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

Polypoid heterotopic gastric mucosa: in terminal ileum causing extensive lower gastrointestinal bleeding without Meckel's diverticulum: a case report

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) can be located in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. As a rare anomaly in the small intestine, it can become complicated by intussusception, obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, and even peritonitis, leading to death.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report focuses on a 12-year-old Middle Eastern boy who presented with hematochezia and abdominal pain for a couple of days. A tagged Red blood cell (RBC) scan and Technetium scan revealed gastrointestinal bleeding at the lower abdomen, highly suggestive of the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum. Subsequently, exploratory laparotomy revealed contiguous and scattered mucosal lesions with multiple polyps of various sizes in the terminal ileum. Meckel's diverticulum was absent, and the patient was treated with resection and primary anastomosis. The resected tissue revealed extensive ectopic gastric mucosa and polypoid tissues. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged four days after the surgery. The symptoms did not recur within six months after his surgery.

CONCLUSION

Our case demonstrated that despite the rarity of multiple polypoid gastric heterotopias in the terminal ileum, it should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses of gastrointestinal tract bleeding.

An Unusual Case of Gastric Heterotopia Presenting as Rectal Prolapse

Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) involving the rectum is an uncommon finding. It is especially rare in young children. Rectal prolapse is an uncommon presentation of HGM. We report a case of HGM in the rectum of a 2-year-old previously healthy girl, who presented with rectal prolapse and painless bleeding. Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed to completely resect the lesion after the patient failed to respond to proton pump inhibitors. This case underscores the importance of considering HGM involving the rectum as a cause of rectal prolapse in young pediatric patients.

Unexpected upper gastrointestinal polyps in patients with short bowel syndrome treated with teduglutide: need for close monitoring

BACKGROUND

Teduglutide is a GLP-2 analog indicated for the treatment of short bowel syndrome (SBS) since 2015. Its efficacy in reducing parenteral nutrition (PN) has been shown in patients with SBS.

OBJECTIVES

Because teduglutide is a trophic factor, the aim of this study was to assess risk of developing polypoid intestinal lesions during treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in 35 patients with SBS treated with teduglutide for ≥1 y in a home PN expert center. All patients underwent ≥1 follow-up intestinal endoscopy during treatment.

RESULTS

In the 35 patients, the small bowel length was 74 cm (IQR: 25-100), and 23 patients (66%) had a colon in continuity. Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed after a mean treatment duration of 23 mo (IQR: 13-27), and polypoid lesions were found in 10 patients (6 with a colon in continuity, 4 with an end jejunostomy) and no lesion in 25 patients. In 8 out of the 10 patients, the lesion was found in the small bowel. Five of these lesions presented an aspect of hyperplastic polyp without dysplasia, and 3 of a traditional adenoma with low-grade dysplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the importance of performing follow-up upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy in SBS patients treated with teduglutide and the potential need to make changes to the recommendations with respect to treatment initiation and follow-up.

Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa in the Proximal Esophagus: Prospective Study and Systematic Review on Relationships with Endoscopic Findings and Clinical Data

Cervical inlet patches (CIP) are common endoscopic findings with uncertain pathogenesis and clinical significance. We aimed to perform a systematic review and prospective study of clinical data and endoscopic findings related to CIP. It was a prospective single-center study conducted between 10/01/2017 and 9/01/2018. Forty patients with histopathologically confirmed CIP were compared with 222 individuals in the reference group. The systematic review was executed in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. Alcohol consumption tended to be higher among patients with CIP (3.0 ± 4.6 vs. 1.9 ± 5.0 standard drinks/week CIP patients and reference group, respectively; p < 0.001). Dysphagia was more frequent among patients with CIP (25% vs. 1.4%, CIP patients and reference group, respectively; p < 0.001), and sore throat and hoarseness were less frequent in patients with CIP (17.5% vs. 26.6% CIP patients and reference group, respectively; p < 0.01). In the multivariate regression analysis, the only risk factor of CIP occurrence was dysphagia (OR 21.9, 95%CI 4.9-98.6; p < 0.001). Sore throat and hoarseness were a reverse-risk factor of CIP diagnosis (OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1-0.93; p = 0.04). Clinical data and coexisting endoscopic findings were not related to CIP. In the presented study, dysphagia was related to CIP occurrence, and sore throat and hoarseness tended to be less frequent among patients with CIP.

