Effect of acid‐suppressive therapy on narrow band imaging findings in gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot study

Standard endoscopy is an insensitive test for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy enhances visualization of the distal esophagus. NBI patterns like intrapapillary capillary loop (IPCL) dilatation, tortuosity, and increased number; microerosions; increased vascularity at the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ); ridge‐villous pattern below the SCJ; and presence of columnar islands in the distal esophagus have been suggested as features of GERD. We evaluated the effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on NBI findings in GERD patients. Patients prospectively underwent NBI upper endoscopy before and after PPI therapy. NBI findings were recorded at each endoscopy. Twenty‐one patients with GERD symptoms (mean age 60.0 years; males 90.5%; white 90.5%) were studied. After PPI therapy, there was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with the following NBI features: IPCL tortuosity (90% vs. 4.8%, P < 0.0001), dilated IPCLs (86% vs. 9.5%, P < 0.0001), and increased vascularity at the SCJ (43% vs. 9.5%, P= 0.0082). PPI led to healing of all microerosions (71% vs. 0%, P < 0.0001) and disappearance of ridge‐villous patterns below the SCJ (14% vs. 0%, P < 0.0001). There was no significant change in the proportion of patients with increased numbers of IPCLs pre‐ and post‐PPI therapy (71% vs. 48%, P= 0.09) or columnar islands in the distal esophagus (38% vs. 29%, P= 0.31). In patients with GERD symptoms, NBI features suggestive of GERD respond to PPI; suggesting these features are truly acid‐mediated. These findings need to be confirmed by randomized controlled trials.     

Barrett's esophagus in Latinos undergoing endoscopy for gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms

Previous studies comparing the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in Latinos and non‐Latino whites are inconsistent. The aim of the study is to compare the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in Latinos and non‐Latino whites and to determine risk factors associated with Barrett's esophagus. Between March 2005 and January 2009, consecutive Latino and non‐Latino white patients who underwent endoscopy for primary indication for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were identified by examining the internal endoscopy database at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center. Barrett's esophagus was defined by columnar‐lined distal esophagus on endoscopy confirmed by intestinal metaplasia on histology. Clinical features and endoscopic findings were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of the 663 patients was 50 ± 12 years, 30% were male, and 92% were Latino. Compared with non‐Latino whites, Latinos had more females (72% vs. 46%; P = 0.0001) and more Helicobacter pylori infection (53% vs. 24%; P = 0.003) but less tobacco use (7% vs. 17%; P = 0.01). Overall, 10% (68/663) of all patients had Barrett's esophagus whereas the prevalence was 10% (62/611) among the Latinos and 12% (6/52) among the non‐Latino whites (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.4–2.1; P = 0.75). One patient in the Latino group had high‐grade dysplasia. On multivariate analysis, male gender (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4–4.1; P = 0.002), diabetes (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1–4.5; P = 0.03), and age ≥55 years (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.8; P = 0.006) were independently associated with Barrett's esophagus; Latino ethnicity remained nonsignificant (AOR 1.1, 95% CI 0.4–2.7; P = 0.88). In Latinos undergoing endoscopy for gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus was 10%, comparable with non‐Latino white controls as well as the prevalence previously reported among Caucasians. In addition to established risk factors, diabetes was associated with Barrett's esophagus.     

Usefulness of magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging for determining gastric tumor margin

Background and Aim: Magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging (ME‐NBI) enhances images of the irregular mucosal structures and microvessels of gastric carcinoma, and could be useful for determining the margin between cancerous and non‐cancerous mucosa. We evaluated the usefulness of ME‐NBI for determining the tumor margin compared with indigocarmine chromoendoscopy (ICC). Methods: The subjects were 110 patients (with 118 lesions) who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric tumors. They were randomized into ME‐NBI and ICC groups. Marking was carried out by electrocautery with the tip of a high‐frequency snare at the tumor margins determined by each observation. The distance from the marking dots to the tumor margin was measured histopathologically in the resected specimens. Marking was diagnosed as accurate if the distance was less than 1 mm. Results: Of the 118 gastric lesions, 55 were allocated to the ME‐NBI group, and 63 to the ICC group. Seventeen lesions in the ME‐NBI group and 18 lesions in the ICC group were excluded because the distance from the marking dots to the tumor margin was immeasurable histopathologically. Thirty‐eight lesions in the ME‐NBI group and 45 lesions in the ICC group were evaluated. The rate of accurate marking of the ME‐NBI group was significantly higher than that of the ICC group (97.4% vs 77.8%, respectively; P‐value = 0.009). Conclusion: Magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging can identify gastric tumor margins more clearly than ICC.     

