An unusual case of upper GI bleeding: esophageal cancer metastasis at a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site--case report and review of the literature

We present the case of a patient with an esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, who was treated primarily by radiotherapy. Due to dysphagia, the patient received a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) without any sign of tumour at that time. Five months later the patient presented with an upper GI bleeding from a gastric ulcer, which histologically turned out to be a metastasis of the previously diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma. So-called "implantation metastases" at the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site are rare and most of the cases have been described in patients with head and neck tumours. Moreover, the presentation as an upper GI bleed is very uncommon and needs the attention of both endoscopists as well as gastrointestinal oncologists. Clinicopathological features of this case with a brief review of the literature are presented.     

Critically ill patients and gut motility: Are we addressing it?

Gastrointestinal(GI) dysmotility is a common problemin the critically ill population. It can be a reflection and an early sign of patient deterioration or it can be an independent cause of morbidity and mortality. GI dysmotility can be divided for clinical purposes on upper GI dysmotility and lower GI dysmotility. Upper GI dysmotility manifests by nausea, feeding intolerance and vomiting; its implications include aspiration into the airway of abdominal contents and underfeeding. Several strategies to prevent and treat this condition can be tried and they include prokinetics and post-pyloric feeds. It is important to note that upper GI dysmotility should be treated only when there are clinical signs of intolerance(nausea, vomiting) and not based on measurement of gastric residual volumes. Lower GI dysmotility manifests throughout the spectrum of ileus and diarrhea. Ileus can present in the small bowel and the large bowel as well. In both scenarios the initial treatment is correction of electrolyte abnormalities, avoiding drugs that can decrease motility and patient mobilization. When this fails, in the case of small bowel ileus, lactulose and polyethylene glycol solutions can be useful. In the case of colonic pseudo obstruction, neostigmine, endoscopic decompression and cecostomy can be tried when the situation reaches the risk of rupture. Diarrhea is also a common manifestation of GI dysmotility and the most important step is to differentiate between infectious sources and non-infectious sources.     

Endoscopic findings of gastrointestinal involvement in Chinese patients with Behcet’s disease

AIM:To report the incidence,clinical features and outcomes of gastrointestinal(GI)involvement in Behcet’s disease(BD).METHODS:A total of 168 consecutive patients with BD were screened and upper and lower GI endoscopies were performed in 148 patients.Four hundred age-and sex-matched controls were enrolled for comparison.RESULTS:Fifty-two(35.1%)patients had GI lesions.After a mean follow-up of 10 mo,ileocecal ulcers had been confirmed in 20 patients,including active ulcer(s)in 18 patients,but no ileocecal ulceration was found in controls.GI symptoms were present in 14 patients with active ulcer(s),while 4 patients with smaller ulcer were asymptomatic.Endoscopic features of ileocecalulcer were:a single ulcer(50%),larger than 1 cm in diameter(72.2%),and round/oval or volcano-type in shape(83.3%).Compared with patients without GI involvement,less ocular lesions,lower levels of albumin,erythrocyte count and hemoglobin,and higher levels of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were confirmed in the intestinal BD group.Four patients had esophageal ulcers in the BD group but no case in controls.The other endoscopic findings were similar between the two groups.The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was similar in both groups.Most patients received an immunomodulator and responded well.CONCLUSION:GI lesions commonly occur in Chinese BD patients.The most frequently involved area is the ileocecal region.Esophageal ulcer might be a rare but unique lesion.     

CT enterography with polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution for diagnosis of Crohn's disease

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic usefulness of CT enterography (CTE) in Crohn's disease in Japanese patients. A total of 32 cases with bowel symptoms underwent CT enterography with polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution as oral contrast medium, among which 18 were clinically diagnosed as Crohn's disease and 14 were not: ulcerative colitis 1, Be?het disease 1, simple ulcer 1, inflammatory bowel disease without definite diagnosis 5 and bowel symptoms of unknown origin 6. The incidence of bowel wall thickening, mural hyperenhancement, "the comb sign", mesenteric lymph nodes swelling, and stenosis were significantly higher in Crohn's disease than in other disease. Moreover, uneven bowel wall thickening and unilateral mural hyperenhancement on CTE were characteristic features of Crohn's disease, which our original quantitative evaluation with imaging analysis could support. Consequently, CTE is useful in Japanese patients with Crohn's disease.     

