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Arnaert S, Arts J, Raymenants K, Baert F, Delsupehe K. Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction, a New Motility Disorder: Single Center Case Series and Treatment Results. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024; 30:177-183. [PMID: 38576368 PMCID: PMC10999848 DOI: 10.5056/jnm23099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD) is a new clinical entity characterized by inability to belch and associated symptoms of loud gurgling noises, chest and/or abdominal pressure, abdominal bloating, and excessive flatulence. R-CPD can be treated with botulinum toxin (BT) injection in the upper esophageal sphincter. We hereby report patient demographics, symptomatology, and treatment results of a series of consecutive patients who presented at our center. Methods Data on 50 consecutive patients presenting with R-CPD were prospectively collected using a standardized questionnaire prior to, 1 month after treatment and at the end of follow-up. All patients were diagnosed using a set of clinical symptoms. Results Fifty patients (26 females) were included, median age was 27.5 years (range, 17-65). Median body mass index was 22.7 kg/m2 (range, 16.6-37.5). Inability to belch was present in all patients, > 90% of patients experienced gurgling noises and abdominal/chest discomfort as result of their condition. One month after injection of BT, 40.8% of patients experienced complete relief of symptoms, 24.5% good symptom improvement, 24.5% some symptom improvement and 10.2% no improvement. At median follow-up of 29 months (range, 3-50) post-treatment, 51.3% (n = 20/39) of patients reported persistent complete relief of symptoms, 12.8% good improvement of symptoms (n = 5/39), in 15.4% some improvement (6/39) and 20.5% loss of or no response (n = 8/39). Only minor and transient side effects were reported. Conclusions Our case series of 50 patients with R-CPD shows very good short-term and good long-term improvement of symptoms after injection of BT. These results are in line with previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Arnaert
- Department of Gastroenterology, AZ Delta, Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Joris Arts
- Department of Gastroenterology, AZ Sint-Lucas, Brugge, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Filip Baert
- Department of Gastroenterology, AZ Delta, Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Kathelijne Delsupehe
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, AZ Delta, Roeselare, Belgium
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Conway AE, Verdi M, Shaker MS, Bernstein JA, Beamish CC, Morse R, Madan J, Lee MW, Sussman G, Al-Nimr A, Hand M, Albert DA. Beyond Confirmed Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Approaching Patients With Dysautonomia and Related Conditions. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024:S2213-2198(24)00281-2. [PMID: 38499084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Allergist-immunologists face significant challenges as experts in an ever-evolving field of neuroimmunology. Among these challenges is the increasingly frequent need to counsel patients with suspected mast cell activation disorders about perceived comorbidities, which may include hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, amplified pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, burning sensation syndromes, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Patients may experience comorbid anxiety, panic disorder, and depression associated with disturbed sleep, fatigue, and cognitive impairment that often worsen when their physical symptoms increase in severity. These conditions may mimic mast cell activation disorders and are emotionally taxing for patients and clinicians because they are often accompanied by vague diagnostic courses, perceived unmanageability, social stigma, and significant impairment in quality of life. Combined with relatively poorly researched therapies, it is no surprise that clinicians may feel overwhelmed or find it difficult to provide consistently compassionate care for this population. In this article, we review available therapies for these conditions, which run the gamut from physical therapy to antidepressants to multimodal pain control. We highlight the benefit of multidisciplinary care within the primary care home, which includes an important role by the allergist-immunologist. By outlining simple approaches to initial treatment, we hope to empower clinicians with the tools needed to curb emotional burnout and embrace this patient population with compassion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcus S Shaker
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Section of Allergy and Immunology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH.
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Claire C Beamish
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Richard Morse
- Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Section of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | - Juliette Madan
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Michael W Lee
- Department of Medical Education, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH
| | - Gordon Sussman
- Division of Immunology, University of Toronto, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amer Al-Nimr
- Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Matthew Hand
- Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Section of Pediatric Nephrology and Integrative Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Daniel A Albert
- Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Section of Rheumatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
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Ritelli M, Chiarelli N, Cinquina V, Vezzoli M, Venturini M, Colombi M. Looking back and beyond the 2017 diagnostic criteria for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A retrospective cross-sectional study from an Italian reference center. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:174-194. [PMID: 37774134 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The most common conditions with symptomatic joint hypermobility are hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). Diagnosing these overlapping connective tissue disorders remains challenging due to the lack of established causes and reliable diagnostic tests. hEDS is diagnosed applying the 2017 diagnostic criteria, and patients with symptomatic joint hypermobility but not fulfilling these criteria are labeled as HSD, which is not officially recognized by all healthcare systems. The 2017 criteria were introduced to improve diagnostic specificity but have faced criticism for being too stringent and failing to adequately capture the multisystemic involvement of hEDS. Herein, we retrospectively evaluated 327 patients from 213 families with a prior diagnosis of hypermobility type EDS or joint hypermobility syndrome based on Villefranche and Brighton criteria, to assess the effectiveness of the 2017 criteria in distinguishing between hEDS and HSD and document the frequencies of extra-articular manifestations. Based on our findings, we propose that the 2017 criteria should be made less stringent to include a greater number of patients who are currently encompassed within the HSD category. This will lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and enhanced patient care by properly capturing the diverse range of symptoms and manifestations present within the hEDS/HSD spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ritelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicola Chiarelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valeria Cinquina
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marika Vezzoli
- Unit of Biostatistics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marina Venturini
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Spedali Civili University Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marina Colombi
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Logarbo BP, Yang M, Longo MT, Kingry C, Courseault J. Long COVID and the diagnosis of underlying hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders. PM R 2023. [PMID: 38116712 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Logarbo
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Center for Clinical Research, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Michele T Longo
- Department of Neurology, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Catherine Kingry
