Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy: a large single centre experience

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) is a recent innovation in the evaluation of gastrointestinal and pulmonary malignancies.

AIMS

To review the experience with EUS-FNA of a large single centre.

METHODS

333 consecutive patients underwent EUS-FNA. Follow up data were available on 327 lesions in 317 patients, including 160 lymph nodes, 144 pancreatic lesions, 15 extraintestinal masses, and eight intramural tumours.

RESULTS

A primary diagnosis of malignancy was obtained by EUS-FNA in 62% of patients with clinically suspicious lesions. The overall accuracy of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of malignancy was 86%, with sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 96%. With respect to lesion types, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 85%, 100%, and 89% for lymph nodes; 82%, 100%, and 85% for pancreatic lesions; 88%, 100%, and 90% for perirectal masses; and 50%, 25%, and 38% for intramural lesions, respectively. Compared with size and sonographic criteria, EUS-FNA in the evaluation of lymph nodes provided superior accuracy and specificity, without compromising sensitivity. Inadequate specimens were obtained from only six patients, including 3/5 with stromal tumors. Only one complication occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNA is safe and can readily obtain tissue specimens adequate for cytopathological diagnoses. Compared with size and sonographic criteria, it is a superior modality for the detection of nodal metastases. While providing accurate diagnosis of pancreatic and perirectal malignancies, results suggest the technique is less useful for intramural lesions.

Helicobacter pylori infection and abnormalities of acid secretion in patients with duodenal ulcer disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The mechanism by which Helicobacter pylori predisposes to duodenal ulcers (DUs) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the infection on acid secretion.

METHODS

Acid output was examined basally and in response to gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and gastrin in healthy volunteers with and without H. pylori infection and in patients with DUs before and after eradication of the infection.

RESULTS

Compared with H. pylori-negative healthy volunteers, patients with DUs with H. pylori had the following abnormalities of acid secretion: (1) threefold increase in basal acid output, (2) sixfold increase in acid response to GRP, (3) increased maximal acid response to exogenous gastrin, (4) increased ratio of basal acid output to maximal gastrin-stimulated output, and (5) increased ratio of maximal GRP-stimulated acid output to maximal gastrin-stimulated output. All of these abnormalities resolved fully after H. pylori eradication except for increased maximal acid output to gastrin, which was unchanged. Infected healthy volunteers showed a threefold increase in acid response to GRP that resolved after eradication of H. pylori infection.

CONCLUSIONS

These disturbances in acid secretion caused by H. pylori infection are consistent with impaired inhibitory control and are likely to be relevant to the mechanism by which the infection predisposes to DU.

Consensus statements for management of Barrett's dysplasia and early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma, based on a Delphi process

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) is increasingly common among patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE). We aimed to provide consensus recommendations based on the medical literature that clinicians could use to manage patients with BE and low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia (HGD), or early-stage EA.

METHODS

We performed an international, multidisciplinary, systematic, evidence-based review of different management strategies for patients with BE and dysplasia or early-stage EA. We used a Delphi process to develop consensus statements. The results of literature searches were screened using a unique, interactive, Web-based data-sifting platform; we used 11,904 papers to inform the choice of statements selected. An a priori threshold of 80% agreement was used to establish consensus for each statement.

RESULTS

Eighty-one of the 91 statements achieved consensus despite generally low quality of evidence, including 8 clinical statements: (1) specimens from endoscopic resection are better than biopsies for staging lesions, (2) it is important to carefully map the size of the dysplastic areas, (3) patients that receive ablative or surgical therapy require endoscopic follow-up, (4) high-resolution endoscopy is necessary for accurate diagnosis, (5) endoscopic therapy for HGD is preferred to surveillance, (6) endoscopic therapy for HGD is preferred to surgery, (7) the combination of endoscopic resection and radiofrequency ablation is the most effective therapy, and (8) after endoscopic removal of lesions from patients with HGD, all areas of BE should be ablated.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a data-sifting platform and used the Delphi process to create evidence-based consensus statements for the management of patients with BE and early-stage EA. This approach identified important clinical features of the diseases and areas for future studies.

Eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection lowers gastrin mediated acid secretion by two thirds in patients with duodenal ulcer

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) raises serum gastrin but it is unclear whether this stimulates increased acid secretion. Gastrin mediated acid secretion and plasma gastrin after the intravenous infusion of gastrin releasing peptide was studied in nine H pylori negative and nine H pylori positive healthy volunteers, and in 11 duodenal ulcer patients. Nine of the last group were re-examined one month after eradication of H pylori. The median acid output (mmol/h) to gastrin releasing peptide (40 pmol/kg/h) in the H pylori positive healthy volunteers was 15.1 (range 3.3-38.3), which was three times that of the H pylori negative healthy volunteers (median = 5.5, range 1.0-9.0) (p < 0.02). The median acid output in the duodenal ulcer patients with H pylori was 37 (range 8.5-57), which was > six times that of the H pylori negative healthy volunteers. Eradication of H pylori in the duodenal ulcer patients lowered their acid secretion by a median of 66% (range 30%-80%) (p < 0.01) and to values equivalent to the H pylori positive healthy volunteers. The pepsin output in response to gastrin releasing peptide followed the same pattern as the acid output. The median plasma gastrin concentrations during gastrin releasing peptide were similar in the H pylori positive duodenal ulcer patients (150 ng/l, range 95-400) and H pylori positive healthy volunteers (129 ng/l, range 23-420) and both were appreciably higher than H pylori negative healthy volunteers (60 ng/l, range 28-135) (p < 0.005 for each). Eradication of H pylori lowered the plasma gastrin in the duodenal ulcer patients to values equivalent to the H pylori negative healthy volunteers. These findings show a threefold increase in acid secretion in H pylori positive healthy volunteers that is explained by H pylori induced hypergastrinaemia and a sixfold increase in acid secretion in the duodenal ulcer patients that is explained by the combination of H pylori induced hypergastrinaemia and an exaggerated acid response to stimulation by gastrin. Eradicating H pylori lowers gastrin mediated acid secretion by 66% in duodenal ulcer patients as a result of the resolution of the hypergastrinaemia. Increased gastrin mediated acid secretion seems to be the key factor in the pathophysiology of duodenal ulceration and explains the role of H pylori infection in the disorder.

Endobronchial and endoscopic ultrasound-guided real-time fine-needle aspiration for mediastinal staging

Accurate staging of the mediastinum in lung cancer is essential for optimising treatment strategies. Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a blind procedure, reliant upon prior computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound imaging, but has low sensitivity. The current study reports the initial experience of using a prototype endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) probe that allows TBNA under real-time imaging. In 20 patients selected by CT scanning, a linear-array ultrasound bronchoscope was used to visualise paratracheal and hilar lymph nodes, and TBNA was performed under direct ultrasonic control. In seven cases, sequential endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was used to assess postero-inferior mediastinal lymph nodes. All procedures were performed under conscious sedation. EBUS-TBNA was undertaken in 18 out of 20 cases and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration in six out of seven cases. Cytology showed node (N)2/N3 disease in 11 out of 18 EBUS-TBNA cases and provided a primary diagnosis for eight patients. EBUS-TBNA cytology was negative in six cases, which was confirmed by mediastinoscopy or clinical follow-up in four. EUS provided additional information in all cases. There were no procedural complications. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for EBUS-TBNA were 85%, 100% and 89%, respectively. In conclusion, endobronchial ultrasound with real-time transbronchial needle aspiration offers improved sensitivity and accuracy for staging of the middle mediastinum, and, combined with endoscopic ultrasound, should allow investigation of the majority of the mediastinum.

Radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic mucosal resection for dysplastic barrett's esophagus and early esophageal adenocarcinoma: outcomes of the UK National Halo RFA Registry

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or early neoplasia increasingly receive endoscopic mucosal resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy. We analyzed data from a UK registry that follows the outcomes of patients with BE who have undergone RFA for neoplasia.

METHODS

We collected data on 335 patients with BE and neoplasia (72% with HGD, 24% with intramucosal cancer, 4% with low-grade dysplasia [mean age, 69 years; 81% male]), treated at 19 centers in the United Kingdom from July 2008 through August 2012. Mean length of BE segments was 5.8 cm (range, 1-20 cm). Patients' nodules were removed by endoscopic mucosal resection, and the patients then underwent RFA every 3 months until all areas of BE were ablated or cancer developed. Biopsies were collected 12 months after the first RFA; clearance of HGD, dysplasia, and BE were assessed.

