Effect of predominant methanogenic flora on outcome of lactose hydrogen breath test in controls and irritable bowel syndrome patients of north India

The relationship between methanogenic flora and hydrogen (H(2)) production is considered to be a possible confounding factor in the interpretation of hydrogen breath tests (H(2)BT). Therefore, the present study was conducted prospectively and included 154 IBS patients (fulfilling Rome II criteria) and 286 age-and-sex-matched apparently healthy controls. Each subject underwent H(2)BT after overnight fasting using 25 g lactose. Methane and H(2) were measured using an SC Microlyser from Quintron, USA, at baseline and every 30 min for a total of 4 h. Subjects with fasting methane concentration <10 ppm were labeled as low methane producers (LMP) and >10 ppm as predominant methane producers (PMP). A rise >20 ppm over base line in hydrogen concentration was taken as +ve hydrogen breath test. IBS and control groups included 66.78% and 67.53% males, respectively. Mean age in the two groups were 48.52 +/- 30.54 years (range 15-68 years) and 45.67 +/- 30.54 years (range 15-78 years), respectively. Hydrogen breath test was +ve in 77/154 (50%) IBS patients and in 142/286 (49.65%) in controls (P > 0.05). It was also observed that the hydrogen breath test was -ve due to PMP in 5/77 (6.49%) of IBS patients and in 29/154 (20.14%) in controls. PMP affected lactose hydrogen breath tests in 6.49-20.14% subjects. This effect is more apparent in apparently healthy subjects as compared to patients with IBS.

Clinical profile of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis in North India

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Tropical pancreatitis, a form of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP) with unique features, has been described in South and North India. We investigated the clinical profile of ICP patients in North India.

METHODS

Detailed demographic data were recorded; hematological and biochemical analyses were performed on samples from 155 patients (mostly from North India) who had been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were performed on all patients. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, glucose tolerance tests, and fecal fat studies were performed on some patients. Patients were divided into groups based on early- or late-onset ICP (before or after 35 years of age).

RESULTS

ICP was reported in 41.3% of patients and alcoholic chronic pancreatitis in 38.1%. The mean age of ICP patients was 33.0 +/- 13.0 years and the mean duration of symptoms at the time of presentation was 40.2 +/- 34.4 months. Pain was the dominant symptom in patients with early- (95.1%) and late-onset (100%) ICP; pseudocyst was the most common local complication. Diabetes was observed in 17.1% of patients with early-onset ICP and 34.8% with late-onset ICP. Pancreatic calcification was noted in 46.3% of patients with early-onset and 47.8% with late-onset ICP. Pseudocyst and segmental portal hypertension occurred more frequently in non-calcific ICP, whereas diabetes mellitus and abnormal fecal fat excretion occurred more frequently in patients with calcific ICP.

CONCLUSIONS

In North India, ICP differs from the classical tropical pancreatitis described in the literature. It is associated with a higher prevalence of pain and lower frequencies of diabetes, calcification, and intraductal calculi.

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in pancreatic trauma: need to break the mental barrier

Pancreatic injury has a high morbidity and mortality. The integrity of the main pancreatic duct is the most important determinant of prognosis. Serum amylase, peritoneal lavage and computed tomography of the abdomen can assist with diagnosis but endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) is the most accurate investigation for diagnosing the site and extent of ductal disruption. However, it is invasive and can be associated with significant complications. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and secretin-enhanced MRCP probably parallel ERP in delineating pancreatic ductal injuries. They can also delineate the duct upstream to complete disruption, an area not visualized on ERP. In relation to therapy, endoscopic transpapillary drainage has been successfully used to heal duct disruptions in the early phase of pancreatic trauma and, in the delayed phase, to treat the complications of pancreatic duct injuries such as pseudocysts and pancreatic fistulae. Transpapillary drainage is especially effective in patients who have partial pancreatic duct disruption that can be bridged. Endoscopic transmural drainage has also been successfully used to treat post-traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts. Further large, prospective and randomized studies are required to adjudge the efficacy and long-term safety of pancreatic duct drainage in the treatment of post-traumatic pancreatic duct injuries.

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in pancreatic trauma: need to break the mental barrier

Pancreatic injury has a high morbidity and mortality. The integrity of the main pancreatic duct is the most important determinant of prognosis. Serum amylase, peritoneal lavage and computed tomography of the abdomen can assist with diagnosis but endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) is the most accurate investigation for diagnosing the site and extent of ductal disruption. However, it is invasive and can be associated with significant complications. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and secretin-enhanced MRCP probably parallel ERP in delineating pancreatic ductal injuries. They can also delineate the duct upstream to complete disruption, an area not visualized on ERP. In relation to therapy, endoscopic transpapillary drainage has been successfully used to heal duct disruptions in the early phase of pancreatic trauma and, in the delayed phase, to treat the complications of pancreatic duct injuries such as pseudocysts and pancreatic fistulae. Transpapillary drainage is especially effective in patients who have partial pancreatic duct disruption that can be bridged. Endoscopic transmural drainage has also been successfully used to treat post-traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts. Further large, prospective and randomized studies are required to adjudge the efficacy and long-term safety of pancreatic duct drainage in the treatment of post-traumatic pancreatic duct injuries.

