Upper Gastrointestinal Massive Bleeding Diagnosis Criteria

Diagnosing upper gastrointestinal (GI) massive bleeding involves evaluating both the volume of blood loss and identifying the specific location of the hemorrhage. Generally, massive bleeding is defined as a single episode involving more than 500 mL of blood loss, or the accumulation of over 1000 mL within a short period. This type of bleeding can originate from various areas in the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, stomach, duodenum (both the bulb and descending portion), liver, biliary system, bile ducts, and pancreas. Additionally, systemic diseases that lead to gastrointestinal bleeding are also considered under this category.

Upper GI massive bleeding is regarded as a critical medical emergency in gastroenterology. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential. Common signs and symptoms include cold sweats, pallor, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, and shortness of breath. These symptoms often indicate significant blood loss and require immediate medical attention to stabilize the patient and identify the source of bleeding.