Coeliac lymph node abscess: A case report of a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death worldwide, especially in developing countries. It can affect any site in the body and have a myriad of presentations making diagnosis challenging. Tuberculous lymphadenitis in the abdomen is rare. We present a case of a 42-year-old man who presented with non-specific abdominal symptoms and was found to have an intraabdominal abscess on computed tomography scan of the abdomen. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided aspiration was performed, and tuberculosis was confirmed. This case highlights the importance of having a high clinical suspicion of tuberculosis even with vague symptoms in tuberculosis endemic countries. This would prevent unnecessary surgery as tuberculosis is responsive to anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Comparison of LED and LASER Colonoscopy About Linked Color Imaging and Blue Laser/Light Imaging of Colorectal Tumors in a Multinational Study

INTRODUCTION

In light-emitting diode (LED) and LASER colonoscopy, linked color imaging (LCI) and blue light/laser imaging (BLI) are used for lesion detection and characterization worldwide. We analyzed the difference of LCI and BLI images of colorectal lesions between LED and LASER in a multinational study.

METHODS

We prospectively observed lesions with white light imaging (WLI), LCI, and BLI using both LED and LASER colonoscopies from January 2020 to August 2021. Images were graded by 27 endoscopists from nine countries using the polyp visibility score: 4 (excellent), 3 (good), 2 (fair), and 1 (poor) and the comparison score (LED better/similar/LASER better) for WLI/LCI/BLI images of each lesion.

RESULTS

Finally, 32 lesions (polyp size: 20.0 ± 15.2 mm) including 9 serrated lesions, 13 adenomas, and 10 T1 cancers were evaluated. The polyp visibility scores of LCI/WLI for international and Japan-expert endoscopists were 3.17 ± 0.73/3.17 ± 0.79 (p = 0.92) and 3.34 ± 0.78/2.84 ± 1.22 (p < 0.01) for LED and 3.30 ± 0.71/3.12 ± 0.77 (p < 0.01) and 3.31 ± 0.82/2.78 ± 1.23 (p < 0.01) for LASER. Regarding the comparison of lesion visibility about between LED and LASER colonoscopy in international endoscopists, a significant difference was achieved not for WLI, but for LCI. The rates of LED better/similar/LASER better for brightness under WLI were 54.5%/31.6%/13.9% (International) and 75.0%/21.9%/3.1% (Japan expert). Those under LCI were 39.2%/35.4%/25.3% (International) and 31.3%/53.1%/15.6% (Japan expert). There were no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy and the comparison score of BLI images between LED and LASER.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences of lesion visibility for WLI/LCI/BLI between LED and LASER in international endoscopists could be compared to those in Japanese endoscopists.

Emerging inflammatory bowel disease demographics, phenotype, and treatment in South Asia, South-East Asia, and Middle East: Preliminary findings from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Emerging Nations' Consortium

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is emerging in the newly industrialized countries of South Asia, South-East Asia, and the Middle East, yet epidemiological data are scarce.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of IBD demographics, disease phenotype, and treatment across 38 centers in 15 countries of South Asia, South-East Asia, and Middle East. Intergroup comparisons included gross national income (GNI) per capita.

RESULTS

Among 10 400 patients, ulcerative colitis (UC) was twice as common as Crohn's disease (CD), with a male predominance (UC 6678, CD 3495, IBD unclassified 227, and 58% male). Peak age of onset was in the third decade, with a low proportion of elderly-onset IBD (5% age > 60). Familial IBD was rare (5%). The extent of UC was predominantly distal (proctitis/left sided 67%), with most being treated with mesalamine (94%), steroids (54%), or immunomodulators (31%). Ileocolic CD (43%) was the commonest, with low rates of perianal disease (8%) and only 6% smokers. Diagnostic delay for CD was common (median 12 months; interquartile range 5-30). Treatment of CD included mesalamine, steroids, and immunomodulators (61%, 51%, and 56%, respectively), but a fifth received empirical antitubercular therapy. Treatment with biologics was uncommon (4% UC and 13% CD), which increased in countries with higher GNI per capita. Surgery rates were 0.1 (UC) and 2 (CD) per 100 patients per year.

CONCLUSIONS

The IBD-ENC cohort provides insight into IBD in South-East Asia and the Middle East, but is not yet population based. UC is twice as common as CD, familial disease is uncommon, and rates of surgery are low. Biologic use correlates with per capita GNI.

