Diagnostic performance of linked color imaging for gastric cancer by Helicobacter pylori infection status: A subanalysis of the large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trial LCI-FIND.

BACKGROUND: Linked color imaging (LCI) is a new image enhancement technology that facilitates the recognition of subtle differences in mucosal color. In the large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trial LCI-FIND, LCI demonstrated good diagnostic performance for the detection of tumor lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to exploratively evaluate the diagnostic performance of LCI according to H. pylori infection status as a subanalysis of LCI-FIND trial. METHODS: The patients were randomly allocated to receive white light imaging (WLI) first, followed by LCI (WLI group), or vice versa (LCI group), and the two groups were compared for the detection of tumors. Data from this trial were analyzed by the presence/absence of H. pylori infection and further analyzed by successful or unsuccessful eradication in the H. pylori infection group. RESULTS: The 752 patients in the WLI group and 750 patients in the LCI group who had participated in the LCI-FIND trial were included. In the successful eradication group, more gastric lesions were detected by primary mode in the LCI group than in the WLI group, indicating that more lesions were missed by WLI. Fisher's exact probability test for the comparison of the WLI and LCI groups yielded a p-value of 0.0068, with missed gastric lesions being detected 0.136 times (95% confidence interval: 0.020-0.923), significantly less with LCI than with WLI. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that LCI should be used for gastric cancer screening, particularly in patients with successful H. pylori eradication.

Different Food Preferences in Patients with Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Objective Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can exhibit overlapping GI symptoms, including abdominal pain and alterations in bowel habits. The symptoms of GI disorders are commonly considered to be triggered and exacerbated by fatty food intake. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the food preferences of patients with GI disorders. Methods Forty food images (including fatty and light foods) and 20 animal images were selected to evaluate food preferences. The preference score was assessed using a visual analog scale ranging from 1 to 100. GI symptoms were evaluated using the GI Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and correlations between the GSRS and preference scores were investigated. Results Overall, 22 healthy controls and 23, 29, 27, and 20 patients with FD, IBS, GERD, and IBD, respectively, were enrolled. The preference score for all foods in patients with FD was significantly lower than that in healthy controls and those with IBS, GERD, and IBD (52.9 vs. 66.5 vs. 68.5 vs. 69.1 vs. 70.7, p<0.01). The score of fatty foods was lower in patients with FD than in healthy controls and those with IBS, GERD, and IBD (43.8 vs. 72.3 vs. 77.5 vs. 77.4 vs. 80.7, p<0.01), whereas that of light foods and animal images was not different among the groups. No significant correlation was found between the preference score and symptom severity. Conclusions Patients with FD had a negative preference for foods, particularly fatty foods, independent of the severity of GI symptoms.

A Study of the Risk Factors for 402 Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma - A Retrospective Comparison with Health Checkup Participants.

Objective Esophageal cancer is a gastrointestinal cancer with a poor prognosis. However, it is curable and can be treated endoscopically if it is detected at an early stage. The objective of this study was to identify the factors that contribute to early detection. Methods From April 2011 to December 2019, we retrospectively investigated consecutive patients diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at two hospitals of Kawasaki Medical University based on medical records. The factors contributing to the early detection of ESCC were investigated by comparing patients with ESCC with those undergoing health checkups in whom no organic lesions were found in the upper gastrointestinal tract on endoscopy (controls). Patients Factors contributing to early detection were examined in 402 ESCC cases and 391 sex- and age-matched controls, and early and advanced cancers were compared along with the risk factors for ESCC. Results A multivariate analysis showed that alcohol consumption and smoking, concomitant cancer of other organs, and a low body mass index (BMI) were factors associated with ESCC (odds ratio [OR], 4.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.880-7.520, OR,3.63; 95% CI, 2.380-5.540, OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.330-3.270, OR, 6.38; 95% CI, 3.780-10.800), whereas dyslipidemia was significantly less common in patients with ESCC (OR, 0.545; 95% CI, 0.348-0.853). Comparing early and advanced cancers, a history of endoscopic screening was the only factor involved in early detection (OR, 7.93; 95% CI, 4.480-14.00). Conclusion The factors associated with ESCC include alcohol consumption, smoking, concomitant cancer of other organs, and a low BMI. Endoscopy in subjects with these factors may therefore be recommended for the early detection of ESCC.

