Renal infiltration of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, mimicking drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis.

Renal invasion of T-cell lymphoma does not usually occur. The renal infiltration of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), is rare. Therefore, the detailed pathology, clinical features, and effective therapy of this type of extranodal disease remain uncovered. Here, we report the rare case of acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by the renal infiltration of PTCL-NOS with no evidence of lymphadenopathy and extranodal lesions, except for the kidney. We mistakenly diagnosed our patient with drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) at first, because his clinical features were similar to those of drug-induced AIN; however, we reached the correct diagnosis by detecting atypical T-cells in his urine. After the introduction of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone therapy his general condition improved rapidly. When suspecting drug-induced AIN as the cause of AKI, PTCL-NOS should also be recognized as one of the causes, and urine cytology may be useful to noninvasively distinguish between the two diseases.

Atypical familial Mediterranean fever developed in a long-term hemodialysis patient.

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is usually an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and serositis. FMF develops before the age of 20 years in 90% of patients. It has intervals of 1 week to several years between attacks, which leads to renal dysfunction-amyloidosis. We report a case of atypical FMF that developed in a long-term hemodialysis patient. A 65-year-old Japanese female undergoing hemodialysis for 32 years was referred to our hospital with a fever of unknown origin (FUO) following cervical laminoplasty. The fever occurred as recurrent attacks accompanied by oligoarthralgia of the left hip and knee. We suspected FMF because of recurrent self-limited febrile attacks, although the patient showed atypical clinical features such as late-onset and highly frequent attacks. After receiving treatment, she achieved a complete response to colchicine. Therefore, a diagnosis of FMF was made based on the Tel-Hashomer criteria, which was confirmed by genetic testing. The case suggests that FMF may be of note in long-term hemodialysis patients developing FUO.

Infective endocarditis in a patient with lupus nephritis who was undergoing immunosuppressive therapy: A case of survival.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease associated with mild valvular regurgitation. However, there have been no detailed reports of infective endocarditis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Here, we describe a case of a 55-year-old woman without any cardiac abnormalities who was diagnosed with lupus nephritis by renal biopsy; she contracted infective endocarditis while receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Our case emphasizes that special consideration of the occurrence of infective endocarditis, and its early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory for patient survival. We propose that echocardiography should be performed before treating patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who have an uncertain cardiac status.

[A case of liver abscess due to Streptococcus anginosus infection secondary to a dental extraction].

A 74-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of a high fever. He had undergone a dental extraction about 1 month prior to admission because of apical periodontitis. Imaging study revealed liver abscess lesions. Infection with Streptococcus anginosus was confirmed using both stab and blood culture. An adequate selection of antibiotics was administered, and a good outcome was obtained. There have been no case reports of liver abscess caused by intraoral commensal flora related to dental extraction in healthy adults. This case shows that liver abscesses can occur secondary to dental extractions, even in healthy adults.

Successful recovery from an acute kidney injury due to amniotic fluid embolism.

A 33-year-old Japanese woman at 40 weeks gestation visited the maternity hospital after imminent labor had begun. After the delivery, persistent bleeding developed resulting in hemorrhagic shock. Although the hemorrhage was eventually controlled, hepatic and renal dysfunction occurred, leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). The patient's clinical presentation was suggestive of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). We subsequently initiated continuous renal replacement therapy (RRT) for AKI. The patient's condition improved, she discontinued RRT, and her renal function recovered. We herein report a patient who successfully recovered from AKI caused by AFE.

Effect of chitosan chewing gum on reducing serum phosphorus in hemodialysis patients: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: HS219 (40 mg chitosan-loaded chewing gum) is designed to bind salivary phosphorus as an add-on to available phosphorus binders. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HS219 in hemodialysis (HD) patients with hyperphosphatemia as an add-on to phosphorus binders. METHODS: Sixty-eight HD patients who were maintained on calcium carbonate (n=33) or sevelamer hydrochloride (n=35) were enrolled. The primary end point was a change in serum phosphorus levels. Secondary end points included changes in levels of salivary phosphorus, serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and intact fibroblast growth factor (iFGF) 23. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients chewed either HS219 (n=35) or placebo (n=28) for 30 min, three times a day, for 3 weeks. HS219 was well tolerated and safe. However, HS219 was not superior to placebo with additional reduction of serum phosphorus with respect to phosphorus binders at the end of the chewing period. There were no significant effects of HS219 on reduction of salivary phosphorus, serum calcium, iPTH, or iFGF23 levels. CONCLUSIONS: The chitosan-loaded chewing gum HS219 does not affect serum and salivary phosphorus levels in Japanese HD patients with hyperphosphatemia. Our findings do not support previous findings that 20 mg of chitosan-loaded chewing gum reduces serum and salivary phosphorus levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: [corrected] ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01039428, 24 December, 2009.