Original article: Prospective evaluation of narrow‐band imaging endoscopy for screening of esophageal squamous mucosal high‐grade neoplasia in experienced and less experienced endoscopists

Narrow‐band imaging (NBI) is a novel, noninvasive optical technique that uses reflected light to visualize the organ surface. However, few prospective studies that examine the efficacy of NBI screening for esophageal cancer have been reported. To compare the diagnostic yield of NBI endoscopy for screening of squamous mucosal high‐grade neoplasia of the esophagus between experienced and less experienced endoscopists. Patients with a history of esophageal neoplasia or head and neck cancer received NBI endoscopic screening for esophageal neoplasia followed by chromoendoscopy using iodine staining. Biopsy specimens were taken from iodine‐unstained lesions and the histological results of mucosal high‐grade neoplasias served as the reference standard. The primary outcome was the sensitivity of NBI for detecting new lesions. The secondary outcome was the positive predictive value of NBI and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of NBI in a per lesion basis. A total of 350 patients (170 by experienced endoscopists and 180 by less experienced endoscopists) underwent endoscopic examination. A total of 42 new mucosal high‐grade neoplastic lesions (25 in the experienced endoscopist group and 17 in the less experienced endoscopist group) were detected. In the per‐lesion‐based analysis, the sensitivity was significantly higher in the experienced endoscopist group (100%; 25/25) compared with the less experienced endoscopist group (53%; 9/17) (P < 0.001). The positive predictive value of NBI was higher in the experienced endoscopist group than in the less experienced endoscopist group (45%, 25/55 vs. 35%, 9/26), although the difference was not significant (P = 0.50). The sensitivity of NBI in the less experienced endoscopist group was 43% in the former half of patients, and increased to 60% in the latter half of patients. In the per‐patient‐based analysis, the sensitivity of NBI was significantly higher in the experienced endoscopist group (100%) than in the less experienced endoscopist group (100 vs. 69%, respectively; P = 0.04). The positive predictive values of the experienced endoscopist group and the less experienced endoscopist group were similar, and were 48 and 47%, respectively. In conclusion, compared with the gold standard of chromoendoscopy with iodine staining, the sensitivity of NBI for screening of mucosal high‐grade neoplasia was 100% with the experienced endoscopists but was low with the less experienced endoscopists. Electronic chromoendoscopy with NBI is a promising screening tool in these high‐risk patients with esophageal mucosal high‐grade neoplasia, particularly when performed by endoscopists with experience of using NBI.     

Presence or absence of intestinal metaplasia but not its burden is associated with prevalent high‐grade dysplasia and cancer in Barrett's esophagus

Universal agreement on the inclusion of intestinal metaplasia to diagnose Barrett's esophagus (BE) is lacking. Our aim was to determine the association of intestinal metaplasia and its density with the prevalence of dysplasia/cancer in columnar lined esophagus (CLE). Patients with CLE but no intestinal metaplasia (CLE‐no IM) were identified by querying the clinical pathology database using SNOMED codes for distal esophageal biopsies. CLE‐IM patients were identified from a prospectively maintained database of BE patients. Subsequently, relative risks for prevalent dysplasia and cancer were calculated. Since patients with CLE‐no IM are not usually enrolled in surveillance, only prevalent dysplasia/cancer on index endoscopy was analyzed. Goblet cell density and percent intestinal metaplasia were estimated. All biopsy slides were reviewed for dysplasia by two experienced gastrointestinal pathologists. Two hundred sixty‐two CLE‐IM and 260 CLE‐no IM patients were included (age 64 ± 12 vs. 60 ± 11 years, P = 0.001; whites 92% vs. 82%, P = 0.001; males 99.7% vs. 99.3%, P = NS; CLE length 3.4 ± 3.2 vears 1.4 ± 0.4 cm, P = 0.001 and hiatus hernia 64% vs. 56%, P = 0.013). The odds of finding low‐grade dysplasia and of high‐grade dysplasia (HGD)/cancer were 12.5‐fold (2.9–53.8, P = 0.007) and 4.2‐fold (95% CI 1.4–13, P = 0.01) higher, respectively, in the CLE‐IM group. Reanalysis after controlling for important variables of age, race, and length did not significantly alter the overall results. In CLE‐IM group, when patients with high (>50/LPF) versus low goblet cell density (<50/LPF) and <10% versus >10% intestinal metaplasia were compared, the odds of HGD/cancer, OR 1.5 (0.5–4.9, P = 0.5) and 1.97 (0.54–7.22), respectively, were not significantly higher. Demonstration of intestinal metaplasia continues to be an essential element in the definition of BE, but its quantification may not be useful for risk stratification of HGD/cancer in BE.     

