Obliteration of symptomatic Schatzki rings with jumbo biopsy forceps (with video)

A Schatzki ring is a submucosal, fibrotic thickening located at the gastroesophageal junction. Endoscopic treatment traditionally involves disruption of the ring. Many approaches have been described including bougies, balloons, biopsies, and diathermic monopolar incision. While all of these approaches are effective in the short-term, recurrence is common. The objective of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of complete excision of the ring using jumbo cold biopsy forceps. Our main outcome measurements were the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of complete obliteration of Schatzki rings using jumbo cold biopsy forceps. We designed an observational study using a standard protocol for patient management and data collection using a university hospital as our setting. We followed 10 patients with dysphagia due to a Schatzki's ring, six of whom had previously undergone bougienage or balloon dilation. Five patients were on maintenance therapy with a proton pump inhibitor and one with an H2 blocker. Complete endoscopic obliteration of the Schatzki rings with a cold jumbo biopsy forceps was achieved in all 10 patients requiring a mean of 9.8 biopsies (range 8-12). Omeprazole (20 mg twice daily) was prescribed after the procedure. All 10 patients demonstrated improvement in dysphagia after treatment, which persisted during a mean follow-up time of 379 days (range 63-496 days). There were no serious complications. The limitations of our study include lack of a control group, a small sample size, and being a single-institution study. We concluded that complete Schatzki ring obliteration with jumbo cold biopsy forceps is a safe, feasible, and effective endoscopic treatment.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has been widely applied as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in adult patients with pancreacticobiliary disorders and has recently become an accepted modality in pediatrics. This article reviews the general concepts of diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children and specific therapeutic interventions and results in different diseases.

Enhanced magnification endoscopy: a new technique to identify specialized intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND

Specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not identifiable by standard endoscopy. Acetic acid instillation enhances the ability to detect columnar epithelium at the squamocolumnar union. Enhanced magnification endoscopy involves the combined use of magnification endoscopy with acetic acid. This study assessed the value of enhanced magnification endoscopy in detecting SIM in patients with BE.

METHODS

Patients undergoing endoscopic surveillance because of short segment BE without dysplasia underwent enhanced magnification endoscopy with 1.5% acetic acid instillation. Standard endoscopy was followed by magnification endoscopy and repeated after acetic acid spraying. Surface patterns were characterized prior to and after acetic acid spraying. The observed surface patterns were compared with histology results.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients, 9 women and 39 men, with a mean age of 50.5 years were studied. One was excluded because of unclear definition of the surface pattern. Enhanced magnification endoscopy detected 4 different mucosal surface patterns: I, round pits; II, reticular; III, villous; and IV, ridged. A total of 129 areas were examined. Standard endoscopy identified an endoscopic pattern in 1.5% of the areas, standard endoscopy and acetic acid in 8.5%, magnification endoscopy alone in 38%, and enhanced magnification endoscopy in all 129 endoscopic areas. The yields for detecting SIM according to endoscopic patterns were as follows: pattern I, 0%; II, 11% (odds ratio 0.5, p = 0.54); III, 87% (odds ratio 36, p = 0.001); and IV, 100% (odds ratio 14, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced magnification endoscopy is an accurate method of predicting SIM in BE. The simplicity of the technique and its ability to identify characteristic endoscopic patterns with outstanding clarity and resolution that correlate with histologic identification of specialized intestinal metaplasia make enhanced magnification endoscopy an excellent method for the evaluation of patients with BE.

Comparison of PCR and common clinical tests for the diagnosis of H. pylori in dyspeptic patients

Helicobacter pylori has been recognized as a major gastric pathogen. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of common clinical tests to detect H. pylori infection, by comparison with PCR. Serum and gastric biopsy specimens from 106 dyspeptic patients were examined. Serology was performed with Pyloriset Dry test, and biopsies were examined histologically, for rapid urease activity and PCR amplification of an ureA gene segment of H. pylori. PCR primers were specific for H. pylori and required at least 1.47 pg of H. pylori DNA, corresponding to about 800 bacterial cells. According to serology, histology, rapid urease, and PCR, positive results were respectively found in 56%, 86%, 64%, and 85% of dyspeptic patients, primarily with gastritis. Relative to PCR, the sensitivity (and specificity) was 55% (38%) for serology, 86% (13%) for histology, 70% (69%) for urease. When combining histology and urease, Bayesian analysis of data indicated no advantage of using combined methods over rapid urease test alone. Histology should not any longer be considered a gold standard test for Helicobacter pylori. Urea breath test still seems the first option for non invasive diagnostic. If an invasive diagnostic is justified, highly specific and sensitive molecular methods should be used to examine specimens.

