Update on endoscopic diagnosis, management and surveillance strategies of esophageal diseases

In the last few decades, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has become the most complementary test for investigation of esophageal diseases. Its accessibility and safety guarantee wide clinical utilization in patients with suspected benign and malignant diseases of the esophagus. Recent technological advances in endoscopic imaging and tissue analysis obtained from the esophagus have been useful to better understand and manage highly relevant diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal cancer. Using endoscopy to elucidate esophageal disorders in children has been another field of intensive and challenging research. This editorial highlights the latest advances in the endoscopic management of esophageal diseases, and focuses on Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer, eosinophilic esophagitis, as well as esophageal disorders in the pediatric population.

Use of fully covered self-expanding metal stents in benign biliary diseases

Biliary fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) are now being used to treat several benign biliary conditions. Advantages include small predeployment and large postexpansion diameters in addition to an easy insertion technique. Lack of imbedding of the metal into the bile duct wall enables removability. In benign biliary strictures that usually require multiple procedures, despite the substantially higher cost of FCSEMS compared with plastic stents, the use of FCSEMS is offset by the reduced number of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography interventions required to achieve stricture resolution. In the same way, FCSEMS have also been employed to treat complex bile leaks, perforation and bleeding after endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy and as an aid to maintain permanent drainage tracts obtained by means of Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided biliary drainage. Good success rates have been achieved in all these conditions with an acceptable number of complications. FCSEMS were successfully removed in all patients. Comparative studies of FCSEMS and plastic stents are needed to demonstrate efficacy and cost-effectiveness

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for removal of superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms: A technical review

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is now the most common endoscopic treatment in Japan for intramucosal gastrointestinal neoplasms (non-metastatic). ESD is an invasive endoscopic surgical procedure, requiring extensive knowledge, skill, and specialized equipment. ESD starts with evaluation of the lesion, as accurate assessment of the depth and margin of the lesion is essential. The devices and strategies used in ESD vary, depending on the nature of the lesion. Prior to the procedure, the operator must be knowledgeable about the treatment strategy(ies), the device(s) to use, the electrocautery machine settings, the substances to inject, and other aspects. In addition, the operator must be able to manage complications, should they arise, including immediate recognition of the complication(s) and its treatment. Finally, in case the ESD treatment is not successful, the operator should be prepared to apply alternative treatments. Thus, adequate knowledge and training are essential to successfully perform ESD.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms

Endoscopic resection is an effective treatment for non-invasive esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (ESCNs). Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has been developed for small localized ESCNs as an alternative to surgical therapy because it shows similar effectiveness and is less invasive than esophagectomy. However, EMR is limited in resection size and therefore piecemeal resection is performed for large lesions, resulting in an imprecise histological evaluation and a high frequency of local recurrence. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been developed in Japan as one of the standard endoscopic resection techniques for ESCNs. ESD enables esophageal lesions, regardless of their size, to be removed en bloc and thus has a lower local recurrence rate than EMR. The development of new devices and the establishment of optimal strategies for esophageal ESD have resulted in fewer complications such as perforation than expected. However, esophageal stricture after ESD may occur when the resected area is larger than three-quarters of the esophageal lumen or particularly when it encompasses the entire circumference; such a stricture requires multiple sessions of endoscopic balloon dilatation. Recently, oral prednisolone has been reported to be useful in preventing post-ESD stricture. In addition, a combination of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and ESD might be an alternative therapy for submucosal esophageal cancer that has a risk of lymph node metastasis because esophagectomy is extremely invasive; CRT has a higher local recurrence rate than esophagectomy but is less invasive. ESD is likely to play a central role in the treatment of superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms in the future.

Esophageal space-occupying lesion caused by Ascaris lumbricoides

Ascaris lumbricoides is the largest intestinal nematode parasite of man, which can lead to various complications because of its mobility. As the esophagus is not normal habitat of Ascaris, the report of esophageal ascariasis is rare. An old female presented with dysphagia after an intake of several red bean buns and haw jellies. The barium meal examination revealed a spherical defect in the lower esophagus. Esophageal bezoar or esophageal carcinoma was considered at the beginning. The patient fasted, and received fluid replacement treatment as well as some oral drugs such as proton pump inhibitor and sodium bicarbonate. Then upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was done to further confirm the diagnosis and found a live Ascaris lumbricoides in the gastric antrum and two in the duodenal bulb. The conclusive diagnosis was ascariasis. The esophageal space-occupying lesion might be the entangled worm bolus. Anthelmitnic treatment with mebendazole improved patient’s clinical manifestations along with normalization of the radiological findings during a 2-wk follow-up. Authors report herein this rare case of Ascaris lumbricoides in the esophagus, emphasizing the importance of awareness of this parasitic infection as it often presents with different and unspecific symptoms.

Lewis score correlates more closely with fecal calprotectin than Capsule Endoscopy Crohn's Disease Activity Index

BACKGROUND

Small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is an invaluable imaging method for the small bowel. The Lewis score (LS) and the Capsule Endoscopy Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CECDAI) have been developed to standardize the reporting of small-bowel inflammation. Fecal calprotectin (FC) represents a highly reliable biomarker of intestinal inflammation.

AIM

To assess the performance of the two SBCE inflammation scoring systems by correlating them with FC. Furthermore, to define threshold levels for CECDAI.

