Gastric fistulas in Crohn's disease. Report of cases

[Inflammatory bowel diseases and upper gastrointestinal tract]

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory diseases with a flare-up evolution and an unknown etiology. Inflammatory lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract are more and more often described in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The aim of this article was to review the inflammatory lesions of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum currently described in the IBD.

Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Involvement in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Histologic Clues and Pitfalls

The upper gastrointestinal (UGI) manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are frequently obscured by classic ileal and colonic symptoms and are reported to involve only 0.5% to 4% of adult patients. However, because of the improvement of endoscopic techniques and the growing use of esophagogastroduodenososcopy with biopsy, both asymptomatic and clinically significant esophageal, gastric, and duodenal manifestations are increasingly recognized. The UGI involvement in IBD was historically synonymous with Crohn's disease (CD), but the doctrine of ulcerative colitis (UC) being limited to the colon has been challenged, and UC-related gastroduodenal lesions have been reported. The diagnosis of UGI IBD should ideally rely on a combination of the clinical history, endoscopic picture, and histologic features. Although endoscopic changes such as aphthoid or longitudinal ulcers and bamboo-joint-like pattern are suggestive of CD, histologic evaluation increases the sensitivity of the IBD diagnosis since histologic alterations may be present in endoscopically unremarkable mucosa. Conversely, in many cases, the histologic findings are nonspecific, and the knowledge of clinical history is vital for reaching an accurate diagnosis. The presence of epithelioid granuloma is highly suggestive of CD but is present in a minority of CD cases; thus, pathologists should be aware of how to diagnose UGI IBD in the absence of granulomata. This article reviews the most important clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features of IBD-associated esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis, as well as the IBD-related manifestations in the biliary tract and the postcolectomy setting.

Upper Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Although the features of lower gastrointestinal tract inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease are generally familiar to pathologists, there is less awareness of and familiarity with the manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Nonetheless, their diagnosis has therapeutic and possibly prognostic implications, potentially foretelling severe complications. The recognition that ulcerative colitis can affect gastrointestinal organs proximal to the large intestine and terminal ileum represents a revision of concepts ingrained among generations of physicians. This article reviews the pathologic features and clinical significance of esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Gastrocolic fistula in Crohn’s disease detected by oral agent contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A case report of a novel ultrasound modality

BACKGROUND

Fistulas are common complications of Crohn’s disease (CD). Gastrocolic fistulas (GFs) are rare, occult and potentially life-threatening complications. Few cases of GFs have been reported. Oral agent contrast-enhanced ultrasound (OA-CEUS) is a novel technique of ultrasound (US) for gut. Contrast agent made by Chinese yam is taken orally to dilate the lumen of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the impediment of gas inside gastrointestinal tract is removed and a good acoustic window is provided for gastroin-testinal tract scanning. This paper describes a case of GF secondary to CD detected by OA-CEUS when it was missed by endoscopy and computed tomography (CT). To our knowledge, this is the first report of GF secondary to CD detected by OA-CEUS up to date.

CASE SUMMARY

A 29-year-old woman with a 6-year history of CD was admitted to our hospital for abdominal pain and diarrhea for 5 months without obvious predisposing causes. Initial gastroscopy failed to show any evidence of lesions. Colonoscopy revealed multiple erosions, mucosal nodularity, linear ulcers and a cobblestone appearance. A CT scan of her abdomen showed a complex multilocular structure adherent to the greater curvature of the stomach in her left lower abdomen, with fluid, gas and significant surrounding inflammation. CT also demonstrated an abdominal abscess, which was later treated with US-guided drainage. Colonoscopy, gastroscopy and CT missed the presence of a GF. OA-CEUS was performed. A contrast agent made from Chinese yam was taken orally to dilate the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. A good acoustic window was provided for gastrointestinal tract scanning and the impediment of gas inside the gastrointestinal tract was removed. With the aid of the “window”, a canal with hypoechoic wall was identified connecting the greater curvature of stomach to the splenic colon flexure in free sections. We also observed the hyperechoic gas flowing dynamically inside the canal. Thus, a GF was suspected. US is the first imaging modality taking GF into account. At the same time, OA-CEUS identified the site of the fistula and its two orifices. Gastroscopy was performed again, revealing a small ulcer approximately 5 mm in diameter, which was considered as an orifice. On the basis of OA-CEUS and other examinations, the patient was diagnosed with a GF secondary to CD. Then, laparoscopic exploration, partial stomach resection, transverse colostomy and abdominal abscess drainage were performed. The patient recovered uneventfully.