A feasibility trial of narrow band imaging endoscopy in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy system enhances visualization of microvasculature and mucosal patterns. This study assessed the utility of NBI in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. METHODS: Patients with and without GERD symptoms completed 2 validated GERD questionnaires prior to enrollment. The distal esophagus was examined by standard white light endoscopy followed by NBI. The features seen only by NBI were compared between GERD patients and controls. RESULTS: Overall, 80 patients (50 GERD, 30 controls) were eligible for final analysis (mean age, 58.4 years; males, 93.7%; white, 82.5%). A significantly higher proportion of patients with GERD had increased number (OR, 12.6; 95% CI: 3.7-42; P < .0001), dilatation (OR, 20; 95% CI: 6.1-65.3; P < .0001), tortuosity of intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) (OR, 6.9; 95% CI: 2.5-19; P < .0001), presence of microerosions (P < .0001), and increased vascularity at the squamocolumnar junction (OR, 9.3; 95% CI: 1.9-43.6; P = .001) compared with controls. On multivariate analysis, increased number (OR, 5.5; 95% CI: 1.4-21.6) and dilatation (OR, 11.3; 95% CI: 3.2-39.9) of IPCLs were the best predictors for diagnosing GERD. The maximum, minimum, and average number of IPCLs/field were significantly greater in the GERD group compared with controls (P < .0001). Although the interobserver agreement for the various NBI findings was very good, the intraobserver agreement was modest. CONCLUSIONS: NBI endoscopy may represent a significant improvement over standard endoscopy for the diagnosis of GERD. These preliminary findings including inter- and intraobserver agreement need to be evaluated in future prospective, controlled, and blinded GERD trials.     

Correlation of Narrow Band Imaging Endoscopy and Histopathology in the Diagnosis of Nonerosive Reflux Disease

Background /Aim:

Narrow band imaging (NBI) is a novel, innovative high-resolution endoscopic technique, which utilizes spectral narrow band filter for the visualization of mucosal patterns and microvasculature. Nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) is a type of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and it is characterized by reflux symptoms without mucosal breaks on white light endoscopy (WLE). Biopsies from distal esophagus of GERD patients show group of histologic features such as basal cell hyperplasia, elongation of lamina propria papillae, and inflammatory cells. The present study was undertaken to evaluate diagnostic utility of NBI endoscopy and biopsy study in NERD patients and also to correlate NBI endoscopy findings with histologic features of GERD.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 71 cases of NERD having symptom score more than 10 and those not having erosion on WLE were recruited prospectively and underwent NBI endoscopic examination. Two mucosal biopsies were taken at 3 cm above the squamocolumnar junction.

Results:

Histologic features of GERD were seen in 50 (70.4%) out of 71 cases. No significant correlation between NBI endoscopic findings with histologic features of GERD was found.

Conclusion:

The present study showed that histopathologic evaluation of distal esophageal mucosa has promising diagnostic value over NBI endoscopy in NERD patients. Use of newly introduced NBI technique requires tremendous familiarity for the detection of the cases of NERD, which show histologic features of GERD.     

Prevalence of Barrett’s Esophagus in Patients with or without GERD Symptoms: Role of Race, Age, and Gender