METHODS

Retrospective study; patients who underwent SBCE and had FC measurement shortly before or after SBCE. LS and CECDAI were calculated by a single reviewer and correlated [Spearman's (r ( s ))] with the FC results. Linear regression analysis was used to identify threshold levels for CECDAI.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients; three subgroups A, B and C (based on FC levels <100, 100-200, and ≥200 μg/g, respectively). LS appears to correlate with FC (r ( s ) = 0.448, p = 0.0014), unlike CECDAI, which does not demonstrate significant correlation (r ( s ) = 0.245, p = 0.089). Strongly positive correlation between FC and LS was observed in subgroup A (r ( s ) = 0.68, p = 0.0047), while in subgroups B and C, neither LS nor CECDAI showed correlation with FC. Significant correlation between LS and CECDAI was demonstrated (r ( s ) = 0. 6324, p < 0.0001). Linear regression analysis demonstrates that LS thresholds of 135 and 790 correspond with CECDAI levels of 3.8 and 5.8, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LS performs better than CECDAI in describing small-bowel inflammation, especially at FC levels of <100 μg/g. Furthermore, CECDAI levels of 3.8 and 5.8 seem to correspond to LS thresholds of 135 and 790, respectively.

EUS-guided vascular access and therapy

The gastrointestinal tract provides a unique window to access vascular structures in the mediastinum and abdomen. The advent of interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has enabled access to these structures with standard fine-needle aspiration. EUS-guided treatment of varices has been largely reserved as rescue therapy for refractory bleeding but has theoretic advantages over conventional endoscopy-guided treatment. Data are limited and multicenter, prospective controlled trials are needed to show clinical effectiveness and safety in humans. The development of new tools designed for EUS-guided vascular therapy is needed.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided diagnosis of subepithelial tumors

Subepithelial lesions are frequently discovered during routine endoscopic examinations. These lesions represent a wide spectrum of heterogeneous benign to malignant conditions. Most of these lesions are asymptomatic. There is no consensus regarding how to manage these lesions. Over the last 2 decades, the approach to these lesions has significantly improved owing to the introduction of endoscopic ultrasonography, fine-needle aspiration, immunohistochemical staining methods, and different treatment options. This article discusses the nature of subepithelial lesions, focusing on the most recent developments that use endoscopic ultrasonography to diagnose and manage these lesions.

Endo-hepatology: a new paradigm

Recent advances in hepatology have included a new and effective treatment of viral hepatitis, with an increased need for the assessment of liver function and histology. At the same time, there have been a growing number of endoscopic procedures that are pertinent to patients with liver disease. It would be ideal if the assessment and treatment of liver disease and portal hypertension could be performed and assimilated by the liver/gastrointestinal specialist. The authors like to consider this area of integration or overlap of endoscopic procedures within the practice of hepatology as endo-hepatology.

Clinical Analysis of 221 Cases of Adult Choledochal Cysts

Choledochal cyst, usually recognized as a problem in infants, is increasingly reported in adult patients. The aim of this study was to share our experience in treating adult patients with choledochal cysts. Two hundred twenty-one adult patients with choledochal cysts who were treated in our hospital from January 2002 to December 2010 were enrolled. The clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. There were 168 Type I, three Type II, three Type III, 26 Type IV, and 21 Type V cysts. The presentations were nonspecific with 177 patients having abdominal pain and a few patients having other rare symptoms including back pain, cirrhosis, occupying lesions, or spontaneous rupture. The cysts were completely removed in 169 patients, and 36 patients required liver resection. There was one death resulting from abdominal bleeding. Morbidity was limited to 27 patients, 11 of whom underwent invasive interventions. Choledochal cysts remain an interesting clinical problem. In some adult cases, the diagnosis is very difficult. Treatment is type-dependent, complete removal of the cysts is widely accepted, and lifelong follow-up for these patients is recommended.

Intravenous non-high-dose pantoprazole is equally effective as high-dose pantoprazole in preventing rebleeding among low risk patients with a bleeding peptic ulcer after initial endoscopic hemostasis

BACKGROUND

Many studies have shown that high-dose proton-pumps inhibitors (PPI) do not further reduce the rate of rebleeding compared to non-high-dose PPIs but we do not know whether intravenous non-high-dose PPIs reduce rebleeding rates among patients at low risk (Rockall score < 6) or among those at high risk, both compared to high-dose PPIs. This retrospective case-controlled study aimed to identify the subgroups of these patients that might benefit from treatment with non-high-dose PPIs.

METHODS

Subjects who received high dose and non-high-dose pantoprazole for confirmed acute PU bleeding at a tertiary referral hospital were enrolled (n = 413). They were divided into sustained hemostasis (n = 324) and rebleeding groups (n = 89). The greedy method was applied to allow treatment-control random matching (1:1). Patients were randomly selected from the non-high-dose and high-dose PPI groups who had a high risk peptic ulcer bleeding (n = 104 in each group), and these were then subdivided to two subgroups (Rockall score ≥ 6 vs. < 6, n = 77 vs. 27).

RESULTS

An initial low hemoglobin level, serum creatinine level, and Rockall score were independent factors associated with rebleeding. After case-control matching, the significant variables between the non-high-dose and high-dose PPI groups for a Rockall score ≥ 6 were the rebleeding rate, and the amount of blood transfused. Case-controlled matching for the subgroup with a Rockall score < 6 showed that the rebleeding rate was similar for both groups (11.1% in each group).

CONCLUSION

Intravenous non-high-dose pantoprazole is equally effective as high-dose pantoprazole when treating low risk patients with a Rockall sore were < 6 who have bleeding ulcers and high-risk stigmata after endoscopic hemostasis.

Distinguishing autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreaticobiliary cancers: current strategy

OBJECTIVE

A review of the literature to identify current modalities for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) with the objective of establishing a strategy to distinguish it from pancreaticobiliary cancers.

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic and biliary manifestations of AIP mimic pancreaticobiliary cancers. Misdiagnosis of AIP can result in major surgery for a steroid-responsive disease.

METHODS

A review of the literature was performed to identify recent advances in the diagnosis of AIP and evaluate outcomes with various diagnostic strategies to minimize operative intervention for an autoimmune disease.