Idiopathic gross dilatation of the pancreatic duct with exocrine insufficiency in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis

Pancreatic duct dilatation occurs in conditions including chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Although several pancreatic benign and malignant tumours have been reported in association with type 1 neurofibromatosis, an association with gross pancreatic duct dilatation or ectasia has not been previously published. We report on a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis found to have idiopathic gross pancreatic duct dilatation and exocrine insufficiency. A 51-year-old female with type 1 neurofibromatosis presented with weight loss and steatorrhoea. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed a possible cystic lesion in the head of the pancreas, a grossly dilated main pancreatic duct and minimal thinned out pancreatic parenchyma. Endosonography confirmed diffuse dilatation of the pancreatic duct with no evidence of a separate cystic neoplasm. Endosonography-guided aspiration revealed non-mucinous, clear fluid with high amylase and normal carcinoembryonic antigen levels. The patient was prescribed pancreatic enzyme supplementation and showed symptomatic improvement. Associations between type 1 neurofibromatosis and pancreatic duct ectasia or chronic pancreatitis have not been reported, and this finding may be coincidental. Clinical presentation in conjunction with multimodal imaging and biochemical and cytological fluid analysis did not reveal the aetiology of the ectatic duct system and attenuated glandular tissue in this patient which is most likely congenital.

Hepatic abscess following foreign body perforation of the colon: A case report

Liver abscess following foreign body perforation of the gastrointestinal tract is uncommon. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging as the ingestion of foreign body most often goes unnoticed with non-specific presentation. We report a case of a 68-year-old male patient presenting with abdominal pain and anorexia. His investigations and cross-sectional imaging revealed a liver abscess. A colonoscopy performed to find an etiology revealed an incidental finding of a colonic perforation from an impacted denture, which was successfully removed endoscopically. Therefore, pyogenic liver abscesses remain a therapeutic challenge despite advances in imaging and therapy. The case reflects the importance of investigating for etiology of unexplained liver abscesses. The patient made an uneventful recovery following abscess drainage by image-guided pigtail stent insertion. The colonic perforation was managed conservatively.

A case of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide poisoning and a review of complications and their management

Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP) is a highly toxic clear liquid used as a solvent. It is a strong oxidizing agent and a corrosive. Acute and chronic toxicity can occur as an occupational hazard. Ingestion is associated with corrosive burns leading to stricture formation, inhalational pneumonitis, acidosis, liver failure and renal failure. In this paper we present a case of a young patient who intentionally ingested MEKP. The patient developed multiple complications including proximal intestinal obstruction, acidosis and acute kidney injury. He was managed conservatively and recovered after a prolonged hospital stay. He had multiple inflammatory strictures on esophageal endoscopy, which improved over 3–6 moths.

Association between the ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) and outcomes in acute severe ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

The Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) accounts for 86% of the variance between observers in the overall assessment of endoscopic severity, but has not been correlated with outcomes.

METHODS

Consecutive cases of acute severe colitis (ASC) defined by Truelove and Witts (TW) criteria were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic details, number of TW criteria, prior medical therapy, UCEIS and inpatient medical therapy were recorded. Pre-specified (adverse) endpoints included rescue therapy, colectomy and readmission.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients, 48 (54%) male, mean age 38 years, all received intravenous hydrocortisone 400mg/d (median 5 days [range 1-11]). Median follow-up was 14 months (2-33). Forty-eight (54%) were diagnosed the year prior to or at the time of admission. Thirty-six (40%) required rescue therapy (infliximab 25/36, ciclosporin 12/36, one receiving both). Twenty-one (24%) underwent colectomy on the index admission (9/21) or during follow-up (12/21). Median UCEIS score (possible range 0-8) was 5 (3-8). UCEIS was higher in patients requiring rescue therapy or colectomy (median score 6 [range 4-8] versus 5/8 [3-8], both p < 0.005). For UCEIS ≥5, 27/54 (50%) required rescue therapy, compared with 9/33 (27%) for UCEIS ≤4 (p = 0.037). When UCEIS was ≥5, 18/54 (33%) came to colectomy during follow-up, compared with 3/33 (9%) with UCEIS ≤4. Of 14 patients with UCEIS 7 or 8, 11/14 needed rescue therapy and 13/14 met any adverse endpoint.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic severity is associated with a worse outcome in ASC. When the UCEIS is ≥7 on admission, almost all patients will need treatment with infliximab or ciclosporin beyond steroids. This may mark a threshold for an early decision to use infliximab or ciclosporin.

Association between the ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) and outcomes in acute severe ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

The Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) accounts for 86% of the variance between observers in the overall assessment of endoscopic severity, but has not been correlated with outcomes.