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with a significantly increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Racial differences in the prevalence of BE are controversial. Our purpose was to study the prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus in patients with and without gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, and the differences between these two groups in terms of race, age, and sex. Methods Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) reports from the PENTAX EndoPRO database for the Endoscopy Unit at the University of Texas Medical Branch from 2005 to 2007 were reviewed. Four hundred and ten patients who underwent upper endoscopy because of GERD symptoms that were not responding to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy or with alarm symptoms and 4,047 patients undergoing upper endoscopy for other reasons without GERD symptoms were identified. Results BE was significantly more common among males. The prevalence of BE was higher in patients with GERD symptoms than those without GERD symptoms. Overall, more cases of BE, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma were found among the patients without GERD symptoms than those that underwent endoscopy because of GERD symptoms. The prevalence of BE among Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and “other” groups with GERD symptoms were 5%, 2.56%, 4.4%, and 0%, respectively. The prevalence of BE among these racial groups without GERD symptoms were 1.9%, 0.9%, 1.57%, and 0.8%, respectively. The association between race and BE was not statistically significant (df = 3, P = 0.2628), including after adjusting for the presence of GERD symptoms (df = 3, P = 0.2947). Patients without GERD symptoms that presented with BE were significantly older than the patients without BE (P < 0.01). Conclusions BE is a male-dominant disease. The prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus was not significant different among Caucasian, Hispanics, and African Americans. Most of the patients with BE, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma did not have GERD symptoms. X. Fan contributed to the concept and design of the study, the analysis and interpretation of the data, and the drafting of this article. N. Snyder contributed to the critical revision of the article for important intellectual content and final approval of this article.     

The effect of fundoplication on proliferative and anti-apoptotic activity of esophageal mucosa in gastroesophageal reflux disease: 4-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE: The capacity of fundoplication to prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma is controversial. Development of cancer is associated with proliferation and anti‐apoptosis, for which little data exist as to their response to fundoplication. Therefore, we wanted to clarify the effect of fundoplication on the magnitude of Ki‐67 and B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) during 48 months of follow up. METHODS: Ki‐67 and Bcl‐2 were assessed quantitatively from biopsies of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and from the distal and proximal esophagus of 20 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treated by fundoplication. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months for 20 patients and 48 months for 16 patients, respectively. Ki‐67 and Bcl‐2 were compared to those of 7 controls. RESULTS: Compared to the preoperative level, Ki‐67 was elevated in the distal (P = 0.012) and proximal (P = 0.007) esophagus at 48 months. Compared to control values, Ki‐67 was lower at 6 months in the EGJ (P = 0.037) and the proximal esophagus (P = 0.003) and higher at 48 months in the distal esophagus (P = 0.002). Compared to control values, Bcl‐2 was lower at 6 months in the EGJ (P = 0.038). Correlations between Ki‐67 and Bcl‐2 were positive in the EGJ (P > 0.001) and in the distal (P = 0.001) and proximal esophagus (P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Proliferative activity after fundoplication increased during long‐term follow up in the distal esophagus despite a normal fundic wrap and objective healing of GERD.     

Impact of anthropometric measures and serum leptin on severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the impact of obesity, determined by different anthropometric measures, on clinical and endoscopic severity of GERD and the relation between serum leptin and clinical and endoscopic severity of GERD in Egyptian patients. The study was carried out at Ain Shams University Hospitals and Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt. A total of 60 patients with clinically and endoscopically evident gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were enrolled in this study as well as 20 healthy subjects matched for age and gender serving as the control group. Patients were divided according to their body mass index (BMI) into two groups: group 1 (n = 30): overweight and obese (BMI ≥25 and/or waist‐to‐height ratio [WHtR] ≥0.5) and group 2 (n = 30): normal weight (BMI ≥18 to <25 and/or WHtR ≥0.4 to <0.5). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, anthropometric measures, and symptom severity score questionnaire were done for all patients. Serum leptin hormone was assessed for patients and control groups.The evidence revealed statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of different anthropometric measures (P < 0.00) except the height (P < 0.9), abdominal fat depot equations (P < 0.00), endoscopic findings according to Los Angeles classification (P < 0.001), symptom severity score (P < 0.00), and serum leptin hormone (43.96 ± 23.50 in group 1 vs. 7.5133 ± 8.18294 in group 2 and 6.98 ± 5.90 in the control group) (P = 0.00). Obesity in general and central (abdominal) obesity specifically has significant impact on clinical and endoscopic severity of GERD. Increased leptin hormone level is associated with clinical and endoscopic severity of GERD. Future trial on larger number of patients is emphasized.     

