Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a 12-year analysis of a national database.

BACKGROUND: Despite inflammatory bowel disease's (IBD) association with hepatobiliary disorders and the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for both diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of these diseases, it remains a poorly studied area within the literature. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of IBD on the occurrence of adverse events (AE) pertaining to ERCP. METHODS: This project utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, the largest inpatient database in the USA. All patients 18 years or older with and without IBD undergoing ERCP were identified from 2008 to 2019. Post-ERCP AEs were analyzed using multivariate logistic or linear regression controlling for age, race, and existing comorbidities using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). RESULTS: There was no difference in post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) or mortality. IBD patients were also found to have a lower risk of bleeding and decreased length of stay (LOS) despite adjustment for comorbidities. They also underwent less sphincterotomies when compared to the non-IBD cohort. Subgroup analysis between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) did not find any significant differences in outcomes. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the largest study to date evaluating ERCP outcomes in IBD patients. After adjustment of co-variates, there was no difference in the occurrence of PEP, infections, and perforation. IBD patients were less likely to experience post-ERCP bleeding and mortality and had shorter LOS which may be due to the decreased frequency of sphincterotomy in this population.

Evaluating learning curves and competence in colorectal EMR among advanced endoscopy fellows: a pilot multicenter prospective trial using cumulative sum analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Data on colorectal EMR (C-EMR) training are lacking. We aimed to evaluate C-EMR training among advanced endoscopy fellows (AEFs) by using a standardized assessment tool (STAT). METHODS: This multicenter prospective study used a STAT to grade AEF training in C-EMR during their 12-month fellowship. Cumulative sum analysis was used to establish learning curves and competence for cognitive and technical components of C-EMR and overall performance. Sensitivity analysis was performed by varying failure rates. AEFs completed a self-assessment questionnaire to assess their comfort level with performing C-EMR at the completion of their fellowship. RESULTS: Six AEFs (189 C-EMRs; mean per AEF, 31.5 ± 18.5) were included. Mean polyp size was 24.3 ± 12.6 mm, and mean procedure time was 22.6 ± 16.1 minutes. Learning curve analyses revealed that less than 50% of AEFs achieved competence for key cognitive and technical C-EMR endpoints. All 6 AEFs reported feeling comfortable performing C-EMR independently at the end of their training, although only 2 of them achieved competence in their overall performance. The minimum threshold to achieve competence in these 2 AEFs was 25 C-EMRs. CONCLUSIONS: A relatively low proportion of AEFs achieved competence on key cognitive and technical aspects of C-EMR during their 12-month fellowship. The relatively low number of C-EMRs performed by AEFs may be insufficient to achieve competence, in spite of their self-reported readiness for independent practice. These pilot data serve as an initial framework for competence threshold, and suggest the need for validated tools for formal C-EMR training assessment.

Pancreatic Fungal Infection in Patients With Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

GOAL: The goal of this study was to study the incidence of fungal infection in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) and its impact on mortality. BACKGROUND: Infected pancreatic necrosis is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with NP. While pancreatic fungal infection (PFI) has frequently been identified in patients with NP, its effect on the clinical outcomes is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and the Cochrane library. All prospective and retrospective studies that examined the incidence of fungal infection in NP with subgroup mortality data were included. For fungal infection of NP, studies with fungal isolation from pancreatic necrotic tissue were included. Newcastle Ottawa Scale and Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool were used for bias assessment. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies comprising 2151 subjects with NP were included for the quantitative analysis. The mean incidence of fungal infection was 26.6% (572/2151). In-hospital mortality in the pooled sample of NP patients with PFI (N=572) was significantly higher [odds ratio (OR)=3.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6-5.8] than those without PFI. In a separate analysis of 7 studies, the mean difference in the length of stay between those with and without fungal infection was 22.99 days (95% CI: 14.67-31.3). The rate of intensive care unit admission (OR=3.95; 95% CI: 2.6-5.8), use of prophylactic antibacterials (OR=2.76; 95% CI: 1.31-5.81) and duration of antibacterial therapy (mean difference=8.71 d; 95% CI: 1.33-16.09) were all significantly higher in patients with PFI. Moderate heterogeneity was identified among the studies on estimating OR for mortality (I2=43%) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: PFI is common in patients with NP and is associated with increased mortality, intensive care unit admission rate, and length of stay. Further prospective studies are needed to better understand the pathophysiology of PFIs and to determine the role for preemptive therapeutic strategies, such as prophylactic antifungal therapy.

