Over-the-scope clip used to treat duodenal ulcer can cause damage to ulcer base and massive bleeding

The efficacy of the over-the-scope clip (OTSC; Ovesco, Tübingen, Germany) to achieve primary hemostasis and prevent rebleeding has been demonstrated in the treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers [1]. Recent data have shown technical success and hemostasis rates of almost 100 % [1] [2] [3]. We present the case of technical failure of an OTSC used for a rebleeding duodenal ulcer, leading to massive bleeding when the clip was released ([Video 1]).

Video 1 The over-the-scope clip damaged the duodenal ulcer base, resulting in massive bleeding from the artery branch.

A 61-year-old man was admitted for hematemesis, anemia, and hypotension. A Forrest IIb ulcer located on the posterior wall of the duodenal bulb was treated by adrenaline and hot biopsy coagulation. He was readmitted a week later for a severe recurrence with hemorrhagic shock. Second gastroscopy confirmed rebleeding from the initial duodenal ulcer graded Forrest IIa, and hemostasis was achieved with hot biopsy forceps coagulation ([Fig. 1 a, b]). We decided to prevent a new recurrence by applying an OTSC. Unfortunately, release of the OTSC damaged the ulcer base leading to a large defect on the arterial branch and resulting in acute hemorrhagic shock ([Fig. 1 c, d], [Fig. 2 a]). Endoscopic hemostasis appeared impossible and we transferred the patient as an emergency to the radiology unit.

Fig. 1 Endoscopic management of the duodenal ulcer. a Initial aspect with visible vessel (Forrest IIa), then rapid bleeding with arterial pulse (Forrest Ia). b Initial hemostasis was achieved with hot biopsy forceps coagulation. c Placement of the over-the-scope clip (OTSC; Ovesco, Tübingen, Germany) to prevent recurrence. d Release of the OTSC led to massive acute bleeding.

Fig. 2 Emergency radiologic management. a The massive bleed despite the over-the-scope clip (OTSC; Ovesco, Tübingen, Germany) being in place. b Computed tomography scan with contrast showing an 8-mm blush (red arrows) on the gastroduodenal artery and migration of the OTSC clip (blue arrow). c An arteriography was performed and confirmed the massive blush. d Embolization of the two main feeding vessels was performed.

A computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed a large arterial blush of 8 mm in diameter ([Fig. 2 b, c]). Arterial embolization of the gastroduodenal and pancreaticoduodenal arterial ramifications was performed successfully ([Fig. 2 d]).

Five days later, the patient suffered from melena with hemodynamic instability. CT scan concluded rebleeding from the gastroduodenal artery that had undergone embolization. Fortunately, a successful surgical treatment was finally performed, which controlled the bleeding.

This case highlights the fact that OTSCs may sometimes dramatically worsen bleeding by ripping out the base of an ulcer and the bleeding vessel. Release of the OTSC may be more challenging in posterior wall and fibrous duodenal ulcers, as previously published [2]. Rescue OTSC placement should be performed in units equipped with interventional radiologists with experience in embolization for cases of massive bleeding.

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Competing interests

None

• References

• 1 Wedi E, Fischer A, Hochberger J. et al. Multicenter evaluation of first-line endoscopic treatment with the OTSC in acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding and comparison with the Rockall cohort: the FLETRock study. Surg Endosc 2018; 32: 307-314
• 2 Manta R, Mangiafico S, Zullo A. et al. First-line endoscopic treatment with over-the-scope clips in patients with either upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a multicenter study. Endosc Int Open 2018; 6: E1317-E1321
• 3 Richter-Schrag H-J, Glatz T, Walker C. et al. First-line endoscopic treatment with over-the-scope clips significantly improves the primary failure and rebleeding rates in high-risk gastrointestinal bleeding: a single-center experience with 100 cases. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22: 9162-9171