The feasibility of light microscopic measurements of intercellular spaces in squamous epithelium in the lower‐esophagus of GERD patients

The study aims to determine whether light microscopy can be used to accurately measure the diameters of intercellular spaces between squamous epithelial cells in the lower esophagus, and whether changes in this outcome measure can be used as a diagnostic marker for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The study has two parts. Part 1 involves 42 asymptomatic controls and 119 patients with typical symptoms of GERD, including 58 with erosive esophagitis (EE), and 61 patients with nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). All biopsies were taken from the lower esophagus. All samples were observed using an immersion objective, after which diameters were measured by computer‐assisted morphometry. Part 2 involves 61 individuals who were randomly selected from part 1, including 19 controls, 13 with NERD and 29 with EE. Diameter measurements using both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed for samples of 61 individuals. Samples from a total of 61 individuals (31 male, 30 female, mean age 44.3 ± 16.0 years) were observed using both light microscopy and TEM. Both methods showed significant differences between control and disease groups; the outcomes from the two methods had a certain correlation (r = 0.605, P = 0.000). Morphometric analysis of all 161 individuals (83 males, 78 females, mean age 41.4 ± 15.7) showed mean diameters from light microscopy to be 0.58 ± 0.16 µm for controls, 1.07 ± 0.30 µm for NERD, and 1.29 ± 0.20 µm for EE; differences between control and disease groups were significant (P < 0.05). The optimal cut‐off value from receiver operator characteristic analysis was 0.85 µm. Diagnoses were validated using the combination of symptoms of GERD, endoscopy, and 24 h ambulatory pH monitoring as the gold standard. At the optimal cutoff, sensitivity was 93.3% and specificity was 100%. The diameters of the intercellular spaces in squamous epithelium of lower esophagus from controls and in patients with GERD can be quantitatively measured using light microscopy. Dilated diameters can serve as a sensitive, specific, and objective indicator for diagnosis of GERD.     

Effect of baclofen on gastric acid pocket in subjects with gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms

Postprandial gastroesophageal reflux (PGER) in the distal esophagus (DE) is associated with a gastric juice ‘acid pocket’ (AP). Baclofen reduces AP extension into the DE in healthy volunteers, in part through increased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. We aimed to verify whether baclofen also affects postprandial AP location and extent in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients. Thirteen treatment‐naive heartburn‐prevalent GERD patients underwent two AP studies, after pretreatment with baclofen 40 mg or placebo 30 minutes preprandially. We performed pH‐probe stepwise pull‐throughs (PT) (1 cm/min, LES ?10 to +5 cm) before and every 30 minutes from 30 minutes before up to 150 minutes after a test meal. After the meal, both after placebo and baclofen, gastric pH significantly dropped at 30, 60, 90 minutes postprandially (P: nadir pHs of 3.9 ± 0.6, 2.3 ± 0.6, 2.1 ± 0.4; B: nadir pHs of 2.5 ± 0.4, 2.8 ± 0.4, 2.5 ± 0.3; all P < 0.05). After placebo, LES pressure decreased at 60, 90 and 120 minutes postprandially (32.7 ± 6.1 vs. 24.5 ± 3.1, 27.3 ± 5.9, 27.3 ± 6.0 mmHg; analysis of variance [ANOVA], P = 0.037), but this was prevented by baclofen (25.4 ± 3.4 vs. 29.4 ± 2, 32.2 ± 1.4, 35.5 ± 1.7 mmHg, ANOVA, P = not significant (NS)). Baclofen did not significantly decrease the postprandial AP extent above the LES but prevented the postprandial increase in transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) (preprandial vs. postprandial, placebo: 1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 3.7 ± 0.7, P < 0.05; baclofen: 1.4 ± 0.4 vs. 2 ± 0.5, P = NS). In GERD patients, baclofen significantly increases postprandial LES pressure, prevents the increase TLESRs but, unlike in healthy volunteers, does not affect AP extension into the DE.     

Clinicopathological features of narrow‐band imaging endoscopy and immunohistochemistry in ultraminute esophageal squamous neoplasms