Quantitative measurement and visual assessment of ileal Crohn's disease activity by computed tomography enterography: correlation with endoscopic severity and C reactive protein

BACKGROUND: Few studies have correlated computed tomography (CT) enterography findings with endoscopic severity and C reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. AIM: To examine whether small bowel inflammation at CT enterography correlates with endoscopic severity and CRP in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: CT enterography datasets from 143 CD patients undergoing ileoscopy were examined for three different CT parameters: CT bowel enhancement, as defined by the ratio of terminal ileal versus control ileal loop attenuation; vascular enlargement of the vasa recta ("the comb sign"); and mesenteric fat density. Correlations between CT scan parameters, endoscopy, and histology severity scores, and CRP were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation and logistic regression. RESULTS: Endoscopic score was significantly correlated with CT bowel enhancement, comb sign, and fat density (Spearman correlation coefficients 0.33-0.39; p<0.001). Correlations with histological inflammation were strongest for bowel enhancement (r = 0.34-0.38; p<0.001). CRP was elevated in patients with increased fat density versus those with increased bowel enhancement only (median 0.96 v 0.23, p = 0.002). CRP did not differ significantly between patients without evidence of active Crohn's and those with bowel enhancement and endoscopic inflammation not involving the perienteric tissues by CT (median 0.24 v 0.36; p = 0.38). CONCLUSION: Quantitative measures of bowel enhancement at CT enterography correlate with endoscopic and histological severity. CRP correlates with radiological findings of perienteric inflammation (increased fat density), but not of inflammation limited to the small bowel wall, underscoring the potential role of perienteric inflammation in CRP response in CD.     

Spontaneous multiple cholecystoenteric fistulas--a case report

Spontaneous multiple cholecystoenteric fistulas are relatively rare complications of chronic cholecystitis. One cholecystoduodenal and two cholecystocolonic fistulas were observed in a 65-year-old woman whose symptoms included fever, chills, jaundice, diarrhea, and prolonged right upper quadrant pain. Pneumobilia, which is a pathognomonic sign of bilioenteric fistula, was also detected by her plain abdomen X-ray on admission. Both types of fistulas were correctly diagnosed preoperatively by barium enema, upper GI series and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography. The patient was referred for surgery and fistulas were identified during laparotomy. Cholecystectomy, division of these fistulas, and primary repair of these bowel defects were successfully performed. The postoperative course was unremarkable. We report this unusual case and briefly review the hypothesized pathogenesis, typical symptomatology, radiographic diagnosis, complications and therapeutic modalities of this condition.     

Endoscopic haemostasis

Endoscopic haemostasis should be attempted as the initial approach in most cases of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, although cross-disciplinary collaboration is a prerequisite. For variceal bleeding, band ligation is the method of choice in the elective setting, although injection therapy still has a role in acute bleeding. Histoacryl remains preferable for fundic varices in most parts of the world. For peptic ulcer bleeds, injection therapy should be combined with at least one 'mechanical' modality, thermal treatment or clipping. In rebleeding, a single endoscopic retreatment can be attempted, but alternative approaches must be considered. Acute lower GI bleeding is primarily a diagnostic challenge but, if the focus is found, the regular techniques for haemostasis can usually be applied. If small bowel haemorrhage is suspected after upper and lower endoscopy, capsule endoscopy and balloon enteroscopy offer make it possible to address even small bowel foci.     

Differences in clinical features of Crohn’s disease and intestinal tuberculosis

AIM: To investigate the clinical features of Crohn’s disease(CD) and intestinal tuberculosis(ITB) with a scoring system that we have developed.METHODS: A total of 25 CD and 40 ITB patients were prospectively enrolled from August 2011 to July 2012.Their characteristics and clinical features were recorded. Laboratory, endoscopic, histologic and radiographic features were determined. The features with a high specificity were selected to establish a scoring system. The features supporting CD scored +1, and those supporting ITB scored-1; each patient received a final total score. A receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to determine the best cut-off value for distinguishing CD from ITB.RESULTS: Based on a high specificity of differentiating between CD and ITB, 12 features, including longitudinal ulcers, nodular hyperplasia, cobblestone-like mucosa, intestinal diseases, intestinal fistula, the target sign, the comb sign, night sweats, the purified protein derivative test, the interferon-γ release assay(T-SPOT.TB), ring ulcers and ulcer scars, were selected for the scoring system. The results showed that the average total score of the CD group was 3.12 ± 1.740, the average total score of the ITB group was-2.58 ± 0.984, the best cutoff value for the ROC curve was-0.5, and the diagnostic area under the curve was 0.997, which was statistically significant(P < 0.001). The patients whose total scores were higher than-0.5 were diagnosed with CD; otherwise, patients were diagnosed with ITB. Overall, the diagnostic accuracy rate and misdiagnosis rate of this scoring system were 97% and 3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Some clinical features are valuable for CD and ITB diagnosis. The described scoring system is key to differentiating between CD and ITB.     

