Clinical Efficacy of Various Diagnostic Tests for Small Bowel Tumors and Clinical Features of Tumors Missed by Capsule Endoscopy

Discordance Rate and Risk Factor of Other Diagnostic Modalities for Small Bowel Tumors Detected by Device-Assisted Enteroscopy: A Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Disease (KASID) Multicenter Study

Background/Aims

Despite advances in imaging and endoscopic technology, diagnostic modalities for small bowel tumors are simultaneously performed. We investigated the discrepancy rate between each modality and predictive factors of discrepancy in patients with definite small bowel tumors.

Methods

Data of patients with definite small bowel tumors who underwent both device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) and computed tomography (CT) were retrieved from web-based enteroscopy registry database in Korea. Predictive risk factors associated with discrepancy were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among 998 patients, 210 (21.0%) were diagnosed with small bowel tumor using DAE, in 193 patients with definite small bowel tumor, DAE and CT were performed. Of these patients, 12 (6.2%) showed discrepancy between examinations. Among 49 patients who underwent DAE and video capsule endoscopy (VCE) examination, 13 (26.5%) showed discrepancy between examinations. No significant independent risk factors were associated with concordance between DAE and CT in multivariate logistic regression analysis among the patients. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, red blood cell transfusion was negatively associated with concordance between DAE and VCE in patients with small bowel tumor (odds ratio, 0.163; 95% confidence interval, 0.026 to 1.004; p=0.050).

Conclusions

For small bowel tumors, the discrepancy rate between DAE and CT was 6.2%, and 26.5% between DAE and VCE. Despite developments in cross-sectional imaging (VCE and DAE modalities), discrepancies still exist. For small bowel bleeding that require significant transfusion while showing insignificant VCE findings, DAE should be considered as the next diagnostic approach, considering the possibility of missed small bowel tumor.

Endoscopic Diagnosis of Small Bowel Tumor

Recent technological advances, including capsule endoscopy (CE) and balloon-assisted endoscopy (BAE), have revealed that small intestinal disease is more common than previously thought. CE has advantages, including a high diagnostic yield, discomfort-free, outpatient basis, and physiological images. BAE enabled endoscopic diagnosis and treatment in the deep small bowel. Computed tomography (CT) enterography with negative oral contrast can evaluate masses, wall thickening, and narrowing of the small intestine. In addition, enhanced CT can detect abnormalities outside the gastrointestinal tract that endoscopy cannot evaluate. Each modality has its advantages and disadvantages, and a good combination of multiple modalities leads to an accurate diagnosis. As a first-line modality, three-phase enhanced CT is preferred. If CT shows a mass, stenosis, or wall thickening, a BAE should be selected. If there are no abnormal findings on CT and no obstructive symptoms, CE should be selected. If there are significant findings in the CE, determine the indication for BAE and its insertion route based on these findings. Early diagnosis of small intestinal tumors is essential for favorable outcomes. For early diagnosis, the possibility of small bowel lesions should be considered in patients with unexplained symptoms and signs after examination of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.

The Role of Capsule Endoscopy in the Diagnosis and Management of Small Bowel Tumors: A Narrative Review

Small bowel tumors (SBT) are relatively rare, but have had a steadily increasing incidence in the last few decades. Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) and device-assisted enteroscopy are the main endoscopic techniques for the study of the small bowel, the latter additionally providing sampling and therapeutic options, and hence acting complementary to SBCE in the diagnostic work-up. Although a single diagnostic modality is often insufficient in the setting of SBTs, SBCE is a fundamental tool to drive further management towards a definitive diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to provide a concise narrative review of the role of SBCE in the diagnosis and management of SBTs.

MUTYH-associated polyposis: Is it time to change upper gastrointestinal surveillance? A single-center case series and a literature overview

BACKGROUND

The presence of Spigelman stage (SS) IV duodenal polyposis is considered the most significant risk factor for duodenal cancer in patients with MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP). However, advanced SS disease is rarely reported in MAP patients, and no clear recommendations on small bowel (SB) surveillance have been proposed in this patient setting.

AIM

To research more because that case reports of duodenal cancers in MAP suggest that they may develop in the absence of advanced benign SS disease and often involve the distal portion of the duodenum.

METHODS

We describe a series of MAP patients followed up at the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute of Rome (Italy). A literature overview on previously reported SB cancers in MAP is also provided.

