Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in post-Whipple patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an established modality for evaluation and treatment of pancreaticobiliary disorders. However, it is technically more challenging in patients with post-surgical anatomy. The success rate of ERCP in patients with prior pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple resection) is unknown. We assessed the technical success and safety of ERCP in this patient population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Post pancreaticoduodenectomy patients who had undergone ERCP between January 2002 and May 2005 were identified through a computerized medical index system. ERCP was considered successful if the duct of clinical interest had been cannulated and endoscopic therapy had been performed when indicated.

RESULTS

ERCP was attempted 88 times in 51 patients with prior pancreaticoduodenectomy, including 37 procedures for pancreatic indications, 44 for biliary obstruction, and 7 for both biliary and pancreatic indications. The overall technical success rate of ERCP based on the intention behind the procedure was 51 % (45 of the 88 procedures). Success was significantly more likely for biliary indications (37/44, 84 %) than for pancreatic indications (3/37, 8 %) ( P < or = .001). Complications occurred in 2 % of the procedures and included one self- contained perforation treated medically and one Mallory-Weiss tear.

CONCLUSIONS

When performed by experienced endoscopists, ERCP in patients with prior pancreaticoduodenectomy is safe, with a high success rate for biliary indications and a low success rate for pancreatic duct indications. Better methods of achieving pancreatic duct cannulation after pancreaticoduodenectomy are needed.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography catheter and accessory exchange using a short hydrophilic guide wire: a prospective study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Although hydrophilic guide wires can be used to facilitate stricture cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), some endoscopists avoid using them because of concerns about wire loss during exchange. There are no data available on the outcomes of using a short hydrophilic guide wire during ERCP. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of therapeutic ERCP procedures in which a short, completely hydrophilic guide wire was used exclusively.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 100 patients undergoing ERCP were studied prospectively. A 0.035-inch, 260-cm long, angled-tip hydrophilic wire (Terumo Glidewire) was used initially. Hydraulic catheter exchange was performed as follows: during catheter withdrawal the assistant advanced all the available wire into the catheter; a 12-ml syringe was then attached to the catheter and water was flushed under pressure to "float the wire" and maintain its position during catheter removal. Variables evaluated included exchange times and wire loss rates.

RESULTS

A total of 223 catheter exchanges were performed, 132 (59%) using the Olympus V-Scope (which held the wire in 62% of cases): 15% of exchanges were with catheters/accessories designed for short-wire use (Boston Scientific Rapid Exchange Biliary System or Rx System), and 85% were with a variety of standard-length accessories. Overall, the mean exchange time was 26 seconds (range 6 - 90 seconds, standard deviation 12 seconds). The mean exchange time was faster with the V-Scope and with non-Rx-System accessories. Wire loss occurred in 5 % of all exchanges. Desired ductal/stricture access was achieved in all the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Exchange of short hydrophilic wires is quick and reliable. The Olympus V-Scope is able to hold the wire in some cases. Monorail-type devices and accessories slow catheter exchange down slightly because hydraulic exchange cannot be performed using these systems.

The relationship between neuropeptide Y expression and headache in pituitary tumours

Patients with pituitary tumours often present with disabling headache but there is no clear relationship between tumour size and headache. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been identified in pituitary tumours and may serve as a biochemical marker of the propensity for headache. Using immunohistochemical techniques we examined 27 consecutive pituitary adenoma specimens for NPY (including one normal postmortem control anterior pituitary specimen). A separate observer divided the patients into two groups: headache and non-headache. The association between the presence of NPY and headache was tested. NPY positive immunoreactivity was seen in 13 tumour specimens (50%, 13 of 26 pituitary tumour specimens), characterized by cytoplasmic and nuclear staining patterns. There was no significant association between the presence of NPY and headache (chi(2) = 0.9, P = 0.34). We did not observe NPY in the normal anterior pituitary control specimen. NPY was present in four of five (80%) growth hormone-secreting tumours and two of two (100%) prolactinomas, compared with four of 11 (36%) non-functioning adenomas. The mechanism of many pituitary tumour-associated headaches remains undetermined. The significance of NPY positivity in pituitary tumours is unknown, although the results of this study may implicate this peptide in the control of somatotroph and lactotroph activity. Our data do not support a clear role for NPY pituitary tumour-associated headache.