Impact of EUS-guided microforceps biopsy sampling and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy on the diagnostic yield and clinical management of pancreatic cystic lesions.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EUS-guided microforceps biopsy sampling (MFB) and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE) are emerging diagnostic tools for pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). There is a paucity of data regarding their performance and impact. The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic outcomes and changes in clinical management resulting from MFB and nCLE use in PCLs. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients with PCLs who underwent combined EUS-guided FNA, MFB, and nCLE. Primary outcomes included diagnostic yield (specific PCL type) and change in clinical management for each modality compared with the current "composite standard" (CS) obtained by combining clinical, morphologic, cyst fluid cytology, and chemical analysis. RESULTS: Forty-four cysts were studied in 44 patients. Technical success was 100% for EUS-FNA, 88.6% for MFB, and 97.7% for nCLE. Of 44 procedures, there was 1 adverse event (2.3%, an infected pseudocyst). Diagnostic yield for each individual modality was 34.1% for CS, 75.0% for MFB (P < .05 vs CS), and 84.1% for nCLE (P < .05 vs CS). Diagnostic yield for combined tests was 79.5% for CS/MFB, 88.6% for CS/nCLE, and 93.2% for CS/MFB/nCLE (P = not significant). Compared with the CS, the use of MFB, nCLE, and their combination led to overall change in clinical management in 38.6%, 43.2%, and 52.3% of cases, respectively. MFB and nCLE led to an overall increase in discontinuation of surveillance (MFB, 34.1% [P < .05]; nCLE, 31.8% [P < .05]), led by a reduction in the indication for follow-up radiologic or endoscopic studies (MFB, 34.1% [P < .05]; nCLE, 38.6% [P < .05]). Based on MFB and nCLE, 2 of 28 (7.1%) and 3 of 28 (10.7%) patients who would have undergone further surveillance were referred for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In the evaluation of PCLs, the use of combined EUS-guided FNA, MFB, and nCLE is safe. MFB and nCLE led to significant improvements in specific PCL diagnosis, which in turn has major impacts in clinical management.

Localizing Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: CT Angiography Versus Tagged RBC Scintigraphy.

OBJECTIVE: Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a common cause of hospitalization and has substantial associated morbidity and financial cost. CT angiography (CTA) is emerging as an alternative to (99m)Tc-labeled RBC scintigraphy (RBC scintigraphy) for the localization of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB); however, data on comparative efficacy are scant. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of CTA compared with RBC scintigraphy in the overall evaluation and management of acute LGIB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed images from all CTA examinations performed for suspected acute LGIB at our tertiary care hospital from January 2010 through November 2011. The comparison group was determined by retrospective review of twice the number of RBC scintigraphic scans consecutively obtained from June 2008 to November 2011 for the same indication. All CTA and RBC scintigraphic scans were reviewed for accurate localization of the site and source of suspected active LGIB. RESULTS: In total, 45 CTA and 90 RBC scintigraphic examinations were performed during the study period. Seventeen (38%) CTA scans showed active gastrointestinal bleeding compared with 34 (38%) RBC scintigraphic scans (p = 1.000). However, the site of bleeding was accurately localized on 24 (53%) CTA scans. This proportion was significantly greater than the proportion localized on RBC scintigraphic scans (27 [30%]) (p = 0.008). There were no significant differences between the two groups in average hospital length of stay, blood transfusion requirement, incidence of acute kidney injury, or in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Both CTA and RBC scintigraphy can be used to identify active bleeding in 38% of cases. However, the site of bleeding is localized with CTA in a significantly higher proportion of studies.