RESULTS

Diagnostic criteria for AIP are based on histology, imaging, serology, extrapancreatic organ involvement, and response to steroid therapy. The most commonly involved extrapancreatic sites are bile duct, kidney, and retroperitoneum. The Mayo Clinic diagnostic strategy utilizes core biopsy of the pancreas and the Japanese strategy depends on a characteristic pancreatogram. The rate of operative intervention was similar with both strategies and none of the patients with cancer received steroid therapy. Immunoglobulin G subtype 4 (IgG4)-associated cholangitis mimics cholangiocarcinoma and presence of more than 10 IgG4-positive plasma cells/high power field on endoscopic biopsy of the bile duct was diagnostic for AIP in 88% patients. Biliary complications and early relapse are common after surgical resection and immunomodulatory drugs can maintain long-term remission.

CONCLUSION

Criteria based on histology, imaging, endoscopy, serology, extrapancreatic organ involvement, and response to steroid therapy improve the diagnostic yield for AIP. Application of diagnostic and therapeutic protocols by a multidisciplinary team will optimize outcomes with a decline in the rate of operative intervention for AIP, a steroid-responsive disease with propensity for relapse.

Osseous Metaplasia in an Inflammatory Polyp of the Rectum: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Osseous metaplasia is a rare finding in colonic neoplasms. We report a case osseous metaplasia in a 74 year-old male who underwent surveillance colonoscopy and found to have a 7 mm rectal polyp. Histopathologic examination revealed an inflammatory polyp with osseous metaplasia.

Repeat Procedures Within 30 days in Patients Stented for Malignant Distal Biliary Strictures: Experience of 508 Patients at a Tertiary Referral Center

Background

Stent related occlusion and migration remains a problem despite attempts to improve stent design over this time period. Flanged polyethylene plastic stents (FPS) remains the stent of choice in most centers. Early failure of stents placed for malignant extrahepatic biliary strictures (MEBS) has not previously been studied in detail. We set out to determine the incidence and reasons for biliary stent change within 30 days of the index procedure in a large tertiary center population during a period where (FPS) was the sole plastic stent used.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) was undertaken in patients who were stented for presumed or known MEBS between 1993 and 2001. Patients who required repeat stenting within 30 days were identified.

Results

All 508 patients were stented for MEBS. 5.7% of patients had a total of 34 repeat stenting procedures within 30 days of the index procedure; 27of 29 index stents were plastic, 2 were self-expandable metal stents (SEMS), 20 (3.9%) patients had stent failure as the reason for a stent exchange (plastic stent occlusion n = 15, mean time to stent change 14 ± 8.3 days; metal stent occlusion n = 2, mean time to stent change 24.5 ± 7.8 days; plastic stent migration n = 3, mean time to stent change 25 ± 5.3 days). There was a statistically significant difference in the time to stent change between the occluded plastic stent and migrated plastic stent cases (P = 0.045, 95% CI -21.7 to -0.29). 6 patients spent at least 2 additional days in hospital as a result of stent failure.

Conclusions

Early stent failure is an uncommon problem, especially in patients with SEMS. Early plastic stent failure appears to occur sooner with stent occlusion than with stent migration. Early stent failure is associated with significant morbidity and bears an economic impact in additional procedures and hospital stay.

Endoscopic and radiographic features of gastrointestinal involvement in vasculitis

Vasculitis is an inflammation of vessel walls, followed by alteration of the blood flow and damage to the dependent organ. Vasculitis can cause local or diffuse pathologic changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The variety of GI lesions includes ulcer, submucosal edema, hemorrhage, paralytic ileus, mesenteric ischemia, bowel obstruction, and life-threatening perforation.The endoscopic and radiographic features of GI involvement in vasculitisare reviewed with the emphasis on small-vessel vasculitis by presenting our typical cases, including Churg-Strauss syndrome, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Behçet’s disease. Important endoscopic features are ischemic enterocolitis and ulcer. Characteristic computed tomographic findings include bowel wall thickening with the target sign and engorgement of mesenteric vessels with comb sign. Knowledge of endoscopic and radiographic GI manifestations can help make an early diagnosis and establish treatment strategy.

EUS-guided drainage and stent placement for postoperative intra-abdominal and pelvic fluid collections in oncological surgery

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role and benefits of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the management of postoperative intra-abdominal fluid collections after attempted curative surgery for abdominal cancer.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analysed the Endobase from 1 July 2007 to 30 January 2011 for patients with a postoperative intra-abdominal fluid collection who had undergone EUS-guided drainage and the placement of a stent. The data analysed included the demographics, type of surgery and clinical indications of each patient as well as their clinical and radiological findings.

RESULTS

Six patients (three men and three women; mean age, 61.8 years [range, 38-78 years]) with intra-abdominal and pelvic fluid collections after abdominal surgery for cancer had undergone EUS-guided internal drainage. All procedures had been performed using linear EUS guidance and 8-Fr stent drainage catheters ('one step device', Giovannini, NWOA system Needle-Wire, Cook). The collection types included perigastric abscess (n = 3), perigastric hematoma and rectal hematoma (n = 1), perirectal biloma (n = 1), and perirectal abscess (n = 1). Patients had undergone the following types of surgery: lower-anterior rectal resection (n = 2), Whipple's duodenopancreatectomy type (n = 1), total gastrectomy (n = 1), splenectomy (n = 1), and distal pancreatectomy (n = 1). The number of stents inserted for each collection was one (five patients) and two (one patient).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-guided drainage and stenting provide another option for the management of postoperative collections. It allows access to areas that are difficult to reach with the CT-guided approach and it can be performed accurately, efficiently and safely. In addition to this, the internal nature of the drainage offers patients more comfort.