Inhibition of nociceptive dural input in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis by somatostatin receptor blockade in the posterior hypothalamus

Somatostatin is a neuromodulator in the central nervous system and is involved in the regulation of metabolic and neuroendocrine functions. Recent experimental and clinical findings point to a role for somatostatin in the central processing of nociception. We studied the effects of somatostatin receptor modulation in the posterior hypothalamic area (PH) of the rat on dural nociceptive input. Somatostatin (10 microg/microl) and the somatostatin antagonist cyclo-somatostatin (50 microg/microl) were microinjected into the PH and the effects on responses of neurons in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis studied. Injection of somatostatin (n=11) did not affect A- and C-fibre responses to dural electrical stimulation, nor was spontaneous activity altered (P>0.05). Injection of cyclo-somatostatin (n=10) into the PH reduced A-(-35.5+/-5.8%) and C-fibre (-43.1+/-7.5%) responses to dural stimulation and resulted in decreased spontaneous activity (-38.1+/-7.3%, P<0.05). Responses to facial thermal stimulation were decreased by 51.2+/-5.8% (n=5). Control injections had no significant effect (n=9). Blockade of somatostatin receptors in the PH has an anti-nociceptive effect on dural and facial input, probably mediated via GABAergic mechanisms. As somatostatin is also involved in hypothalamic regulation of metabolic, neuroendocrine and autonomic functions, somatostatin receptor mechanisms in the PH may play a role in the pathophysiology of primary headache disorders, such as migraine or cluster headache.

The clinical characteristics of headache in patients with pituitary tumours

The clinical characteristics of 84 patients with pituitary tumour who had troublesome headache were investigated. The patients presented with chronic (46%) and episodic (30%) migraine, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT; 5%), cluster headache (4%), hemicrania continua (1%) and primary stabbing headache (27%). It was not possible to classify the headache according to International Headache Society diagnostic criteria in six cases (7%). Cavernous sinus invasion was present in the minority of presentations (21%), but was present in two of three patients with cluster headache. SUNCT-like headache was only seen in patients with acromegaly and prolactinoma. Hypophysectomy improved headache in 49% and exacerbated headache in 15% of cases. Somatostatin analogues improved acromegaly-associated headache in 64% of cases, although rebound headache was described in three patients. Dopamine agonists improved headache in 25% and exacerbated headache in 21% of cases. In certain cases, severe exacerbations in headache were observed with dopamine agonists. Headache appears to be a significant problem in pituitary disease and is associated with a range of headache phenotypes. The presenting phenotype is likely to be governed by a combination of factors, including tumour activity, relationship to the cavernous sinus and patient predisposition to headache. A proposed modification of the current classification of pituitary-associated headache is given.

No relationship between vasoactive intestinal polypeptide expression and headache in pituitary tumours

BACKGROUND

Clinical studies have noted the common presentation of pituitary tumours with significant headache. This has been considered to be one, or a combination of, increased cranial pressure, tumour size with dural stretch, or cavernous sinus invasion. Newer hypotheses suggest an association between the presence of pituitary tumour-associated headaches and the expression and release of nociceptive substances. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), a marker of the cranial parasympathetic system, is increased during acute attacks of some primary headaches, and with its expression in the pituitary may link some pituitary tumours to their headache presentations.

METHODS

Using immunohistochemical techniques, VIP expression in pituitary tumour specimens was examined to determine if there was a relationship between the presence or absence of pituitary-associated headache and the expression of VIP immunoreactivity (VIP-IR). A qualitative analysis of the VIP-IR in pituitary cells was performed by observers blinded to the headache status of each patient. The presence of VIP-IR and headache were treated as binary variables and associations tested with chi-square tests.

RESULTS

Forty-five per cent of specimens positive for VIP were from patients presenting with headache. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of VIP-IR and headache (chi(2) = 0.077, P = 0.781).

CONCLUSION

Although the significance of VIP positivity in pituitary tumour-associated headache is unknown it seems unrelated to headache. It remains possible that the mechanism of these headaches relates to the production of either an as yet unidentified peptide, or a combination of nociceptive peptides.

Octreotide is not effective in the acute treatment of migraine

The aim of this study was to determine whether subcutaneous octreotide is effective for the treatment of acute migraine. Patients with migraine with and without aura as classified by the International Headache Society were recruited to a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Patients were instructed to treat two attacks of at least moderate pain severity, with at least a 7 day interval, using subcutaneous 100 microg octreotide or matching placebo. The primary endpoint was the headache response defined as: severe or moderate pain becomes mild or nil, at 2 h. The primary endpoint was analysed using a Multilevel Analysis approach. Secondary end-points included associated symptoms and a four-point functional disability score. The study was powered to detect a 30% difference at an alpha of 0.05 and a beta of 0.8. A total of 51 patients were recruited, of whom 42 provided efficacy data on an attack treated with octreotide and 41 with placebo. Modelling the headache response as a binomial determined by treatment, using the patient as the level 2 variable, and considering a possible period effect, and sex and migraine type as other variables of interest, subcutaneous octreotide was not significantly superior to placebo. The two hour headache response rates were 20% for placebo and 14% for octreotide, whilst the two hour pain free rates were 7% and 2%, respectively. Subcutaneous octreotide 100 microg is not effective in the acute treatment of migraine when compared to placebo.