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.

Prevalence and Clinical and Endoscopic Characteristics of Cervical Inlet Patch (Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cervical inlet patch (CIP), also called gastric inlet patch, is a heterotopic columnar mucosal island located in the cervical esophagus, which has been under-recognized by clinicians.

AIM

We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to explore the prevalence and clinical and endoscopic characteristics of CIP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies were searched through the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The prevalence of CIP with 95% confidence interval (CI) was pooled by using a random-effect model. The association of CIP with demographics, clinical presentations, and endoscopic features was evaluated by odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

Fifty-three studies including 932,777 patients were eligible. The pooled prevalence of CIP was 3.32% (95% CI=2.86%-3.82%). According to the endoscopic mode, the pooled prevalence of CIP was higher in studies using narrow-band imaging than in those using white light and esophageal capsule endoscopy (9.34% vs. 2.88% and 0.65%). The pooled prevalence of CIP was higher in studies where the endoscopists paid specific attention to the detection of this lesion (5.30% vs. 0.75%). CIP was significantly associated with male (OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.09-1.42, P=0.001), gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.04-1.68, P=0.03), reflux symptoms (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.14-1.83, P=0.002), dysphagia (OR=1.88, 95% CI=1.28-2.77, P=0.001), throat discomfort (OR=4.58, 95% CI=1.00-21.02, P=0.05), globus (OR=2.95, 95% CI=1.52-5.73, P=0.001), hoarseness (OR=4.32, 95% CI=1.91-9.78, P=0.0004), cough (OR=3.48, 95% CI=1.13-10.72, P=0.03), Barrett's esophagus (OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.37-2.94, P=0.0003), and esophagitis (OR=1.62, 95% CI=1.27-2.07, P=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

CIP appears to be common by using narrow-band imaging, especially if the endoscopists would like to pay attention to the detection of this lesion. CIP is clearly associated with acid-related symptoms and Barrett's esophagus.

Symptomatic Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa in Distal Esophagus

Introduction Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) in esophagus is commonly noted as an inlet patch at endoscopy. We describe a rare patient with symptomatic distal esophageal HGM.

Case Report A 40-year-old male presented with retrosternal pain and marked odynophagia for the last 4 weeks without any history of ingestion of antibiotics, foreign body, or corrosive. Endoscopy showed abrupt circumferential transition to salmon pink mucosa at 35 cm from incisors. From 35 to 41 cm, there were areas of polypoid edematous thickening with few superficial ulcers of 1 to 3 mm. Squamous epithelium was visualized at narrow band imaging from 41 cm to the Z-line at 43 cm with no hiatus hernia. Biopsy showed gastric-type mucosa with parietal cells without dysplasia. Serology for cytomegalovirus and human immunodeficiency virus was negative. He was managed with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and prokinetics and improved symptomatically. Follow-up endoscopy at 3 months demonstrated healing of ulcers with persistence of HGM and pseudopolyps. He remains well on maintenance with PPI at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion Symptomatic HGM in distal esophagus is rare and can be differentiated from Barrett’s esophagus histologically and by presence of squamous epithelium between HGM and stomach. Inflammatory mass lesions may develop and mimic esophageal malignancy. Symptoms are largely due to acid production and usually respond to PPI.

Jejunal gastric heterotopia presenting as perforation peritonitis in a middle-aged adult: A case report

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Jejunal gastric heterotopia rarely occurs and is usually congenital.

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Jejunal gastric heterotopia can be a rare cause of perforation peritonitis in adults.

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Our case is the presumed oldest jejunal gastric heterotopia patient presenting with perforation peritonitis ever reported.