Normal and anomalous pancreaticobiliary union in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

The normal length of the pancreaticobiliary union (common channel) in the pediatric population is not known, nor is the frequency of anomalous pancreaticobiliary union and the extent to which it is associated with pancreaticobiliary disease.

METHODS

ERCP was performed on 136 patients younger than 1 year (group 1) and 128 older than 1 year (group 2).

RESULTS

In group 1 the average length of the common channel was 1.8 +/- 0.61 mm with a maximal length of 3 mm (mean plus 2 standard deviations). In group 2 the average length and maximal length of the common channel increased with age. In the 1 to 3 year age range the average length was 2.2 +/- 0.47 mm with a maximal length of 2.7 mm, in the 4 to 6 year range it was 2.8 +/- 0.40 mm (3.6 mm maximal), in the 7 to 9 year range it was 3.2 +/- 0.43 mm (4.1 mm maximal), in the 10 to 12 year range it was 3.9 +/- 0.5 mm (4.4 mm maximal), and in the 13 to 15 year range it was 4.0 +/- 0.51 mm (5 mm maximal). The prevalence of the anomalous pancreaticobiliary union was 25% (66/264). In group 1 the anomaly was present in 4.4% (6 of 136) of patients, 1.3% (1/76) with neonatal hepatitis, 4.6% (3/44) with biliary atresia, and 100% (2/2) with choledochal cyst. In group 2 the anomaly was present in 46.9% (60/128) of patients, 100% (57/57) with choledochal cyst and 15.7% (3/19) with idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis without bile duct dilatation.

CONCLUSIONS

The mean length of the common channel increases with age. The maximum normal length of the common channel in neonates and infants younger than 1 year is 3 mm. It increases with age to a maximum of 5 mm in children and adolescents between 13 and 15 years of age. Anomalous pancreaticobiliary union is relatively common among children and adolescents undergoing ERCP in our center, including those with idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis (15.7%). ERCP is valuable in the diagnosis of this anomaly.

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in children with recurrent pancreatitis and anomalous pancreaticobiliary union: an etiologic concept

BACKGROUND

The exact cause of recurrent pancreatitis among patients with anomalous pancreaticobiliary union is not known. Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction has been implicated as a mechanism. This study evaluated sphincter of Oddi function in children with anomalous pancreaticobiliary union and recurrent pancreatitis and assessed the results of endoscopic sphincterotomy in the management of this condition.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 128 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographic (ERCP) studies performed on children older than 1 year and adolescents with pancreaticobiliary disease. In 64 instances, ERCP was performed because of recurrent pancreatitis. Nine patients underwent sphincter of Oddi manometry followed by endoscopic sphincterotomy, and these patients were included in this study. A basal pressure greater than 35 mm Hg was considered diagnostic for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Follow-up data were obtained retrospectively from the patients' relatives and referring physicians.

RESULTS

An anomalous pancreaticobiliary union was found in 18 of 64 (28%) patients with recurrent pancreatitis. The 9 patients who underwent sphincter manometry and endoscopic sphincterotomy were 5 girls and 4 boys 2.9 to 17 years of age (mean 7.8 years). A choledochal cyst was found in 7 of these 9 patients. Two patients had anomalous pancreaticobiliary union without common bile duct dilatation. All 9 patients had sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (mean basal pressure 96 +/- 37.8 mm Hg, range 48 to 156 mm Hg). The length of the common channel was 22.8 +/- 5.5 mm, and the length of the sphincter of Oddi segment was 12.1 +/- 1.9 mm (p < 0.001). In all patients the sphincter of Oddi segment was located within the duodenal wall. The mean follow-up period after endoscopic sphincterotomy was 26.4 months (range 18 to 38 months). Eight patients had excellent results defined as absence of symptoms and no subsequent episodes of acute pancreatitis. Treatment of 1 patient was considered moderately successful because the patient still had occasional pain without pancreatic enzyme elevation but no subsequent episodes of acute pancreatitis. One patient had mild postprocedural pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent pancreatitis and anomalous pancreaticobiliary union are associated with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in children and adolescents. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is beneficial to these patients.