CONCLUSION

GFs are rare, occult and potentially life-threatening complications in CD. US is one of the first-line modalities to evaluate CD and its complications. OA-CEUS, a novel technique of US for gut, may be helpful in reducing the possibility of a missed diagnosis of GF.

Crohn's Disease of the Esophagus, Duodenum, and Stomach

Upper gastrointestinal Crohn's is an under-reported, under-recognized phenotype of Crohn's disease. Routine screening in the pediatric population has shown a higher prevalence compared with adults; however, most adult patients remain asymptomatic with respect to upper gastrointestinal Crohn's disease. For the patients who are symptomatic, medical treatment is the first line of management, except for cases of obstruction, perforation, or bleeding. Though most patients respond to medical therapy, mainly steroids, with the addition of immunomodulators and more recently biologics agents, surgical intervention is usually required only for obstructing gastroduodenal disease secondary to strictures. Strictureplasty and bypass are safe operations with comparable morbidity, although bypass has higher rates of dumping syndrome and marginal ulceration in the long term. Rare cases of gastroduodenal fistulous disease from active distal disease may involve the stomach or duodenum, and esophageal Crohn's disease can fistulize to surrounding structures in the mediastinum which may require the highly morbid esophagectomy.

The Management of Intestinal Penetrating Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) leads to the development of complications through progressive uncontrolled inflammation and the transmural involvement of the bowel wall. Most of the available literature on penetrating CD focuses on the perianal phenotype. The management of nonperianal penetrating complications poses its own set of challenges and can result in significant morbidity and an increased risk of mortality. Few controlled trials have been published evaluating this subgroup of patients for clinicians to use for guidance. Utilizing the available evidence, we review the epidemiology, presentation, and modalities used to diagnosis and assess intestinal fistulas, phlegmons, and abscesses. The literature regarding the medical, endoscopic, and surgical management options are reviewed providing physicians with a therapeutic framework to comprehensively treat these nonperianal penetrating complications. Through a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach to the complex sequela of CD outcomes can be improved and patient's quality of life enhanced.10.1093/ibd/izx108_video1izx108_Video5754037501001.

Surgical treatment of complex small bowel Crohn disease

INTRODUCTION

The clinical presentations of Crohn disease of the small bowel vary from low to high complexity. Understanding the complexity of Crohn disease of the small bowel is important for the surgeon and the gastroenterologist caring for the patient and may be relevant for clinical research as a way to compare outcomes. Here, we present a categorization of complex small bowel Crohn disease and review its surgical treatment as a potential initial step toward the establishment of a definition of complex disease.

RESULTS

The complexity of small bowel Crohn disease can be sorted into several categories: technical challenges, namely, fistulae, abscesses, bowel or ureteral obstruction, hemorrhage, cancer and thickened mesentery; extensive disease; the presence of short gut; a history of prolonged use of medications, particularly steroids, immunomodulators, and biological agents; and a high risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the principles of modern surgical treatment of Crohn disease have evolved to bowel conservation such as strictureplasty techniques and limited resection margins, such practices by themselves are often not sufficient for the management of complex small bowel Crohn disease. This manuscript reviews each category of complex small bowel Crohn disease, with special emphasis on appropriate surgical strategy.

Diagnosis and management of fistulizing Crohn's disease

The transmural inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease predisposes patients to the formation of fistulas. Up to 50% of patients with Crohn's disease are affected by fistulas, which is a major problem given the considerable morbidity associated with this complication. Appropriate treatment of fistulas requires knowledge of specific pharmacological and surgical therapies. Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms, fistula location, the number and complexity of fistula tracts, and the presence of rectal complications. Internal fistulas, such as ileoileal or ileocecal fistulas, are mostly asymptomatic and do not require intervention. By contrast, perianal fistulas can be painful and abscesses may develop that require surgical drainage with or without seton placement, transient ileostomy, or in severe cases, proctectomy. This Review describes the epidemiology and pathology of fistulizing Crohn's disease. Particular focus is given to external and perianal fistulas, for which treatment options are well established. Available therapeutic options, including novel therapies, are discussed. Wherever possible, practical and evidence-based treatment regimens for Crohn's disease-associated fistulas are provided.

