraphy and selective angiography of the visceral vessels].

In 17 patients with suspected bleeding in the lower intestinal tract 23 scintigraphic studies were performed with Tc-colloid, followed in each case by visceral-artery angiography. Comparison of the two methods with the final clinical diagnosis indicated that angiography was correct in 6 of 23 examinations (26%), scintigraphy in 12 of 23 (52%). All scintigraphically negative results were negative also angiographically. Noninvasive, relatively unstressful scintigraphy should be performed for immediate diagnosis in any case of acute bleeding. Emergency-type angiography is reasonably performed only if scintigraphy is positive.