Heterotopic gastric mucosa in the gallbladder: Report of two cases

Gastric heterotopia of colon found cancer workup in liver abscess: A case report

BACKGROUND

Recently reported cases of pyogenic liver abscess associated with colonic cancer in the absence of underlying disease, have included a small number of cases of gastric heterotopia (GHT). GHT is a congenital anomaly composed of ectopic gastric mucosa and can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract but is more frequently encountered in the cervical esophagus. However, it is rarely observed in colon. Furthermore, most reported cases of GHT of the colon involved the rectum, and GHT involving the colon proximal to the rectum is rare.

CASE SUMMARY

An 83-year-old male patient presented with fever and a diagnosis of pyogenic liver abscess. Colonoscopy was performed for colon cancer workup and revealed a 1.0 cm sized polyp at the transverse colon. The polyp was removed by endoscopic mucosal resection by monopolar electrocauterization using a snare. Pathological examination revealed GHT. After administering intravenous antibiotics, the patient recovered well.

CONCLUSION

GHT in the colon could affect the development of pyogenic liver abscess by enabling hematogenous propagation of Klebsiella pneumoniae through mucosal damage. However, more study is needed due to the lack of cases.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa in the gallbladder-a rare find

It is universally known and accepted that the development of a certain type of tissue outside its usual location, like in the gastrointestinal tract, can occur. This is a relatively common situation in the upper region of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the development of gastric mucosa in the gallbladder is a rare find. The following is the case of a 22-year-old male with an 18 mm gallbladder polyp, who electively underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, having been diagnosed at a histopathological level with heterotopic gastric mucosa in the gallbladder. This brief article also aims to provide a reflection on the possible evolution of neoplasms from this histological change, based on the doubts raised in literature.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa in gallbladder-A rare differential diagnosis to gallbladder masses: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic gastric tissue can be found in the entire gastrointestinal tract. It is usually located in the upper intestine. Rarely, it can be found in the gallbladder. This study describes several clinically, imaging features as well as histopathology findings of heterotopic gastric tissue in gallbladder (HGM).

METHODS

The radiologic database of 1 tertiary university hospital was retrospectively screened for HGM. Additionally, a systemic review of the Medline database was conducted to identify previously published cases reports. In all cases clinical, imaging as well as histopathology features were retrieved from the papers.

RESULTS

In our databases, 1 patient with HGM was identified. Additionally, the systemic review yielded 32 suitable papers with 34 patients. Clinically, most of the patients suffered from abdominal discomfort. Most of the lesions were located in the lower gallbladder, especially (n = 14, 40%) in the gallbladder neck. On sonography, in 20.7% a broad-based mass was described. In 10.3% a sessile polyp was identified. In 5 cases, the mass was characterized as hyperechoic (55.5%), as isoechoic in 3 (33.3%) cases, and hypoechoic in 1 (11.1%). On computed tomography (CT), the lesions were most frequently hyperdense and all of them showed a slightly enhancement after application of contrast medium. On histopathology, most cases revealed heterotopic gastric mucosa of body-fundic type (60%) with chief and parietal cells, followed by pyloric type glands (20%). Every patient was treated with cholecystectomy and all had an uneventful recovery.

CONCLUSION

HGM is a rare disorder with several differential diagnoses. Typically features were described to identify HGM in clinical routine and rule out malignant diseases like gallbladder carcinoma.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa in the anus and rectum: first case report of endoscopic submucosal dissection and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) is the most reported epithelial heterotopia, but it is very rare in the rectum and anus.

METHODS

The first case of an asymptomatic adult male with a large nonpolypoid HGM in the low rectum underwent complete resection by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is reported. The systematic review was based on a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar. Studies on humans were identified with the term 'heterotopic gastric mucosa in the rectum and /or anus.'

RESULTS

The search identified 79 citations, and 72 cases were evaluated comprising the present report. Congenital malformations were observed in 17 (24%) patients; rectal duplication accounted for most of the cases. The HGM was located in the anus and perineal rectum in 25 cases (41%) and low, middle and proximal pelvic rectum in 20 (33%), five (8%) and 11 cases (18%), respectively. Morphology was nonpolypoid in 37 cases (51%), polypoid in 26 cases (36%) and ulcerated in nine cases (13%). Specific anorectal symptoms were reported by 50 (69%) patients of the whole study population, and by 33 (97%) of 34 patients ≤ 18 years. Complications were observed in 23 cases (32%). The HGM was excised in 50 cases (83%). Endoscopic resection was performed in 17 cases (34%); resection was piecemeal in five of 12 lesions ≥15 mm, required argon plasma coagulation in two cases and was associated with residual tissue in two (17%). Intestinal metaplasia and an adenoma with low-grade dysplasia were described in three adults (4%).

DISCUSSION

This systematic review shows that the HGM in the rectum and anus may be associated with specific rectal symptoms and serious complications, mainly in the pediatric population, and a risk of malignancy in adults. Its complete excision should be recommended, and the ESD can overcome the technical limits of conventional endoscopic snare resection and avoid unnecessary surgery.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract: prevalence, histological features, and clinical characteristics

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) may be located at sites throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Clinical characteristics of HGM, role of Helicobacter pylori infection, natural history, and relationship to neoplastic transformation have not sufficiently been explored.

AIM

To retrospectively study the prevalence, histological features, and clinical characteristics of HGM among Chinese patients who underwent upper GI endoscopy.

METHODS

Endoscopic, histological, and clinical records of patients, who underwent upper GI endoscopy (n = 6802) and colonoscopy (n = 3504), respectively, between May 2011 and May 2012, were collected and retrospectively analyzed. A total of 6716 sex- and age-matched patients without HGM were enrolled as controls.

RESULTS

HGM was diagnosed in 86 cases (51 esophageal, 0.75%; 35 duodenal, 0.51%). Male:female ratio was 1.4:1 (30/21) for esophageal HGM, 1.7:1 (22/13) for duodenal HGM, and 1.1:1 (3557/3159) for controls. Two histopathological types of HGM were identified: foveolar epithelium alone and foveoloar epithelium together with gastric glands. Helicobacter pylori were present in 19.6% of cases with esophageal HGM and 20.0% of cases with duodenal HGM. Esophageal HGM was significantly associated with dysphagia and globus; duodenal HGM was not significantly associated with GI symptoms. Intestinal metaplasia was present in two and three patients in both groups, respectively, with no dysplasia or carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

HGM was present in fewer patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy, and it was more often present in men. A careful endoscopic examination is required to diagnose HGM, and it should be supported with a biopsy when indicated.