To reveal clinicopathological features of narrow‐band imaging (NBI) endoscopy and immunohistochemistry in ultraminute esophageal squamous neoplasms. If a lesion diameter was smaller or same compared with a width of closed biopsy forceps, a lesion was defined to be an ultraminute lesion. Twenty‐five consecutive patients with 33 ultraminute esophageal lesions that were removed by endoscopic mucosal resection were included in the present study. We conducted two questionnaire surveys of six endoscopists by their retrospective review of endoscopic still images. The six endoscopists evaluated the endoscopic findings of the ultraminute lesions on still images taken by conventional white‐light imaging endoscopy and non‐magnified NBI endoscopy in the first questionnaire, and taken by magnified NBI endoscopy in the second questionnaire. An experienced pathologist who was unaware of any endoscopic findings made histological diagnosis and evaluated immunoexpression of p53 and Ki67. The 33 ultraminute lesions were all determined to be either 11 high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasias (HGIENs) or 22 low‐grade intraepithelial neoplasias (LGIENs). The tumor diameters were histologically confirmed to be <3 mm. All of the ultraminute tumors were visualized as unstained areas and brownish areas by real‐time endoscopy with Lugol dye staining and non‐magnified NBI endoscopy, respectively. All of the ultraminute IENs were visualized as brownish areas by real‐time non‐magnified NBI endoscopy. Three of the 25 patients with the ultraminute IENs (12%) had multiple brownish areas (more than several areas) in the esophagus on real‐time non‐magnified NBI endoscopy. All of the ultraminute IENs were visualized as unstained areas by real‐time Lugol chromoendoscopy. Twenty of the 25 patients (80%) had multiple unstained areas (more than several areas) in the esophagus on real‐time Lugol chromoendoscopy. The first questionnaire survey revealed that a significantly higher detection rate of the ultraminute IENs on non‐magnified NBI endoscopy images compared with conventional white‐light imaging endoscopy ones (100% vs. 72%, respectively: P < 0.0001). The second questionnaire survey revealed that presence rates of any magnified NBI endoscopy findings were not significantly different between HGIENs and LGIENs. Proliferation, dilation, and various shapes of intrapapillary capillary loops indicated remarkably high presence rates of more than 90% in both HGIENs and LGIENs. Six of 22 LGIENs (27%) and 3 of 11 HGIENs (27%) show a positive expression for p53. None of peri‐IEN epithelia was positive for p53. A mean of Ki67 labeling index of LGIENs was 33% and that of HGIENs 36%. Ki67 labeling index was significantly greater in the LGIENs and HGIENs compared with that in the peri‐IEN epithelia. There were no significant differences in p53 expression and Ki67 labeling index between the HGIENs and LGIENs. Non‐magnified/magnified NBI endoscopy could facilitate visualization and characterization of ultraminute esophageal squamous IENs. The ultraminute HGIENs and LGIENs might have comparable features of magnified NBI endoscopy and immunohistochemistry.     

Is it proper to use non‐magnified narrow‐band imaging for esophageal neoplasia screening? Japanese single‐center,prospective study

Aim: Most screening examinations in Japanese general hospitals are carried out by high‐definition television‐incompatible (non‐HD) scopes and non‐magnifying endoscopes. We evaluated the narrow‐band imaging (NBI) real‐time diagnostic yield of esophageal neoplasia in high‐risk patients at a general hospital. Methods: In a single‐center, prospective, non‐randomized controlled trial, 117 consecutive screening patients with high risk for esophageal cancer received primary white‐light imaging (WLI) followed by NBI and iodine‐staining endoscopy (59 by HDTV‐compatible [HD] endoscopy and 58 by non‐HD endoscopy). The primary aim was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of non‐magnified images in diagnosing esophageal neoplasia. The secondary aim was to compare HD endoscopy and non‐HD endoscopy in terms of diagnostic performance. Results: Overall, the sensitivity of NBI for screening of esophageal neoplasia was superior to WLI, and equivalent to iodine staining (92% vs 42%; P < 0.05, 92% vs 100%; ns). The specificity of NBI was equivalent to WLI (89% vs 94%; ns). In HD, NBI sensitivity was equivalent to both iodine staining and WLI (100% vs 75%; ns). In non‐HD, NBI sensitivity was equivalent to iodine staining, but WLI sensitivity was significantly inferior to NBI (88% vs 100%; ns, 25% vs 88%; P < 0.05). The NBI specificity was equivalent to WLI not only in HD but also in non‐HD (90% vs 96%; ns, 88% vs 93%; ns). Conclusion: In both HD and non‐HD endoscopy, NBI is less likely than WLI to miss a lesion. Even with non‐HD endoscopy, NBI is suitable for esophageal standard examinations in general hospitals.     