Medical management of Crohn's disease

The clinical course of Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by unpredictable phases of disease activity and quiescence. The majority of CD patients experience mild to moderate disease or are in clinical remission over significant periods during the course of their disease. These patients can be treated conservatively with 5-aminosalicylates or budesonide depending on the disease location. Those patients with more severe forms of the disease who require corticosteroids should be treated more aggressively with early introduction of immunomodulator and/or biologic therapy, which may help to prevent the complications associated with CD. It has been suggested that therapies directed at mucosal healing may favorably modify the natural history of CD. As newer, more effective medications become available and new therapeutic approaches are introduced (top-down therapy), mucosal healing, and not solely clinical remission, may well become the preferred treatment objective.

Review article: Medical therapy for fistulizing Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Fistulae will develop in approximately one-third of patients with Crohn's disease. With an expected spontaneous healing rate of only 10%, fistulizing Crohn's disease requires a comprehensive strategy with a medical and possible surgical approach.

AIM

To summarize the current literature evaluating various medical options for treating patients with fistulizing Crohn's disease.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted using PubMed (search terms: Crohn's disease and fistula) and manual search of references among the identified studies and relevant review papers to identify papers that present data on medical treatment of fistulizing Crohn's disease.

RESULTS

The first line of medical therapy remains antibiotics (metronidazole and ciprofloxacin). Mercaptopurine and azathioprine are medications that are effective in treating fistulizing Crohn's disease. The current gold standard of medical treatment to induce and maintain remission for fistulizing Crohn's disease is infliximab. Used as induction therapy, infliximab produced a 62% clinical response, and a complete closure rate of 46%. A maintenance therapy trial demonstrated at 54 weeks, 46% of patients receiving infliximab continued to respond to treatment, compared with 23% in the placebo group (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Further research to find new therapies and to improve our existing medical treatment of fistulizing Crohn's disease is required.

Management of internal fistulas in Crohn's disease

Internal fistulas occur in 5-10% of patients with Crohn's disease. The clinical presentation of each of the three main types of internal fistulas--enteroenteric, enterovaginal, and enterovesical fistulas--is important in determining the best management. Asymptomatic fistulas usually require no treatment, but fistulas that cause severe or persistent symptoms necessitate intervention. Previously regarded as a surgical condition requiring resection, some internal fistulas are amenable to a more conservative approach involving medical therapy, surgical repair, or both. So far, there have not been any prospective studies designed specifically to assess the efficacy of a medical treatment of internal fistulas, and information about treatment results is gleaned from trials in which patients with internal fistulas have been included and from retrospective reports. Drugs that have been reported to close internal fistulas partially or completely include azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine A, tacrolimus, and infliximab. Reparative surgical techniques include transrectal and transvaginal mucosal advancement flaps, cutaneous advancement flap, and anal stricturectomy in combination with a rectal mucosal advancement sleeve. Prospective trials of medical therapy and combination medical and surgical therapy for internal fistulas are needed to provide evidence to support the use of these new therapeutic approaches.

Proximal Crohn's disease: review of the clinicopathologic features and therapy

Crohn's disease in the proximal region of the digestive tract is uncommon. Better diagnostically procedures and more careful histologic examination has led to a higher detection of proximal Crohn's disease. The diagnosis is based on symptoms, endoscopy with serial sections, or double contrast radiography. The most common histologic finding for this diagnosis are granulomas in the mucosa in Helicobacter pylori-negative patients, but the granulomas are not always frequently detected. Endoscopic lesions in the proximal regions look like the lesions that could be found in the distal regions. Notching in the duodenal folds could be a strong indication for Crohn's desease. Radiological lesions are not always characteristic, but should be used in combination with endoscopy. Stenosis is an important complication, but fistula formation and pseudodiverticular formation is possible. There is no uniform medical therapy, but the regular anti-inflammatory management for Crohn's disease is most often used. Sometimes surgery is needed.

Crohn's disease of the foregut

Historically, Crohn's disease of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum has been reported only rarely. With more frequent use of upper endoscopy, however, upper gastrointestinal involvement has been found to be more common than previously suspected. The surgeon with an interest in Crohn's disease needs to be familiar with all areas that are potentially affected in this perplexing and sometimes devastating disease. This article examines the literature on foregut Crohn's and discusses the incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, medical management, surgical indications, and operative techniques.

[Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease - report of 4 cases and review of the literature]

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease can affect all the gastrointestinal tract, but gastroduodenal involvement is rarely seen (0.5 to 13%).

