Medical history represents an important component in the diagnosis of melena (tarry stools) or hematochezia (appearance of fresh blood in the stool). Family history What is the general health status of your relatives? Are there any diseases in your family that are common? Are there any hereditary diseases in your family? Social history What is … Blood in Stool (Hematochezia, Melena): Medical History
Differential diagnoses of hematochezia (blood stool, rectal bleeding) Blood, blood-forming organs-immune system (D50-D90). Blood coagulation disorder, unspecified. Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Angiodysplasia of the intestine, unspecified – Vascular malformations of the intestine. Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Infectious colitis (inflammation of the intestine caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites): Aeromonas spp. Amoebae Balantidium coli Clostridium spp. … Blood in Stool (Hematochezia, Melena): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye [accompanying symptom: pallor (anemia)]. Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? Efflorescences (skin changes)? Pulsations? Bowel … Blood in Stool (Hematochezia, Melena): Examination
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Differential blood count Test for occult (non-visible) blood in stool* (if there is any doubt about the diagnosis). Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and the obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. … Blood in Stool (Hematochezia, Melena): Test and Diagnosis
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Gastroscopy (gastroscopy) – if upper gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is suspected. Colonoscopy (colonoscopy) including proctoscopy (rectoscopy; examination of the anal canal and the lower rectum/ rectum) – if lower gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is suspected. Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and obligatory … Blood in Stool (Hematochezia, Melena): Diagnostic Tests
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate hematochezia (appearance of fresh blood in the stool) or melena (tarry stools): Leading symptoms Hematochezia (blood stool; rectal bleeding); appearance of fresh blood in stool. Mainly bleeding from the middle and lower gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract) (localization: transverse colon (transverse colon), descending colon (descending colon), colonic sigmoid (sigmoid), … Blood in Stool (Hematochezia, Melena): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
