Human gastric hyperinfection by Anisakis simplex: A severe and unusual presentation and a brief review

Anisakiasis is an emerging marine food-borne zoonosis resulting from the accidental ingestion of Anisakis larvae, through the consumption of raw or undercooked infected seafood products. The first case of human gastric hyperinfection by Anisakis simplex with an unusual and severe presentation, occurring in a Portuguese woman, is described in this article. Over 140 anisakid larvae were removed by gastroscopy. Massive infection is uncommon in areas where the consumption of raw fish is not part of the traditional diet, as is the case in Portugal. The increased consumption of raw seafood products is considered a health determinant in the rise in cases of anisakiasis. However, clinicians should be aware of the emergence of these infections, not only because of the new dietary habits of the population, but also because of the high prevalence of Anisakis larvae in the different fish species usually consumed by the population, collected on the Portuguese coast.

Duodenal subepithelial hyperechoic lesions of the third layer: Not always a lipoma

Endoscopic ultrasonography is the most accurate procedure for the evaluation of subepithelial lesions. The finding of a homogeneous, hyperechoic, well-delimited lesion, originating from the third layer of the gastrointestinal tract (submucosa) suggests a benign tumor, generally lipoma. As other differential diagnoses have not been reported, echoendoscopists might not pursue a definitive pathological diagnosis or follow-up the patient. This case series aims to broaden the spectrum of differential diagnosis for duodenal hyperechoic third layer subepithelial lesions by providing four different and relevant pathologies with this echoendoscopic pattern.

Duodenal angiolipoma: a rare tumor causing recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Duodenal angiolipoma is a rare adipocytic tumor, with non-specific symptoms precluding an early diagnosis. We present a case of a 67-year-old female admitted due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The upper endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound evaluation showed a subepithelial lesion in the third portion of the duodenum. Endoscopic excision was performed using a standard polypectomy technique after endoloop placement. Histopathology was compatible with duodenal angiolipoma. The authors highlight duodenal angiolipoma as a rare adipocytic tumor potentially causing gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be safely treated with endoscopic excision.

Esophageal perforation--associated risk with balloon tamponade after endoscopic therapy. Myth or reality?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Variceal bleeding is still associated with high mortality and balloon tamponade may be a lifesaving measure when endoscopic therapy is not available or feasible. The risk of esophageal perforation with balloon tamponade after endoscopic therapy is still uncertain. The aims of the study were to investigate balloon tamponade effectiveness and safety after endoscopic therapy.

METHODOLOGY

Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive episodes of acute variceal bleeding treated with the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube.

RESULTS

Balloon tamponade had an overall effectiveness of 61%. The Child-Pugh score was significantly higher in patients who failed balloon tamponade. In 48 cases balloon tamponade was preceded by failure of endoscopic therapy. Balloon tamponade was more effective if a previous attempt to perform endoscopic therapy happened (75% vs. 48%; p = 0.006). Aspiration was the most frequent complication. No cases of esophageal perforation were registered.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently balloon tamponade is only used as a temporary bridge to other strategies, when other forms of hemostatic therapies do not succeed. Balloon tamponade was more effective in patients with less severe hepatic dysfunction. Previous attempts to perform endoscopic therapy may augment tamponade effectiveness without increasing the risk of esophageal perforation.

Right adrenal gland prospective evaluation through transgastric endoscopic ultrasound: an alternative approach

Background and aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided right adrenal gland (RAG) evaluation is frequently unsuccessful and, when feasible, requires a cumbersome maneuver through the duodenum. In our experience, the use of a recent ultrasound platform has enabled transgastric detection of the RAG with a simple maneuver. The aim of this study was to determine the RAG transgastric EUS detection rate and identify predictive factors for failure. Methods: Consecutive patients referred to EUS in a single center were prospectively included over a 6-month period. Success was defined as RAG transgastric EUS detection within 180 seconds. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with failure. Results: Among 100 patients, the success rate for RAG transgastric EUS detection was 75 %, with a median maneuver duration of 45 seconds [interquartile range, 25 - 70 seconds]. Two incidental RAG lesions were detected. Of possible demographic and anthropometric predictive factors for failure, only age (OR 1.04; P = 0.04) was statistically significant on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The transgastric EUS approach for RAG detection is simple, fast and effective.

A diffusely enlarged pancreas: the (un)usual suspect

An 81-years-old female presented with obstructive jaundice and a non-specific clinical picture of nausea and appetite loss. Labs demonstrated a conjugated hyperbilirrubinemia (7.7 mg/dL), increased aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (10xULN and 8xULN, respectively), increased lactate dehydrogenase (10xULN) and serum lipase (3xULN). CA 19.9 was 342 U/mL (Ref value < 37 U/mL). There was no evidence of peripheral lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. Imaging (Figure 1A and 1B) revealed a marked homogeneous enlargement of the pancreas (without any well-defined mass), dilation of the extra and intra-hepatic bile ducts and ascites. Endoscopic ultrasound (Figure 1C and 1D) identified an enlarged homogeneous hypoechoic pancreas, without any well-defined lesion, no dilation of the main pancreatic duct, no peripancreatic or celiac enlarged lymph nodes. A fine-needle biopsy was performed yielding, on cytological examination and cell-block technique (Figure 2A and 2B), numerous medium/large sized atypical lymphoid cells that displayed a B-cell lineage immunophenotype (Figure 2A-2F). Even though, further characterization (by flow cytometric immunophenotyping) could not be obtained, a final diagnosis of primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) was assumed. Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a remarkably rare tumor of the pancreas, representing approximately 0.5% of all pancreatic neoplasms and <2% of all lymphomas (1,2). A correct diagnosis is crucial because therapeutic management differs from other pancreatic malignancies (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor and metastases) (2,3). Two morphologic patterns of PPL are recognized: a focal form (occurring in the pancreatic head in 80% of cases) and a rarer diffuse/infiltrative pattern, as depicted herein, emulating an acute/autoimmune pancreatitis (1).