A Case of Idiopathic Peptic Ulcer Disease Treated Effectively with Trimebutine Maleat.

A 30-year-old man with idiopathic peptic ulcer disease (IPUD) experienced repeated recurrence of ulcerative bleeding despite treatment with lansoprazole and then vonoprazan. Further evaluation suggested that the cause of the ulcer was strong contractile movements of the antrum. This prompted the co-administration of trimebutine maleate (TM) and vonoprazan to relieve the stomach contractions. TM was effective in preventing the recurrence of ulcerative bleeding, and the patient has remained in remission for 4 years. This case highlights the potential efficacy of TM in treating IPUD and the importance of considering hypercontractility as the underlying cause in cases of IPUD.

Appendiceal mucocele pathologically classified as appendiceal epithelial hyperplasia and preoperatively diagnosed by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: A case report.

We report a patient with a mucocele with diffuse wall thickening diagnosed by transabdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Transabdominal ultrasonography showed diffuse thickening of the entire appendix wall and an anechoic area that appeared to be fluid collected throughout the appendix lumen. However, the "onion skin sign" was not detected. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography combined with superb microvascular imaging revealed abundant mucosal blood flow and no abnormal vascular network within the mucosa of the appendix wall. We preoperatively diagnosed a mucocele complicated by acute and chronic appendicitis, and ileocecal resection was performed. Macroscopic and microscopic findings of the resected specimens demonstrated that the appendiceal wall was diffusely thickened, with fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration, and that the appendiceal root rumen was narrowed with epithelial hyperplasia. No neoplastic changes were observed. The cause of the appendiceal mucocele was likely fibrosis and stenosis at the root of the appendix due to initial acute appendicitis.

LONG-HOSP Score: A Novel Predictive Score for Length of Hospital Stay in Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding - A Multicenter Nationwide Study.

INTRODUCTION: Length of stay (LOS) in hospital affects cost, patient quality of life, and hospital management; however, existing gastrointestinal bleeding models applicable at hospital admission have not focused on LOS. We aimed to construct a predictive model for LOS in acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (ALGIB). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 8,547 patients emergently hospitalized for ALGIB at 49 hospitals (the CODE BLUE-J Study). A predictive model for prolonged hospital stay was developed using the baseline characteristics of 7,107 patients and externally validated in 1,440 patients. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis assessed the impact of additional variables during hospitalization on LOS. RESULTS: Focusing on baseline characteristics, a predictive model for prolonged hospital stay was developed, the LONG-HOSP score, which consisted of low body mass index, laboratory data, old age, nondrinker status, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, facility with ≥800 beds, heart rate, oral antithrombotic agent use, symptoms, systolic blood pressure, performance status, and past medical history. The score showed relatively high performance in predicting prolonged hospital stay and high hospitalization costs (area under the curve: 0.70 and 0.73 for derivation, respectively, and 0.66 and 0.71 for external validation, respectively). Next, we focused on in-hospital management. Diagnosis of colitis or colorectal cancer, rebleeding, and the need for blood transfusion, interventional radiology, and surgery prolonged LOS, regardless of the LONG-HOSP score. By contrast, early colonoscopy and endoscopic treatment shortened LOS. CONCLUSIONS: At hospital admission for ALGIB, our novel predictive model stratified patients by their risk of prolonged hospital stay. During hospitalization, early colonoscopy and endoscopic treatment shortened LOS.