RESULTS

HGD was cleared from 86% of patients, all dysplasia from 81%, and BE from 62% at the 12-month time point, after a mean of 2.5 (range, 2-6) RFA procedures. Complete reversal dysplasia was 15% less likely for every 1-cm increment in BE length (odds ratio = 1.156; SE = 0.048; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.26; P < .001). Endoscopic mucosal resection before RFA did not provide any benefit. Invasive cancer developed in 10 patients (3%) by the 12-month time point and disease had progressed in 17 patients (5.1%) after a median follow-up time of 19 months. Symptomatic strictures developed in 9% of patients and were treated by endoscopic dilatation. Nineteen months after therapy began, 94% of patients remained clear of dysplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

We analyzed data from a large series of patients in the United Kingdom who underwent RFA for BE-related neoplasia and found that by 12 months after treatment, dysplasia was cleared from 81%. Shorter segments of BE respond better to RFA; http://www.controlled-trials.com, number ISRCTN93069556.

Regional variation in gene expression in the healthy colon is dysregulated in ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate differential intestinal gene expression in patients with ulcerative colitis and in controls.

DESIGN

Genome-wide expression study (41,058 expression sequence tags, 215 biopsies).

SETTING

Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK, and Genentech, San Francisco, USA.

PATIENTS

67 patients with ulcerative colitis and 31 control subjects (23 normal subjects and 8 patients with inflamed non-inflammatory bowel disease biopsies).

INTERVENTIONS

Paired endoscopic biopsies were taken from 5 specific anatomical locations for RNA extraction and histology. The Agilent microarray platform was used and confirmation of results was undertaken by real time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

In healthy control biopsies, cluster analysis showed differences in gene expression between the right and left colon. (chi(2) = 25.1, p<0.0001). Developmental genes, homeobox protein A13 (HOXA13), (p = 2.3x10(-16)), HOXB13 (p<1x10(-45)), glioma-associated oncogene 1 (GLI1) (p = 4.0x10(-24)), and GLI3 (p = 2.1x10(-28)) primarily drove this separation. When all ulcerative colitis biopsies and control biopsies were compared, 143 sequences had a fold change of >1.5 in the ulcerative colitis biopsies (0.01>p>10(-45)) and 54 sequences had a fold change of <-1.5 (0.01>p>10(-20)). Differentially upregulated genes in ulcerative colitis included serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) (p<10(-45)) the alpha defensins 5 and 6 (DEFA5 and 6) (p = 0.00003 and p = 6.95x10(-7), respectively), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) (p = 5.6x10(-10)) and MMP7 (p = 2.3x10(-7)). Increased DEFA5 and 6 expression was further characterised to Paneth cell metaplasia by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation. Sub-analysis of the inflammatory bowel disease 2 (IBD2) and IBD5 loci, and the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes revealed a number of differentially regulated genes in the ulcerative colitis biopsies.

CONCLUSIONS

Key findings are the expression gradient in the healthy adult colon and the involvement of novel gene families, as well as established candidate genes in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Common variants at the MHC locus and at chromosome 16q24.1 predispose to Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is an increasingly common disease that is strongly associated with reflux of stomach acid and usually a hiatus hernia, and it strongly predisposes to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), a tumor with a very poor prognosis. We report the first genome-wide association study on Barrett's esophagus, comprising 1,852 UK cases and 5,172 UK controls in the discovery stage and 5,986 cases and 12,825 controls in the replication stage. Variants at two loci were associated with disease risk: chromosome 6p21, rs9257809 (Pcombined=4.09×10(-9); odds ratio (OR)=1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.13-1.28), within the major histocompatibility complex locus, and chromosome 16q24, rs9936833 (Pcombined=2.74×10(-10); OR=1.14, 95% CI=1.10-1.19), for which the closest protein-coding gene is FOXF1, which is implicated in esophageal development and structure. We found evidence that many common variants of small effect contribute to genetic susceptibility to Barrett's esophagus and that SNP alleles predisposing to obesity also increase risk for Barrett's esophagus.