Hepatic cyst infection in an autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patient diagnosed by right pleural effusion.

A 64-year-old Japanese man with renal dysfunction caused by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of right back pain, fever, inflammation, and pleural effusion. Diagnostic investigations for tuberculous pleuritis were all negative. Although no radiographic abnormality suggesting hepatic cyst infection was detected by computed tomography, hepatic cyst drainage demonstrated purulent contents indicative of cyst infection. Conglutination of the cyst by minocycline 100 mg was performed five times in addition to drainage. After drainage, the symptoms of inflammation, right back pain and right pleural effusion subsided. Renal function and anemia, which had been resistant to darbepoetin treatment, also improved after the procedure. These results suggested that the infected hepatic cyst was associated with the patient's symptoms, exacerbation of renal dysfunction and anemia. The pleural effusion was due to the propagation of inflammation from the cyst infection. This is the first report of an infected hepatic cyst in an ADPKD patient presenting with and diagnosed by right pleural effusion.

Large area of walled-off pancreatic necrosis successfully treated by endoscopic necrosectomy using a grasping-type scissors forceps.

Endoscopic necrosectomy (EN) for walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) is less invasive than surgical treatment and has become the first choice for pancreatic abscess. EN is usually carried out with several devices including snares, baskets, and grasping forceps. Occasionally, we have encountered cases in which EN has not been satisfactorily carried out, and there is pressure for further innovation in EN. Here, we describe a case of a large area of WOPN that was successfully treated by EN with endoscopic submucosal dissection and associated techniques, which facilitated removal of necrotic tissues. A 60-year-old man was referred to our hospital for WOPN as a complication of necrotizing pancreatitis. As a result of his complicating conditions including ischemic heart disease, uncontrollable arrhythmia, chronic renal failure, and persistent pleural effusion, he was deemed a poor surgical candidate. Although EN with conventional devices was carried out for five sessions, we could not remove the dense and massive necrotic tissues. At the sixth EN session, the Clutch Cutter device (Fujifilm, Tokyo, Japan) was used to remove the necrotic tissues, without major complications. This is believed to be the first report of EN using the Clutch Cutter for successful treatment of WOPN.

[A case of combination therapy with MMF and steroids for idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis].

A 26-year-old man diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome was administered steroid monotherapy. Urinary protein excretion was 2-3 g/day despite the therapy. Percutaneous renal biopsy revealed Type I idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IMPGN). Although intravenous steroid therapy at the dose of 1,000 mg/day for 3 days was administered, proteinuria persisted at the level of 1 g/day. Renal dysfunction (cystatin C, 1.33 mg/L) was evident. Strong inflammation was suggested by occult blood (3+) and urinary (red blood cells: 30-50/high power field) sediment. We considered steroid monotherapy to be ineffective, and initiated combina-tion therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and steroids. Consequently, urinary protein excretion moderately decreased to 0.34 g/day without adverse events or worsening of the renal function. The steroid quantity could be reduced without relapse. Subsequently, we were able to reduce the dose of MMF gradually, then terminated the medication. IMPGN is a rare disease with a poor renal prognosis. Recently, MMF therapies for IMPGN have been attempted, but there are few cases in Japan. Our case suggests that combination therapy with MMF and steroids is effective and safe for treating IMPGN.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for removal of superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms: A technical review.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is now the most common endoscopic treatment in Japan for intramucosal gastrointestinal neoplasms (non-metastatic). ESD is an invasive endoscopic surgical procedure, requiring extensive knowledge, skill, and specialized equipment. ESD starts with evaluation of the lesion, as accurate assessment of the depth and margin of the lesion is essential. The devices and strategies used in ESD vary, depending on the nature of the lesion. Prior to the procedure, the operator must be knowledgeable about the treatment strategy(ies), the device(s) to use, the electrocautery machine settings, the substances to inject, and other aspects. In addition, the operator must be able to manage complications, should they arise, including immediate recognition of the complication(s) and its treatment. Finally, in case the ESD treatment is not successful, the operator should be prepared to apply alternative treatments. Thus, adequate knowledge and training are essential to successfully perform ESD.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis as a complication of hepatitis B virus infection.

Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is well known as a cause of membranous nephropathy (MN). While the association of HBV infection with MN is strong, data regarding its association with other glomerular diseases are conflicting. Here, we report a case of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with HBV infection. In this case, we have found HBV-DNA in urinary podocytes by real-time PCR methods. After the administration of anti-viral therapy, FSGS improved, paralleling the decreased level of HBV-DNA in podocytes. The refractory FSGS induced by HBV could be effectively treated with appropriate anti-viral agents.

Is double-balloon colonoscopy a better aid to unskilled colonoscopists than conventional colonoscopy?

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: To compare the clinical outcome of double-balloon colonoscopy (DBC) with conventional colonoscopy (CC) for colon evaluation performed by an unskilled colonoscopist. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2008 and November 2008, 1544 colonoscopies were performed in our hospital. Fifty-eight patients, (29 male and 29 female ; 19-86 years; mean age, 63 years) involving 60 intubations, were enrolled in this study and were assigned randomly to the DBC or CC group. One first-year GI fellow was enrolled and performed these 60 consecutive colonoscopies (30 DBCs, 30 CCs). Completion rate of colonoscopy, cecal intubation time, and rate of analgesic agent usage were analyzed. RESULTS: Completion of DBC was 100% (30/30), while completion of CC was 73% (22/30). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The mean cecal intubation time was 36.2 +/- 14.4 minutes (DBC) and 36.5 +/- 15.2 minutes (CC). There was no statistically significant difference. Analgesic agent was used with 19 intubations (63%) (DBC) and with 27 intubations (90%) (CC) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For inexpert endoscopists, using DBC has a higher rate of effectiveness than using CC and can decrease the discomfort of patients during colonoscopic procedures.

Successful endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the pelvic lesion through the sigmoid colon.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a useful modality when the target is a lymph node located in the mediastinum, perigastric area or perirectum. Although it is difficult to carry out EUS-FNA of the colon using an oblique view linear scope, we report two cases of successful EUS-FNA of the lesions via the proximal sigmoid colon using a recently available new convex type EUS scope. Case 1 was a 77-year-old Japanese woman noted to have multiple lymph node swelling in the para-aortic area and in the pelvis. Case 2 was a 60-year-old Japanese woman noted to have a large mass in the left lower abdomen. In case 1, oral EUS showed no lymph node swelling. In both cases, EUS with forward-viewing radial echoendoscope was carried out via the anus, and multiple lymph-node swelling or a large mass was observed near the proximal sigmoid colon. In the EUS-FNA for these cases, we used a new convex-type EUS scope that has an oblique view, but with a wide-angled optical device giving a view similar to a forward one. EUS-FNA was successfully carried out on the lesions. The pathological specimen revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in case 1 and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in case 2.

Randomized controlled trial: roxatidine vs omeprazole for non-erosive reflux disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is considered as the first choice for treatment of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). However, NERD is less sensitive to PPIs than erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the differences between PPIs and H2 receptor antagonists are less evident in NERD than in erosive GERD. Since gastric acid secretion is lower in the Japanese population than in Western populations, we aimed to investigate whether PPI therapy is really necessary for NERD patients in Japan. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-three symptomatic endoscopically diagnosed NERD patients were randomly assigned to receive roxatidine acetate 75 mg twice daily (n = 16) or omeprazole 20 mg once daily (n = 17). Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Both roxatidine and omeprazole significantly improved the heartburn score at 4 and 8 weeks. The clinical response rates did not differ between roxatidine and omeprazole. Both roxatidine and omeprazole significantly relieved not only reflux but also abdominal pain and indigestion. The degrees of improvement did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Roxatidine relieved the symptoms of NERD patients with similar effectiveness to omeprazole. Therefore, roxatidine may be a good choice for NERD treatment.

[Adult male with tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome complicated with thyroiditis].

