ACR Appropriateness Criteria® on upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting 36 to 48 per 100,000 persons annually. Aggressive resuscitation and upper endoscopy remain the cornerstones of therapy; however, in cases refractory to endoscopic diagnosis and management, radiology plays an increasingly vital and often lifesaving role, thanks to improvements in both imaging and interventional techniques. The various etiologies of upper gastrointestinal bleeding are discussed along with specific management recommendations based on an extensive literature review of current radiographic methods.