The multidisciplinary team meeting improves staging accuracy and treatment selection for gastro-esophageal cancer

The object of this article is to assess current staging accuracies for individual modalities and to investigate the influence of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) on clinical staging accuracies and treatment selection for patients with gastro-esophageal cancer. Patients newly diagnosed with gastric or esophageal cancer and who were deemed suitable for surgical resection by the MDT were studied. Patients were staged with a combination of computerized tomography (CT), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS). Additionally, the MDT determined an overall clinical stage for each patient after discussion at the MDT meeting. Treatments were selected according to this final clinical stage. Final histopathological staging (pTNM) was available for all patients and was used as the gold standard for determining staging accuracy. Suitability of treatment selection was assessed once final pTNM was available. One hundred and eighteen patients were studied. Endoscopic ultrasound was the most accurate individual staging modality for the loco-regional assessment of esophageal tumors (T stage accuracy 78%, N stage accuracy 70%). Laparoscopic ultrasound was the most accurate modality in T staging of gastric cancers (91%). The MDT stage was more accurate than each individual staging modality for T and N staging for both gastric and esophageal cancers (accuracy range: 88-89%) and was better for the assessment of nodal disease than each individual modality (CT P < 0.001, EUS P < 0.01, LUS P < 0.01). Overall staging accuracy as determined at the MDT meeting was increased and resulted in only 2/118 (2%) patients being under-treated. The MDT significantly improves staging accuracy for gastro-esophageal cancer and ensures that correct management decisions are made for the highest number of individual patients.

A randomized trial of thermal ablative therapy versus expandable metal stents in the palliative treatment of patients with esophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Expandable metal stent insertion and thermal tumor ablation (TTA) both improve dysphagia in patients with advanced esophageal cancer, but no direct comparison study of their efficacy on health-related quality of life has been published. The aim of this study was to compare survival, relief of dysphagia, quality of life, and cost in patients treated by thermal ablation or stent insertion.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients with histologically proven, inoperable esophageal and esophagogastric cancer were initially assessed by endoscopy, barium contrast radiography, and CT of the thorax and abdomen. Dysphagia and quality of life were serially assessed at monthly intervals. Patients were randomized to either repeated TTA or insertion of an expandable metal stent.

RESULTS

Median survival was significantly longer for patients who underwent TTA; 125 days (17-546) versus 68 days (8-602) for those in whom a stent was inserted (p < 0.05), although relief of dysphagia was disappointing in both groups. Several patients in both groups had serious treatment-related complications and required further therapy. Median length of hospital stay and cost were greater for patients treated by TTA. Health-related quality of life was globally impaired in both groups at randomization and deteriorated significantly in the stent group. Pain was reported more commonly by patients with stents.

CONCLUSIONS

The palliation of patients with advanced esophageal and esophagogastric cancer remains unsatisfactory. Health-related quality of life deteriorated in the stent group but not in the TTA group. Patients treated by TTA live longer than patients treated by stent insertion, but the cost of TTA is higher.

A study of the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori negative chronic duodenal ulceration

In the past five years 12 patients have been identified presenting with chronic duodenal ulcer (DU) disease and with no evidence of current or recent Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection. Four of them were taking regular non-steroidal anti inflammatory agents, one was subsequently found to have Crohn's disease of the duodenum, and one to have the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The remaining six patients with idiopathic DU disease were remarkable for their absence of the A1 blood antigen gene. Detailed studies of gastric function were performed in these six patients and compared with H pylori positive patients with DU and with healthy volunteers. The median integrated gastrin response in the patients with idiopathic DU (2810 (range 750-8750) ng/l min) was similar to that of the H pylori positive patients with DU (3355 (550-8725)) and higher than that of the H pylori negative healthy volunteers (560 (225-1125)). The median peak acid output in the patients with idiopathic DU (37 mmol/h, range 17-52) was similar to that of the H pylori positive patients with DU (40 (15-57)) and higher than that of the non-ulcer controls (22 (16-29)). The median percentage of a liquid meal retained in the stomach at 60 minutes was less in the patients with idiopathic DU (23 (15-33)) than in H pylori negative healthy volunteers (34 (30-53) p < 0.01). The median percentage of a solid meal retained at 60 minutes was less in the patients with idiopathic DU (54 (9-83)) than in either H pylori negative healthy volunteers (87 (49-95) p<0.01) or H pylori positive patients with DU (79 (51-100) p<0.01). In conclusion, three abnormalities of gastric function are prevalent in patients with H pylori negative idiopathic DU disease - hypergastrinaemia, increased acid secretion, and the one feature distinguishing them from H pylori positive patients with DU - rapid gastric emptying of both liquids and solids. Each of these abnormalities will increase the exposure of the duodenal mucosa to acid and thus explain its ulceration. The absence of the blood group A1 antigen gene is consistent with a genetic basis for the disturbed gastric function linked to the ABO blood group antigen genes.

