Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pain Management

The diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer has become a standard role for the endoscopic oncologist. Pancreatic cancer can produce disabling abdominal pain, and the medical management of this pain is often challenging. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis and celiac ganglia neurolysis serve as an alternative or adjunct for pain control in these patients. There remains a great deal of practice variability with regard to techniques and approaches. This article summarizes the latest scientific evidence and highlights contemporary best practice advice for these procedures.

Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy using a novel bipolar blade and the navigational tunnel technique

Video 1Demonstration of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy using a novel bipolar blade and the navigational tunnel technique.

Q wave in paediatric myocarditis: an underinvestigated, readily available prognostic factor

BACKGROUND

Myocarditis is an uncommon disease in children with potentially fatal consequences. An electrocardiogram (ECG) change seen in myocarditis is pathological Q wave. Pathological Q wave is linked to permanent damage and myocardial death in several cardiac diseases. We investigated the significance of pathological Q waves in children with acute myocarditis (AM).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study analysed the data of 59 children with AM admitted to our hospital between January 2016 and July 2021. They were divided into Q wave and non-Q wave myocarditis groups. Patients' laboratory data, echocardiography, treatment and hospital outcome were analysed.

RESULTS

Patients were 64.4% male and had a median age of 6 years and 9 months. Pathological Q waves were found in 52.5% of the patients. Q wave myocarditis group had higher troponin I values (499 vs. 145 ng/L, p = 0.011) and longer hospital stays (13 vs. 9 days, p = 0.020) than the non-Q wave group. They also required higher doses of inotropic or vasoactive drugs. 61.3% of Q wave patients needed mechanical ventilation compared to 35.7% of non-Q wave patients (p = 0.069). All the patients who died or discharged with an LVEF < 30% belonged to the Q wave group.

CONCLUSION

Q wave in AM warrants close monitoring and intensive treatment as it accompanies more severe complications and poorer outcomes. This readily available ECG finding can be a clue to prognoses of AM patients. Further research with larger populations is needed to better understand Q wave prognostic accuracy and its potential role in guiding more expensive treatments.

Scorpion envenomation-associated myocarditis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Scorpion envenomation is associated with several complications. One of the most serious complications is the cardiac involvement in the form of myocarditis that remains the main reason for mortalities associated with scorpion envenomation. The present review aims to elucidate clinical and paraclinical findings associated with scorpion-related myocarditis, and to explore different management strategies and subsequent outcomes.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for articles related to keywords of myocarditis associated with scorpion envenomation up to May 1, 2022. Each article was carefully reviewed by two independent researchers. In case of disagreement for inclusion, we sought a third researcher opinion.

RESULTS

A total of 703 cases from 30 case reports and 34 case series were included in our review. Myocarditis associated with scorpion envenomation was usually reported in children presenting with cardiopulmonary symptoms including pulmonary edema (60.7%) and shock or hypotension (45.8%). The most common ECG findings are sinus tachycardia (82%) followed by ST-T changes (64.6%). The management typically included inotropes (especially dobutamine), prazosin, diuretics, nitroglycerine and digoxin, when indicated. Mechanical ventilation was required in 36.7% of the patients. Mortality in confirmed scorpion-related myocarditis cases is estimated at 7.3%. Almost all survived cases showed rapid recovery and improvement in the left ventricular function.

CONCLUSION

Even though myocarditis associated with scorpion envenomation is rare, it remains a serious and in some of cases a fatal consequence of scorpion sting. In case of relative presentations, particularly in envenomed children, diagnosis of myocarditis should be considered. Early screening using serial cardiac markers and echocardiography can guide the treatment. Prompt treatment that focuses on cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema usually results in a favorable outcome.

Hybrid argon plasma coagulation in Barrett's esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Patients with Barrett's esophagus are at increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic therapies aim to eradicate dysplastic and metaplastic tissues. Hybrid argon plasma coagulation (hybrid-APC) utilizes submucosal fluid injection to create a protective cushion prior to ablation that shields the submucosa from injury. We performed a pooled meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hybrid-APC.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of major electronic databases in April 2022. Studies that included patients with dysplastic and non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus undergoing treatment with hybrid-APC were eligible for inclusion. Outcome measures included complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CR-IM), stricture formation, serious adverse events, and number of sessions necessary to achieve CR-IM.

RESULTS

Overall pooled CR-IM rate for patients undergoing hybrid-APC was 90.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.872-0.939; I2=0%). Pooled stricture rate was 2.0% (95% CI, 0.005-0.042; I2=0%). Overall serious adverse event rate was 2.7% (95% CI, 0.007-0.055; I2=0%).

CONCLUSION

Results of the current meta-analysis suggest that hybrid-APC is associated with high rates of CR-IM and a favorable safety profile. Interpretation of these results is limited by the inclusion of retrospective cohort and case series data. Randomized controlled trials that standardize treatment and outcome evaluation protocols are necessary to understand how this treatment option is comparable to the current standards of care.