Recalcitrant Gastric Actinomycosis Treated With Over-the-Scope Clip.

Actinomycosis is an infrequent infection caused by Actinomyces species bacteria. Gastric actinomycosis is extremely rare but has been identified on endoscopy, typically presenting as erythema or ulceration. Standard therapies include prolonged antibiotics, and when these fail, gastric actinomycosis often requires surgical resection. We present a case of recalcitrant gastric actinomycosis, which presented as a subepithelial lesion and the first demonstration of treatment with endoscopic resection through over-the-scope clip.

Utility of EUS following endoscopic polypectomy of high-risk rectosigmoid lesions.

BACKGROUND: The utility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) compared with standard white light endoscopy (WLE) following recent polypectomy of high-risk colorectal polyps is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incremental yield of EUS after endoscopic polypectomy of a high-risk rectal lesion. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients referred for EUS following attempted endoscopic resection of a high-risk rectal neoplasm, defined as a tubulovillous adenoma, tubular adenoma with high-grade dysplasia, carcinoid, carcinoma in-situ or adenocarcinoma (CA). INTERVENTIONS: Sigmoidoscopy ± mucosal biopsy and EUS ± fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to evaluate for: (1) Residual polyp/tumor in the rectal wall or (2) peritumoral adenopathy. MAIN OUTCOME: Sensitivity and specificity for detection of residual neoplasia for WLE ± biopsy (WLE/BX) and EUS ± FNA for cancer (CA group) or benign disease (non-CA group). The incremental yield of EUS defined as: (1) Residual intramural neoplasia not present on WLE ± BX and; (2) abnormal peritumoral adenopathy. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (mean age 64 ± 11 years, 61% male) with a final diagnosis of CA (n = 38) and non-CA (n = 32) were identified. There was no difference between the sensitivity and specificity of WLE alone (65% and 84%), WLE with biopsy (71% and 95%), and EUS (59% and 84%), for the detection of residual neoplasia (P > 0.05 for all). EUS identified 3 masses missed by WLE, all in the CA group. A malignant (n = 2) or benign (n = 3) node was identified in 5 (13%) CA patients; EUS-FNA in two showed residual malignancy in one and a reactive lymph node (LN) in one. No LNs were identified in the non-CA patients. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design, incomplete follow-up in some patients. CONCLUSION: Following endoscopic polypectomy of high-risk rectal neoplasia, the incremental yield of EUS compared with WLE/BX for evaluation of residual disease appears limited, especially in patients with benign disease.

Ratio of pancreatic duct caliber to width of pancreatic gland by endosonography is predictive of pancreatic cancer.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether (1) a pancreatic duct (PD) diameter to pancreatic gland width (G) ratio (PDG) by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) predicts pancreatic cancer (PC) and (2) whether this ratio better indicates PC compared to PD dilation alone. METHODS: Patients presenting for EUS were classified into the following 4 categories: (1) normal, (2) noncalcific chronic pancreatitis (NCCP), (3) calcific CP (CCP), and (4) PC. RESULTS: There were 198 patients enrolled. Final diagnoses were PC (n = 34), CCP (n = 16), and normal/NCCP (n = 148). The median PD diameter (8, 5, and 2 mm, respectively; P = <0.001), G (16, 20, and 17 mm, respectively; P = 0.002), and PDG ratio were significantly different among groups (0.54, 0.25, and 0.12, respectively; P < 0.001). Patients with PC were more likely to have a PDG ratio of greater than or equal to 0.34 compared to CCP, and normal/NCCP groups (94%, 19%, 1.3%, respectively; P < 0.001). The positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PDG greater than or equal to 0.34 for detecting cancer were 87%, 99%, 94%, 97%, and 97%, respectively. The accuracy and positive predictive value of PD dilation alone for diagnosing PC were 83% and 50%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A PDG ratio is a good predictor of PC and is better than PD dilation. This sign should be routinely used by endosonographers to improve EUS diagnostic capability of PC.

Combined use of EUS-guided FNA and immunocytochemical stains discloses metastatic and unusual diseases in the evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy of unknown etiology.