Low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in inflammatory bowel disease: association with sulphasalazine

The prevalence of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori was examined in 110 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (63 ulcerative colitis, 47 Crohn's disease) and compared with 100 age and sex matched control patients. The overall prevalence of H pylori seropositivity in the IBD patients was 22%, which was significantly less than that of 52% in the controls (p < 0.002). There was no difference in prevalence between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's patients. The low seropositivity in the IBD patients resulted from a very low prevalence of 10% in those currently receiving sulphasalazine (n = 40) and similarly low prevalence of 7% in those previously receiving sulphasalazine (n = 30). In those receiving olsalazine or mesalazine and who had never had sulphasalazine, the prevalence of seropositivity was 45%. Further studies using 14C urea breath test and microscopy of antral biopsy specimens confirmed that the negative serology in patients receiving sulphasalazine resulted from absence of the infection rather than absence of humoral immune response to it. In six control patients with H pylori infection, a two week course of sulphasalazine (500 mg four times daily) only caused slight suppression of the 14C urea breath test. In vitro studies failed to show any direct antibacterial effect of sulphasalazine on H pylori. These findings indicate that longterm treatment with sulphasalazine leads to eradication of H pylori infection and that this does not result from a direct antibacterial effect. It may be caused by the drug treating the gastritis and thereby depriving the bacterium of essential nutrients exuded by the inflamed mucosa.

Improvement over time in outcomes for patients undergoing endoscopic therapy for Barrett's oesophagus-related neoplasia: 6-year experience from the first 500 patients treated in the UK patient registry

BACKGROUND

Barrett's oesophagus (BE) is a pre-malignant condition leading to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). Treatment of neoplasia at an early stage is desirable. Combined endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) followed by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an alternative to surgery for patients with BE-related neoplasia.

METHODS

We examined prospective data from the UK registry of patients undergoing RFA/EMR for BE-related neoplasia from 2008 to 2013. Before RFA, visible lesions were removed by EMR. Thereafter, patients had RFA 3-monthly until all BE was ablated or cancer developed (endpoints). End of treatment biopsies were recommended at around 12 months from first RFA treatment or when endpoints were reached. Outcomes for clearance of dysplasia (CR-D) and BE (CR-IM) at end of treatment were assessed over two time periods (2008-2010 and 2011-2013). Durability of successful treatment and progression to OAC were also evaluated.

RESULTS

508 patients have completed treatment. CR-D and CR-IM improved significantly between the former and later time periods, from 77% and 56% to 92% and 83%, respectively (p<0.0001). EMR for visible lesions prior to RFA increased from 48% to 60% (p=0.013). Rescue EMR after RFA decreased from 13% to 2% (p<0.0001). Progression to OAC at 12 months is not significantly different (3.6% vs 2.1%, p=0.51).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical outcomes for BE neoplasia have improved significantly over the past 6 years with improved lesion recognition and aggressive resection of visible lesions before RFA. Despite advances in technique, the rate of cancer progression remains 2-4% at 1 year in these high-risk patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN93069556.

A substantial proportion of non-ulcer dyspepsia patients have the same abnormality of acid secretion as duodenal ulcer patients

