Paraesophageal hernia and iron deficiency anemia: Mechanisms, diagnostics and therapy

Table 1 Diagnostic procedures for primarily hernia-induced anemia

Methods	The specific content
Laboratory parameters	Hemoglobin, MCV, ferritin, iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor, reticulocytes, vitamin B12, folic acid, IgA transglutaminase and total IgA. Iron absorption test. Determination of reticulocytes after iron administrationiFOBT
Endoscopy	Gastroscopy (push-Enteroscopy if necessary). Colonoscopy (including insight into terminal Ileum). Video capsule endoscopy. (enteroscopy only with abnormal capsule findings)
Radiology	Barium swallow. CT of thoracoabdominal junction with oral contrast medium (if necessary whole abdominal CT with intravenous contrast medium). Magnetic resonance imaging of the intestine only for certain symptoms
Functional investigations	24-h pH-metry, urea breath test, High resolution manometry
Optional (only with appropriate symptoms)	Bronchoscopy, thoracic CT. Ear, nose, and throat examination up to panendoscopy of the nasal cavity

MCV: Mean corpuscular volume; iFOBT: Immunofecal occult blood test; IgA: Immunoglobulin A; CT: Computed tomography.