Factors Determining Optimal Fatty Acid Absorption in Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to quantify absorption coefficients of specific fatty acids in preterm infants as a function of diet, formula or breast milk (BM), and postnatal age; to identify the fatty acid structural characteristics that determine optimal fatty acid absorption. METHODS: Fatty acids from dietary and fecal samples were extracted and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Fatty acid absorption coefficients (FA-CFAs) were calculated by comparing the total amount of fatty acids supplied by the diet to the amount quantified in the total fecal output during a 3-day period. RESULTS: A total of 18 infants (BM 8, formula 10) were studied at 2 weeks of age, and 20 infants (BM 10, formula 10) were studied at 6 weeks of age. FA-CFAs decreased with increasing carbon length in formula-fed infants at 2 and 6 weeks. Results were similar but less in magnitude in BM-fed infants at 2 weeks with no difference at 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm infants fed formula demonstrated lower FA-CFAs as a function of increasing carbon length. This is consistent with limited pancreatic lipase production and with lipase being present in BM but not in formula. The fact that this pattern was seen in BM-fed infants at 2 weeks but not 6 weeks of age suggests that intestinal immaturity may also play a role in impaired fatty acid absorption. These data highlight principles that need to be considered to optimize delivery and absorption of dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in preterm infants.

Safety of capsule endoscopy in the octogenarian as compared with younger patients.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increased use of capsule endoscopy for the evaluation of small-intestine pathology in very elderly patients, yet the safety profile of this procedure has not been well-established. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the adverse event rate of capsule endoscopy in patients aged ≥80 years and to compare this rate with that of capsule endoscopy patients aged <80 years. DESIGN: Retrospective matched cohort study. SETTING: Single tertiary-care referral center. PATIENTS: All 195 patients aged ≥80 years who underwent capsule endoscopy between 2005 and 2011 were included, along with 585 capsule endoscopy patients aged <80 years who were matched by sex in a 1:3 fashion. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent capsule endoscopy and, in selected cases, double-balloon enteroscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Adverse event rate of capsule endoscopy, which was defined as capsule retention or aspiration. RESULTS: Adverse events occurred at a similar frequency in patients aged ≥80 years compared with those aged <80 years (1.03% vs 0.85%; P = 1.00), resulting in a difference of 0.2% (95% confidence interval, -1.8% to 2.1%). All adverse events were related to capsule retention, with no study patients experiencing aspiration. LIMITATIONS: This was a single-center, retrospective study. CONCLUSION: Adverse events resulting from capsule endoscopy occur at a similar rate in patients aged ≥80 years compared with those aged <80 years. Capsule endoscopy can be performed safely in the very elderly patient population.

Initial multicenter experience using a novel articulating through-the-scope traction device for endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Background and study aims A single-operator, articulating, through-the-scope (TTS) traction device was recently developed to facilitate endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Clinical data on the performance of this device are limited. We report an initial multicenter experience with ESD using this articulating TTS traction device. Patients and methods Retrospective analysis on all consecutive patients who underwent ESD using this traction device (T-ESD) at five centers between August 2021 and December 2022. Endpoints included: rates of en-bloc resection, R0 resection, curative resection, and adverse events. Results Thirty-six patients (median age 64.8 years; 47.2% women) underwent ESD (median lesion size 40 mm; interquartile range [IRQ]: 27.5-67.5) for lesions in the esophagus (n=2), stomach (n=8), sigmoid colon (n=6), and rectum (n=20). Submucosal fibrosis was encountered in one-third of the lesions (33.3%). Median ESD time was 104.6 minutes (IQR: 65-122). En-bloc, R0 and curative resection were achieved in 94.4%, 91.6%, and 97.2%, respectively. The single patient with non-curative resection of an invasive rectal adenocarcinoma underwent surgery. There were no cases of delayed bleeding or perforation. There was no recurrence on surveillance endoscopy (n=20) at a median of 6 months (IQR: 3.75-6). Conclusions This initial multicenter experience demonstrates high resection rates and excellent safety profile when performing ESD with this novel articulating TTS device. Dynamic real-time traction may lower the technical difficulty of ESD. Additional studies are needed to assess its cost-effectiveness and compare its usefulness with other traction devices and techniques during ESD.