Endoscopic diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas invading the stomach

CONTEXT

Squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas is an unusual tumor due to the absence of squamous cells in the normal pancreas. Its clinical presentation is similar to that of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and is usually diagnosed intraoperatively or at autopsy.

CASE REPORT

We report a 50-year-old male who presented with obstructive jaundice and symptoms suggestive of gastric outlet obstruction. Contrast-enhanced computerized tomography revealed a heterogeneous enhancing mass in the head of pancreas and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an ulcerated polypoidal lesion in the stomach; the endoscopic biopsies taken from this region revealed infiltration of the lamina propria with malignant squamous cells.

CONCLUSION

A rare case of squamous cell carcinoma of the head of the pancreas presenting with obstructive jaundice and gastric outlet obstruction and in which diagnosis was established by endoscopic biopsies of the stomach has been described.

Concomitant intestinal parasitism and non-cholera vibrio infection

Concomitant parasitism is not uncommon especially in tropical countries with low socioeconomic status. Here we report an unusual combination of intestinal infection due to Strongyloides stercoralis, Blastomyces hominis and non-cholera Vibrio in a patient suffering from acute gastroenteritis and hypoalbuminemia. Early recognition and accurate treatment of gastrointestinal infections and infestations before the patient develops complications is important.

Chronic pancreatitis in primary hyperparathyroidism: comparison with alcoholic and idiopathic chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare cause of chronic pancreatitis and there is a paucity of data on this interesting association. There is also no data comparing the clinical profile of chronic pancreatitis secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism with that of alcohol related and idiopathic chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

The clinical and biochemical spectrum of chronic pancreatitis secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism was evaluated retrospectively and compared with nine age-matched patients with alcohol related and idiopathic chronic pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Renal colic, nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, bone disease, palpable neck nodule, and psychiatric abnormality were significantly more common in chronic pancreatitis due to hyperparathyroidism in comparison to alcoholic and idiopathic groups. The corrected calcium (10.8 +/- 0.9 vs 9.3 +/- 0.6 vs 9.2 +/- 0.8 mg/dL; P = 0.001) and intact parathormone (425 +/- 130 [SE]vs 22.2 +/- 14.3 [SE]vs 30 +/- 27.3 [SE] pg/mL; P = 0.009) levels were significantly elevated, while levels of serum phosphate were significantly less (3.1 +/- 0.4 vs 3.9 +/- 0.5 vs 3.4 +/- 0.7 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.04) in chronic pancreatitis due to hyperparathyroidism in comparison to the alcoholic and idiopathic groups. No significant difference was observed in the frequency of steatorrhea, diabetes mellitus, pancreatic calcification, and pseudocyst between the three groups. Six out of nine patients underwent parathyroidectomy and none had recurrence of pancreatic pain over 14.3 +/- 13.8 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic pancreatitis due to hyperparathyroidism has important characteristics in its biochemical and clinical manifestations. Parathyroidectomy relieves pancreatic pain in majority of patients.

Orocecal transit time in patients with celiac disease from North India: a case control study

AIM

The mechanisms responsible for bowel disturbances in celiac disease are still unknown. Small bowel motor abnormalities may be involved in this pathological condition; however, there is no study addressing small bowel transit in patients of celiac disease from Northern India.

METHOD

The mouth-to-cecum transit time was studied in 80 celiac patients and 80 age and sex matched apparently healthy controls.

RESULTS

Orocecal transit time in celiac patients was significantly delayed being 180+/-10.6 minutes (Mean+/-SE) as compared to 105+/-12.4 minutes in apparently healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

This prolonged orocecal transit time could be due to impaired small bowel function (deranged motility) in patients with celiac disease.

Study of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in North Indian patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20% of the general population has irritable bowel syndrome. Despite this high prevalence, the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown. There is no data available concerning the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in North Indian patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

AIM

This study evaluated the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

This study included 225 consecutive patients of irritable bowel syndrome between the ages 20 and 65 years attending the gastroenterology clinics. Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome was made according to the Rome II criteria. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was estimated by using the non-invasive glucose hydrogen breath test.

RESULTS

Of 225 patients of irritable bowel syndrome, 160 (71.1%) were male and 65 (28.9%) were female. Of 100 controls, 65 (65%) were male and 35 (35%) female. The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was 25 of 225 (11.1%) patients with irritable bowel syndrome and 1 of 100 (1%) in apparently healthy controls. This difference was statistically significant. The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in male and female patients was not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome patients from North India is approximately 11.1%, which is lower than the reported prevalence.