PURPOSE: Mediastinal lymphadenopathy (ML) is a cause for concern, especially in patients with previous malignancy. We report our experience with the use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) with immunocytochemical stains in patients being evaluated for ML. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with ML of unknown origin who underwent EUS-FNA. On-site evaluation was performed by experienced cytologist, and special immunocytochemical stains were requested as indicated. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were included, and a total of 136 mediastinal LN were sampled. Prior malignancy was present in 45%. The most common site of examined lymph node (LN) were subcarinal (76%, 103 LN). The median long and short axis diameters were 28 mm and 13 mm, respectively. FNA was read on-site as malignant, 21 (16%); benign, 100 (76.9%); suspicious, six (4%); atypical, 3 (2%); and inadequate sample, six (4%). Sixty-four LN were deferred for additional studies; 22 for immunocytochemical and 26 for Gimesa (GMS) stain and 21 for flow cytometry. Final FNA read was malignant in 28 (21%), benign in 103 (76%), suspicious in three (2%), and atypical in two (1%). Metastatic malignancies disclosed included Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, melanoma, hepatoma, breast, lung, colon, renal, endometrial, Fallopian tube, and unknown carcinoma. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the final FNA read to predict malignancy were 100%. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided FNA with additional ancillary studies is useful in disclosing metastatic ML from a variety of neoplasms. Due to its safety and accuracy profile, it should be considered the test of choice in evaluating abnormal ML in appropriately selected patients.

Predictors of malignancy in EUS-guided FNA for mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients without history of lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Mediastinal lymphadenopathy (ML) poses a great diagnostic challenge. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictors of malignancy in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of ML in patients without known lung cancer. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. METHODS: One hundred eight patients without known lung cancer who underwent EUS guided-FNA for ML between 2000 and 2007. All subjects underwent EUS-guided FNA. Data was collected on patients' demographics, and lymph node (LN) characteristics. Diagnosis of LN malignancy was based on FNA findings and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred eight patients were analyzed; 58 (54%) were men and 87 (79%) were Caucasian. Mean age was 55 years. Prior malignancy was present in 48 (43%) patients. A total of 126 FNA samples from 126 distinct LNs were performed. Twenty-five (20%) LNs were positive for malignancy. Mean short and long-axis for LNs were 13 and 29 mms respectively. Round shape and sharp borders were found in 29 (15%) and 25 (22%) LNs, correspondingly. Independent predictors of a malignant FNA were: Prior cancer (OR 13.10; 95% CI 2.7-63.32; P = 0.001), short axis (OR 1.10; 95% CI 1.00-1.22; P = 0.041) and sharp LN borders (OR 5.47; 95% CI 1.01-29.51; P = 0.048). Age, race, gender, long axis, round shape were not associated with cancer in our cohort. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design and lack of surgical gold standard. CONCLUSIONS: Increased risk of malignancy was associated with prior history of cancer, larger LN short axis and presence of LN sharp borders. These predictors may help guide endoscopists perform FNA in malignant LNs, increasing the overall efficiency of EUS-FNA for ML.

Nitinol biliary stent versus surgery for palliation of distal malignant biliary obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Curative resection of pancreatic and biliary malignancies is rare. Most tumors are inoperable at presentation, and palliation of jaundice often is the goal. Biliary decompression can be achieved by surgical diversion or endoscopic biliary stents. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between surgical bypass and endoscopic uncovered nitinol stents in the palliation of patients with malignant distal common bile duct obstruction. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective, cohort study investigated 86 patients with inoperable malignant distal common bile duct strictures at tertiary referral centers in Medellín, Colombia. These patients had undergone surgery (group 1) or placement of an uncovered 30-Fr self-expandable nitinol stent produced locally in Medellín, Colombia (group 2). The main outcome measurements included cumulative biliary patency, hospital stay, and patient survival. RESULTS: The study enrolled 86 patients (mean age, 66 years; range, 43-78 years) including 40 patients in group 1 and 46 patients in group 2. Both groups were similar in terms of age, gender, liver metastasis, and diagnosis. Technical success was achieved for 38 patients in group 1 (95%) and 43 patients in group 2 (93%). Functional biliary decompression was obtained in for 35 of the surgical patients (88%) and 42 of the stented patients (91%). Group 2 had lower rates for procedure-related mortality (2 vs. 7.5%; p = 0.01), a lower frequency of early complications (8.7 vs. 45%; p = 0.02), and a shorter hospital stay (median, 6 vs. 12 days; p = 0.01). Recurrent jaundice occurred for three patients in group 1 (7.5%) and eight patients in group 2 (17.3%) (p = 0.198). Late gastric outlet obstruction occurred for 12.5% of the patients in group 1 and 13% of the patients in group 2 (p = 0.73). Despite the early benefits of stenting, no significant difference in the median overall survival between the two groups was found (group 1, 163 days; group 2, 178 days; p = 0.11). The limitations of this study included the small number of patients and the retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic stenting and surgery are effective palliation. The former is associated with fewer early complications and the latter with fewer late complications. Patients who do not qualify for curative resection may be better managed by stent placement. Surgery should be reserved for patients more likely to survive longer.

