Patient burden and patient preference: comparing magnetic resonance enteroclysis, capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy

Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Capsule Endoscopy: A Win-Win Situation or Not?

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) refers to bleeding of uncertain origin that persists or recurs after negative workup using any of the radiologic evaluation modalities. It can be divided into two types based on whether clinically evident bleeding is present, namely, obscure overt and obscure occult bleeding. As the visualization of the bowel mucosa is challenging, capsule endoscopy (CE) is the ideal go-to procedure as the process is wireless, ingestible, small, disposable, and, most importantly, non-invasive. This review article has compiled various studies to shed light on the guidelines for using CE, its structure and procedure, patient preferences, diagnostic yield, cost-effectiveness, and the future. The goal of this review is to show the influence of CE on OGIB on the aspects mentioned earlier.

Clinical feasibility of panintestinal (or panenteric) capsule endoscopy: a systematic review

In recent years, panintestinal capsule endoscopy (PCE) with double-headed capsules has been used to perform complete, single-sitting exploration of both small bowel and colon in different clinical conditions. Double-headed capsules for colonic examination (CCE) have been exploited first in this setting, followed by newer generations of capsules (i.e. PillCam Crohn, PCC) specifically engineered for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of PCE in the form of a systematic review. We performed a comprehensive literature search to identify papers in which CE was specifically used for a PCE of the gastrointestinal tract. Data on CE, bowel preparation regimen, rate of cleanliness and completeness, and data on transit times were analyzed. The primary outcome was to assess the feasibility of a whole-gut exploration with CE. Sixteen (n = 16) studies including 915 CE procedures with CCE1 (n = 134), CCE2 (n = 357) and PCC (n = 424) were included. 13/16 studies were performed in the setting of Crohn's disease. Cleanliness and completeness rates were acceptable in all studies, ranging from 63.9% and 68.6% to 100%, respectively. In conclusion, PCE is a feasible technique, although further structured studies are needed to explore its full potential.

Use of capsule endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice in Spain. Results from a national survey

INTRODUCTION

Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique whose use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has spread. A panenteric capsule, PillCam Crohn's (PCC), has recently been developed. We lack information on the availability and use of the CEID and PCC in our environment.

METHODS

We conducted an electronic and anonymous survey among the members of the Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (GETECCU) [Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis] and the Asociación Española de Gastroenterología (AEG) [Spanish Association of Gastroenterology], consisting of 37 multiple-choice questions.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty members participated, the majority dedicated to IBD (69.3%). 72.8% worked at centres with an IBD unit. 79% had SBCE available at their hospital, 14% referred patients to another centre; 22% had a PCC available, 9% referred patients to another centre. 79.3% of respondents with available SBCE used it in a small percentage of patients with IBD and 15.6% in the majority. The most frequent scenarios were suspicion of Crohn's disease (76.3%), assessment of inflammatory activity (54.7%) and assessment of the extent of the disease (54.7%). More than half (59.7%) preferentially used the Patency capsule to assess intestinal patency. Almost all respondents (99.3%) considered that training resources should be implemented in this technique.

CONCLUSIONS

SBCE is widely available in Spanish hospitals for the management of IBD, although its use is still limited. There is an opportunity to increase training in this technique, and consequently its use.

Gastrointestinal ultrasound in inflammatory bowel disease care: Patient perceptions and impact on disease-related knowledge

Background and Aim

Objective monitoring of disease activity is integral to therapeutic decision-making in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data are sparse on patients' perspectives of tools used to monitor disease activity in IBD. To evaluate patients' perspectives of gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) performed during routine IBD clinical care, along with its impact on IBD-specific knowledge.

Methods

Patients with a formal diagnosis of IBD who underwent GIUS at two tertiary IBD services between March 2017 and January 2019 participated in this prospective study. Participants completed a questionnaire measuring the acceptability, tolerability, and usefulness of GIUS using a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (disagree) to 10 (strongly agree). Comparative acceptability of IBD monitoring tools and the impact of GIUS on IBD-specific knowledge was measured.

