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Can capsule endoscopy be done in a polycythemia vera?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My uncle is suffering from bleeding through stool and has undergone a colonoscopy and endoscopy. But the bleeding location has not been detected. We have been asked to do a capsule endoscopy. The patient has polycythemia vera.

  1. Should we go for CT abdomen with CT angiography first for diagnosis?
  2. Can capsule endoscopy be done in a polycythemia vera?

Kindly assist.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read through your query in detail.

Bleeding through the stool is a serious concern and needs thorough evaluation and timely management.

The upper and lower GI endoscopy reports do not show any active bleeding in the visualized areas (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Since the patient has Polycythemia vera, it is also important to assess for possible vascular abnormalities or thrombosis, as these can sometimes affect blood flow within the abdomen.

Given that no bleeding source was identified on endoscopy, I would recommend a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with CT angiography. This helps evaluate areas beyond the reach of endoscopy, including the bowel wall and surrounding vessels.

Capsule endoscopy can be considered later, depending on the findings of the CT angiography.

I hope it helps.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 20, 2015
Reviewed At April 15, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Decision Helper
Capsule Endoscopy in Polycythemia Vera Decision Helper

Unexplained GI Bleeding with Polycythemia Vera?

This tool helps you understand if capsule endoscopy is the right next step for your gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if you have polycythemia vera.

This tool provides educational information only and does not diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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