Differential modulation of nociceptive dural input to [hypocretin] orexin A and B receptor activation in the posterior hypothalamic area

The novel neuropeptides orexin A and B are selectively synthesised in the lateral and posterior hypothalamus and are involved in hypothalamic regulation of autonomic and neuroendocrine functions. Recent findings point also to a role in nociception. As the posterior hypothalamus is involved in the central modulation of nociception we studied the effects of hypocretin/orexin receptor activation in the posterior hypothalamic area (PH) of the rat on dural nociceptive input. Orexins were microinjected into the PH and the effects on responses of neurones in the caudal trigeminal nucleus studied. Injection of orexin A decreased the A- and C-fibre responses to dural electrical stimulation as well as spontaneous activity. Responses to noxious thermal stimulation of the facial skin were also decreased by orexin A. Injection of orexin B into the PH, however, elicited increased responses to dural stimulation in A- and C-fibre responses and resulted in increased spontaneous activity. Responses to facial thermal stimulation were also increased by orexin B. Control injection of saline into the PH had no significant effect. The results show a differential modulation of dural nociceptive input by orexin A and B receptor activation in the PH. The results support the role of the PH in the nociceptive processing of meningeal input. As both peptides are also involved in hypothalamic regulation of neuroendocrine and autonomic functions, orexinergic mechanisms in the PH may provide a link for endocrine and autonomic changes as well as nociceptive phenomena seen in primary headache disorders.

The association between calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P and headache in pituitary tumours

OBJECTIVES

To determine if the differential expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or substance P (SP) in a range of pituitary tumours was related to the presence or absence of headache.

METHODS

Using recognised immunohistochemical techniques we examined twenty-six consecutive pituitary adenoma specimens for the presence of CGRP and SP. We included one normal post mortem pituitary specimen for comparison. A separate observer divided the patients into two groups: headache and non-headache. The association between the presence of CGRP, SP and headache was observed.

RESULTS

We observed CGRP in seven specimens (27%) and SP in six tumour specimens (23%), with cytoplasmic staining being the predominant morphological picture. CGRP and SP were co-expressed in the same tumour specimen in five cases. There was no significant association between the presence of CGRP and headache (chi(2) 0.86; P = 0.35). We did not observe CGRP or SP in the control specimen. There was no correlation between tumour subtype and the presence of CGRP or SP.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism of pituitary tumour-associated headache remains undetermined. The significance of the presence of CGRP and SP in pituitary tumours is unknown but does not appear to be related to headache or endocrine activity of the tumour.

SUNCT syndrome secondary to prolactinoma

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome is a rare form of primary headache disorder, although secondary causes, particularly posterior fossa abnormalities, are well known. We report a case of SUNCT syndrome secondary to a prolactinoma. Administration of dopamine agonists led to complete resolution of the SUNCT attacks. This case, together with other similar case reports in the literature, highlight the importance of excluding a diagnosis of pituitary adenoma in all suspected cases of SUNCT syndrome, especially as the headache can precede more classical pituitary symptoms by a considerable period of time. Clinicians managing patients with suspected SUNCT syndrome should elicit a history of symptoms associated with pituitary neoplasms, perform a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain and pituitary, and screen for serum hormonal abnormalities.

Effect of IL-1β microinjection into the posterior hypothalamic area on trigeminal nociception in the rat

The hypothalamus has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the most disabling forms of primary headache, namely migraine and cluster headache. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is highly expressed in the hypothalamus. We recorded from the trigeminal nucleus caudalis of rats using extracellular electrophysiological methods from neurons responding to electrical stimulation of the peri-middle meningeal artery dura mater and having receptive fields in the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Data were collected from fifteen clusters of wide-dynamic range neurons with stable baseline firing responses between 97 and 101% ( n=3 for each unit) to stimulation. Microinjection of IL-1beta into the posterior hypothalamus of 9 animals resulted in a modest inhibition of evoked trigeminal responses in three units, no effect in six and no overall effect for the entire cohort studied. The mean maximum response was a non-significant reduction in firing to 83+/-7% ( n=9) at 30 minutes post-injection of IL-1beta. There was some variation of effect dependent on site of injection with central posterior hypothalamus being the predominant area that resulted in inhibition. There was no inhibition in the six animals injected with vehicle (saline). If there is an important effect for IL-1beta in the posterior hypothalamus it is likely to be highly somatotopically restricted.

Prolactinomas, dopamine agonists and headache: two case reports

Headache is a common problem in patients with pituitary tumours. Small pituitary lesions can cause debilitating headache, suggesting that the size of the pituitary tumour may not be the only causal factor in pituitary-related headache. We present two cases of prolactinoma-associated headache. The first case has a clinical diagnosis of short-lasting unilateral headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT). The second case has a clinical diagnosis of hemicrania continua and idiopathic stabbing headache. In each case, the administration of dopamine agonists has led to an exacerbation of symptoms. We review the relevant literature to understand the pathophysiological implications of these cases.