Comparison of multidetector computed tomographic colonography and conventional colonoscopy for detection of colorectal polyps and cancer

BACKGROUND

Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) is a new technique for detecting colonic neoplasms. Data on the utility of this method in the Indian population are limited.

METHODS

Forty-two patients with symptoms of colonic disease underwent CTC and conventional colonoscopy (CC) within one week of each other and the findings at these two investigations were compared.

RESULTS

The entire colon could be evaluated in 38 patients on CTC and in 23 patients on CC. Of the 19 patients who had incomplete CC, 14 had occlusive colonic lesions. Of the 86 lesions detected on CC, 76 (88.4%) were correctly identified on CTC with regard to location and size. CTC was false negative for 10 lesions and false positive for 5 lesions in 3 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of CTC were 65% and 77%, respectively, for lesions 1-5 mm; 97% and 83% for 6-9 mm-sized lesions; and 100% and 100% for lesions 10 mm or larger. Extracolonic findings were seen in 24 of 42 patients (57%).

CONCLUSIONS

CTC is reliable for detecting lesions 6 mm or larger in size. It permits evaluation of the region proximal to an occlusive growth, which is often not possible with CC.

Endoscopic examination of the upper esophagus by withdrawal of endoscope over guide wire

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is an important diagnostic modality in evaluation of patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. However, lesions located in the cricopharyngeal area and upper esophagus can be missed, as this area may not be well visualized during endoscopy. This study was conducted to study the utility of a new technique of endoscopic examination of the upper esophagus by withdrawal of endoscope over guide wire in diagnosing esophageal disorders. Patients with suspected upper esophageal disorders on history and radiological investigations were assessed using guide wire assisted endoscopic examination during withdrawal of the endoscope. In this technique, endoscope is inserted into the esophagus under vision and thereafter the whole of esophagus, stomach and proximal duodenum is examined. The endoscope is then withdrawn into the mid-esophagus, a guide wire is fed into the biopsy channel, and thereafter inserted into the esophagus. Once guide wire has been advanced into the esophagus, the endoscope is withdrawn gently over the guide wire into esophagus carefully examining for lesions in upper esophagus and cricopharyngeal area. Twenty cases of various abnormalities localized to the upper esophagus were studied. The final diagnosis in these patients was cervical esophageal web (10), post transhiatal esophagectomy leak (4), heterotopic gastric mucosa (3), posttraumatic esophageal perforation (2), and Zenker's diverticulum (1). Intact web was detected in 2 patients and in 8 patients fractured web was seen. Guide wire assisted examination of upper esophagus improved the ability to visualize and characterize these lesions and no complications were encountered as a result of this procedure. Endoscopic examination of the upper esophagus by withdrawal of endoscope over guide wire is safe and effective in diagnosing anatomical abnormalities of the upper esophagus that may be missed or poorly characterized during standard endoscopy.

Management of multiple and large pancreatic pseudocysts by endoscopic transpapillary nasopancreatic drainage alone

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic drainage of a single pseudocyst is a well-known treatment modality. Its role in the management of multiple pseudocysts is not well established. We evaluated the role of endoscopic transpapillary nasopancreatic drain (NPD) placement in the management of multiple and large pseudocysts.

METHODS

Over 3 yr (2001-2004), endoscopic transpapillary NPD placement was attempted in 11 patients (age range 12-50 yr, 10 men) with symptomatic communicating multiple pseudocysts of pancreas (three in two and two in nine cases). A 5Fr/7Fr NPD was placed across the most distal duct disruption or into one of the pseudocysts.

RESULTS

Eight patients had an underlying chronic pancreatitis and three patients had pseudocysts as sequelae of acute pancreatitis. The size of pseudocysts ranged from 2 to 14 cm (mean 7.5 cm). Eight patients (72.7%) had at least one pseudocyst more than 6 cm in size. Nine patients had a partial disruption and two patients had complete disruption of the pancreatic duct. The NPD was successfully placed in 10 of 11 (90.9%) patients. Postprocedure acute febrile illness in one patient was the only complication noted, which responded to intravenous antibiotics. All pseudocysts resolved in 4-8 wk in 7 of 7 patients with successful bridging of the most distal ductal disruption. There was no recurrence of the pseudocysts in a mean follow-up of 19.4 months. Two patients, in whom there was a complete disruption and the NPD could not bridge the disruption, required surgery for the nonresolution of pseudocysts. In one patient with partial ductal disruption that could not be bridged, there was complete resolution of one pseudocyst and a decrease in the size of the other pseudocyst from 12 to 4 cm. The NPD was replaced by a stent and both the pseudocysts resolved in 20 wk.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic transpapillary NPD placement is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of multiple and large pseudocysts, especially when there is partial ductal disruption, and the disruption can be bridged.