Results

A total of 121 participants completed the questionnaire, with a mean age of 42 years (range 17-78), 54 (45%) males, and 79 (65%) Crohn's disease patients. In the overall population, GIUS was scored as highly acceptable for monitoring IBD (mean 9.20 ± 1.37) compared to colonoscopy (7.94 ± 2.30), stool sampling (8.17 ± 1.96), blood sampling (8.87 ± 1.62), and imaging (8.67 ± 1.60); P < 0.01 for each comparison. GIUS caused little patient discomfort (1.88 ± 1.83), and 98 (81%) participants ranked GIUS as their preferred IBD monitoring tool. GIUS also improved patients' overall IBD-specific knowledge (VAS IBD-specific knowledge 7.96 ± 1.92), including their understanding of the need for medical therapy and disease extent.

Conclusion

GIUS is a highly acceptable and well-tolerated tool for monitoring disease activity in IBD patients. GIUS is preferred by patients and enhances IBD-specific knowledge.

Endoscopy in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Position Paper on Behalf of the Porto IBD Group of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Endoscopy is a central tool for the evaluation and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the last few decades, gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has undergone significant technological developments including availability of pediatric-size equipment, enabling comprehensive investigation of the GI tract in children. Simultaneously, professional organization of GI experts have developed guidelines and training programs in pediatric GI endoscopy. This prompted the Porto Group on Pediatric IBD of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition to develop updated guidelines on the role of GI endoscopy in pediatric IBD, specifically taking into considerations of recent advances in the diagnosis, disease stratification, and novel therapeutic targets in these patients.

[Usefulness of small-bowel capsule endoscopy in gastrointestinal bleeding]

In France, upper gastrointestinal haemorrhages have an estimated annual incidence of 143 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Classically, two types of digestive hemorrhage are described: acute and chronic digestive hemorrhages. Upper endoscopy is carried out in case of hematemesis or melena. It requires that the patient has been fasting for at least 6hours for solids and 3hours for liquids. The main etiologies of hemorrhagic hemorrhage of the origin are the vascular abnormalities, inflammatory or drug-induced ulcerations, intestinal tumors, Meckel's diverticulum, and Dieulafoy ulcer. The modalities of exploration of the small intestine before digestive hemorrhage are the wireless capsule, a reference examination for the exploration of the small intestine, enteroscopy, therapeutic examination, entero-CT or MRI, and 99mTc-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy. In this review, we will discuss the different etiologies of the digestive haemorrhage of intestinal origin and propose a management algorithm.

Effectiveness of Capsule Endoscopy Compared with Other Diagnostic Modalities in Patients with Small Bowel Crohn's Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Background/Aims

As a result of the rapid development of medical diagnostic tools, physicians require concrete evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of the tools. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness and additional diagnostic benefits of capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients with small bowel Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

We performed a systematic search of databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, as well as eight domestic databases. Two reviewers independently screened all references. Diagnostic data from the studies were collected, and a meta-analysis was performed.

Results

Twenty-four studies were included. In cases of suspected CD, CE demonstrated a superior diagnostic yield compared with small bowel follow-through (SBFT) and enteroclysis (EC); however, there was no difference compared with computed tomography enterography or magnetic resonance enterography. In cases with established CD, CE demonstrated a higher diagnostic yield only compared with EC. In the detection of terminal ileum lesions, CE exhibited a significantly increased detection rate compared with ileoscopy.

Conclusions

The findings of our meta-analysis indicate that CE is superior to SBFT and EC in the evaluation of suspected CD cases. CE is also a more effective diagnostic modality in patients with established CD compared with EC.

Comparative Acceptability and Perceived Clinical Utility of Monitoring Tools: A Nationwide Survey of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Objective control of intestinal inflammation during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming the main driver for medical treatment. However, the monitoring tools-related burden remains poorly investigated. We aimed to evaluate their comparative acceptability and utility according to patients with IBD.

METHODS

After a preliminary phase, the final questionnaire encompassing self-administered and physician questionnaires was prospectively and consecutively submitted to 916 patients with IBD from 20 public and private centers. Acceptability and utility visual analog scales (VAS) were expressed as median with interquartile range.