RESULTS

We identified two (6%) SB adenocarcinomas with no previous history of duodenal polyposis. Our observations, supported by literature evidence, suggest that the formula for staging duodenal polyposis and predicting risk factors for distal duodenum and jejunal cancer may need to be adjusted to take this into account rather than focusing solely on the presence or absence of SS IV disease.

CONCLUSION

Our study emphasizes the need for further studies to define appropriate upper gastrointestinal surveillance programs in MAP patients.

Case Report of a Missed Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma on an Upper Endoscopy-A Review of Small Bowel Diagnostic Modalities

Background

Small bowel neoplasms (SBN) are rare but pose a significant diagnostic challenge. The routine upper endoscopy delays the diagnosis, and most cases require multiple investigations increasing the health care burden.

Case summary

A 74-year-old man presented with two months of progressively worsening postprandial bilious emesis and epigastric abdominal pain. He underwent outpatient evaluation with upper endoscopy and a computed tomographic enterography. The first endoscopy did not enable us to recognize the small bowel mass, leading to a diagnostic delay of two months. He subsequently developed a complete intestinal obstruction. A Second look upper endoscopy done with a push enteroscopy showed an apple core-like mass suggestive of a possible malignant neoplasm at the distal duodenum/proximal jejunum.

Conclusion

Therefore, more sensitive, and specific diagnostic modalities like push enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy, and deep enteroscopy should be considered in case upper endoscopy is not conclusive.

Updates in the diagnosis and management of small-bowel tumors

Small-bowel tumors represent a rare entity comprising 0.6% of all new cancer cases in the US, and only 3% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. They are a heterogenous group of neoplasms comprising of about forty different histological subtypes with the most common being adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, stromal tumors and lymphomas. Their incidence has been reportedly increasing over recent years, partly owing to the advances and developments in the diagnostic modalities. Small-bowel capsule endoscopy, device assisted enteroscopy and dedicated small-bowel cross-sectional imaging are complimentary tools, supplementing each other in the diagnostic process. Therapeutic management of small-bowel tumors largely depends on the histological type and staging at diagnosis. The aim of the present review article is to discuss relevant advances in the diagnosis and management of small-bowel tumors.

Small-bowel capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy for diagnosis and treatment of small-bowel disorders: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Update 2022

MR1: ESGE recommends small-bowel capsule endoscopy as the first-line examination, before consideration of other endoscopic and radiological diagnostic tests for suspected small-bowel bleeding, given the excellent safety profile of capsule endoscopy, its patient tolerability, and its potential to visualize the entire small-bowel mucosa.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. MR2: ESGE recommends small-bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with overt suspected small-bowel bleeding as soon as possible after the bleeding episode, ideally within 48 hours, to maximize the diagnostic and subsequent therapeutic yield.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. MR3: ESGE does not recommend routine second-look endoscopy prior to small-bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected small-bowel bleeding or iron-deficiency anemia.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. MR4: ESGE recommends conservative management in those patients with suspected small-bowel bleeding and high quality negative small-bowel capsule endoscopy.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. MR5: ESGE recommends device-assisted enteroscopy to confirm and possibly treat lesions identified by small-bowel capsule endoscopy.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. MR6: ESGE recommends the performance of small-bowel capsule endoscopy as a first-line examination in patients with iron-deficiency anemia when small bowel evaluation is indicated.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. MR7: ESGE recommends small-bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected Crohn's disease and negative ileocolonoscopy findings as the initial diagnostic modality for investigating the small bowel, in the absence of obstructive symptoms or known bowel stenosis.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. MR8: ESGE recommends, in patients with unremarkable or nondiagnostic findings from dedicated small-bowel cross-sectional imaging, small-bowel capsule endoscopy as a subsequent investigation if deemed likely to influence patient management.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. MR9: ESGE recommends, in patients with established Crohn's disease, the use of a patency capsule before small-bowel capsule endoscopy to decrease the capsule retention rate.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. MR10: ESGE recommends device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) as an alternative to surgery for foreign bodies retained in the small bowel requiring retrieval in patients without acute intestinal obstruction.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. MR11: ESGE recommends DAE-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (DAE-ERCP) as a first-line endoscopic approach to treat pancreaticobiliary diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomy (except for Billroth II patients).Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.