Acetic acid improves identification of remnant islands of Barrett's epithelium after endoscopic therapy

BACKGROUND

Instillation of acetic acid onto the uterine cervix at colposcopy has been used for many years to highlight dysplastic areas and thereby enhance the ability to obtain targeted biopsy specimens. As part of an ongoing trial of multipolar electrocoagulation for Barrett's esophagus, we sought to develop a simple technique to identify small islands of residual specialized columnar epithelium after treatment.

METHODS

In 21 consecutive patients, 5 to 10 mL of 1.5% acetic acid was sprayed onto the distal esophagus using a spray catheter, followed immediately by spraying 50 mL of tap water.

RESULTS

Initially, a whitish coloration developed in both esophageal and gastric epithelia. After 2 to 3 minutes, the esophageal squamous mucosa remained white but the columnar epithelium became reddish. Remnant islands of Barrett's epithelium were outlined by a white rim.

CONCLUSION

Acetic acid instillation enhances the ability to detect small or indistinguishable remnant islands of columnar epithelium after endoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus. This method is safe, rapid, and inexpensive.

Endoscopic therapy of pancreatic disease in children

The advent of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has revolutionized the approach to the diagnosis and management of pancreatic disorders in adults. In the past 5 years, endoscopic pancreatic therapy in children has moved from an investigational concept to a practical service provided by specialized centers. When performed by experienced endoscopists, therapeutic pancreatography can be successfully performed in a selected group of children with a low rate of complications.

Modification of Christensen urease test as an inexpensive tool for detection of Helicobacter pylori

About half the world population is infected with Helicobacter pylori. Most live in developing countries where clinical studies face the constraints of high costs of imported rapid diagnostic tests. In this work, we describe and validate a simple local urease test (LUT) to determine the presence of the bacterium in gastric biopsies, and report the incidence of infection among symptomatic patients in Caracas, Venezuela. Statistical comparison of LUT and CLOtest (Delta West, Bentley, Australia) (N = 216 patients) showed that the probability of 95% agreement between the two test was 0.936. Overall incidence of infection determined by the LUT was 65% (N = 229), and it was higher in patients from public (72%; N = 153) than from private (50%; N = 76) hospitals (p = .001). Therefore, the incidence of infection differs in two socioeconomic groups that coexist in the same city. LUT may represent an affordable tool in clinical studies needed to identify social factors that increase the risk of infection by H. pylori.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children

In the past two decades, the possibility to visualize the biliary tree and the pancreatic duct using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has substantially influenced evaluation and treatment of adult patients with suspected pancreaticobiliary disease. Development of pediatric duodenoscopes, expansion of indications for the procedure in children, and availability of newly skilled pediatric endoscopists have resulted in an increasing number of these procedures being performed in children. Operative endoscopic procedures are also applicable to children and adolescents; techniques such as endoscopic sphincterotomy, biliary drainage, common bile duct stone and pancreatic duct stone extraction, implantation of endoprosthesis, and pancreatic pseudocyst drainage are beginning to be used in children, with an overall success rate similar to that seen in adult patients. Techniques, indications, complications, and diagnostic and therapeutic applications of ERCP in the pediatric population are defined.

The role of ERCP in the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis in children and adolescents

ERCP was performed in 51 patients, aged 1 to 18 years, as part of diagnostic evaluation for recurrent pancreatitis without obvious cause or as therapeutic intervention. ERCP was successful in 50 patients (98%). Thirty-four patients (68%) had anatomic findings indicating a possible cause of recurrent pancreatitis. Three patients (6%) had findings suggestive of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Eighteen of the 37 patients (49%) with ductal abnormalities underwent endoscopic therapy, with a favorable outcome in 15 (83%). Eleven patients were treated surgically, and 8 of these patients (73%) improved symptomatically. Eight patients received no treatment, and 6 of them (67%) had recurrent bouts of clinical pancreatitis. One mild case of pancreatitis (1.9%) occurred after ERCP, and 3 mild cases followed endoscopic therapy. In conclusion, ERCP is a relatively safe technique that produces opacification of the desired ductal system with a high degree of accuracy and provides useful information in the evaluation of children with idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis. These data suggest that endoscopic pancreatic therapy may result in symptomatic improvement, eliminating the need for surgery in selected children. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that manipulation of the pancreatic duct is comparatively safe and less hazardous than formerly believed.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in neonates and young infants undergoing ERCP for diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in 20 neonates and young infants from lower socioeconomic background undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) examination for diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis. One young asymptomatic infant (5%) who was breast-feeding with complementary formula had H. pylori infection. Endoscopy showed a normal appearing mucosa and histology demonstrated mild superficial acute gastritis. A follow-up gastroscopy performed 14 months after the initial study showed normal histology without evidence of H. pylori, suggesting that the infection was transient. Nineteen (95%) of the 20 mothers had H. pylori infection, including the mother with the infant positive for H. pylori. All mothers had gastritis on biopsy specimens. Despite the high prevalence of H. pylori in the mothers, infection in neonates and young infants was uncommon.