Introduction

Gastric heterotopia rarely occurs in the small intestine beyond ligament of Treitz. Most cases of jejunal gastric heterotopia have been reported in children and young adults. Herein we report a case of jejunal gastric heterotopia presenting as a perforation peritonitis in a middle-aged adult.

Presentation of case

A 51-year-old male presented with abrupt onset abdominal pain of 1 day duration. Physical examination revealed abdominal tenderness and rebound tenderness as well as costovertebral angle tenderness. Abdominal computed tomography revealed pneumoperitoneum, suggestive of hollow viscus perforation. At emergency laparotomy, a perforation site was discovered in the jejunum 100 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. On macroscopic examination, the mucosa contained a 3 × 4 cm ill-defined, shallow ulceration next to the perforation site. Microscopically, the mucosa surrounding the perforation site revealed gastric heterotopia which consisted of gastric foveolar epithelium along with abundant pyloric glands and a few fundic glands.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this case is the presumed oldest jejunal gastric heterotopia patient presenting with perforation peritonitis ever reported.

Conclusion

Jejunal gastric heterotopia should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of perforation peritonitis in adults.

Bleeding Gastric Heterotopic Polyp in the Duodenum of a Teenager with Severe Factor VII Deficiency

Heterotopic gastric tissue can be found throughout the intestinal tract, and when it is present in the small intestine, it can present with symptoms that include gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, and chronic dyspepsia. This finding is incredibly rare in pediatrics, but if present, it can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. This can be especially true if a patient presents with a comorbidity of a bleeding disorder. We here present the case of a teenage male with a history of severe factor VII deficiency who was found to have iron deficiency anemia resulting in multiple blood transfusions from an occult lower gastrointestinal bleed. He was ultimately found to have a bleeding gastric heterotopic polyp in his duodenum that was successfully removed via surgery.

Gastric heterotopia with perforation mimicking neoplastic process in ileum

Gastric heterotopia (GH) is rare in ileum except in Meckel’s diverticulum and rarely causes severe symptoms in adults. Here, we report a 31-year-old male patient with GH in ileum presented with bowel perforation and mass formation in the mesentery mimicking perforated small bowel tumor. Microscopic examination of the lesion showed completely differentiated gastric body-type mucosa with mucosal ulceration, fistula formation and bowel perforation. This case raises the awareness that GH may cause severe complications and should be included in the differential diagnosis for acute abdominal pain especially in patients with a mass lesion at an unusual location.

Benign and non-neoplastic tumours of the duodenum

This review study describes the problem of duodenal tumours, which are rare but important in gastrological practice. The most common location of small intestinal tumours is the duodenum, and this observation is probably partly due to the greater diagnostic availability for most proximal segments of the small intestine. Among tumours the following should be mentioned – benign: adenomas, lipomas, haemangiomas, and leiomyomas; and malignant: malignant tumours of epithelial origin, primary gastrointestinal stromal tumours, neuroendocrine tumours and carcinoids, lymphomas, sarcomas, teratomas, and secondary metastases. Early duodenal tumour recognition, especially with histological assessment, plays a crucial diagnostic role with future therapeutic implications. In recent years the prevalence of benign duodenal tumours has been rising due to a higher level of clinicians’ doubts and the convenience of gastrointestinal endoscopy; hence, knowledge of this problem is important in routine clinical practice. The method of duodenal tumour treatment should be selected on an individual basis.

Gastric inlet patches: symptomatic or silent?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to assess recent literature on the clinical relevance of the gastric inlet patch with particular focus on endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, the relationship of the inlet patch to laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and the association of proximal esophageal adenocarcinoma with inlet patch.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies suggest endoscopic diagnosis of inlet patch increases with endoscopist awareness (up to 10-fold) and when using enhanced imaging techniques such as narrow band imaging (up to three-fold). The literature remains mixed on the association of inlet patch with laryngopharyngeal symptoms or globus sensation. Studies of endoscopic ablation, using argon plasma coagulation or radiofrequency ablation have shown improved laryngopharyngeal reflux symptom scores posttreatment. Proximal esophageal adenocarcinomas are rare but often associated with inlet patch when they occur. Case studies have described endoscopic resection of malignant lesions related to inlet patch, using endoscopic mucosal resection or submucosal dissection.