Endoscopic band ligation for control of nonvariceal upper GI hemorrhage: comparison with bipolar electrocoagulation

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in endoscopic treatment methods for upper GI hemorrhage, hemostasis is often difficult to achieve. This study evaluated the usefulness of endoscopic band ligation for upper GI hemorrhage exclusive of hemorrhage from chronic gastroduodenal ulcer and varices. METHODS: This prospective study included 27 patients who underwent endoscopic band ligation and 31 patients in whom bipolar electrocoagulation was performed for upper GI hemorrhage. In both groups, the causes of hemorrhage included Dieulafoy's ulcer, Mallory-Weiss tear, gastric ulcer after polypectomy, and gastric angiodysplasia. Patients with esophageal varices and those with chronic gastroduodenal ulcer were excluded. RESULTS: Hemostasis was achieved in all 27 patients in the endoscopic band ligation group and in 26 of 31 patients (83.9%) in the bipolar electrocoagulation group. The median procedure time required for achieving hemostasis was 17.0 minutes (interquartile range: 11.5-23.5) in the endoscopic band ligation group versus 27.0 minutes (interquartile range: 20.5-40.0) in the electrocoagulation group. No major complications occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic band ligation is efficient, simple, and safe. Therefore, this technique should be considered as a treatment option for nonvariceal, nonchronic gastroduodenal ulcer upper GI hemorrhage.     

Selective endoscopic ligation for treatment of upper gastrointestinal protuberant lesions

This study explored the clinical value of endoscopic ligation for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal(GI)protuberant lesions in children.According to the appearance and size of lesions,we used different ligation techniques for the treatment of the lesions.Endoscopic ultrasonography was used for preliminary characterization of the lesions.One case diagnosed with PeutzJeghers syndrome was successfully treated by a detachable snare.Two cases with semi-pedunculated or broad-base lesions originating from the submucosal layer of the upper GI were treated with endoscopic variceal ligation;endoscopic examination showed that one case had complete healing 11 wk after ligation,while an ulcer scar was observed at the ligation site after 6 wk in the other case.All lesions were successfully ligated at the first attempt.No significant complications occurred either during or after the procedure.Selective endoscopic ligation of upper GI lesions is an effective and safe treatment for upper GI protuberant lesions in children.     

克罗恩病与肠结核临床及内镜特征的鉴别分析

目的 探讨克罗恩病(CD)与肠结核(ITB)的临床及内镜特点,为两者的临别诊断提供依据.方法 回顾性分析2003年6月-2009年2月168例CD患者和156例ITB患者的临床及内镜资料.结果 CD以男性为主(男;女为108:60),肠道手术率较ITB高[(33.3%比10.9%,P<0.01)];CD的腹泻、便血、肛周疾病、肠梗阻的发生率分别为66.1%、32.1%、16.1%和28.0%.明显高于ITB组(分别为47.0%、7.7%、3.4%和9.4%,P值<0.05或<0.01);而ITB的发热、盗汗多于CD组(P值均<0.05),且伴肺结核、腹水发生率明显高于CD组(P值均<0.01);ITB的球蛋白升高、红细胞沉降率增快、结核菌素纯蛋白衍化物试验阳性率、结核抗体阳性率均高于CD组;CD患者内镜下纵行溃疡、网格状溃疡、卵石征、肠腔狭窄均多于ITB组(P值<0.01或<0.05),而ITB的环行溃疡、同盲瓣受累多见(P值<0.01或<0.05),且受累的回盲瓣常变形和开口固定.结论 CD与ITB各有其临床特点,临床特点结合内镜下卵石征、纵行溃疡、网格状溃疡、环行溃疡出现的概率、回盲瓣受累情况及形态变化是鉴别两者的重要特征.     

Fistula to the pancreatic duct from a peptic ulcer. Case report and literature review

We report a case of pancreatic duodenal fistula as a complication of peptic ulcer disease. Complete healing of the ulcer and fistula was achieved with intensive medical therapy. No surgical intervention was required. The unique radiographic and endoscopic features of the case are presented and pertinent literature is reviewed.     

小肠克罗恩病的CT诊断

目的探讨CT检查对小肠克罗恩病诊断的临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析2007年1月-2010年12月在我院经手术病理证实的27例小肠克罗恩病患者的CT检查资料。图像分析项目包括小肠本身改变(如受累的部位、数目、肠壁厚度、黏膜强化、肠腔扩张和肠腔狭窄)、肠道周围病理改变(如系膜水肿、淋巴结肿大和积液等)和并发症(如蜂窝组织炎、脓肿和窦道等)等。结果 27例中,肠壁增厚、水肿、分层21例;肠腔狭窄6例;19例见小肠系膜"梳状征";淋巴结肿大7例;腹腔积液4例;小肠外脓肿2例,窦道形成1例。结论小肠克罗恩病的CT表现有一定特征性,CT检查对小肠克罗恩病的诊断具有重要临床应用价值。     

Double-Contrast Barium Enteroclysis as a Patency Tool for Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Enteropathy

Background

Evaluating small bowel patency is recommended for capsule endoscopy in patients suspected of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced (NSAID) enteropathy.