The effect of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on the lower esophageal sphincter in achalasia

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is one of the main neurotransmitters implicated in the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The effect of exogenous VIP on LES motor activity was determined by esophageal manometry. LES pressure (LESP) and LES relaxation were compared in four healthy volunteers and in six patients with achalasia. The effects of intravenous doses of 1.5, 3, and 5 pmol.kg-1.min-1 of VIP were compared with placebo. Neither placebo nor 3 and 5 pmol.kg-1.min-1 of VIP produced any effect on esophageal motility in healthy volunteers. In achalasia the three doses of VIP caused a dose-dependent decrease in LESP with a significant improvement in LES relaxation. A dose of 5 pmol.kg-1.min-1 produced a maximal decrease of 51% in LESP. A beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, caused a decrease in LESP both in healthy volunteers and in patients with achalasia without improving LES relaxation. In summary, intravenous VIP improved LES relaxation and caused a decrease in LESP in patients with achalasia without affecting LESP in healthy volunteers, indicating that the LES muscle in achalasia is supersensitive to VIP. The current study suggests that a selective damage in the noncholinergic nonadrenergic innervation of the esophagus is in part responsible for the motor alteration seen in these patients. The findings and the inability of isoproterenol to improve LES relaxation despite decreasing LESP support a role in VIP as a indicator of LES relaxation.

ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy in infants and children with jaundice due to common bile duct stones

ERCP was performed in two infants (29 and 62 days old) and eight children (5 to 12 years old) with jaundice due to common bile duct stones. Seven patients had hemolytic anemia and three patients had a family history of gallstone disease. Successful cannulation of the common bile duct demonstrating stones was accomplished in all patients. Four patients had coexisting gallstones and were treated surgically. Six children who had previously undergone cholecystectomy were treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction without complication. We believe that ERCP should be utilized by expert endoscopists in children with evidence of extra-hepatic cholestasis, and endoscopic sphincterotomy should be the treatment of choice in children who have previously undergone cholecystectomy, and who are jaundiced secondary to common bile duct stones.

[Evaluation and use of polyethylene glycol in constipated patients]

We evaluated the efficiency of polyethylene glycol at low dosage for the treatment of chronic constipation. A prospective, randomized, double blind study was performed in 34 patients (32 female, 2 male) with the following inclusion criteria: age between 20-60 years, history of more than 5 years of constipation and no lower endoscopic findings of infections or malignancies. The solution was administered in a fasting state at the rate of 0.5 liters daily during 8 days. Patients were divided in 2 groups. Group 1 received placebo during the first week and PEG during the 2nd. week. Group 2 received PEG solution during the first week and placebo during the 2nd. A mean of 5.53 bowel movements was observed after placebo and 12.13 after PEG in group 1 (p < 0.005). A mean of 13.56 bowel movements were observed in group 2 after PEG and 7.73 after placebo (p < 0.001). Decreased consistency of the stools was seen after PEG in both groups (p < 0.001). According to our findings, low doses of PEG were useful and safe in the treatment of constipation, with few side effects.