SUMMARY

Prospective, multicenter studies of symptom association with inlet patch using validated symptom questionnaires and blinded sham-controlled treatments are needed to further clarify the role of such treatments, which to date are limited to a small numbers of centers with a special interest.

Multilocus Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa of Ileum Masquerading as VEOIBD in a Newborn

Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) is defined as the presence of gastric mucosa outside of the stomach, which is documented by histologic finding. HGM is typically a solitary lesion; however, in our Case Report, the patient presented with multilocus HGM, an uncommon form in which the small bowel is extensively involved. We report a unique case of multilocus HGM mimicking very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic inflammation, and stricturing in a newborn patient. Histologic findings from the ileocecal specimen revealed multiple ulcers surrounded by chronic inflammation. Subsequently, a Technetium-99m pertechnetate scan demonstrated an increased tracer uptake in the remaining ileum. This radiologic finding, in combination with the discovery of gastric mucosa within the remainder of resected ileal specimen, led to the diagnosis of HGM. Omeprazole was initiated, and the patient is now asymptomatic without further gastrointestinal bleeding. Increased awareness of this rare disease and performing a Technetium-99m pertechnetate early can correctly diagnose HGM and prevent disease complication.

Pancreatic and gastric heterotopic tissue presenting as a symptomatic gallbladder mass: A case report and literature review

Pancreatic and gastric heterotopia is an uncommon congenital anomaly in which gastric and/or pancreatic tissue is found outside of its anatomic location. In the majority of patients, lesions are found incidentally because they tend to be asymptomatic. However, lesions may become symptomatic when inflammation, obstruction, and bleeding occurs. Depending on tissue size and location they can harvest a landscape of nonspecific symptoms, causing a delay in diagnosis. Heterotopic tissue of either gastric or pancreatic origin have been reported in literature, however the presence of combined gastric and pancreatic heterotopic tissue is exceedingly rare. We report a case of an 18-year-old female with polypoid gastric and pancreatic heterotopia and focal intestinal metaplasia of the gallbladder with clinical findings of acute cholecystitis. In this literature review, we synthesize the clinical significance, histopathological features, diagnosis and management of pancreatic and gastric heterotopic tissue.

[Heterotopic tissue in the gastrointestinal tract]

Heterotopia of the gastrointestinal tract is a common finding. This is due to the complex embryogenesis and the relative ease to detect heterotopic tissue during endoscopy. The reason for biopsy is mostly to rule out neoplasms or to define specific causes of inflammation. Heterotopic tissue can occur in any location of the gastrointestinal tract. The most frequent are gastric heterotopia, pancreatic heterotopia, and heterotopia of Brunner's gland. On rare occasions, heterotopic tissue of salivary gland type as well as heterotopias of apocrine glands, thyroid, and prostatic tissue have been described. The most frequently involved organs are the small intestine, in particular the duodenum, the esophagus, and the stomach. Heterotopia of the large bowel occurs exclusively in the rectum. Most heterotopias do not cause symptoms and are easily diagnosed by biopsy and histology. However, depending on location, size, and the kind of underlying heterotopic tissue, they may cause significant complications, such as inflammation, ulceration and perforation, obstruction, intussusception, and severe life-threatening bleeding. Another rare but significant complication is neoplasia. Gastric heterotopias may give rise to pyloric gland adenomas within the bowel or rarely adenocarcinomas of the esophagus. Pancreatic heterotopia can be complicated by ductal type pancreatic adenocarcinomas, by acinus cell carcinomas, by intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasias, and also by endocrine tumors. The present paper summarizes our current knowledge about heterotopias in a topographic clinico-pathological manner.