Acid secretion in response to gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) is increased six-fold in Helicobacter pylori positive duodenal ulcer (DU) patients and threefold in H pylori positive healthy volunteers, and this fully resolves after eradication of the infection. This study was undertaken to determine whether a proportion of H pylori positive patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) have an acid secretion disturbance similar to DU patients. Basal and GRP stimulated gastrin concentrations and acid output were examined in 25 H pylori positive NUD patients and the results compared with those of 25 H pylori positive healthy volunteers, 25 H pylori negative healthy volunteers, and 25 H pylori positive DU patients. Compared with the H pylori negative healthy volunteers, GRP stimulated gastrin was increased approximately three fold in each of the three infected groups. GRP stimulated acid secretion (median, range) was higher in the H pylori positive NUD patients (29.6 mmol/h (5.2-46.5)) (p < 0.005) than in the H pylori positive healthy volunteers (19.0 (1.0-38.3)) (p < 0.001) or H pylori negative healthy volunteers (6.3 (2.8-20.9)) (p < 0.0001). The H pylori positive NUD patients, however, had lower acid output than the DU patients (39.1 (17.9-64)) (p < 0.005). These findings are consistent with approximately 50% of the NUD patients having a similar disturbance of GRP stimulated acid secretion to DU patients.

Characterization of intestinal gene expression profiles in Crohn's disease by genome-wide microarray analysis

BACKGROUND

Genome-wide microarray expression analysis creates a comprehensive picture of gene expression at the cellular level. The aim of this study was to investigate differential intestinal gene expression in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and controls with subanalysis of confirmed CD susceptibility genes, associated pathways, and cell lineage.

METHODS

In all, 172 biopsies from 53 CD and 31 control subjects were studied. Paired endoscopic biopsies were taken at ileocolonoscopy from five specific anatomical locations including the terminal ileum (TI) for RNA extraction and histology. The 41,058 expression sequence tags were analyzed using the Agilent platform.

RESULTS

Analysis of all CD biopsies versus controls showed 259 sequences were upregulated and 87 sequences were downregulated. Upregulated genes in CD included SAA1 (fold change [FC] +7.5, P = 1.47 × 10(-41)) and REGL (FC +7.3, P = 2.3 × 10(-16)), whereas cellular detoxification genes including-SLC14A2 (FC-2.49, P = 0.00002) were downregulated. In the CD TI biopsies diubiquitin (FC+11.3, P < 1 × 10(-45)), MMP3 (FC+7.4, P = 1.3 × 10(-11)), and IRTA1 (FC-11.4, P = 4.7 × 10(-12)) were differentially expressed compared to controls. In the colon SAA1 (FC+6.3, P = 5.3 × 10(-8)) was upregulated and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) (FC-2.3, P = 2.7 × 10(-6)) was downregulated comparing noninflamed CD and control biopsies, and the colonic inflammatory CD signature was characterized by downregulation of the organic solute carriers-SLC38A4, SLC26A2, and OST alpha. Of CD susceptibility genes identified by genome-wide association scan IL-23A, JAK2, and STAT3 were upregulated in the CD group, confirming the dysregulation of Th17 signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

These data characterize the dysregulation of a series of specific inflammatory pathways highlighting potential pathogenic mechanisms as well as areas for translation to therapeutic targets.

The safety profile of anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy in inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice: analysis of 620 patient-years follow-up

BACKGROUND

Anti-TNF agents are now widely used in Crohn's disease (CD), and in ulcerative colitis (UC).

AIM

To review the safety profile of anti-TNF agents in all patients treated with infliximab in Edinburgh from 1999 to 2007.

METHODS

Complete data were available on 202/207 patients comprising 157 CD, 42 UC and three coeliac disease. Median follow-up was 2.4 years (1.0-4.9) with a total of 620 patient-years follow-up. About 19.1% of CD patients were subsequently treated with adalimumab.

RESULTS

Seven deaths (3.3%) occurred in follow-up; only one death was <1 year post-infliximab (at day 72, from lung cancer). A total of six malignancies (three haematological, three bronchogenic) and six cases of suspected demyelination (three with confirmed neurological disease) were reported. In the 90 days following infliximab, 95 adverse events (36 serious) occurred in 58/202 (28.7%) patients. In all, 42/202 (20.8%) had an infectious event (22 serious) and 27/202 (13.4%) of patients had an infusion reaction: 19 acute (four serious) and eight delayed (three serious).

CONCLUSIONS

Serious infections, malignancies and neurological disease complicate anti-TNF use in clinical practice. Although evidence for causality is unclear, potential mechanisms and predisposing factors need to be explored. In individual patients, the risk/benefit analysis needs to be carefully assessed and discussed prior to commencement of therapy.