ERCP in the diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary atresia

This study assessed the usefulness of ERCP in the diagnosis of biliary atresia. We evaluated 57 infants with prolonged cholestasis with abdominal ultrasound, liver biopsy, and ERCP. Using clinical observations alone, 22 infants were thought to have biliary atresia; whereas 35 children were thought to have neonatal hepatitis. The ERCP was performed with a prototype duodenoscope and was successful in all infants except two with biliary atresia. In 20 infants three types of radiological findings consistent with biliary atresia were seen: type 1, no visualization of biliary tree (35%); type 2, opacification of the distal common duct and gallbladder without visualization of the main hepatic duct (35%); and type 3, opacification of the distal common duct, the gallbladder, and a segment of the main hepatic duct with biliary lakes at the porta hepatis (30%). Twenty-five of 35 infants with suspected neonatal hepatitis were excluded because of a liver biopsy that was diagnostic. In the remaining 10 infants the liver biopsy had some features of extrahepatic biliary atresia and ERCP was performed prior to surgery. A normal extrahepatic biliary tree was obtained in all of them. In conclusion, ERCP permits the visualization of the biliary tree in young infants and is useful in selecting those infants who should be considered for exploratory laparotomy.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation decreases lower esophageal sphincter pressure in patients with achalasia

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is believed to be an inhibitory neurotransmitter responsible for lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. In patients with achalasia the concentration of VIP and the number of VIP-containing nerve fibers are reduced or absent. It has been suggested that the response to low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be mediated by a nonadrenergic noncholinergic pathway in which the release of VIP is responsible for the smooth muscle relaxation. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of TENS on LES pressure and on VIP plasma concentrations in six patients with achalasia (five female, one male). TENS was performed daily during one week for 45-min sessions with a pocket stimulator that delivered low-frequency pulses (6.5 Hz), at 10 pulses/sec of 0.1-msec duration at intensities of 10-20 mA until rhythmic flexion of the fingers was obtained without producing pain. LES pressure and VIP levels were obtained before TENS, after the first 45-min session, and after a week of daily stimulation. After 45-min, TENS produced a significant reduction (P less than 0.01) in LES resting pressure from the mean value 56 +/- 6.4 mm Hg to 42.3 +/- 6.4 mm Hg; with LES relaxation improvement from 50.6 +/- 3% to 63.1 +/- 3.2% (P less than 0.01). After one week of daily TENS, an additional reduction in LES resting pressure (40.3 +/- 4 mm Hg) was observed (P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of local instillation of alcohol on sphincter of Oddi motor activity: combined ERCP and manometry study

The effect of local instillation of alcohol on sphincter of Oddi motor activity was determined by endoscopic manometry. Sphincter of Oddi pressures and motor function were compared in eight cholecystectomized subjects with normal sphincter of Oddi motor function and in four patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. The effect of local instillation of 3 ml of 40% alcohol was compared with water instillation. In cholecystectomized subjects, alcohol produced a significant increase of basal sphincter of Oddi pressure from 21.0 +/- 2.8 mm Hg to 95.8 +/- 83 mm Hg (p less than 0.01) without significant changes in the amplitude, duration, and frequency of phasic contractions. In patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis, alcohol instillation resulted in a significant increase of basal sphincter of Oddi pressure from 32.5 +/- 4.8 mm Hg to 225.1 +/- 105 mm Hg without changes in amplitude, duration, and frequency of phasic contractions. Two patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis had a tonic contraction of the sphincter of Oddi with transitory and mild epigastric pain. Local instillation of alcohol increases sphincter of Oddi motor activity which may play a role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic pancreatitis.

High vasoactive intestinal polypeptide plasma levels in patients with Barrett's esophagus

We have evaluated the correlation between vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) plasma concentration and severity of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with Barrett's esophagus and the possible differences in the VIP values of these patients compared with healthy volunteers. We also evaluated the relation between VIP plasma concentration and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in 24 patients with Barrett's esophagus. The mean VIP plasma concentration in 14 patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux was 25.6 +/- 0.75 pg/ml, significantly higher than the mean value observed in 10 patients with moderate reflux (18.9 +/- 0.67 pg/ml) (p less than 0.01). The mean LES resting pressure was significantly lower in the group of patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux than that observed in patients with moderate reflux (3 +/- 0.64 and 10.3 +/- 0.69 mm Hg, respectively; p less than 0.01). The mean VIP plasma concentration in 11 healthy volunteers (20.6 +/- 0.65 pg/ml) was significantly lower than the mean value observed in the subgroup of patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux (p less than 0.01). VIP values in patients with moderate reflux were not significantly different from those observed in our volunteers. There was a significant correlation between LES pressure and VIP plasma level (r = -0.9253; p less than 0.01). In conclusion, it is possible that the decreased LES resting pressure observed in patients with Barrett's esophagus and severe gastroesophageal reflux may be due to impairment of the VIPergic innervation, resulting in an increased local VIP release with possible overflow to peripheral plasma.

