Introduction:

The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in developed countries has been estimated between 2-5 %, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Etiological identification is sometimes difficult and requires diagnostic methods, such as video capsule endoscopy (VCE).

Aim:

This study intends to characterize the findings of this technique in patients with unexplained iron deficiency anemia.

Materials and methods:

Descriptive observational retrospective study. We describe the VCE findings (PillCamSB2-SB3) in all patients seen between 2011 and 2019. The findings were interpreted according to the Saurin classification: normal (P0), uncertain potential (P1), and high bleeding potential (P2).

Results:

Of the 490 VCEs performed during the study period, 155 indicated iron deficiency anemia; 106 were women (68.4 %), and the mean age was 57.1 ± 16.6 years. The main comorbidities were cardiovascular in 23 (18.3 %) and arterial hypertension in 16 (12.6 %). Antiplatelets were present in 18 (15.4 %) and anticoagulants in six (5.1 %). Small bowel lesions were vascular in 44 studies (28.4 %), inflammatory in 33 (21.2 %), and neoplastic in seven (4.5 %). Angiectasias were the most frequent lesions in 33 cases (21.3 %). P2 lesions were present in 53 VCEs (34.2 %).

Conclusions:

VCE is helpful in the study of iron deficiency anemia and helps detect positive findings in the midgut in three out of four patients for which it is indicated. The most frequent significant P2 lesions were vascular. These findings allow providing adequate treatment.

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