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, The Fascia Institute and Treatment Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jacques Courseault
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, The Fascia Institute and Treatment Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Gutowski Ł, Kanikowski S, Formanowicz D. Mast Cell Involvement in the Pathogenesis of Selected Musculoskeletal Diseases. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1690. [PMID: 37629547 PMCID: PMC10455104 DOI: 10.3390/life13081690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a noteworthy revival of interest in the function of mast cells (MCs) in the human body. It is now acknowledged that MCs impact a wide array of processes beyond just allergies, leading to a shift in research direction. Unfortunately, some earlier conclusions were drawn from animal models with flawed designs, particularly centered around the receptor tyrosine kinase (Kit) pathway. Consequently, several subsequent findings may have been unreliable. Thus, what is now required is a re-examination of these earlier findings. Nevertheless, the remaining data are fascinating and hold promise for a better comprehension of numerous diseases and the development of more effective therapies. As the field continues to progress, many intriguing issues warrant further investigation and analysis. For instance, exploring the bidirectional action of MCs in rheumatoid arthritis, understanding the extent of MCs' impact on symptoms associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and unraveling the exact role of the myofibroblast-mast cell-neuropeptides axis in the joint capsule during post-traumatic contractures are all captivating areas for exploration. Hence, in this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the influence of MCs on the pathogenesis of selected musculoskeletal diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, muscle and joint injuries, tendinopathy, heterotopic ossification, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. We believe that this review will provide in-depth information that can guide and inspire further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Gutowski
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 8, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Szymon Kanikowski
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 8, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Dorota Formanowicz
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 8, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants—National Research Institute, Kolejowa 2, 62-064 Plewiska, Poland
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Lindberg G, Mohammadian G. Loose ends in the differential diagnosis of IBS-like symptoms. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1141035. [PMID: 37484861 PMCID: PMC10357384 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1141035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Two thirds of the patients we believed to have IBS in the 1970's have since been possible to diagnose with treatable conditions like bile acid diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis, celiac disease, disaccharide malabsorption, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or rare genetic variants. Despite advances in diagnostic techniques a substantial proportion of patients continue suffering from IBS-like symptoms that cannot be explained by current knowledge. Although it is likely that further research will reveal small but important subgroups of patients with treatable mechanisms for IBS-like symptoms, we propose that only two large groups remain for being addressed in the clinic: those with connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorders and those with autism spectrum disorders. Patients with connective tissue disorders exhibit identifiable disturbances of gut motor function and possibly increased gut permeability as underlying mechanisms for IBS-like symptoms. Autism spectrum disorders pose a much more difficult problem in the clinic. Disturbances of perception combined with anxiety and excessive worry about signals from the gut can lead to an endless but futile search for something being wrong. The search can involve large numbers of care givers, no one understanding the patient's suffering. Others may try to change their diet to lessen symptoms, only to find that almost all foods may cause worrying perceptions from the gut. Early recognition of autism spectrum disorders is essential for finding better ways to help patients with gastrointestinal and, as is often the case, extraintestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greger Lindberg
- Department of Medicine at Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Neurogastroenterology Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatovenereology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ghazaleh Mohammadian
- Department of Medicine at Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Neurogastroenterology Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatovenereology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Carroll MB. Hypermobility spectrum disorders: A review. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 4:60-68. [PMID: 37637226 PMCID: PMC10457547 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2023-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
It remains a clinical challenge identifying when joint hypermobility (JH) is responsible for pain. Previous nomenclature utilized terms such as (benign) joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) but this was updated in 2017 as advances in genetics provide a basis for nearly all variants of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) with the exception of hypermobile EDS (hEDS). New terminology describes hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSDs) as the updated term for JHS. Diagnosis of a subtype of HSDs should be considered in patients who have JH coupled with the presence of secondary musculo-skeletal manifestations (trauma, chronic pain, disturbed proprioception, and other manifestations) and at the exclusion of hEDS. Extra-articular manifestations are common. Treatment relies on management strategies for other chronic pain syndromes with a multidisciplinary approach likely optimal. Lifestyle modifications focus on weight loss and exercise. Physical therapy helps strengthen periarticular muscles, improving mobility. Pharmacologic therapies focus on judicious use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor may help widespread pain. Avoidance of opioids remains prudent. The purpose of this review is to provide clinicians the rationale for the update in nomenclature, understand the musculoskeletal and extra-articular manifestations of the subtypes of HSDs, considerations when making the diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Carroll
- Rheumatology, Singing River Health System, 3603 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
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Sivan M, Corrado J, Mathias C. The adapted Autonomic Profile (aAP) home-based test for the evaluation of neuro-cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. ADVANCES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE & REHABILITATION 2022. [DOI: 10.47795/qkbu6715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autonomic dysfunction is an increasingly recognised complication in chronic neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, and other medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) with and without Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, fibromyalgia and recently Long COVID. Despite laboratory-based tests to evaluate normal and abnormal autonomic function, there are no home-based tests to record neuro-cardiovascular autonomic responses to common stimuli in daily life that are dependent on normal functioning of the autonomic nervous system. We have developed an adapted blood pressure/heart rate Autonomic Profile (aAP) that can be used by an individual independently and repeatedly in a domiciliary setting to determine the physiological and symptomatic response to standing, food, and physical or mental (cognitive, emotional) activities. The aAP aids separating autonomic failure (often irreversible) from autonomic dysfunction. This helps the individual and attending healthcare professional understand the relationship between symptoms and common triggers in daily life and informs on self-management in debilitating conditions such as the postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) and Long Covid.
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