Prevalence of Colonic Polyps in Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplant Evaluation: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal canceris the third most common cancer worldwide, and kidney transplant patients have up to a 2.5-fold increased risk of colorectal cancer compared with the general population. Presently, colorectal cancer screening recommendations in kidney transplant candidates are the same as for the general population. We explored the literature on the prevalence of colonic polyps in patients with renal failure undergoing screening colonoscopy as part of kidney transplant evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception through June 2023 to identify studies that explored the prevalence of colonic polyps in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing a screening colonoscopy as part of their pretransplant evaluation. RESULTS: Of 937 patients, 371 had ≥1 polyp on their screening colonoscopy (39.6%; 95% CI, 29.3%-50.3%), 243 patients had ≥1 adenoma (25.9%; 95% CI, 14.3%- 39.6%), and 75 had ≥1 high-risk adenoma (8.7%; 95% CI, 6.9%-10.7%). Pooled analysis of the 2 studies comparing patients with end-stage renal disease versus matched control groups indicated higher pooled prevalence of adenomas in the end-stage renal disease group (33.4%) versus the control group (23.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an average or increased prevalence of polyps and adenomatous polyps in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing colonoscopy during evaluation for kidney transplant. The pooled analysis of the studies comparing the end-stage renal disease population versus a matched control group indicates higher prevalence of adenomatous polyps in patients with end-stage renal disease. Multiple studies have shown that screening colonoscopy in this patient group is safe and does not delay kidney transplant evaluation or waitlistrates; hence, screening colonoscopy should be routinely considered.

Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Masquerading as Acute Diverticulitis.

Colorectal cancer may masquerade as acute diverticulitis. Our case is a 71-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and was diagnosed with acute diverticulitis. He was ultimately found to have metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma to the colon without any evidence of diverticular disease on colonoscopy. Although the most common malignancy to masquerade as diverticulitis is colorectal cancer, metastatic deposits should also be considered, especially in patients with a history of extracolonic malignancy.

Timing of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in post-stroke patients does not impact mortality, complications, or outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are often placed for dysphagia following a stroke in order to maintain sufficient caloric intake. The 2011 ASGE guidelines recommend delaying PEG tube placement for two weeks, as half of patients with dysphagia improve within 2 wk. There are few studies comparing outcomes based on timing of PEG tube placement, and there is increasing demand for early PEG tube placement to meet requirements for timely discharge to rehab and skilled nursing facilities. AIM: To assess the safety of early (≤ 7 d post stroke) vs late (> 7 d post stroke) PEG tube placement and evaluate whether pre-procedural risk factors could predict mortality or complications. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients undergoing PEG tube placement for dysphagia following a stroke at two hospitals in Saint Louis, MO between January 2011 and December 2017. Patients were identified by keyword search of endoscopy reports. Mortality, peri-procedural complication rates, and post-procedural complication rates were compared in both groups. Predictors of morbidity and mortality such as protein-calorie malnutrition, presence of an independent cardiovascular risk equivalent, and presence of Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria or documented infection were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: 154 patients had a PEG tube placed for dysphagia following a stroke, 92 in the late group and 62 in the early group. There were 32 observed deaths, with 8 occurring within 30 d of the procedure. There was an increase in peri-procedural and post-procedural complications with delayed PEG placement which was not statistically significant. Hospital length of stay was significantly less in patients with early PEG tube placement (12.9 vs 22.34 d, P < 0.001). Protein calorie malnutrition, presence of SIRS criteria and/or documented infection prior to procedure or having a cardiovascular disease risk equivalent did not significantly predict mortality or complications. CONCLUSION: Early PEG tube placement following a stroke did not result in a higher rate of mortality or complications and significantly decreased hospital length of stay. Given similar safety outcomes in both groups, early PEG tube placement should be considered in the appropriate patient to potentially reduce length of hospital stay and incurred costs.