The Clinical and Pathological Features of IgG(4)-Related Disease

The rapidly emerging disorder now known as IgG(4)-related disease (IgG(4)-RD) includes a variety of clinical entities once regarded as being entirely separate diseases. Manifestations of IgG(4)-RD have now been reported in essentially all organ systems. Regardless of which organ is involved, tissue biopsies reveal striking histopathological similarities. The hallmark pathology findings are diffuse lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, abundant IgG(4)-positive plasma cells, modest tissue eosinophilia, and extensive fibrosis. Tumorous swelling and obliterative phlebitis are other frequently observed features. Polyclonal elevations of serum IgG(4) are found in approximately 70% of patients. Many questions pertaining to the etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical features, therapy, disease monitoring, and long-term outcomes remain to be addressed. This paper focuses on the clinical and pathological features of IgG(4)-RD.

Acute pancreatitis with pancreatic abscess secondary to sealed jejunal diverticular perforation

Although most cases of acute pancreatitis are attributed to gallstones or alcohol, many remain idiopathic. The authors describe a case of acute pancreatitis in a 75-year-old gentleman who presented with acute epigastric pain, fevers and shortness of breath. Serum amylase was 2164. CT showed free mesenteric air, and a partly cystic/partly gas-containing mass in the uncinate lobe of the pancreas. Gastrograffin meal revealed duodenal and jejunal diverticular disease, but no contrast leak. Further CT analysis pinpointed fine tracts of air leading from a jejunal diverticulum up toward the pancreas, suggesting causation by a sealed jejunal diverticular perforation. He responded well to intravenous antibiotics and conservative management. Although small bowel diverticular disease is linked to chronic pancreatitis, evidence for association with acute pancreatitis is scarce. The authors believe this is the first reported case of jejunal diverticular disease causing acute pancreatitis, and it highlights micro-perforation as a potential disease mechanism.

CT-guided celiac plexus neurolysis: a review of anatomy, indications, technique, and tips for successful treatment

The celiac plexus is the largest visceral plexus and is located deep in the retroperitoneum, over the anterolateral surface of the aorta and around the origin of the celiac trunk. It serves as a relay center for nociceptive impulses that originate from the upper abdominal viscera, from the stomach to the proximal transverse colon. Celiac plexus neurolysis, with agents such as ethanol, is an effective means of diminishing pain that arises from these structures. Percutaneous imaging-guided celiac plexus neurolysis has been established as an invaluable therapeutic option in the management of intractable abdominal pain in patients with upper abdominal malignancy. The use of multidetector computed tomography (CT) for imaging guidance has superseded other modalities and allows direct visualization of the spread of the neurolytic agent in the antecrural space. Accurate depiction of the retroperitoneal anatomy and the position of the needle tip helps avoid crucial anatomic structures such as the pancreas, aorta, celiac artery, and superior mesenteric artery. Proper patient education, meticulous preprocedure planning, use of optimal multidetector CT techniques, adjunctive CT maneuvers, and postprocedure care are integral to successful celiac plexus neurolysis. Celiac plexus neurolysis does not completely abolish pain; rather, it diminishes pain, helping to reduce opioid requirements and their related side effects and improving survival in patients with upper abdominal malignancy.

[The Alliance for the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer in Spain. A civil commitment to society]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignant tumor in Spain, when men and women are considered together, and the second leading cause of cancer death. Every week in Spain over 500 cases of CRC are diagnosed, and nearly 260 people die from the disease. Epidemiologic estimations for the coming years show a significant increase in the number of annual cases. CRC is a perfectly preventable tumor and can be cured in 90% of cases if detected in the early stages. Population-based screening programs have been shown to reduce the incidence of CRC and mortality from the disease. Unless early detection programs are established in Spain, it is estimated that in the coming years, 1 out of 20 men and 1 out of 30 women will develop CRC before the age of 75. The Alliance for the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer in Spain is an independent and non-profit organization created in 2008 that integrates patients' associations, altruistic non-governmental organizations and scientific societies. Its main objective is to raise awareness and disseminate information on the social and healthcare importance of CRC in Spain and to promote screening measures, early detection and prevention programs. Health professionals, scientific societies, healthcare institutions and civil society should be sensitized to this highly important health problem that requires the participation of all sectors of society. The early detection of CRC is an issue that affects the whole of society and therefore it is imperative for all sectors to work together.

Insertion of foreign bodies (polyembolokoilamania): underpinnings and management strategies

The Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital sees medical and surgical inpatients with comorbid psychiatric symptoms and conditions. Such consultations require the integration of medical and psychiatric knowledge. During their twice-weekly rounds, Dr Stern and other members of the Consultation Service discuss the diagnosis and management of conditions confronted. These discussions have given rise to rounds reports that will prove useful for clinicians practicing at the interface of medicine and psychiatry.Dr Unruh is an attending psychiatrist at McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, and an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Dr Nejad is an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, an attending physician on the Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and the director of the Burns and Trauma Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Mr Stern is a research assistant in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Dr Stern is chief of the Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.Dr Stern is an employee of the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, has served on the speaker's board of Reed Elsevier, is a stock shareholder in WiFiMD (Tablet PC), and has received royalties from Mosby/Elsevier and McGraw Hill. Drs Unruh and Nejad and Mr Stern report no financial or other affiliations relevant to the subject of this article.

Blue mode does not offer any benefit over white light when calculating Lewis score in small-bowel capsule endoscopy

AIM: To check the usefulness of blue mode (BM) review in lewis score (LS) calculation, by comparing it with respective LS results obtained by white light (WL) small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) review and mucosal inflammation as reflected by faecal calprotectin (FC) levels, considered as ‘gold standard’ for this study.