Aims

The aim of this investigation was to examine whether radiography is a candidate of patency tool in NSAID enteropathy.

Methods

We reviewed double-contrast barium enteroclysis in 21 patients with NSAID enteropathy diagnosed either by capsule endoscopy or balloon-assisted endoscopy. The endoscopic findings were classified into circular ulcers, linear ulcers and small mucosal defects. The radiographic signs of the corresponding endoscopic findings were retrieved and the depiction rate was calculated.

Results

Of the 21 patients, endoscopy detected circular ulcers, linear ulcers, and small ulcers in 12, 3 and 12 patients, respectively. Small bowel radiography depicted circular narrowing as pseudo-folds in 10 patients (83%) and linear ulcers as eccentric rigidity in 2 patients (67%). However, radiography was able to depict small mucosal defects in only 3 patients (17%). Two of 5 patients with pseudo-folds experienced retention of the capsule.

Conclusion

??Pseudo-folds?? is a sign corresponding to circular ulcer in NSAID enteropathy, which may be predictive of capsule retention.     

Capsule endoscopy regional transit abnormality: a sign of underlying small bowel pathology

BACKGROUND: Wireless capsule endoscopy is being used increasingly to investigate GI bleeding of obscure etiology and other small bowel abnormalities. Currently, there is no standard for capsule endoscopy image interpretation and classification METHODS: This report describes an abnormality, termed "regional transit abnormality," noted during a review of capsule endoscopic images. Capsule regional transit abnormality simply refers to delayed capsule transit within a segment of small bowel, with or without visualization of a mucosal abnormality. The slowed transit usually is accompanied by mucosal collapse, sometimes with the appearance of the capsule pressing or impacting upon the mucosa. Regional transit abnormality usually persists more than 15 minutes CONCLUSIONS: Capsule regional transit abnormality is considered to be a "red flag" sign that indicates a likelihood of some underlying small bowel pathology.     

Imaging of malignant neoplasms of the mesenteric small bowel: new trends and perspectives

This article describes the recent advances in radiological imaging of malignant neoplasms of the mesenteric small bowel and provides an outline of new trends and perspectives that can be anticipated. The introduction of multidetector row technology, which allows the acquisition of submillimeter and isotropic voxels, has dramatically improved the capabilities of computed tomography in the investigation of the mesenteric small bowel. This technology combined with optimal filling of small bowel loops through the use of appropriate enteral contrast agents has markedly changed small bowel imaging. Computed tomography–enteroclysis, which is based on direct infusion of enteral contrast agent into the mesenteric small bowel through a naso-jejunal tube, provides optimal luminal distension. By contrast, computed tomography–enterography is based on oral administration of enteral contrast agent. These two techniques are now well-established ones for the detection and the characterization of small bowel neoplasms. During the same time, combining the advantages of unsurpassed soft tissue contrast and lack of ionizing radiation, magnetic resonance imaging has gained wide acceptance for the evaluation of patients with suspected small bowel neoplasms. Rapid magnetic resonance imaging sequences used in combination with specific enteral contrast agents generate superb images of the mesenteric small bowel so that magnetic resonance–enteroclysis and magnetic resonance–enterography are now considered as effective diagnostic tools for both the detection and the characterization of neoplasms of the mesenteric small bowel. Recent improvements in image post-processing capabilities help obtain realistic three-dimensional representations of tumors and virtual enteroscopic views of the small bowel that are useful for the surgeon and the gastroenteroenteologist to plan surgical or endoscopic interventions. Along with a better knowledge of the potential and limitations of wireless capsule endoscopy and new endoscopic techniques, these recent developments in radiological imaging reasonably suggest that substantial changes in the investigation of small bowel tumors may be anticipated in a near future, thus potentially create a new paradigm shift after standard small bowel follow-through study has been universally abandoned.     

