Abstract

IN 1963, Nusbaum and Baum1 developed the technic of arteriography in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding. Since that time, it has developed into a sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic tool. A number of vasoactive substances have been selectively infused into the abdominal vessels with the rationale that local vasoconstriction reduces blood flow causing a stable clot to form, with occlusion of the bleeding vessel. The vasoactive substances which have been used to constrict the bleeding vessels are epinephrine and vasopressin (Pitressin).This report summarizes the results of treating 55 acute gastrointestinal bleeders with vasopressin at: Parkland Memorial Hospital from July 1975 to July 1976. Bleeding was caused by Mallory-Weiss syndrome, varices due to portal hypertension, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and diverticula of the colon.