Primary EUS-guided biliary drainage versus ERCP drainage for the management of malignant biliary obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been used as a salvage modality for relief of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) after a failed ERCP. Multiple recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies have been published to assess the suitability of EUS-BD as a first-line modality for achieving palliative BD. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing primary EUS-BD versus ERCP for MBO. We searched PubMed, Medline, and Embase up to January 1, 2019, to identify RCTs and observational studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of primary EUS-BD (without a prior attempted ERCP) versus ERCP. Quality of RCTs and observational studies was assessed using Jadad and Newcastle-Ottawa scores, respectively. The outcomes of interest were technical success, clinical success, odds of requiring a repeat intervention, and procedure-related adverse events. Odds ratios (ORs) and standard mean difference were calculated for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model in RevMan 5.3 (the Cochrane Collaboration, the Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark). Five studies (three RCTs and two observational studies) with 361 patients were included. Both procedures achieved comparable technical success (OR: 1.20 [0.44-3.24], I2 = 0%) and clinical success (OR: 1.44, confidence interval [CI]: 0.63-3.29, I2 = 0%). The overall adverse outcomes (OR: 1.59 [0.89-2.84]) did not differ between the two groups. In the ERCP group, 9.5% of patients developed procedure-related pancreatitis versus zero in the EUS group (risk difference = 0.08%, P = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in nonpancreatitis-related adverse events. The odds of requiring reintervention for BD (1.68 [0.76-3.73], I2 = 42%) did not differ significantly. The ERCP group had significantly higher odds of requiring reintervention due to tumor overgrowth (5.35 [1.64-17.50], I2 = 0%). EUS-BD has comparable technical and clinical success to ERCP and can potentially be used as a first-line palliative modality for MBO where expertise is available. ERCP-related pancreatitis which can cause significant morbidity can be completely avoided with EUS.

Current Management of Benign Epithelial Gastric Polyps.

OPINION STATEMENT: Purpose of review Benign epithelial gastric polyps, although typically asymptomatic, are identified incidentally on upper endoscopy in up to 23% of patients. These include fundic gland, hyperplastic, and adenomatous polyps. Their appropriate characterization is critical as some have malignant potential, may be indicative of a gastric mucosal field defect, or may be related to an underlying polyposis syndrome. This review will discuss the current management of benign epithelial gastric polyps. Recent findings Association of gastric polyps with proton pump inhibitor use, Helicobacter pylori infection, risk of malignant transformation, and association with polyposis syndromes have been the focus of recent literature. Summary All symptomatic polyps, polyps larger than 1 cm in size, and polyps later found to contain dysplasia or cancer should be completely removed. Additionally, random biopsies from the intervening non-polypoid mucosa should be obtained. Finally, identification of multiple polyps of fundic gland type and/or concomitant dysplasia should raise suspicion for an underlying polyposis syndrome and prompt appropriate workup. Surveillance is generally only indicated if there is confirmed dysplasia and/or carcinoma within the polyp itself or if preneoplastic changes are identified in the non-polypoid gastric mucosa.

Frequency and Significance of Abnormal Pancreatic Imaging in Patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Mutations.

Objective. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is typically diagnosed in advanced stages resulting in a significant reduction in the number of patients who are candidates for surgical resection. Although the majority of cases are believed to occur sporadically, about 10% show familial clustering and studies have identified an increased frequency of BRCA germline mutations. The role of screening for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in these populations is unclear. Our study aims to identify the abnormal pancreatic imaging findings in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Methods. A retrospective review of patient medical records with known BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations was conducted. Data was collected and all available abdominal imaging studies were reviewed. Results. A total of 66 patients were identified, 36 with BRCA1 and 30 with BRCA2 mutations. Only 20/66 (30%) had abdominal imaging (14 BRCA1 and 6 BRCA2 patients). Of those patients with abdominal imaging, abnormal pancreatic imaging findings were detected in 7/20 (35%) cases. Conclusion. Our study shows a high incidence of abnormal pancreatic imaging findings in patients with BRCA genetic mutations (35%). Larger studies are needed to further define the role of pancreatic cancer screening and the significance of abnormal imaging findings in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.

A unique case of a patient with rectal cancer who developed benign esophageal stenosis after localized rectal radiation and systemic chemotherapy.

Acute esophagitis and esophageal strictures typically occur after local radiation therapy to the thoracic field. Toxicity is usually limited to the field of radiation and potentially augmented by concomitant use of chemotherapy, however esophageal stricturing due to chemotherapy alone is exceedingly rare. Gastrointestinal toxicity has been previously reported in the setting of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy with abnormal thymidylate synthase or dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activities. We present a unique case of isolated chemotherapy-induced esophageal stricture in the setting of stage IIIa rectal adenocarcinoma which presented shortly after initiation of treatment with 5-FU-based chemotherapy in a patient with normal thymidylate synthase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase assays. These findings prompt further investigation of pathways and potential risk factors leading to esophageal toxicity in patients treated with 5-FU-based chemotherapy.