Recurrent bleeding from peptic ulcer associated with adherent clot: a randomized study comparing endoscopic treatment with medical therapy

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic therapy reduces the recurrence of bleeding from actively bleeding peptic ulcers and those with visible vessels. However, the use of endoscopic therapy for ulcers with adherent clots remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine whether removal of clot from an ulcer and endoscopic therapy reduces the frequency of recurrent bleeding. METHODS: Patients with acute upper GI bleeding from peptic ulcers with adherent clots and no active bleeding were enrolled in a multicenter study. At each center patients were stratified for age, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and ulcer location, and were randomized to endoscopic or medical management. Endoscopic therapy consisted of injection of the base of the adherent clot with a solution of epinephrine and mechanical removal of the clot. The base of the ulcer and any stigmata of bleeding were then coagulated until cavitation and adequate coagulation were obtained. Patients in both groups received standard medical therapy for peptic ulcer. Patients were evaluated for recurrence of bleeding for 1 month. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were enrolled. Rates of recurrent bleeding were 34.3% (12/35) in the medical treatment arm versus 4.8% (1/21) in the endoscopic treatment arm (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with GI bleeding caused by gastric or duodenal ulcers with an adherent clot found on endoscopy, endoscopic therapy with injection of the base of the clot, clot removal, and heat probe coagulation significantly reduces the rate of recurrent bleeding compared with medical therapy alone.     

Long-term follow-up of patients with iron deficiency anemia after a close endoscopic examination of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND: In patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) occult gastrointestinal bleeding is generally investigated by bidirectional endoscopy. The aim of our study was to examine the long-term follow-up of patients with IDA where the sources of bleeding couldn't be detected despite close endoscopic and radiologic examination of the GI tract. METHODS: Based on the endoscopic data base we examined consecutive patients who were referred for gastrointestinal endoscopy due to IDA with a negative endoscopic (upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy) evaluation. Further diagnostic work up (repeated endoscopy of the upper and lower GI tract by an experienced investigator, small bowel enteroclysis, push enteroscopy, proctoscopy, intraoperative enteroscopy, angiography, scintigraphic examinations) was recorded. The eligible patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (no identification of the source of bleeding in the GI tract); group 2 (source of gastrointestinal blood loss was found). Long-term follow-up was performed by telephone interview with patients and/or with their general practitioner. RESULTS: 79 patients (mean age 58.8 years [17-83, 44] female) with IDA met the inclusion criteria. In 42 patients (53%) the endoscopic and radiographic evaluation was unable to find the source of gastrointestinal blood loss. 29 of these patients (69%) showed a resolved anemia after a mean follow-up of 48 months (18 months-5 years). 10 patients had a mild anemia, 3 required blood transfusions. In group one Helicobacter pylori infection was significantly more prevalent in comparison with group 2 (57% vs. 38%, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Based on our data, the prognosis of IDA with negative endoscopy is favorable. The pathogenic role of Helicobacter pylori infection should be evaluated in further studies.     

内镜在胃肠道移植物抗宿主病诊断中的价值

目的探讨内镜在异基因骨髓移植术后发生胃肠道移植物抗宿主病中的诊断价值，为临床治疗提供指导。方法5例异基因骨髓移植术后患者出现胃肠道症状，怀疑存在胃肠道移植物抗宿主病，及时给予胃镜和(或)肠镜检查，同时，在胃窦、直乙状结肠及病灶明显处行组织病理学检查。结果胃肠道移植物抗宿主病的临床表现主要有厌食、恶心、呕吐、水泻、腹痛等，少数患者可有消化道出血。内镜下胃黏膜呈水肿、充血、红斑及糜烂坏死。肠镜下结肠黏膜表现为弥漫性、连续性的水肿、充血和糜烂，可有浅表溃疡形成。组织学检查可见特征性的隐窝上皮细胞凋亡、缺失和淋巴细胞浸润。其病理变化可呈弥漫性或局灶性。结论内镜结合组织病理学检查可诊断异基因骨髓移植患者的胃肠道移植物抗宿主病。     

Endoscopic resection for gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors

Gastrointestinal (GI) and neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can be treated by mini-invasive endoscopic resection when localized in the superficial layers of the bowel wall and their size is <20 mm. Endoscopic diagnosis of NETs is usually incidental or suspected after clinical, laboratory or imaging findings. Endoscopic mucosal resection is the most commonly used technique for NET removal, endoscopic submucosal dissection is indicated in selected cases, while papillectomy is feasible for ampullary lesions. Histopathologic assessment of the resection margin (circumferential and deep) is important for staging. Incidence of endoscopic mucosal resection-/endoscopic submucosal dissection-related complications for removal of GI NETs are similar to those reported for other GI lesions. Endoscopic follow-up is based on histopathologic characteristics of the resected NETs and its site. NETs >20 mm in size, with penetration of the muscle layer and/or serosa are at high risk for metastases and surgical approach is recommended when feasible.