METHODS: Computational analysis of our SBCE database to identify patients who underwent SBCE with PillCam^® and had FC measured within a 30-day period from their test. Only patients with prior colonoscopy were included, to exclude any colon pathology-associated FC rise. Each small bowel tertile was reviewed (viewing speed 8 fps) with WL and BM, in a back-to-back mode, by a single experienced reviewer. LS were calculated after each WL and BM reviews. Pearson rank correlation (rho, r) statistic was applied.

RESULTS: Twenty-seven (n = 27, 20F/7M) patients were included. Thirteen (n = 13) had SBCE with PillCam^®SB1, and the remainder (n = 14) with PillCam^®SB2. The median level of FC in this cohort was 125 μg/g. LS (calculated in WL SBCE review) correlation with FC levels was r = 0.490 (P = 0.01), while for BM review and LS correlation with FC was r = 0.472 (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION: Although BM is believed to enhance mucosal details i.e., small mucosal breaks, it did not perform better than WL in the calculation of LS in our cohort.

[Endoscopic submucosal dissection: only for expert endoscopists?]

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be applied to early gastrointestinal cancers. This technique was developed to achieve radical curative resection and to reduce unnecessary surgical interventions. ESD was designed in eastern countries and is not widely used in the West. Although ESD represents a major therapeutic advance in endoscopy and is performed with curative intent, the complication rate (hemorrhage, perforation) is higher than reported in other techniques, requiring from endoscopists the acquirement of technical skill and experience through a structured and progressive training program to reduce the morbidity associated with this technique and increase its potential benefits. Although there is substantial published evidence on the applications and results of ESD, there are few publications on training in this technique and a standardized training program is lacking. The current article aims to describe the various proposals for training, as well as the basic principles of the technique, its indications, and the results obtained, since theoretical knowledge that would guide endoscopists during the clinical application of ESD is advisable before training begins. Training in an endoscopic technique has a little value without knowledge of the technique's aims, the situations in which it should be applied, and the results that can be expected.

Endoscopic complications--avoidance and management

The frequency of endoscopic complications is likely to rise owing to the increased number of indications for therapeutic procedures and also to the increased complexity of endoscopic techniques. Informed patient consent should be obtained as part of the procedure. Prevention of endoscopic adverse events is based on knowledge of the relevant risk factors and their mechanisms of occurrence. Thus, suitable training of future gastroenterologists and endoscopists is required for these complex procedures. When facing a complication, appropriate management is generally provided by an early diagnosis followed by prompt therapeutic care tailored to the situation. The most common complications of diagnostic and therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, retrograde cholangiopancreatography, small bowel endoscopy and colonoscopy are reviewed here. Different modalities of medical, endoscopic or surgical management are also considered.

A multicenter, prospective, randomized study of selective bile duct cannulation performed by multiple endoscopists: the BIDMEN study

BACKGROUND

Wire-guided cannulation (WGC) with a sphincterotome (S) for selective bile duct cannulation (SBDC) has been reported to have a higher success rate and lower incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) than conventional methods in some randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) that were both single center and limited to only a few endoscopists.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the difference in SBDC according to the method and catheter used in a multicenter and multiendoscopist study.

DESIGN

A prospective, multicenter RCT with a 2 × 2 factorial design.

SETTING

Fifteen referral endoscopy units.

PATIENTS

In total, 400 consecutive patients with naive papillae who were candidates for ERCP were enrolled and randomized.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were assigned to 4 groups according to combined catheter (S or catheter [C]) and method (with/without guidewire [GW]).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Success rate of SBDC performed in 10 minutes, SBDC time, fluoroscopy time, and incidence of complications.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the SBDC success rate between the groups with and without GW, between C and S, or among the 4 groups (C+GW, C, S+GW, S). WGC had a tendency to significantly shorten cannulation and fluoroscopy times only in approximately 70% of patients in this study in whom SBDC was achieved in 10 minutes or less (P = .036 and .00004, respectively). All 4 groups resulted in similar outcomes in PEP (4%, 5.9%, 2%, and 2.1%, respectively).

LIMITATIONS

Non-double-blind study.

CONCLUSIONS

WGC appears to significantly shorten cannulation and fluoroscopy times. However, neither the method nor type of catheter used resulted in significant differences in either SBDC success rate or incidence of PEP in this RCT. (

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000002572.).

[Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Classification, clinical presentation and diagnosis]

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the digestive system represent a rare and heterogeneous group of malignancies with various clinical presentations and prognoses. The WHO classification for the year 2000 was updated in 2010 to take the histopathology and tumor biology of these tumors into account. Together with proliferation-based grading and the recently established staging system using the ENETS TNM classification, it forms the basis for the further diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Clinical presentation depends mainly on the primary site of the tumor and its functionality. Characteristic symptoms are seen only rarely, this being the reason these tumors are usually detected at an advanced stage. Approximately 30% of GEP-NEN are hormonally active and can cause a specific clinical syndrome. In addition to these specific hormones, chromogranin A is considered the most accurate general marker for the biochemical follow-up of these patients. In addition to commonly used radiological and endoscopic imaging modalities, somatostatin receptor-based functional imaging using either octreotide scintigraphy or novel PET-based techniques with specific isotopes such as Ga68-DOTA-octreotate play a crucial role in the detection of the primary tumor as well as in the evaluation of tumor extent and the selection of patients for receptor-based radionuclide therapy.

Ossification within an adenomatous polyp: a case report and review of the literature

Osseous metaplasia within the gastrointestinal tract is rare and occurs in benign, premalignant, and malignant neoplasms. Here, we report the youngest case of an adenomatous polyp with the presence of ossification and a concomitant review of the literature with regard to ossification of colonic polyps. A 28-year-old man underwent colonoscopy for 8 months of rectal bleeding. A 4.5-cm pedunculated polyp was found in the descending colon and excised. Histological examination showed adenomatous change with an area of calcification and osteoid formation. Ossification of colonic polyps is mainly associated with the clinical symptom of bleeding and may warrant consideration as a high-risk feature.