RESULTS

Regarding the group of patients with Crohn's disease (n = 618), venipuncture (VAS = 9.3 [8.8-9.7]) and ultrasonography (VAS = 9.3 [8.7-9.7]) were the most acceptable tools (P < 0.0001, for each comparison), whereas rectosigmoidoscopy was the least acceptable tool (VAS = 4.4 [1.2-7.3]) (P < 0.0001, for each comparison). Wireless capsule endoscopy (VAS = 8.5 [5.2-9.3]), magnetic resonance enterocolonography (VAS = 8.0 [5.0-9.2]), and stools collection (VAS = 7.7 [4.6-9.3]) were more acceptable than colonoscopy (VAS = 6.7 [4.3-8.9]) (P < 0.0001, for each comparison). The acceptability was assessed in 298 patients with ulcerative colitis for venipuncture (VAS = 9.4 [8.8-9.7]), stools collection (VAS = 8.1 [5.7-9.4]), colonoscopy (VAS = 7.5 [4.7-9.2]), and rectosigmoidoscopy (VAS = 6.7 [2.8-9.1]); (P < 0.001 for each comparison). All monitoring tools were considered as highly useful by patients with IBD. Decreased acceptability was related to embarrassment for the collection/transport of stools (60.7%), bowel cleansing (76.3%) for colonoscopy, abdominal discomfort (51.3%) and rectal enema (36.6%) for rectosigmoidoscopy, bowel distension (48.3%) for magnetic resonance enterocolonography, and potential capsule retention (21.4%) for wireless capsule endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the IBD monitoring tools, endoscopy demonstrated the lowest acceptability supporting the development of alternative modalities. Patients' information and examination conditions should be improved to ensure proper monitoring adherence.

Small-bowel Surveillance in Patients With Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome: Comparing Magnetic Resonance Enteroclysis and Double Balloon Enteroscopy

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Small-bowel surveillance with polypectomy of polyps ≥15 mm prevents complications in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). We aimed to compare magnetic resonance enteroclysis (MRE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for diagnostic yield of these polyps and for patient preference.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PJS patients prospectively underwent MRE followed by proximal DBE within 20 weeks. Endoscopists were blinded to the MRE results. We compared number of polyps ≥15 mm detected by MRE and DBE. Patients' perceptions of both procedures were assessed using questionnaires.

RESULTS

Fifteen PJS patients (67% males, median age 47 y) underwent both MRE and DBE. Polyps ≥15 mm were identified by MRE and/or DBE in 12/15 (80%) patients. There was no significant difference in the detection of polyps ≥15 mm (38 by MRE vs. 50 by DBE, P=0.37). Sensitivity for these polyps was 62% (38/61) for MRE and 82% (50/61) for DBE. Patients' perceived shame and burden did not differ significantly between MRE and DBE. Patients reported significantly more pain during preparation for MRE than for DBE (moderate vs. no pain, P=0.02), although perceived pain during the procedures was comparable (both mild, P=0.89). For future small-bowel surveillance 10/13 (77%) patients preferred DBE over MRE (P=0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that MRE and DBE have a comparable diagnostic yield of polyps ≥15 mm. However, DBE allows for direct intervention and was preferred over MRE by most patients in this series. Larger cohorts of PJS patients are needed to fully evaluate the diagnostic yield of DBE compared with other modalities.

Comparison of patients' tolerance between computed tomography enterography and double-balloon enteroscopy

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography enterography (CTE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) are widely used in diagnosis of small bowel diseases. Both of these examinations bring discomfort to patients. The aim of this study was to compare patients' tolerance and preference between CTE and DBE.

METHODS

From August 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016, patients with suspected or known small bowel diseases who underwent both CTE and DBE were prospectively enrolled in our study. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire evaluating discomfort of the procedure after each examination.

RESULTS

One hundred and seven patients completed our study. Abdominal distension, painfulness, tenesmus, general discomfort, prolonged duration, difficulty in completing the test, and discomfort after the examination were significantly lower with CTE than with DBE (P<0.001, respectively). Mannitol intake (47.7%), bowel preparation (31.9%), and radiation exposure (15.0%) were regarded as the three most intolerable burdens in CTE. Painfulness (38.3%), bowel preparation (26.2%), and invasiveness (16.8%) were considered as the three most unacceptable parts of DBE. More patients (61.7%) preferred to repeat CTE rather than DBE (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Compared to DBE, CTE was a more tolerable and less burdensome examination and enjoyed higher preference by most patients.

