Imaging and radiological interventional techniques for gastrointestinal bleeding in children.

Causes of pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in children are numerous. The role of radiology in defining associated pathology, pinpointing the bleeding site, and intervening to control hemorrhage is discussed here. Barium studies, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) each may play a role in identifying the underlying pathology associated with the bleeding. The exact source of bleeding may be localized by means of nuclear scintigraphy as well as selective angiography. In cases of life-threatening or persistent hemorrhage, once a bleeding source is identified, the interventional radiologist may offer percutaneous transcatheter therapy with selective intraarterial vasopressin infusion or embolotherapy.