Confocal endomicroscopy of colorectal polyps

Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is one of several novel methods that provide real-time, high-resolution imaging at a micron scale via endoscopes. CLE has the potential to be a disruptive technology in that it can change the current algorithms that depend on biopsy to perform surveillance of high-risk conditions. Furthermore, it allows on-table decision making that has the potential to guide therapy in real time and reduce the need for repeated procedures. CLE and related technologies are often termed “virtual biopsy” as they simulate the images seen in traditional histology. However, the imaging of living tissue allows more than just pragmatic convenience; it also allows imaging of living tissue such as active capillary circulation, cellular death, and vascular and endothelial translocation, thus extending beyond what is capable in traditional biopsy. Immediate potential applications of CLE are to guide biopsy sampling in Barrett's esophagus and inflammatory bowel disease surveillance, evaluation of colorectal polyps, and intraductal imaging of the pancreas and bile duct. Data on these applications is rapidly emerging, and more is needed to clearly demonstrate the optimal applications of CLE. In this paper, we will focus on the role of CLE as applied to colorectal polyps detected during colonoscopy.

Management of bleeding and artificial gastric ulcers associated with endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of gastric epithelial neoplasia without lymph node metastases, spread rapidly, primarily in Japan, starting in the late 1990s. ESD enables en bloc resection of lesions that are difficult to resect using conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). However, in comparison to EMR, ESD requires a high level of endoscopic competence and a longer resection time. Thus, ESD is associated with a higher risk of adverse events, including intraoperative and postoperative bleeding and gastrointestinal perforation. In particular, because of a higher incidence of intraoperative bleeding with mucosal incision and submucosal dissection, which are distinctive endoscopic procedures in ESD, a strategy for endoscopic hemostasis, mainly by thermo-coagulation hemostasis using hemostatic forceps, is important. In addition, because of iatrogenic artificial ulcers that always form after ESD, endoscopic hemostasis and appropriate pharmacotherapy during the healing process are essential.

Management of pyloric stricture in children: endoscopic balloon dilatation and surgery

BACKGROUND

Surgical correction is the most preferred treatment modality in pyloric stricture (PS). Recently a few studies reported the experience of balloon dilation in children with PS. This study was designed to present our experiences of the management of the patients with PS with balloon dilation and corrective surgery.

METHODS

The records of 14 patients who were treated with the diagnosis of PS between August 2003 and August 2011 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were nine boys and five girls (mean age, 3.4 ± 1.7 years). The history of caustic ingestion was detected in eight patients; six of them were admitted on the day of ingestion. Two patients were admitted with nonbilious vomiting more than 2 weeks after ingestion. Four patients did not have a remarkable medical history, including caustic ingestion. They admitted with the complaint of nonbilious vomiting. PS was detected during endoscopy in two patients who had a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. PS was shown by barium meal study in all patients. Endoscopy was performed in all patients. Endoscopic balloon dilation was tried in 12 patients. Overall eight patients required surgical procedures for PS. The complaints were resolved by endoscopic balloon dilation of pylorus in the remaining six patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although endoscopic balloon dilatation for benign PS in adults is a generally accepted method of treatment, there is less experience with endoscopic balloon dilatation for PS in children. PS due to benign disorders can be effectively and successfully treated through endoscopic balloon dilatation in suitable patients. In patients with successful pyloric balloon dilatation, surgery can be avoided.

Promoting advance planning for health care and research among older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Family members are often required to act as substitute decision-makers when health care or research participation decisions must be made for an incapacitated relative. Yet most families are unable to accurately predict older adult preferences regarding future health care and willingness to engage in research studies. Discussion and documentation of preferences could improve proxies' abilities to decide for their loved ones. This trial assesses the efficacy of an advance planning intervention in improving the accuracy of substitute decision-making and increasing the frequency of documented preferences for health care and research. It also investigates the financial impact on the healthcare system of improving substitute decision-making.

Methods/Design

Dyads (n = 240) comprising an older adult and his/her self-selected proxy are randomly allocated to the experimental or control group, after stratification for type of designated proxy and self-report of prior documentation of healthcare preferences. At baseline, clinical and research vignettes are used to elicit older adult preferences and assess the ability of their proxy to predict those preferences. Responses are elicited under four health states, ranging from the subject's current health state to severe dementia. For each state, we estimated the public costs of the healthcare services that would typically be provided to a patient under these scenarios. Experimental dyads are visited at home, twice, by a specially trained facilitator who communicates the dyad-specific results of the concordance assessment, helps older adults convey their wishes to their proxies, and offers assistance in completing a guide entitled My Preferences that we designed specifically for that purpose. In between these meetings, experimental dyads attend a group information session about My Preferences. Control dyads attend three monthly workshops aimed at promoting healthy behaviors. Concordance assessments are repeated at the end of the intervention and 6 months later to assess improvement in predictive accuracy and cost savings, if any. Copies of completed guides are made at the time of these assessments.