Magnetic resonance enterography or video capsule endoscopy - what do Crohn's disease patients prefer?

BACKGROUND

Despite differences in the information obtained by capsule endoscopy (CE) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE), one of these modalities is usually needed when evaluating disease activity. There are no data on patients' preference that would help guide the choice between these two modalities in these instances.

AIM

To compare patients' tolerance and preference to MRE versus CE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with known small bowel Crohn's disease (CD) in clinical remission (Crohn's disease activity index [CDAI] <150) or with mild symptoms (CDAI <220) were prospectively recruited. All patients underwent MRE followed by CE. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire addressing specific points regarding inconvenience during the preparation for the procedures, the procedures, and postprocedures. Side effects and procedure preference were addressed. Questionnaires were included for analysis only when more than 95% of the items were addressed.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Pre-exam discomfort, during-exam discomfort, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain were all significantly more prominent in MRE as compared to CE (P<0.0001, P<0.0001, P<0.0001, P=0.009, P=0.0002, P<0.0001, respectively). MRE was perceived as a more difficult procedure (P<0.0001). Furthermore, MRE was associated with a specific adverse event - claustrophobia. Seventy-eight percent of patients (44 patients) preferred to repeat CE as compared to 22% (P<0.0001) who preferred MRE.

CONCLUSION

CE was better tolerated by CD patients compared to MRE and was preferred by 78% of patients. The superior tolerability of CE should be considered along with the diagnostic features, and more data sought when choosing between these two modalities for CD patients for long-term follow-up.

Impact of Small Bowel MRI in Routine Clinical Practice on Staging of Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Small bowel visualisation is a complex diagnostic approach, but mandatory for risk stratification and stage-adjusted therapy in Crohn's disease. Current guidelines favour transabdominal ultrasound and small bowel MRI as methods of choice, although their clinical impact in daily practice remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic benefit of small bowel MRI in Crohn's disease according to Montreal Classification, in routine practice.

METHODS

Patients who underwent MR-enterography [MRE] or MR-enteroclysis [MRY] were included in a retrospective single-centre study. MRI findings were correlated with results from clinical work-up and evaluated in terms of [1] diagnostic yield, [2] significant additional information, and [3] alterations in the assessment of disease behaviour and location according to Montreal Classification.

RESULTS

A total of 347 small bowel MRI examinations were analysed [MRE: 49 / MRY: 298]. MRI had an average sensitivity/specificity of 82.5% and 99.9% [positive predictive value: 99.8% / negative predictive value: 91.1%] respectively. In every second patient, new relevant diagnostic information was provided. Incorporation of the MRI results caused significant shifts in Montreal Classification, specifically higher L-levels [+21.2%; p < 0.05] and higher B-levels: [+24.6%; p < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

Even in routine practice, small bowel MRI is a powerful and reliable technique in small bowel work-up. Since MRE and MRY presented high diagnostic yields, often detected significant additional information, and significantly caused shifts in Montreal Classification, both techniques are confirmed to be excellent tools in diagnosing and monitoring Crohn's disease in its daily course.

Capsule endoscopy in the small bowel Crohn's disease

CD is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated to mucosal and transmural inflammation of the bowel wall. It is well known that CD can affect the entire gastrointestinal. Therefore, ileocolonoscopy and biopsies of the terminal ileum as well as of each colonic segment to look for microscopic evidence of CD are the first-line procedures to establish the diagnosis. However, it has been observed that up to 30% of the patients have only small bowel involvement. Evaluation of the small bowel has been made with radiological procedures, barium radiography, and abdominal computed tomography or by ileocolonoscopy or enteroscopy, but they have many recognized limitations. CE is undoubtedly a very useful diagnostic tool proposed to observe small-bowel lesions undetectable by conventional endoscopy or radiologic studies. We review different studies that have been published reporting the use of CE in suspected and evaluation of the extension or the recurrence in CD and also its use in pediatric population and its complications.