METHODS

Consecutive cases of acute severe colitis (ASC) defined by Truelove and Witts (TW) criteria were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic details, number of TW criteria, prior medical therapy, UCEIS and inpatient medical therapy were recorded. Pre-specified (adverse) endpoints included rescue therapy, colectomy and readmission.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients, 48 (54%) male, mean age 38 years, all received intravenous hydrocortisone 400mg/d (median 5 days [range 1-11]). Median follow-up was 14 months (2-33). Forty-eight (54%) were diagnosed the year prior to or at the time of admission. Thirty-six (40%) required rescue therapy (infliximab 25/36, ciclosporin 12/36, one receiving both). Twenty-one (24%) underwent colectomy on the index admission (9/21) or during follow-up (12/21). Median UCEIS score (possible range 0-8) was 5 (3-8). UCEIS was higher in patients requiring rescue therapy or colectomy (median score 6 [range 4-8] versus 5/8 [3-8], both p < 0.005). For UCEIS ≥5, 27/54 (50%) required rescue therapy, compared with 9/33 (27%) for UCEIS ≤4 (p = 0.037). When UCEIS was ≥5, 18/54 (33%) came to colectomy during follow-up, compared with 3/33 (9%) with UCEIS ≤4. Of 14 patients with UCEIS 7 or 8, 11/14 needed rescue therapy and 13/14 met any adverse endpoint.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic severity is associated with a worse outcome in ASC. When the UCEIS is ≥7 on admission, almost all patients will need treatment with infliximab or ciclosporin beyond steroids. This may mark a threshold for an early decision to use infliximab or ciclosporin.

Repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography after failed initial precut sphincterotomy for biliary cannulation

AIM: To investigate the outcome of repeating endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) after initially failed precut sphincterotomy to achieve biliary cannulation.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, consecutive ERCPs performed between January 2009 and September 2012 were included. Data from our endoscopy and radiology reporting databases were analysed for use of precut sphincterotomy, biliary access rate, repeat ERCP rate and complications. Patients with initially failed precut sphincterotomy were identified.

RESULTS: From 1839 consecutive ERCPs, 187 (10%) patients underwent a precut sphincterotomy during the initial ERCP in attempts to cannulate a native papilla. The initial precut was successful in 79/187 (42%). ERCP was repeated in 89/108 (82%) of patients with failed initial precut sphincterotomy after a median interval of 4 d, leading to successful biliary cannulation in 69/89 (78%). In 5 patients a third ERCP was attempted (successful in 4 cases). Overall, repeat ERCP after failed precut at the index ERCP was successful in 73/89 patients (82%). Complications after precut-sphincterotomy were observed in 32/187 (17%) patients including pancreatitis (13%), retroperitoneal perforations (1%), biliary sepsis (0.5%) and haemorrhage (3%).

CONCLUSION: The high success rate of biliary cannulation in a second attempt ERCP justifies repeating ERCP within 2-7 d after unsuccessful precut sphincterotomy before more invasive approaches should be considered.

Training methods and models for colonoscopic insertion, endoscopic mucosal resection, and endoscopic submucosal dissection

Colonoscopic examination is considered an effective examination for the detection of colorectal cancers. Additionally, early colorectal cancers can be resected using endoscopic techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection. However, those examinations and treatments need special techniques. Various training methods are practiced to acquire such endoscopic techniques throughout the world. In clinical cases, magnetic positioning devices help endoscopic insertion by less experienced endoscopists. There is a physical model made by polyvinyl chloride and a virtual simulator for training of colonoscopic insertion. Various techniques including a method to apply pressure to the abdomen and consideration for patient's pain can be trained using these models. In view of extensive training of endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection, animal models are useful and actually used. Live animal models of minipig, which entails blood flow, are ideal and used frequently, but are cumbersome to prepare. On the other hand, ex vivo animal models using intestine of porcine and bovine are convenient for preparation and less expensive. Unique ex vivo animal models with blood flow have been developed recently and techniques for hemostasis can be practiced. With respect to a method of training for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection, a stepwise system has been adopted throughout the world. Thus, first they observe the expert's technique, then practice training of animal models, and finally, they perform clinical rectal cases. The system is useful for a safe and definite procedure. In this review, we reveal various training methods for colonoscopic examinations and treatments.

Prevention of colonic spasm using L-menthol in colonoscopic examination

PURPOSE

The detailed efficacy of intraluminal L-menthol for preventing colonic spasm is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of L-menthol in preventing colonic spasm during colonoscopy.

METHODS

We analyzed 65 patients (mean age: 71.7 years; 49 men and 16 women) who were administered 0.8% L-menthol (MINCLEA, Nihon Seiyaku, Tokyo, Japan) intraluminally for severe colonic spasm during colonoscopic examination at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine between February 2012 and May 2013. The efficacy of L-menthol was defined as the absence of colonic spasm during a period of 30 s, and its effect was evaluated at 30 s, 1 min, and 5 min after administration. Additionally, various characteristics of these patients were analyzed. Twenty-seven patients with severe colonic spasm were administered intraluminal water and assessed as controls.

RESULTS

L-Menthol was effective in preventing colonic spasms in 60.0%, 70.8%, and 46.5% of patients at 30 s, 1 min, and 5 min, respectively. In contrast, water was effective in 22.2%, 29.6%, and 48.1% of patients at 30 s, 1 min, and 5 min, respectively. There was a significant difference about the efficacy at 30 s and 1 min between L-menthol and water (P = 0.0009, P = 0.0006).

CONCLUSIONS

L-Menthol (0.8%) was effective in preventing colonic spasm during colonoscopic examination.