ABSTRACT

Iran-deficiency anemia ([DA) in adults is usually a result of occult chronic blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study is to determine a diagnostic algorthym for this elinical problem. TWenty-three women and 14 men totaly 37 patients were examined in this study. Eusophagogastroduodenoscopy, rectosigmoidoscopy, double-contrast bari um enema, and also in patients w ith negative endoscopic and x-ray evaluation, enteroclysis and colonoscopy were performed. Patients were asked for specific upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms, about use of NSAID and ingestion of alcohol. Stool samples were tested for occult blood and parasitic infestation. At least one lesion potentially responsible for blood loss was detected in 29 patients. Eight patients had lesions in both the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. No lesion was established in B patients. The most common lesion in the upper gastrointestinal tract was gastritis (14). Hemorroids were the most common colonic lessions (10). Enteroclysis was performed in 3 of B patients who had no lesions; one of them presented malabsorption. Symptoms at a specific site of corresponding portion of the bowel in the gastrointestinal endoscopy