Discussion

This study will determine whether the tested intervention guides proxies in making decisions that concur with those of older adults, motivates the latter to record their wishes in writing, and yields savings for the healthcare system.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN89993391

Health care providers' acceptance of unsedated colonoscopy before and after a state-of-the-art lecture on the feasibility of the option

BACKGROUND/AIM

The impact of education on acceptance of unsedated colonoscopy by health care providers is unknown. To test the hypothesis that knowledge imparted by a lecture on unsedated colonoscopy is associated with its enhanced acceptance.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

At the State-of-the-Art Lecture on "Unsedated colonoscopy: Is it feasible?" presented at the 8 th Pan-Arab Conference on Gastroenterology, February, 2011, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a questionnaire survey of the audience was undertaken.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An expectation questionnaire was administered before and after the lecture. Attendees responded anonymously.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

The responses of a convenient sample of 49 attendees who provided completed responses to the questionnaire both before and after the lecture were analyzed. Data are expressed as frequency counts and means±SEM. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), ANOVA with contrasts and Chi-square analysis (Statview II Program for Macintosh computers) were used to assess the data. A P value of <0.05 is considered significant.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The mean±SEM credibility score (maximum possible score=50) was 25.8 ± 1.8 before and 33.3 ± 2.1 after the lecture, with a significant improvement in mean score of 7.5 ± 1.3 (P=0.001, paired t test). Nineteen (39%) respondents were not willing to consider unsedated colonoscopy for themselves before the lecture. This number decreased to 13 (27%) after the lecture. Before the lecture only 4 (8%) respondents were willing to consider unsedated colonoscopy for themselves. After the lecture this number increased to 8 (16%). The data suggest education of healthcare professionals regarding the feasibility of unsedated colonoscopy appears to enhance its acceptance as a credible patient care option at a Pan-Arab Gastroenterology Conference.

Small bowel enteroscopy in Crohn's disease

Endoscopic assessment of the small bowel is difficult because of its long and tortuous anatomy. However, recent developments have greatly improved the insertion depth and diagnostic yield, by means of device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE). Therefore, DAE may be of specific interest in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. It may be of help in the diagnostic assessment of intestinal disease extent and severity and complications, with an impact on the therapeutic management. Moreover, local treatment within the small bowel is also feasible with DAE. This review aims to provide an overview of the currently available literature data on the use of enteroscopy in inflammatory bowel disease, and Crohn's disease in particular.

A prospective analysis of factors influencing fluoroscopy time during therapeutic ERCP

BACKGROUND

Fluoroscopy time (FT) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has a linear relationship with radiation exposure to endoscopist, personnel and patients. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the factors influencing the FT during ERCP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2010 and August 2011, patients with naïve papilla undergoing therapeutic ERCP were included in the study. Patient and procedural factors affecting fluoroscopy duration were investigated.

RESULTS

During the study period 549 ERCP records were included in the final analysis. The mean procedural time and FT were 19.53±7.61 min and 48.82±26.43 sec, respectively. There was no effect of age or gender on FT. Univariate analysis showed choledocholithiasis (+17.92 sec; 95%CI: 12.73-23.11, p<0.001), multiple stones (+21.21 sec; 95%CI: 14.31-30.35, p<0.001), stone size >10 mm (+27.514 sec; 95%CI: 16.62-35.71; p<0.001), precut technique (+12.46 sec; 95%CI: 6.32-18.60; p<0.001), periampullary diverticulum (+33.36 sec; 95%CI: 28.49-38.23; p<0.001), mechanical lithotripsy (+31.14 sec; 95%CI: 24.67-37.61; p<0.001) and mechanical lithotripsy plus stent placement (+42.41 sec; 95%CI: 31.93-52.89; p<0.001) to be associated with longer FT. Multivariate analysis identified choledocholithiasis (+13.24 sec; 95%CI: 4.44-22.04; p=0.003), multiple stones (+19.51 sec; 95%CI: 11.72-26.78; p<0.001), stone size >10 mm (+23.95 sec; 95%CI: 14.35-29.45; p<0.001), needle-knife papillotomy (+17.26 sec; 95%CI: 7.77-26.75; p<0.001), periampullary diverticulum (+21.99 sec; 95%CI: 17.81-26.16; p<0.001) and mechanical lithotripsy plus stent placement (+20.39 sec; 95%CI: 7.38-33.40; p=0.002) to prolong FT.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified factors influencing the FT may help endoscopists take appropriate precautions during ERCP to significantly decrease FTs.

Interventional balloon-enteroscopy

Balloon assisted enteroscopy (BE) expands greatly the therapeutic options in interventional endoscopy; bleeding sites, strictures, polyps, and other small bowel lesions are increasingly been treated by use of BE in the last 10 years. Treatment options for small bowel bleeding include Argon plasma coagulation (APC), injection therapy, and application of TTS metal clips, and thereby bleeding is stopped in most cases. Dilating symptomatic strictures, resecting polyps as seen in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), and removing foreign bodies, BE carries most endoscopic treatment techniques to the small bowel. Another new indication field for BE are interventions at the biliary system in patients with surgically modified anatomy such as Roux-Y anastomosis. This review offers a full overview on indications of BE and refers to the practical use of the method for all endoscopic interventions.

Corrosive poisonings in adults

Ingestion of corrosive substances may cause severe to serious injuries of the upper gastrointestinal tract and the poisoning can even result in death. Acute corrosive intoxications pose a major problem in clinical toxicology since the most commonly affected population are the young with psychic disorders, suicidal intent and alcohol addiction. The golden standard for determination of the grade and extent of the lesion is esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed in the first 12-24 hours following corrosive ingestion. The most common late complications are esophageal stenosis, gastric stenosis of the antrum and pyloris, and rarely carcinoma of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Treatment of the acute corrosive intoxications include: neutralization of corrosive agents, antibiotics, anti-secretory therapy, nutritional support, collagen synthesis inhibitors, esophageal dilation and stent placement, and surgery.

Possible Strongyloides stercoralis infection diagnosed by videocapsule endoscopy in an immunocompetent patient with devastating diarrhea

Strongyloides stercoralis is an endemic parasitic infection of tropical areas, but it is rare in Europe. Most infected immunocompetent patients are asymptomatic, but may present with abdominal pain and diarrhea even several years after acquiring the infection. However, in immunocompromized patients, hyperinfection syndrome has a high mortality rate. Risk factors for the hyperinfection syndrome are corticosteroids and infection with human T lymphotropic virus type 1. Diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is usually made by identifying the larvae in the stool or in duodenal biopsies. There are only four published cases of strongyloidiasis in Greek patients, three of them were immunocompromized. In our patient videocapsule endoscopy identified rhabditiform larvae suggestive of strongyloidiasis. This case report illustrates the difficulty in establishing a diagnosis of the disease in immunocompetent patients.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound in idiopathic acute pancreatitis with negative ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic acute pancreatitis (IAP) is a diagnostic challenge. Finding a treatable cause after appropriate investigation may help to prevent recurrent pancreatitis and further management. The aim of our study was to retrospectively report our experience with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in investigating patients with IAP.