Helicobacter pylori Infection,Pattern of Gastritis,and Symptoms in Erosive and Nonerosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the characteristics of gastritis and symptoms of patients with erosive and nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: We studied 202 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of GERD (symptoms score and endoscopy): group A (n = 110), erosive GERD; group B (n = 92), nonerosive GERD; 200 patients with upper abdominal complaints without abnormalities at endoscopy (functional dyspepsia, group C); and 200 asymptomatic controls tested for H. pylori serum antibody (group D). Antral and body biopsy specimens were taken for histology and the rapid urease test in groups A, B, and C. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was higher in groups B and C (62% and 55%, respectively) than in A and D (36% and 40%) (P &lt; 0.05). In positive patients H. pylori colonization and gastritis grade scores in the gastric body were higher in nonerosive than in erosive GERD and functional dyspepsia (P &lt; 0.05). No differences in H. pylori colonization or gastritis grades were found in the antrum. Fifty-nine patients with nonerosive GERD (64%) and 42 with erosive GERD (38%) showed other dyspeptic symptoms associated with reflux symptoms (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: H. pylori prevalence is higher in patients with nonerosive GERD than in normal subjects and in patients with erosive GERD and similar to that of patients with dyspepsia. Patients with nonerosive GERD often show dyspeptic symptoms and higher H. pylori colonization and inflammation grades in the proximal stomach. Our data support the hypothesis that in GERD H. pylori gastritis may, on the one hand, protect against the development of esophageal erosions and, on the other, contribute to the esophageal hypersensitivity to acid which is a feature of GERD.     

Prevalence of upper gastrointestinal tract findings in patients with noncardiac chest pain versus those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related symptoms: results from a national endoscopic database

BACKGROUND: Available data on the prevalence of esophageal and upper gut findings in patients with noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) are scarce and limited to one center's experience. AIM: To determine the prevalence of esophageal and upper gut mucosal findings in patients undergoing upper endoscopy for NCCP only versus those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms only, using the national Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative (CORI) database. METHODS: During the study period, the CORI database received endoscopic reports from a network of 76 community, university, and Veteran Administration Health Care System (VAHCS)/military practice sites. All adult patients who underwent an upper endoscopy for NCCP only or GERD-related symptoms only were identified. Demographic characteristics and prevalence of endoscopic findings were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 3,688 consecutive patients undergoing an upper endoscopy for NCCP and 32,981 for GERD were identified. Normal upper endoscopy was noted in 44.1% of NCCP patients versus 38.8% of those with GERD (P<0.0001). Of the NCCP group, 28.6% had a hiatal hernia (HH), 19.4% erosive esophagitis (EE), 4.4% Barrett's esophagus (BE), and 3.6% stricture/stenosis. However, HH, EE, and BE were significantly more common in the GERD group as compared with the NCCP group (44.8%, 27.8%, and 9.1%, respectively, P<0.0001). In univariate analysis of patients with NCCP, male gender was a risk factor for BE (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.35-2.55, P=0.0001) and being nonwhite was protective (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.86, P=0.02). In this group, male gender was also a risk factor for EE (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.54, P=0.001) and age>or=65 yr was protective (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.6-0.89, P=0.002). The NCCP group had a significantly higher prevalence of peptic ulcer in the upper gastrointestinal tract as compared with the GERD group (2.0% vs 1.5%, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this endoscopic prevalence study, most of the endoscopic findings in NCCP were GERD related, but less common as compared with GERD patients.     

Investigation of relationships among gastroesophageal reflux disease subtypes using narrow band imaging magnifying endoscopy

AIM:To investigate the relationships among subtypes of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)using narrow band imaging(NBI)magnifying endoscopy.METHODS:A reflux disease questionnaire was used to screen 120 patients representing the three subtypes of GERD(n=40 for each subtypes):nonerosive reflux disease(NERD),reflux esophagitis(RE)and Barrett’s esophagus(BE).NBI magnifying endoscopic procedure was performed on the patients as well as on 40 healthy controls.The demographic and clinical characteristics,and NBI magnifying endoscopic features,were recorded and compared among the groups.Targeted biopsy and histopathological examination were conducted if there were any abnormalities.SPSS 18.0 software was used for all statistical analysis.RESULTS:Compared with healthy controls,a significantly higher proportion of GERD patients had increased number of intrapapillary capillary loops(IPCLs)(78.3%vs 20%,P<0.05),presence of microerosions(41.7%vs 0%,P<0.05),and a non-round pit pattern below the squamocolumnar junction(88.3%vs 30%,P<0.05).The maximum(228±4.8 vs 144±4.7,P<0.05),minimum(171±3.8 vs 103±4.4,P<0.05),and average(199±3.9 vs 119±3.9,P<0.05)numbers of IPCLs/field were also significantly greater in GERD patients.However,comparison among groups of the three subtypes showed no significant differences or any linear trend,except that microerosions were present in 60%of the RE patients,but in only 35%and 30%of the NERD and BE patients,respectively(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Patients with GERD,irrespective of subtype,have similar micro changes in the distal esophagus.The three forms of the disease are probably independent of each other.     