Intraluminal Small Bowel Metastasis From Primary Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with frequent metastases to the brain, liver, adrenal glands, and bone. The incidence of intraluminal small bowel metastases of the lung is extremely rare and poorly documented within the literature. Few case studies have been published since the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, little is known about this rare form of metastasis. Small bowel metastatic disease has atypical symptoms that mimic a variety of other diseases; as a result, signs and symptoms may be overlooked until the disease has progressed to a late stage. Signs of small bowel obstruction, symptomatic anemia, abdominal pain, and peritonitis are commonly reported signs and symptoms. Various modalities can be utilized for the workup of suspected small bowel metastasis, including positron emission tomography, computed tomography, and various forms of endoscopy. The prognosis for lung cancer patients with intestinal metastases is poor, with many only surviving months to a few years after diagnosis. Therefore, it is critical to consider small bowel masses as a differential diagnosis in a patient with primary lung cancer who demonstrates clinical signs consistent with symptomatic anemia secondary to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, peritonitis, or small bowel obstruction. We report an unusual case of intraluminal and fungating small bowel masses in a patient who had previously undergone lung resections and chemo-immunotherapy. She was diagnosed with non-small undifferentiated carcinoma with tumor necrosis over 12 years before disease recurrence in the bilateral lungs, right adrenal gland, bone, and small bowel. The discovery of the small bowel metastases occurred while undergoing treatment for advanced-stage disease. At this time, she completed chemo-immunotherapy and remained on maintenance immunotherapy. The patient also underwent a partial right adrenalectomy and radiotherapy to the right adrenal gland. Given that she was experiencing symptomatic anemia and further workup indicated that the GI masses were causing her anemia, she underwent palliative small bowel resection of the masses. The pathology results demonstrated that the masses originated from her primary lung cancer, confirming metastatic disease to the small bowel.

Diagnostic yield of proximal jejunal lesions with third-generation capsule endoscopy

Objectives

Capsule endoscopy (CE) has been shown to have poor diagnostic performance when the capsule passes quickly through the small bowel, especially the proximal jejunum. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of proximal jejunal lesions with third-generation CE technology.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 138 consecutive patients, 76 (55.0%) of whom were men. The patients' median age was 70 years, and proximal jejunal lesions were detected by CE and/or double-balloon endoscopy at Hiroshima University Hospital between January 2011 and June 2021. We analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of CE for proximal jejunal lesions and compared the characteristics of the discrepancy between the use of CE and double-balloon endoscopy with Pillcam SB 2 (SB2) and Pillcam SB 3 (SB3).

Results

SB2 and SB3 were used in 48 (35%) and 90 (65%) patients, respectively. There was no difference in baseline characteristics between these groups. Small-bowel lesions in the proximal jejunum comprised 75 tumors (54%), 50 vascular lesions (36%), and 13 inflammatory lesions (9%). The diagnostic rate was significantly higher in the SB3 group than in the SB2 group for tumors (91% vs. 72%, p < 0.05) and vascular lesions (97% vs. 69%, p < 0.01). For vascular lesions, in particular, the diagnostic rate of angioectasia improved in the SB3 group (100%) compared with that in the SB2 group (69%).

Conclusions

SB3 use improved the detection of proximal jejunal tumors and vascular lesions compared with SB2 use.

Small bowel adenocarcinoma a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction (a case report and literature review)

INTRODUCTION

Small bowel adenocarcinoma is a rare but increasing disease. It poses both a diagnostic and therapeutic challange. Small bowel adenocarcinoma is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. We present the case of a patient admitted to our emergency department for a bowel obstruction due to a mass of the jejunum and whose anatomopathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma.

PATIENT AND METHOD

It is a 62-year-old woman with unparticular history, admitted to the emergency of visceral surgery of Ibn Rochd University Hospital for subocclusive syndrome evolving for one year, with early postprandial vomiting becoming stenosing two months ago. The abdominal CT scan showed thickening jejunal wall of 46 mm with upstream distension. She underwent a segmental bowel resection of 50 cm of small bowel with 3 cm stenotic mass located at 40 cm from the duodenojejunal angle. The pathophysiology revealed an invasive liberkhunian adenocarcinoma. The postoperative follow-up was simple, feeding allowed at D4 with discharge allowed at D6 and functional improvement at the time of the control performed three months after the intervention.

DISCUSSION

Small bowel adenocarcinoma is rare and represents only 1-3% of all gastrointestinal cancers. The incidence of SBA is 24 to 66 times lower than that of colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to its non-specific clinical manifestation and less accessible location, SBA is diagnosed at an advanced stage, and often at specimen analysis. The treatment is resection and the overall survival is increased when diagnostic is early made.