Restarting gastrointestinal endoscopy in the deceleration and early recovery phases of COVID-19 pandemic: Guidance from the British Society of Gastroenterology

Many non-emergency clinical services were suspended during COVID-19 pandemic peak. It is essential to develop a plan for restarting services following the peak. It is equally important to protect patients and staff and to use resources and personal protective equipment (PPE) efficiently. The British Society of Gastroenterology Endoscopy Committee and Quality Improvement Programme has produced guidance on how a restart can be safely delivered. Key recommendations include the following: all patients should have need for endoscopy assessed by senior clinicians and prioritised according to criteria we have outlined; once the need for endoscopy is confirmed, patients should undergo telephone screening for symptoms using systematic questionnaires; all outpatients should undergo RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 virus 1-3 days prior to endoscopy; and PPE should be determined by patient risk stratification, the nature of the procedure and the results of testing. While this guidance is tailored to endoscopy services, it could be adapted for any interventional medical discipline.

EUS-guided celiac block and neurolysis

Abdominal pain related to pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis can be a disabling and difficult symptom to treat for patients, their families, and physicians. Pharmacologic therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is usually ineffective. Opiate analgesics may not be well tolerated and can lead to dependence. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus block offers a potential adjunct treatment for pain control.

EUS to detect evidence of pancreatic disease in patients with persistent or nonspecific dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Mild chronic pancreatitis is difficult to diagnose and the diagnosis is therefore not sought routinely in patients with dyspepsia. The aim of our study was to compare the prevalence of endosonographic pancreatic abnormalities in patients with dyspepsia and control subjects.

METHODS

The number of endosonographic abnormalities was compared prospectively in patients with dyspepsia and control patients. Patients in whom there was any suspicion of pancreatic disease were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

Between November 1998 and January 1999, 156 patients with dyspepsia were compared with 27 control patients. The groups were similar except that control patients were significantly older and more likely to be men. The mean number of endosonographic abnormalities was higher in dyspeptic patients than in control patients (mean number of abnormalities 3.3: 95% CI [2.9, 3.6] vs. 1.9: 95% CI [0.3, 1.7]). The strongest independent predictors of severe endosonographic abnormalities (defined as 5 or more abnormalities) were the presence of suspected pancreatic disease (odds ratio 7.29: 95% CI [2.03, 26. 14]) and dyspepsia (odds ratio 7.21: 95% CI [1.99, 26.26]). In the dyspepsia group, no clinical variables were significant predictors of severe abnormalities. However, most patients had nonspecific-type dyspepsia or persistent symptoms after therapeutic trials of acid suppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Dyspepsia may be an atypical presentation of pancreatic disease in patients with persistent or nonspecific symptoms. Endosonography may be useful to screen for pancreatic disease in patients with persistent dyspepsia.

Endoscopic ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of suspected upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumours

BACKGROUND

'Submucosal' lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract are often difficult to evaluate. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) provides high-quality information about the nature of these lesions and may assist management. This study assessed the use of EUS in the evaluation and management of upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumours.

METHODS

Forty-four consecutive patients were referred with suspected upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions for EUS. All examinations were performed by one of two experienced endosonographers.

RESULTS

Most patients were referred for EUS with a suspected gastrointestinal stromal tumour. The pre-EUS diagnosis did not correlate with the EUS diagnosis in 25 of 44 patients. Pathological correlation was possible in 16 patients, and the EUS diagnosis was confirmed in each case. Based on the findings at EUS, 12 patients underwent resection. Pathology confirmed the ultrasonographic findings in these patients. Follow-up EUS to monitor lesions was recommended in a further three patients.

CONCLUSION

EUS is safe and provides useful information in many patients with suspected submucosal tumours. EUS may reveal unsuspected findings and can increase physician certainty, allowing accurate diagnosis and facilitation of the management process.

Plasma gastrin concentrations are normal in patients with colorectal neoplasia and unaltered following tumor resection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Previous studies have found that colorectal cancer patients have hypergastrinemia, but most have been inadequately controlled. Preoperative fasting and meal-stimulated gastrin levels were measured in patients with colorectal tumors (n = 42) and in carefully matched controls (n = 34). Helicobacter pylori status was assessed because it causes significant hypergastrinemia.

METHODS

Plasma gastrin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Helicobacter status was assessed using the [14C]urea breath test and serology (immunoglobulin G).