Upper esophageal sphincter abnormalities and high-resolution esophageal manometry findings in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux

Background: The association between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and abnormalities of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and esophageal motility is not clearly known. High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) has allowed accurate measurement and evaluation of UES and esophageal function.

Goals: To evaluate the UES function and esophageal motility using HREM in patients with LPR and compare them to patients with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Study: All patients evaluated for GERD or LPR symptoms with esophageal function testing including HREM, ambulatory distal pH monitoring and upper endoscopy between 2006 and 2014 were retrospectively studied (n?=?220). The study group (group A, n?=?57) consisted of patients diagnosed with LPR after comprehensive evaluation. They were compared to patients who had typical GERD symptoms only (group B, n?=?98) and patients with both GERD and LPR symptoms (group C, n?=?65).

Results: Abnormalities in UES pressures and relaxation were found in about one-third of patients in all groups. There were no significant differences between the groups. Group B had higher prevalence of abnormal esophageal motility compared to others (group A vs. B vs. C?=?20.8% vs. 28% vs. 12.5%, p?=?.029). Group B patients also had higher prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus compared to others (group A vs. B vs. C?=?0% vs.12.2% vs. 4.6%, p?=?.01). Distal pH testing revealed no significant differences between the three groups.

Conclusions: Abnormal UES function was noted in one-third of patients with LPR or GERD. However, there were no abnormalities on esophageal function testing specific for LPR.     

Electron microscopic study of intercellular space: correlation analysis of bronchial asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background and Aims: Bronchial asthma (BA) is considered an extra‐esophageal syndrome of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with poor pathophysiological background. We analyzed the correlation between GERD and BA, examining esophageal epithelium with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), along with clinical findings. Methods: BA patients of controlled and partly‐controlled levels were enrolled in the study. A pulmonary and gastrointestinal (GI) questionnaire was given. Patients with no symptoms joined the control group. Esophageal mucosal tissue was taken by esophagogastroduodenoscopy from both groups and processed for TEM. Intercellular space (IS) was measured with an image analyzing program, 100 times for each patient. Results: The control (n = 20) and BA (n = 20) groups revealed no significant differences in baseline characteristics. All BA patients were using corticosteroid inhalers, with seven patients having a recent history of acute exacerbation. Patients with at least one GI symptom made up 70% (14/20) of the BA group, and heartburn and/or regurgitation were detected in 40% of patients. Endoscopic findings of GERD were mucosal breaks (n = 3). The IS of the control group was 0.389 ± 0.297 um, while the BA group was 0.806 ± 0.556 um (P = 0.001). The presence of GERD symptoms (P = 0.306) and a history of recent asthma attacks (P = 0.710) did not show significant differences. Conclusions: The BA group showed a significant difference in the dilatation of IS compared to the control group, suggesting a higher prevalence of GERD in BA patients and a close pathophysiological correlation.     

Topographic differences in gastric micromucosal patterns observed by magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging

Background and Aim: The distributions and grades of Helicobacter pylori induced gastritis are known to vary among H. pylori‐associated diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in distributions of gastric micromucosal structures observed by magnifying narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy among patients with different H. pylori‐associated diseases. Methods: Ninety‐five patients with active duodenal ulcers (n = 24) and diffuse‐type (n = 24) and intestinal‐type (n = 47) early gastric cancers were enrolled. The magnified NBI findings were evaluated at the lesser and greater curvatures in the upper gastric corpus and were classified according to the modified A‐B classification system. Biopsy specimens were also evaluated. Results: In a total of 190 areas observed with magnifying NBI, histological grading (inflammation, activity, atrophy and intestinal metaplasia) showed significant differences among the classified micromucosal patterns (P < 0.001). Types B‐1 and B‐2, with mild atrophic changes and few areas of intestinal metaplasia, were seen mostly in the duodenal ulcers group. Types B‐3 and A‐1, with moderate atrophic changes, were seen in the diffuse‐type early gastric cancers at the lesser curvature. Types A‐1 and A‐2, with severe atrophic change and a high frequency of intestinal metaplasia, were seen in the intestinal‐type early gastric cancers at the lesser curvature. The prevalence of micromucosal structures differed significantly among the three groups both at the lesser and greater curvatures (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Magnifying NBI endoscopy clearly revealed detailed micromorphological differences corresponding to the histology and endoscopic findings among patients with different H. pylori‐associated diseases.