OBJECTIVES

Report clinical, radiological and endoscopic findings and treatment of four patients with gastroduodenal Crohn's disease and review the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four patients (one male of 24 years old three females of 37, 66 and 74 years old) with epigastric pain, weight loss and low grade fever were referred to the University Hospitals of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and Fluminese Federal University. Two had also mild intermittent diarrhea and arthritis/arthralgia and the third developed pyloric obstruction and received surgical treatment. Anemia was observed in only one (the young female). Barium x-ray studies showed aphthous ulcers in stomach and duodenum with distal ileum lesions and deformity in both. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed aphthous ulcers in stomach and geographic duodenal ulcers. Polypoid lesions and serpiginous ulcers within gastric antrum were observed in the young female. Colonoscopy was performed in two patients and disclosed an ulcerated ileitis in one and ulcerated pancolitis in other. Histopathology findings of biopsy specimens were inconclusive (granulomas were not found) and other causes of granulomatous disease were ruled out. Corticosteroids and proton pump inhibitors were started and two patients had their disease controlled. The other patient developed pyloric obstruction and had to be operated.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease has distinct clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features. Advances in endoscopic methods and recognition of new histopathologic criteria for diagnosis have revealed an incidence higher than previously reported.

Gastroduodenal fistulas in Crohn's disease: clinical features and management

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical features and management of fistulas involving the stomach and duodenum (gastroduodenal fistulas) in patients with Crohn's disease.

METHODS

The medical records of 14 patients with a gastroduodenal fistula complicating Crohn's disease treated in this unit between 1958 and 1997 were reviewed.

RESULTS

In six patients a gastroduodenal fistula was diagnosed before surgery, whereas eight gastroduodenal fistulas were discovered during surgery for distal Crohn's disease. In six patients, the fistula originated from Crohn's disease in the transverse colon, and in six patients, it originated from a recurrent disease at an ileocolonic anastomosis; these patients had no gross evidence of gastroduodenal Crohn's disease. In one patient, the ileocolonic-duodenal fistula closed on medical treatment. The other 11 patients underwent resection of the diseased bowel and closure of the gastric or duodenal fistulas. The two remaining fistulas were from the duodenum to the abdominal wall; both had primary Crohn's duodenitis. One duodenocutaneous fistula was treated by debridement of the duodenal fistula and simple closure of the defect; the other was treated by limited duodenal excision around the fistula and by duodenojejunostomy. In all patients, gastroduodenal fistulas were cured, and there have been no fistula recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

Simple closure of the gastroduodenal component of the fistula is generally advised for gastroduodenal fistulas. However, when the duodenal defect after excision around the fistula is large, duodenojejunostomy is recommended, provided there is no evidence of jejunal Crohn's disease.

General management of gastrointestinal fistulas. Recognition, stabilization, and correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances

Gastrointestinal fistulas are unfortunate complications of a number of disease states, such as inflammatory bowel disease and tumors, or may result from complications of surgical intervention. Fistulas may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, much of which is a result of fluid losses and electrolyte imbalances. Thus, attention to these issues is a critical component of the management of patients with gastrointestinal fistulas. The management of gastrointestinal fistulas is divided into three phases: diagnosis/recognition, stabilization/investigation, and treatment. The major goal of the stabilization phase is the correction of fluid losses and electrolyte abnormalities. This phase must be carried out expeditiously to reduce the associated complications. Knowledge of the electrolyte content of various secretions of the gastrointestinal tract is essential to guide this phase of management. Early control of infectious foci, with drainage of abscesses if present, is of great importance. Esophageal fistulas most commonly result from instrumentation of the esophagus and are diagnosed by radiographic imaging studies. Nonoperative therapy is an option in select patients, but aggressive surgical intervention is often required. Dehydration is often associated with these injuries and must be corrected. Gastric and duodenal fistulas are most commonly iatrogenic and may be associated with significant fluid losses. Careful measurement of the fistula effluent is important. Nutritional support is begun following correction of fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. Pancreatic fistulas are often high volume fistulas and are associated with significant skin breakdown if they are cutaneous. The use of a somatostatin analogue may decrease the volume of the fistula to allow healing. Small intestinal fistulas often result from postoperative complications and require careful attention to electrolyte abnormalities. Spontaneous closure often obviates surgical intervention. Colonic fistulas are less often associated with complications than are other fistulas of the gastrointestinal tract. The stabilization phase in the management of patients with gastrointestinal fistulas is a critical time during which careful attention to fluid and electrolyte losses can result in reduced morbidity and mortality from these difficult management problems.