RESULTS

Preoperatively, fasting plasma gastrin levels were similar in patients with tumors (median, 55 ng/L; interquartile range, 45-82.5) and controls (77.5 ng/L; 53.7-137.5; P = 0.10). Similarly, peak gastrin levels were not significantly different in tumor patients (200 ng/L; 137.5-312.5) and controls (247.5 ng/L; 147.5-375; P = 0.21). The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with tumors (60%) and controls (53%) was similar in both groups. Five (20%) tumor patients who were H. pylori-positive preoperatively were negative postoperatively, and their median peak plasma gastrin level decreased from 200 ng/L to 140 ng/L. After these patients were excluded, fasting and peak plasma gastrin concentrations were similar preoperatively and postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

When confounding factors are controlled for, plasma gastrin levels are not increased in colorectal cancer and do not decrease after curative resection. Previously noted decreases in gastrin levels after tumor resection may be attributable to loss of H. pylori infection in some patients, as noted here.

High-resolution endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound for evaluation of early neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is useful for detecting depth of invasion and nodal involvement in patients with early Barrett's neoplasia (EBN), precluding endoscopic management. This study aimed to determine whether the lesion morphology of the EBN shown on high-resolution endoscopy predicts EUS and histologic tumor stage.

METHODS

Retrospective series from two tertiary referral centers were studied. Patients with EBN referred for EUS evaluation before treatment were identified, and data were collected from endoscopies, a database, and case notes. All patients had high-resolution endoscopy followed by radial EUS.

RESULTS

This study included 50 patients (22 men) with a median age of 69 years (interquartile range, 60-79 years). Visible lesions in the Barrett's segment were described as Paris types 0-1 (n = 9), 0-IIb (n = 12), 0-IIa (n = 12), 0-IIa + IIc (n = 6), and 0-IIc (n = 5). Of the 50 patients, 46 (92%) had either EMR (n = 17), esophagectomy (n = 23), or both (n = 6). All 12 patients (100%) with Paris 0-IIb lesions had T0/T1 m staging on EUS confirmed with resection histology. The sensitivity for EUS T-staging for Paris classification was 71.4% for type 0-I, 100% for type 0-IIb, 83% for type 0-IIa, 66.7% for type 0-IIa + IIc, and 66.7% for type IIc. Overall, 8 (17%) of the 46 patients were understaged and 2 (4%) were overstaged. For detecting submucosal invasion, EUS had a sensitivity of 66%, a specificity of 93%, a negative predictive value of 85%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 84.4%.

CONCLUSION

Submucosal invasion is detected by EUS for 26% of patients with EBN. The value of EUS staging before resection for type 0-IIb early Barrett's cancer (flat lesions) is limited because 100% of these lesions are limited to the mucosa. For the management algorithm in this selected cohort, the use of EUS should be reconsidered.

Endoscopic ultrasonography with fine-needle aspiration: an accurate and simple diagnostic modality for sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystem granulomatous disease that is often diagnosed after a finding of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy on a chest radiograph. This often requires further evaluation by transbronchial biopsy or other clinical parameters. The present study is a descriptive, retrospective one using endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of mediastinal lymph nodes in seven patients with sarcoidosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Among 108 consecutive patients who underwent EUS-FNA of mediastinal lymph nodes for various clinical indications between July 1994 and October 1997, seven patients were found to have sarcoidosis on EUS-FNA, and the EUS morphology was studied in these patients.

RESULTS

Sarcoidosis was diagnosed in seven patients using endosonographic characteristics and clinical follow-up. EUS with FNA showed cytological evidence of sarcoidosis in six patients. Seven patients were found to have subcarinal lymph nodes, and six patients had abnormally enlarged aortopulmonary (AP) window lymph nodes. The nodes in all patients had three endosonographic criteria for malignancy. The long axis of the largest mediastinal lymph nodes measured 3.44+/-1.42 cm (range 1.8-6.0 cm). The short axis measured 2.50+/-0.69 (range 1.0-4.0 cm). The average number of nodes seen in each patient was 2.80+/-0.75 (range 2-4). The nodes in all seven patients were discrete and well demarcated. A central hyperechoic strand was evident in these nodes in four patients (57%). There were no complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with sarcoidosis appear to have specific echo characteristics, and EUS-FNA can be used for confirmatory tissue diagnosis.