Bilateral adrenal gland enlargement secondary to histoplasmosis mimicking adrenal metastases: diagnosis with EUS-guided FNA.

While adrenal gland histoplasmosis has been previously diagnosed by fine needle aspiration utilizing the percutaneous approach, EUS-FNA has not been employed in the diagnosis of this infection affecting both adrenal glands. We report a patient with massive bilateral adrenal enlargement due to histoplasmosis that was diagnosed by EUS-FNA. Trans-duodenal and trans-gastric fine needle aspiration biopsy of both adrenal glands was performed. Rapid onsite cytopathologic evaluation (ROSE) revealed epithelioid histiocytes, singly and in clusters consistent with granulomas. Apparent intracytoplasmic inclusions suggestive of organisms were visible. A Gomori Methenamine Silver stain (GMS) revealed abundant small intracellular budding yeasts, morphologically consistent with Histoplasma; the patient was admitted for amphotericin B intravenous infusion. His fever abated on the second day after amphotericin B was started. His urine Histoplasma antigen was positive. Fungal cultures from both adrenal EUS-FNA samples grew Histoplasma capsulatum. After a one week hospital stay, he was discharged home on itraconazole 200 mg po bid for one year. Four months after initiation of treatment, his urine Histoplasma antigen was undetectable. Nine months after initial diagnosis, the patient regained his energy level, and returned to work with complete resolution of his initial symptoms. This case highlights that EUS-FNA with ROSE can be a highly effective tool in the diagnosis of uncommon infections of the adrenal glands.

Mulher de 56 anos interna por dor torácica e sofre parada cardíaca / Cardiac arrest in 56-year old woman admitted to hospital due to thoracic pain

Mulher branca de 56 anos veio ao Serviço de Emergência do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) por dor retroesternal em queimação, dolente, irradiada para pescoço e mandíbula, contínua, associada a sudorese e dois episódios de hematêmese em pequena quantidade. A dor piorava com a respiração e o decúbito dorsal. Tinha história de tabagismo (20 cigarros/dia) e de doença do refluxo gastroesofágico com esofagite, hérnia hiatal e sangramento digestivo há 14 anos. Apresentava também diagnóstico de gastrite erosiva há 9 anos e episódios de dor retroesternal não relacionada a esforço. Nessa época, a pressão arterial estava no limite inferior do normal, e foi identificada dislipidemia. O teste ergométrico foi normal. Foi realizado eletrocardiograma (ECG) na vigência da dor, que foi considerado normal (figura 1). Um exame radiológico de tórax mostrou atelectasias laminares em ambas as bases. A paciente recebeu ranitidina e hidróxido de alumínio, com melhora parcial da dor. A paciente foi liberada para casa com a orientação de retornar se houvesse piora da dor. Voltou à emergência na manhã do dia seguinte, porque persistia com dor e apresentou hematêmese em pequena quantidade. O exame clínico mostrou paciente em bom estado geral, obesa, hidratada, alerta, orientada, corada; pressão arterial (PA), 120/80 mmHg; freqüência cardíaca (FC), 56 bpm; freqüência respiratória (FR), 22 mpm; saturação de O2, 96 por cento; e temperatura axilar, 37,7O C. O exame do tórax, abdômen e extremidades foram normais. Foi realizado novo ECG na vigência da dor, que também foi considerado normal, além de outros exames. O consultor da gastroenterologia planejou endoscopia digestiva alta após descartar-se a possibilidade de doença isquêmica do miocárdio. A paciente apresentou novo episódio de piora da dor retroesternal no início da tarde, sendo solicitada cintilografia miocárdica em repouso na vigência de dor. A paciente foi encaminhada ao Serviço de Medicina Nuclear e, enquanto era transportada, apresentou parada cardiorrespiratória em dissociação eletromecânica, sendo submetida a manobras de reanimação por cerca de 30 minutos sem resposta