Large heterotopic gastric mucosa and a concomitant diverticulum in the rectum: Clinical experience and endoscopic management

Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) in the rectum is an extremely rare clinical entity which may be missed or misdiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge. In the present study, a 14-year-old girl visited our hospital due to a 5-year history of repeated hematochezia. Colonoscopy showed a solitary superficial depressed lesion approximately 5 cm in size and a concomitant 1.5 cm deep diverticulum in the rectum. Histological examination of the endoscopic biopsy showed typical ectopic gastric mucosa in the depressed lesion and inside the diverticulum. Narrow band imaging further confirmed the histological results. Endoscopic ultrasound indicated that the lesion originated from the mucosal layer, and partially involved the submucosal layer. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed in this patient due to the large size and shape of the lesion. No bleeding, perforation or other adverse events were observed. The presence of HGM in the diverticular cavity greatly increased the surgical difficulty. A literature review was also carried out in our study.

Intussusception caused by heterotopic gastric mucosa in small intestine: a case report

Background

Intestinal intussusception is the most frequent cause of small bowel obstruction in children between the ages of 2 months and 5 years and often remains idiopathic in etiology, even after surgery. On microscopic examination, in intussusception normal mucosa is noted but in a few cases heterotopic tissue can be seen. Heterotopic gastric mucosa in the small intestine is extremely rare except for its occurrence in remnants of Meckel’s diverticulum. In view of the rarity of this condition, we report a case of ectopic gastric mucosa in the small intestine that was not associated with remnants of vitelline duct.

Case presentation

A 6-year-old boy of Indo-Aryan ethnicity from India presented with episodes of acute abdominal pain and distension with vomiting and non-passage of stools. On ultrasonography intussusception was suspected. A laparotomy was done and the ileal segment (tip of intussusception) was sent for histopathological examination. On histopathology, sections from the tip of intussusception showed extensive gastric metaplasia of the mucosa.

Conclusions

A definitive diagnosis of heterotopic gastric mucosa is established by histopathological examination and it is important to differentiate heterotopia, which is a developmental anomaly, from metaplasia, which is an acquired condition. Heterotopic gastric mucosa is usually clinically silent and surgical intervention can be considered in patients with complications such as gastrointestinal hemorrhage and intestinal obstruction.

The prevalence of gastric heterotopia of the proximal esophagus is underestimated, but preneoplasia is rare - correlation with Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND

The previously reported prevalence of gastric heterotopia in the cervical esophagus, also termed inlet patch (IP), varies substantially, ranging from 0.18 to 14%. Regarding cases with adenocarcinoma within IP, some experts recommend to routinely obtain biopsies from IP for histopathology. Another concern is the reported relation to Barrett's esophagus. The objectives of the study were to prospectively determine the prevalence of IP and of preneoplasia within IP, and to investigate the association between IP and Barrett's esophagus.

METHODS

372 consecutive patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy were carefully searched for the presence of IP. Biopsies for histopathology were targeted to the IP, columnar metaplasia of the lower esophagus, gastric corpus and antrum. Different definitions of Barrett's esophagus were tested for an association with IP.

RESULTS

At least one IP was endoscopically identified in 53 patients (14.5%). Histopathology, performed in 46 patients, confirmed columnar epithelium in 87% of cases, which essentially presented corpus and/or cardia-type mucosa. Intestinal metaplasia was detected in two cases, but no neoplasia. A previously reported association of IP with Barrett's esophagus was weak, statistically significant only when short segments of cardia-type mucosa of the lower esophagus were included in the definition of Barrett's esophagus.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of IP seems to be underestimated, but preneoplasia within IP is rare, which does not support the recommendation to regularly obtain biopsies for histopathology. Biopsies should be targeted to any irregularities within the heterotopic mucosa. The correlation of IP with Barrett's esophagus hints to a partly common pathogenesis.

A Mass of Pancreatic and Gastric Heterotopia Causing a Small Bowel Obstruction in a 61-Year-Old Male

Heterotopic tissue is a congenital anomaly that has been previously reported. Gastric and pancreatic heterotopia are among the most studied ones. Herein, we describe a case of a combined pancreatic and gastric heterotopia that formed a mass and caused a small intestine obstruction in a 61-year-old male. We also did a brief literature review of cases with gastric and pancreatic heterotopia in adult patients.