Endoscopic removal of a biliary Wallstent with a suture-cutting device in a patient with primary pancreatic lymphoma

This report describes the case of a 74-year-old woman who had previously had a metal stent placed to relieve jaundice resulting from a pancreatic head tumor, suspected to be adenocarcinoma. The tumor was subsequently found to be a non-Hodgkin's large-cell lymphoma, which had shown a rapid response to chemotherapy without tumor recurrence in over 3 years since the diagnosis. She was referred for management of recurrent jaundice and cholangitis resulting from repeated metal stent occlusion, despite multiple endoscopic procedures and failed surgical removal. This report describes experience with the use of an endoscopic suture-cutting device to assist in the removal of the metal stent. It also highlights the need for proper patient selection before placement of biliary metal stents.

Idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis

Acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) results most commonly from alcohol abuse or gallstone disease. Initial evaluation fails to detect the cause of ARP in 10-30% of patients, and as a result the diagnosis of "idiopathic" ARP is given. In these patients, a more extensive evaluation including specialized labs, ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound, or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography typically leads to a diagnosis of microlithiasis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, or pancreas divisum. Less commonly, hereditary pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, a choledochocele, annular pancreas, an anomalous pancreatobiliary junction, pancreatobiliary tumors, or chronic pancreatitis are diagnosed. Determining the etiology is important, as it helps to direct therapy, limits further unnecessary evaluation, and may improve a patient's long term prognosis.

Immune globulin and vaccine therapy to prevent hepatitis A infection

The hepatitis A virus is usually transmitted person-to-person due to fecal-oral exchange of virus. Approximately 30,000 infections are reported each year in the United States, with the actual incidence being much greater. Prophylaxis with immune globulin has had a minimal impact on the overall incidence of hepatitis A. The recent availability and proven efficacy of a hepatitis A vaccine offers the hope that the incidence of infection may be substantially reduced. Pre- and postexposure prophylaxis should be targeted to individuals at increased risk of either acquiring infection, transmitting infection, or developing fulminant hepatitis, or to help control epidemics. This article reviews the current literature and discusses recommendations for pre- and postexposure prophylaxis against hepatitis A virus.

The adverse effect of hydrosalpinges on in vitro fertilization pregnancy rates and the benefit of surgical correction

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that IVF-ET pregnancy rates (PRs) for patients with tubal factor infertility are decreased in patients with hydrosalpinges and that surgical correction reverses this effect.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Private practice IVF-ET program.

PATIENT(S)

Patients (n = 160) undergoing 238 cycles of IVF-ET were stratified into groups based on the presence of hydrosalpinges and whether surgical correction had been performed. Patients >39 years old and patients with male factor infertility were excluded from the study.

INTERVENTION(S)

Patients with hydrosalpinges were offered surgical correction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Clinical pregnancy defined by an intrauterine gestational sac.

RESULT(S)

Patients with hydrosalpinges had significantly decreased implantation rates and PRs per transfer (2.8% and 8.5%, respectively) than patients with tubal factor infertility but without hydrosalpinges (15.7% and 38.6%). Surgical correction improved implantation rates and PRs in patients with prior failed cycles (16.1% and 37.5%) and in patients undergoing surgery before IVF-ET (21.8% and 51.7%). The type of surgery performed did not affect success rates in the small number of patients evaluated.

CONCLUSION(S)

The presence of a hydrosalpinx during an IVF-ET cycle results in significant decreases in implantation rates and PRs. Surgical treatment of hydrosalpinges before IVF-ET cycles improves implantation rates and PRs.

Comparison of omeprazole and ranitidine for stress ulcer prophylaxis

Stress ulcer prophylaxis protects against clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding and has gained widespread use. This study compares the efficacy of omeprazole to ranitidine for this indication. This was a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Sixty-seven high-risk patients were randomized to receive either ranitidine 150 mg (N = 35) intravenously daily or omeprazole 40 mg (N = 32) daily orally or by nasogastric route. Patients were monitored for clinically important bleeding. There was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups in the number of patients enrolled, gender, race, or age. The study groups were comparable in regard to the severity of illness based on their similar APACHE II score, duration of ICU stay, duration of ventilator dependence, and mortality rate. A significant difference was found only in regard to the number of risk factors per patient. The ranitidine-treated group had 2.7 risk factors per patient while the omeprazole-treated group had 1.9 (P < 0.05). Eleven patients (31%) given ranitidine and two patients (6%) given omeprazole developed clinically important bleeding (P < 0.05). Nosocomial pneumonia developed in five patients (14%) receiving ranitidine and one patient (3%) receiving omeprazole (P > 0.05). We conclude that oral omeprazole is safe, effective, and clinically feasible for stress ulcer prophylaxis.