METHODS

Forty patients (26 males; age range: 17-72 years) of IAP with no underlying cause identified on transabdominal ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were studied. In 23 patients (57.5%), it was the first attack of acute pancreatitis whereas in 17 patients (42.5%) there was at least one previous attack of documented acute pancreatitis. EUS examination was done using a radial echoendoscope.

RESULTS

Twenty (50%) of the patients had biliary tract disease (cholelithiasis in 3, gallbladder sludge in 13, choledocholithiasis in 1 and common bile duct sludge in 3 patients). One each had an 8 mm tumor in the head of pancreas and pancreas divisum. No underlying cause could be found in 18 (45%) patients. Nine patients had features of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and the remaining had a normal pancreas.

CONCLUSIONS

Occult biliary pathology is the predominant cause of IAP. Half of the cases without identified etiology already had an underlying CP. EUS is a very important tool in evaluating IAP especially after an initial negative diagnostic workup.

Reversal of Jaundice in Two Patients with Inoperable Cholangiocarcinoma Treated with Cisplatin and Gemcitabine Combination

Two patients are presented with severe jaundice, due to inoperable cholangiocarcinoma. The chemotherapeutic approach in patients with severe jaundice is discussed. Many schedules of chemotherapy were developed in this tumor type with normal serum bilirubin. We report here the first successful use of cisplatin and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy in these patients. Tolerability was good and liver function tests gradually improved.

Removal of a sewing needle penetrating the wall of the third portion of the duodenum by double-balloon endoscopy

We describe successful removal a sewing needle penetrating the wall of the third portion of the duodenum by means of double-balloon endoscopy (DBE). The patient was a 47-year-old woman who accidentally swallowed a sewing needle and was admitted to our hospital. Abdominal radiography and abdominal computed tomography revealed a metallic object in the third portion of the duodenum. DBE performed by the antegrade approach, revealed that the sewing needle had penetrated the duodenal wall. The sewing needle was retrieved with biopsy forceps and pulled out together with the endoscope through the flexible overtube that remained positioned in the duodenum. There was no injury to the patient's esophagus or gastrointestinal wall. Our experience in this case suggests that sharp foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract can be safely removed by means of DBE.

Gallbladder perforation: case series and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder perforation is a serious complication of acute cholecystitis. Its management has evolved considerably since its classification by Niemeier in 1934. This review summarises the evidence surrounding the natural progression of this condition and potential problems with Niemeier's classification, and proposes a management algorithm for the more complex type II perforation.

METHODS

Data from a retrospective case series and a systematic review were combined. The case series included all patients with gallbladder perforations from 2004 to 2008 at a British teaching hospital. The systematic review searched for gallbladder perforation using the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library (2011 Issue 4) databases, as well as recent conference abstracts. The outcome data were analysed using SPSS version 15. No adjustments were made for multiple testing.

RESULTS

198 patients (including 19 patients from the present series) with a mean age of 62.1+/-9.7 years and male gender proportion of 55.4% (range 33.3-76.7%) were included. The most common gallbladder perforations were type II (median 46.2%, range 7.4-83.3%), followed by type I (median 40.6%, range 16.7-70.0%) and type III (median 10.1%, range 0-48.1%). Perforation was associated with cholelithiasis in 86.6% (range 78.9-90.6%) of patients, and the overall median mortality rate was 10.8% (range 0-12.5%). Male gender was weakly associated with mortality (p = 0.089) but age (p = 0.877) and cholelithiasis (p = 0.425) were not. Mortality did not vary significantly with perforation type.

CONCLUSIONS

Gallbladder perforation should be reported according to the original Neimeier's classification to avoid heterogeneity in data (e.g. varying rates of perforation types). The algorithm proposed in this study aims to guide the management of complex type II gallbladder perforations to minimise subsequent morbidity and mortality.

Expression patterns of MUC1, MUC2 and MUC3 in gastric hyperplastic polyps Juan Li, Li-Hua Wu, Yan Shi, Yu-Fei Jiao

AIM: To evaluate the expression patterns of MUC1, MUC2 and MUC3 in gastric hyperplastic polyps (GHP) and to analyze their value as markers for judging the malignant potential of GHP.

METHODS: A total of 238 GHP biopsy or surgical specimens, including 188 cases without dysplasia, 35 cases with low grade dysplasia (LGD), 8 cases with high grade dysplasia(HGD), and 7 cases with carcinoma (Ca), were used in this study. Thirty normal gastric mucosal specimens were used as controls. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression patterns of mucin proteins (MUC1, MUC2 and MUC3) in these specimens.

RESULTS: Cytoplasmic and membranous expression of MUC1 was observed in 85.60% of GHP cases without dysplasia or carcinoma. Glandular luminal expression of MUC1 was observed in 80.0% of GHP cases with LGD and 100% of GHP cases with HGD/Ca. The positive rate of MUC2 expression was 8.11% in GHP, 21.93% in GHP with LGD, and 31.42% in GHP with HGD/Ca. MUC3 expression was detected in one case of GHP with LGD and three cases of GHP with HGD/Ca but not in GHP without dysplasia.

CONCLUSION: MUC1 and MUC2 may be useful markers for judging the malignant potential of GHP.