CONCLUSION

Small bowel adenocarcinoma is a rare but increasing cause of gastrointestinal malignancy, being both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In front of the occlusive syndrome of small bowel appearance, adenocarcinoma must be ruled out.

Diagnostic Yields and Clinical Impacts of Capsule Endoscopy

Observing the entire small bowel is difficult due to the presence of complex loops and a long length. Capsule endoscopy (CE) provides a noninvasive and patient-friendly method for visualizing the small bowel and colon. Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) has a critical role in the diagnosis of small bowel disorders through the direct observation of the entire small bowel mucosa and is becoming the primary diagnostic tool for small bowel diseases. Recently, colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) was also considered safe and feasible for obtaining sufficient colonic images in patients with incomplete colonoscopy, in the absence of bowel obstruction. This review article assesses the current status of CE in terms of the diagnostic yield and the clinical impact of SBCE in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, who have known or suspected Crohn's disease, small bowel tumor and inherited polyposis syndrome, celiac disease, and those who have undergone CCE.

Small bowel adenocarcinoma: Case reports and review of the literature

Small bowel adenocarcinomas (SBAs) are rare tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients often present with advanced disease due to nonspecific symptoms and delayed diagnoses. In combination with non-uniform treatment paradigms, patients who present with SBA often have poor prognoses. In this case series, we present four cases of SBA and review the most recent literature with regard to diagnosis and management. One patient presented with iron-deficient anemia (IDA), and three patients presented with clinical obstruction. The patient with IDA was subjected to protracted investigations, whereas the three patients with obstruction were diagnosed quickly after presentation. All four patients underwent surgical resection, and one patient was eligible for post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy. SBA should be highly suspected in patients who present with occult gastrointestinal bleeds, and appropriate investigations must be initiated. Following diagnosis, surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for this disease. Our review supports the use of both neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy in localized disease.

A systematic review of symptomatic small bowel lipomas of the jejunum and ileum

Introduction

Small bowel lipomas are rarely encountered benign adipose growths found within the small intestine wall or mesentery. Limited up-to-date evidence exists regarding such lipomas. We aim to aid clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes through this comprehensive review.

Methodology

The terms 'small bowel,' 'small intestine,' 'jejunum' and 'ileum' were combined with 'lipoma.' EMBASE, Medline and PubMed database searches were performed. All papers published in English from 01/01/2000-31/12/2019 were included. Simple statistical analysis (t-test, Anova) was performed.

Results

142 papers yielded 147 cases (adults = 138, pediatric = 9). Male = 88, female = 59 (average age = 49.9 years). Presenting symptoms: abdominal pain = 68.7%; nausea/vomiting = 35.3%, hematochezia/GI bleeding = 33.3%; anaemia = 10.9%; abdominal distension = 12.2%; constipation = 8.9%; weight loss = 7.5%. Mean preceding symptom length = 58.1 days (symptoms >1 year excluded (n = 9)). Diagnostic imaging utilised: abdominal X-Ray = 33.3%; endoscopy = 46.3%; CT = 78.2%; ultrasound = 23.8%. 124/137 (90.5%) required definitive surgical management (laparotomy = 89, laparoscopcic = 35). 9 patients were successfully managed endoscopically. Lipoma location: ileum = 59.9%, jejunum = 32%, mesentery = 4.8%. Maximal recorded lipoma size ranged 1.2-22 cm.Mean maximum lipoma diameter and management strategy comparison: laparotomy 5.6 cm, laparoscopic = 4.4 cm, endoscopic = 3.7 cm, conservative = 4.5 cm. One-way Anova test, p value = 0.21. Average length of stay (LOS) was 7.4 days (range = 2-30). T-test p value = 0.13 when comparing management modalities and LOS. 4 complications, 0 mortality.

Conclusions

Important previously undocumented points are illustrated; a clearer symptom profile, diagnostic investigations utilised, size and site of lipomas, types and effectiveness of management modalities, associated morbidity and mortality. Open surgery remains the primary management. No statistically significant difference in LOS and lipoma size is demonstrated between management strategies. Endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques may reduce utilising invasive surgery in the future as skillset and availability improve.