The effect of transcutaneous nerve stimulation on sphincter of Oddi pressure in patients with biliary dyskinesia

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has been postulated as a neuropeptide with inhibitory neurotransmitter activity in nonadrenergic noncholinergic pathways. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter in patients with achalasia. Such response is accompanied by a 30% increase in VIP concentrations in the systemic circulation. Since the sphincter of Oddi (SO) receives a very dense VIP nerve supply, we evaluate the effect of TENS on SO motor activity and on VIP plasma concentrations in patients with biliary dyskinesia and in healthy volunteers. TENS was performed with a pocket stimulator for 45 min. SO pressure and VIP levels were obtained before and after 45 min of TENS. In patients with SO dyskinesia, TENS produced a significant decrease in SO pressure from 80.1 +/- 11.9 mm Hg to 58.3 +/- 9.7 mm Hg p less than 0.01); this was accompanied by a significant increase in VIP plasma levels from 21.1 +/- 0.5 pg/ml to 32.6 +/- 1.5 pg/ml (p less than 0.01). In healthy volunteers, TENS did not produce significant changes in SO pressure. However, a significant increase in VIP plasma values was observed (p less than 0.01). No significant changes in amplitude, duration and frequency of SO phasic contractions were observed in either of the two groups evaluated. We conclude that, in patients with SO dyskinesia, TENS decreases SO basal pressure, possibly by a direct action of the released VIP in the systemic circulation. In healthy volunteers, TENS increases VIP plasma values without significant effect on SO basal pressure. These findings suggest that the response to TENS may be mediated by VIP. It is also possible that the alterations seen in patients with biliary dyskinesia may be due to impairment of the VIP nerve supply at the level of the SO.

[Incidence of Helicobacter pylori in Barrett esophagus]

In Barrett's esophagus the normal squamous epithelium of the mucosa is replaced by columnar epithelium. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of Helicobacter pylori in 28 patients with Barrett's esophagus. In 11 patients (39%) H. Pylori was present and all of them had the bacteria in the gastric antrum. From the 17 patients without H. pylori in the Barrett's mucosa, in 4 (22%) the bacteria was present in the gastric antrum. In conclusion, H. pylori infects the esophagus only when the esophageal mucosa is replaced by the columnar epithelium. The clinical significance of this finding is yet to be determined.

[Double sphincterostomy of pancreatic and choledochal sphincters in the treatment of chronic recurrent pancreatitis]

The treatment of recurrent chronic pancreatitis is controversial. Some patients may have sphincter of Oddi motor abnormalities. Although widely used in the biliary tree, little data is available on endoscopic sphincterotomy of the pancreatic sphincter. This report describes 5 patients with recurrent chronic pancreatitis, who had pancreatic sphincterotomy for hypertensive sphincter of Oddi. Four patients continue long-term follow-up with marked reduction of chronic pain of attacks of recurrent pancreatitis. It is concluded that endoscopic sphincterotomy of the pancreatic sphincter may improve pain in chronic pancreatitis and may obviate the need for surgery.

Somatostatin prevents acute pancreatitis after pancreatic duct sphincter hydrostatic balloon dilation in patients with idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis

The purpose of this study was to determine whether prophylactic somatostatin infusion can prevent pancreatitis after hydrostatic balloon dilation of the pancreatic duct sphincter segment in 16 patients with idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis. This study demonstrated that prophylactic administration of somatostatin before, during, and after the procedure diminished the incidence and severity of acute pancreatitis. We recommend consideration of such prophylaxis in patients undergoing this procedure.

Forceful balloon dilation: an outpatient procedure for achalasia

The initial treatment of choice in patients with achalasia is balloon dilation. Heretofore, this procedure was performed on an in-hospital basis resulting in high patient cost. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of pneumatic dilation as an outpatient procedure. Sixty-one procedures were performed on 50 patients at two centers. An overall treatment success rate of 95% (47 of 50 patients) was achieved. Two patients had elective surgical treatment and a third underwent surgery for perforation secondary to dilation. A total of three patients complained of post-procedure chest pain within 4 hours and were hospitalized. Two had perforations; one required surgical repair. The third patient had resolution of symptoms. We conclude that performing balloon dilation as an outpatient procedure is safe, efficacious, and cost effective.