Gastric heterotopia in rectum: A literature review and its diagnostic pitfall

Objectives:

The term heterotopia, in pathology, refers to the presence of normal tissues at foreign sites. Gastric heterotopia has been reported anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the presence of gastric heterotopia in the rectum is very rare.

Methods:

We, here, report a rare case of a localized 2-cm area of cratered mucosa with heaped-up borders in the rectum of a 51-year-old, asymptomatic woman who underwent screening colonoscopy.

Results:

Histologic examination of the biopsy from the lesional tissue in rectum demonstrated fragments of rectal mucosa co-mingling with oxyntic- and antral-type gastric mucosa. No intestinal metaplasia or Helicobacter pylori is identified.

Conclusion:

Patients with gastric heterotopia in rectum usually present with bleeding and/or abdominal pain. Definite treatment of choice is surgical or endoscopic resection, although the lesions also respond to histamine-2 receptor blockers. In this article, most recent literature about gastric heterotopia in rectum is reviewed, following a case presentation about it.

Giant polypoid gastric heterotopia in the small intestine in a boy: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Heterotopic gastric mucosa has been described at various locations of the body; however, the polyp composed of heterotopic gastric mucosa in the small intestine is rare.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 15-year-old boy visited us for investigation of recurrent episodes of melena. Capsule endoscopy (CE) revealed a polypoid tumor in the ileum, with an active nearby hemorrhage. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed a tumor in the right quadrant of the abdomen, with a diameter of about 18 × 14 mm.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed with polypoid gastric heterotopia.

INTERVENTIONS

We performed an operation to resect the lesion.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered smoothly after surgery and was discharged on postoperative day 7 and followed up for 3 months. He has not experienced gastrointestinal intestinal (GI) symptoms up to now.

LESSONS

Giant polypoid gastric heterotopia in the small intestine is extremely rare, which can express as an occasional finding with or without symptoms. Surgical resection is the preferred therapy when symptoms appear.

Adenocarcinoma arising from heterotopic gastric mucosa in the cervical esophagus and upper thoracic esophagus: two case reports and literature review

Primary adenocarcinoma arising from heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) is rare and the clinicopathological characteristics are not well known. We present two cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma arising from HGM with a review of a case series. Case 1 was a 78-year-old woman who underwent a periodic medical examination without complaining of any symptoms. Preoperative evaluation suggested esophageal adenocarcinoma arising from the HGM. The patient was treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection. Definitive pathological diagnosis confirmed adenocarcinoma arising from the HGM. Case 2 was a 70-year-old man who underwent a medical examination after complaining of dysphagia. Preoperative diagnosis suggested esophageal adenocarcinoma; however, its origin was unclear. The patient was treated with surgical resection. Definitive pathological diagnosis revealed adenocarcinoma arising from the HGM. In this article, the authors report the clinicopathological features of esophageal adenocarcinoma arising from HGM that were collected from a literature review and our cases.

Hemorrhage from Extra-Antral Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia in a Patient with Duodenal Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa

Gastric antral vascular ectasias (GAVE) have been increasingly recognized as an uncommon cause of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia, although their underlying pathogenesis is not completely well understood. Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) has been reported to occur at various sites along the gastrointestinal tract and although relatively common, it is often asymptomatic. We report a case of a 60-year-old woman with a prior history of GAVE who developed melena and symptomatic anemia during her hospitalization following cardiac catheterization. Initial EGD demonstrated nonbleeding antral GAVE and a newly discovered duodenal mass. Duodenal mass biopsies were ultimately notable for HGM along with histologic features of extra-antral GAVE. The patient required blood transfusions and consequently had a small bowel endoscopy notable for fresh blood in the proximal small bowel. The patient underwent a small bowel push enteroscopy which demonstrated active bleeding of the duodenal mass and overlying oozing GAVE, which was cauterized with Argon-Plasma Coagulation with adequate hemostasis. We present for the first time a novel association between GAVE and HGM. Our case illustrates that extra-antral GAVE may occur with HGM in the duodenum. We explore potential mechanisms by which HGM may be involved in the pathogenesis of GAVE.

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.