Renal dysfunction was detected by routine medical examination in a 46-year-old man (blood urea nitrogen : 26 mg/dL, creatinine : 2.4 mg/dL and moderate proteinuria). A few weeks later, he visited a local ophthalmologist complaining of left eye pain and red eye. He was diagnosed as left uveitis, prescribed eye-drops and referred to our hospital for further examination. At the first visit, test results pointed to renal dysfunction and a high level of thyroid hormones (creatinine : 1.8 mg/dL, free T3 : 7.41 microg/mL, free T4 : 3.18 ng/dL, thyroid stimulating hormone : 0.010micro IU/mL). Gallium scintigraphy showed an increased uptake of the tracer in bilateral thyroid glands, parotid glands and kidneys. No autoantibodies to thyroid gland were detected. Ultrasonography of the thyroid gland revealed no abnormal findings. Renal biopsy showed interstitial nephritis with minor glomerular abnormalities except for a few sclerotic changes. As no improvement was observed after stopping all drugs, and no disease causing uveitis was detected, he was diagnosed as tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome (TINU syndrome). After oral glucocorticoid was prescribed (prednisolone 15 mg/day), both renal function and thyroid abnormalities were normalized gradually. TINU syndrome with hyperthyroidism is rare. Although the precise etiology is not known, the same mechanism might occur in the thyroid gland as in TINU syndrome where abnormal cellular immunity, especially in helper T cell is said to play a role. In conclusion, in cases of TINU syndrome, systemic investigation, including the thyroid gland should be mandatory.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a rectal carcinoid tumor using grasping type scissors forceps.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with a knife is a technically demanding procedure associated with a high complication rate. The shortcomings of this method are the inability to fix the knife to the target lesion, and compression of the lesion. These can lead to major complications such as perforation and bleeding. To reduce the risk of complications related to ESD, we developed a new grasping type scissors forceps (GSF), which can grasp and incise the targeted tissue using electrosurgical current. Colonoscopy on a 55-year-old woman revealed a 10-mm rectal submucosal nodule. The histological diagnosis of the specimen obtained by biopsy was carcinoid tumor. Endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated a hypoechoic solid tumor limited to the submucosa without lymph node involvement. It was safely and accurately resected without unexpected incision by ESD using a GSF. No delayed hemorrhage or perforation occurred. Histological examination confirmed the carcinoid tumor was completely excised with negative resection margin.

Bedtime administration of long-acting antihypertensive drugs restores normal nocturnal blood pressure fall in nondippers with essential hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Nondipper hypertensive patients have more pronounced target organ injury. We examined whether shifting the time of dosing long-acting antihypertensive drugs from morning to bedtime reduces nocturnal blood pressure (BP) and restores normal nocturnal dipping in nondippers with essential hypertension. METHODS: We studied 71 Japanese hypertensive patients who received long-acting antihypertensive drugs once daily in the morning using 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring. After determination of circadian BP pattern, medication time was changed to bedtime only in nondippers. RESULTS: Among 71 patients, 36 were classified as dippers and 35 as nondippers. After shifting administration time from morning to bedtime in 34 nondippers, the office and 24-h ambulatory BP did not change, but the diurnal BP slightly increased and nocturnal BP markedly decreased. The percentages of nocturnal decline in systolic and diastolic BP increased from 2.6% to 15.5% (P < 0.0001) and 5.6% to 16.9% (P < 0.0001). Morning BP at 7 a.m.-11 a.m. did not increase by bedtime administration. The frequency of dippers increased from 0/34 (0%) to 24/34 (71%). Adding to 50% of dippers on morning administration, 86% of the hypertensive patients became dippers by deciding the medication time according to dipper status. CONCLUSION: Nondippers on morning dosing can be changed to dippers by shifting administration time to bedtime, reducing nocturnal BP but not changing office BP, 24-h ambulatory BP or morning BP. In treating essential hypertensive patients, it is desirable to measure 24-h ambulatory BP as well as office BP and to decide the administration time of long-acting antihypertensive drugs to normalize nocturnal BP fall.

Long-term evolution and changing associations of left ventricular hypertrophy after starting hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is prevalent in dialysis patients and is recognized as a potent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We examined the evolution of LVH after starting dialysis and the determinants of changes in LV mass. METHODS: A cohort of 107 patients who had two or more echocardiograms at yearly intervals after starting hemodialysis was studied. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean LV mass index (LVMI) was 145.8 g/m(2) and 73 (68%) patients had LVH. During the mean follow-up period of 34.5 months, LVMI decreased by 3.9 g/m(2). At last follow-up, the mean LVMI was 141.5 g/m(2) and 68 (64%) patients had LVH. For changes in LVMI, a significant correlation was found in changes in systolic blood pressure, LVMI at baseline, changes in serum albumin concentration, and age. The relationship between changes in LVMI and systolic blood pressure was close during the 1st and 2nd intervals, but became weak gradually during the 3rd and 4th intervals. CONCLUSION: Many patients had LVH at starting hemodialysis and continued to have LVH thereafter. The most important determinants of LV mass changes were baseline LV mass and systolic blood pressure control, but the grade of reduction decreased gradually with time. These results suggest that active antihypertensive treatment should be started early to regress LVH and prevent cardiovascular diseases.