Sphincter of Oddi manometry in healthy volunteers

In this study we describe in detail the characteristics of sphincter of Oddi motor function in a large group of healthy subjects. Studies were obtained in 50 healthy volunteers. The findings showed a sphincter of Oddi segment that had a basal pressure of 14.8 +/- 6.3 mm Hg (X +/- SD). Phasic contractions were superimposed on the basal pressure. They had an amplitude of 119.7 +/- 32 mm Hg, a duration of 4.7 +/- 1 sec, and a frequency of 5.7 +/- 1.2 contractions/min. In 40 subjects the propagation sequence of phasic contractions could be evaluated and were simultaneous in 53%, antegrade in 35%, and retrograde in 11% of the waves. In 20 subjects, pressure measurements done at the common bile duct sphincter waves. In 20 subjects, pressure measurements done at the common bile duct sphincter were similar to those obtained at the pancreatic duct sphincter. In 10 subjects, pressure values obtained at the common bile duct sphincter within a week were similar. Our study should help to establish standards for normal manometric values of the sphincter of Oddi and emphasizes the importance of having a healthy volunteer group from which to obtain the normal values of sphincter of Oddi motor function.

[Comparison of urease test (CLOtest) and histology in the diagnosis of Campylobacter pylori]

Campylobacter pylori has been implicated in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer, non-ulcer dyspepsia and chronic gastritis. C. pylori produces large amounts of urease which has been used as a biochemical support to identify the microorganism. In this study, we described the use of a rapid urease test (CLOtest) to detect C. pylori. In 46 consecutive patients, biopsy of fundus and antrum were obtained for histology and CLOtest. All specimens showed chronic gastritis. In 22 patients (48%) C. pylori was identified either by histology or CLOtest. In 18 patients (39%) CLOtest was positive and in 16 patients (35%) histology was positive. In 12 patients (26%) C. pylori was identified by both tests. There was no difference in relation to the presence of C. pylori in fundus and antrum. However, in 2 patients (4%) C. pylori was positive in fundus and negative in antrum. In 9 patients (20%) C. pylori was positive in antrum and negative in fundus. CLOtest is a simple, sensitive and rapid test that enables the endoscopist to diagnose C. pylori infection in the endoscopy room.

[Usefulness of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in diagnosis of choledochal cysts in children]

We report 11 infants with choledochal cyst confirmed during surgery. In none of the patients an abdominal mass was palpated during physical examination. In 10 (91%) of the patients, ERCP showed the cyst. Ultrasound was positive in 82% (9/11) of the cases. Two patients had acute relapsing pancreatitis with severe anatomical abnormalities at the pancreatobiliary junction. Multiple biliary lithiasis were seen in four cysts. ERCP is of significant value in establishing the diagnosis, defining anatomic abnormalities and complications. ERCP should be the procedure of choice in patients with suspected choledochal cyst.

Effect of nifedipine on sphincter of Oddi motor activity: studies in healthy volunteers and patients with biliary dyskinesia

The effect of nifedipine on sphincter of Oddi (SO) motor activity was determined by endoscopic manometry. Sphincter of Oddi pressures and motor function were compared in 21 healthy volunteers and in 9 patients with SO dyskinesia. The effects of sublingual doses of 10 or 20 mg of nifedipine were compared with placebo. Neither placebo nor 10 mg of nifedipine produced any effect on SO motor activity. In healthy volunteers 20 mg of nifedipine produced a moderate but significant decrease in basal SO pressure from 12.0 to 6.7 mmHg as well as in the amplitude, duration, and frequency of phasic contractions. In patients with SO dyskinesia 20 mg of nifedipine also resulted in a significant but more profound decrease of the basal SO pressure from 47.1 to 17.3 mmHg as well as in a decrease of amplitude, duration, and frequency of the phasic contractions. Neither placebo nor 10 or 20 mg of nifedipine has any effect on the sequence of phasic contractions. In summary, nifedipine may have a possible therapeutic role in the treatment of SO dyskinesia.

Papillary stenosis

The present state of papillary stenosis is reviewed. ERCP manometry has become the most important means of evaluating sphincter of Oddi dynamics. Pressure measurements in the sphincter segment appear useful to differentiate patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction from patients with an organic stenosis. The author's experience with sphincter of Oddi manometry, with endoscopic sphincterotomy and hydrostatic balloon dilation of the sphincter of Oddi, and the results of an international inquiry, are presented.