Optimising the use of small bowel endoscopy: a practical guide

The wireless nature of capsule endoscopy offers patients the least invasive option for small bowel investigation. It is now the first-line test for suspected small bowel bleeding. Furthermore meta-analyses suggest that capsule endoscopy outperforms small bowel imaging for small bowel tumours and is equivalent to CT enterography and magnetic resonance enterography for small bowel Crohn's disease. A positive capsule endoscopy lends a higher diagnostic yield with device-assisted enteroscopy. Device-assisted enteroscopy allows for the application of therapeutics to bleeding points, obtain histology of lesions seen, tattoo lesions for surgical resection or undertake polypectomy. It is however mainly reserved for therapeutics due to its invasive nature. Device-assisted enteroscopy has largely replaced intraoperative enteroscopy. The use of both modalities is discussed in detail for each indication. Current available guidelines are compared to provide a concise review.

Laparoscopic Resection of a Jejunal Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp that Caused Occult Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Diagnosed via Capsule Endoscopy and Double-Balloon Enteroscopy: A Case Report

An inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) is a mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. IFPs in the small intestine are the most frequently detected with symptoms, such as abdominal pain and tarry stool due to intussusception. Accordingly, few studies have reported jejunal IFP as a cause of occult gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) diagnosed via both of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). A 68-year-old woman presented with a progression of anemia and a positive fecal occult blood test result. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and total colonoscopy findings were unremarkable. CE revealed a tumor with bleeding in the jejunum. DBE also revealed a jejunal polypoid tumor. Bleeding from the tumor seemed to have caused anemia. The patient underwent partial laparoscopic resection of the jejunum, including resection of the tumor. The tumor was histopathologically diagnosed as IFP. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of laparoscopic resection of jejunal IFP with OGIB diagnosed via CE and DBE preoperatively.

Two center experience of capsule endoscopy in Iran: Report on 101 cases

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a minimally invasive method for the visual examination of the small intestine, which may be for the evaluation and follow-up of patients with Crohn's disease. It can also be used to look at mucosal inflammation. Methods: This cross sectional study was used to determine the diagnostic efficacy of the CE system by performing a cross-sectional study of cases from 2011-2014. This study involved a total of 101 Iranian patients who were referred to the gastrointestinal and liver diseases outpatient clinics in Guilan (northern Iran) and in Isfahan (central Iran) for complaints of gastrointestinal problems. For all patients, definitive diagnosis had failed with the use of other diagnostic tools and CE was performed. Descriptive analysis was used. The patient population was represented by men and women equally, and the mean age of the patients was 42.3 ± 17.2 years (range: 16-89 years). Results: The final diagnoses were: non-specific enteritis (30.6%), Crohn's disease (20.7%), ulcers caused by aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (8.9%), mucosal erosion (5.9%) and angioectasia (4.9%); nearly 10% of the patients had normal findings. Analysis of the distribution of chief presenting complaints with patients stratified by the final diagnosis of Crohn's disease showed that the most frequently presented chief complaint was abdominal pain 42.9% and the least frequently presented chief complaint was diarrhea (4.8%). Conclusions: Small bowel evaluation by CE was well tolerated and capable of diagnosing Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who failed other diagnostic tests.

Two center experience of capsule endoscopy in Iran: Report on 101 cases

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a minimally invasive method for the visual examination of the small intestine, which may be for the evaluation and follow-up of patients with Crohn's disease. It can also be used to look at mucosal inflammation. Methods: This cross sectional study was used to determine the diagnostic efficacy of the CE system by performing a cross-sectional study of cases from 2011-2014. This study involved a total of 101 Iranian patients who were referred to the gastrointestinal and liver diseases outpatient clinics in Guilan (northern Iran) and in Isfahan (central Iran) for complaints of gastrointestinal problems. For all patients, definitive diagnosis had failed with the use of other diagnostic tools and CE was performed. Descriptive analysis was used. The patient population was represented by men and women equally, and the mean age of the patients was 42.3 ± 17.2 years (range: 16-89 years). Results: The final diagnoses were: non-specific enteritis (30.6%), Crohn's disease (20.7%), ulcers caused by aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (8.9%), mucosal erosion (5.9%) and angioectasia (4.9%); nearly 10% of the patients had normal findings. Analysis of the distribution of chief presenting complaints with patients stratified by the final diagnosis of Crohn's disease showed that the most frequently presented chief complaint was abdominal pain 42.9% and the least frequently presented chief complaint was diarrhea (4.8%). Conclusions: Small bowel evaluation by CE was well tolerated and capable of diagnosing Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who failed other diagnostic tests.