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OBJECTIVES: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has revolutionizedthe evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) but published literatureis limited to small series with heterogeneous indications. The aim of thisstudy was to determine the findings and the diagnostic yield of CE in a largeseries of patients with overt and occult OGIB. METHODS: Data on 260 patientswho underwent CE for overt (N = 126) or occult (N = 134) OGIB were obtained byretrospective chart review and review of an internal database of CE patientsand findings. RESULTS: Visualization of the entire small bowel was achieved in74%. The majority of exams (66%) were rated as having a good or excellent prep.Clinically significant positive findings occurred in 53%. The yield of CE inthe obscure-overt group was greater than in the obscure-occult group (60%vs46%, P= 0.03). Small bowel angioectasias were the most common finding,comprising over 60% of clinically significant lesions. The mean follow-up was9.6 months, and there were significant reductions in hospitalizations,additional tests/procedures, and units of blood transfused after CE. Bothbefore and after CE, patients in the overt group had more significant GIbleeding than patients in the occult group. Complications occurred in five(1.9%) cases: nonnatural excretion (four) and CE impaction at cricopharyngeus(one). CONCLUSIONS: The yield of clinically important findings on CE inpatients with OGIB is 53% and is greater in patients with obscure-overt thanobscure-occult GI bleeding. Angioectasias account for the majority ofsignificant lesions in both groups. Compared with pre-CE, patients had clinicalimprovement post-CE in medical interventions for OGIB. Complications of CEoccur in less than 2% of cases.Leggil'articolo