Brain activity in response to food images in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are caused and exacerbated by consumption of fatty foods. However, no study has evaluated brain activity in response to food images in patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). This study aimed to compare food preference and brain activity when viewing food images between patients with DGBI and healthy controls. METHODS: FD and IBS were diagnosed using the ROME IV criteria. Food preference was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Brain activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in response to food images was investigated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). RESULTS: Forty-one patients were enrolled, including 25 with DGBI. The mean VAS scores for all foods (controls vs. FD vs. IBS: 69.1 ± 3.3 vs. 54.8 ± 3.8 vs. 62.8 ± 3.7, p = 0.02), including fatty foods (78.1 ± 5.4 vs. 43.4 ± 6.3 vs. 64.7 ± 6.1, p < 0.01), were the lowest in patients with FD among all groups. Patients with FD had significantly higher brain activity in the left PFC than those with IBS and healthy controls (mean z-scores in controls vs. FD vs. IBS: - 0.077 ± 0.03 vs. 0.125 ± 0.04 vs. - 0.002 ± 0.03, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DGBI, particularly those with FD, disliked fatty foods. The brain activity in patients with DGBI differed from that in healthy controls. Increased activity in the PFC of patients with FD was confirmed.

Efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided abscess drainage for non-pancreatic abscesses: A retrospective study.

Background and Aim: Percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses is often uncomfortable for the patient and may result in prolonged hospital stays. Recent studies have shown that endoscopic ultrasound-guided abscess drainage (EUS-AD) could effectively treat various abscesses and fluid collections. However, no indications or procedures have been established for EUS-AD treatments, and studies on its usefulness and safety are insufficient. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS-AD for treating non-pancreatic abscesses. Methods: This retrospective study included 20 patients, aged ≥20 years, who underwent EUS-AD for an abscess or fluid accumulation in the abdomen or mediastinum, but not the pancreas. Patients were treated at the Kawasaki University General Medical Center between March 2013 and June 2021. All EUS-AD procedures were performed prior to a percutaneous drainage or surgical drainage. Results: Among the 20 patients who underwent an EUS-AD for abscess, 8 (40%) had liver abscesses, 6 (30%) had intraperitoneal abscesses, 3 had (15%) splenic abscesses, 1 (5%) had a mediastinal abscess, 1 (5%) had an iliopsoas abscess (n = 1, 5%), and 1 (5%) had an abdominal wall abscess. The technical success rate was 95% (n = 19/20). We inserted nasobiliary catheters in 4/20 patients (20%). The clinical success rate was 90% (n = 18/20). Two clinical failures required reintervention, and both were treated with percutaneous drainage. Adverse events were observed in 2/20 patients (10%). One patient experienced fever after the procedure, and the other experienced localized peritonitis. Conclusion: EUS-AD was effective and safe for abscess removal, particularly when approached from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Soluble CD163 is a predictor of fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma development in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease. The serum level of soluble CD163 (sCD163), a macrophage activation marker, is associated with liver tissue changes; however, its prognostic value is unknown. Here, we determined the utility of sCD163 as a marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and prognostic marker for NAFLD. METHODS: This retrospective study obtained data regarding serum sCD163 levels, liver histology, and background factors associated with NAFLD in 287 patients (men/women, 140/147; average age, 53 ± 14 years) with NAFLD who underwent liver biopsy. Repeated liver biopsies of 287 patients with NAFLD (5.0 ± 2.7 years) were compared regarding serum sCD163 levels and liver tissue changes (stage, grade, steatosis, and NAFLD activity score). RESULTS: Serum sCD163 levels increased with the progression of liver fibrosis and inflammation (both P < 0.05) and were particularly helpful in distinguishing cases of Grade 4 fibrosis (P < 0.001). Levels of sCD163 significantly decreased in patients with NAFLD exhibiting alleviated fibrosis and inflammation (P < 0.05). We could also predict the development of HCC and associated mortality based on serum sCD163 levels at the time of NAFLD diagnosis. Serum sCD163 levels were higher in patients with HCC than in patients without HCC (1074 ± 379 ng/ml vs. 669 ± 261 ng/ml; P < 0.0001), and the same trend was observed for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The serum sCD163 level reflects the progression of fibrosis and inflammation in liver tissues, showing much promise as a noninvasive biomarker for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and NAFLD as well as a possible predictor of HCC development and patient prognosis.

Lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Age-dependent differences in pathology, prognosis, and liver-related events.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the age-specific characteristics, prognosis, and complications of patients with lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Background factors (age, sex, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and PNPLA3 gene polymorphism), blood test results, liver histology findings, muscle mass, and grip strength were investigated in 782 patients with NAFLD who underwent liver biopsy. Prognosis and complications were compared among 549 patients with nonlean or lean NAFLD who were followed up for 6.5 years. Additionally, background factors, blood test results, liver histology findings, prognosis, and complications were compared according to age (≥60 years vs. <60 years) in patients with lean NAFLD. RESULTS: Lean NAFLD patients showed lower aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, ferritin, and leptin but higher adiponectin and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels than patients with nonlean NAFLD. Furthermore, lean NAFLD patients showed less liver fibrosis, inflammation, steatosis, and ballooning. Among lean NAFLD patients, those aged 60 years and older were more frequently female, showed higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, had higher HbA1c and type IV collagen 7S levels, lower platelet count, higher liver fibrosis and inflammation grades, and lower muscle mass and grip strength. Lean NAFLD was associated with a worse prognosis in patients aged 60 years and over than in those younger than 60 years of age and with a higher incidence of liver-related disease, cerebrocardiovascular events, and nonliver cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Age is an important consideration in patients with lean NAFLD. Compared with nonlean NAFLD, lean NAFLD was associated with a worse prognosis and higher risk of complications in patients aged 60 years and older.

A Case of Autoimmune Gastritis and Hepatitis with Enlarging Gastric Polyps after Reducing the Dose of Prednisolone.

Autoimmune gastritis is immune-mediated gastritis that destroys the oxyntic mucosa. Autoimmune hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease caused by an autoimmune reaction. These diseases share similar pathogeneses as organ-specific autoimmune disorders; however, cases involving both diseases are quite rare and scarcely reported. Herein, we report a patient with concurrent autoimmune gastritis and hepatitis who developed enlargement of hyperplastic polyps and progression of gastric atrophy. The patient was a 79-year-old female referred to our hospital for the treatment of hyperplastic polyps detected on a follow-up upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The patient's previous upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from 3 years prior revealed small hyperplastic polyps and no mucosal atrophy. However, the current upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed three 10-mm red polyps, severe mucosal atrophy in the corpus, and mild atrophy in the antral area. In addition, biopsy samples from the gastric body revealed decreased parietal cells and diffuse lymphocytic infiltration of the deep mucosa. Further, chromogranin A-positive endocrine cell micronests and enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia were detected. After confirming the diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis, endoscopic mucosal resection was performed for all the polyps, which were histopathologically diagnosed as hyperplastic polyps without malignancy. Therefore, clinicians should consider autoimmune gastritis for enlarged hyperplastic polyps and gastric atrophy progression.

Development, Disappearance, and Clinical Course of Melanosis Coli: Sex Differences in the Progression of Severity.

Melanosis coli (MC) is an acquired colorectal disorder visualized as colonic mucosa pigmentation. Disease severity is confirmed based on MC depth, shape, and coloration, although the clinical course is not fully understood. This study sought to clarify characteristics of MC development and disappearance and to investigate its clinical course and severity. Contributors to MC grade progression were explored. This study reviewed MC cases discovered via colonoscopy at a single institution over a 10-year period. Of all 216 MC cases, 17 developing and 10 disappearing cases were detected. Anthranoid laxative use was a key factor: 29.4% of the developing cases had used such agents before the initial MC diagnosis, whereas 40% of disappearing cases had discontinued anthranoids prior to detection of MC disappearance. Among 70 grade I cases, progression to grade II occurred in 16 cases during a mean follow-up of 3.67±2.1 years (rate of progression=22.8%). Males more commonly showed progressive than stable grade I cases, and the probability of progression was higher for male than for female cases. An association between anthranoid administration and MC presence was presumed, and grade I MC was found to progress in severity over 5 years.

Differences between patients with inpatient-onset and outpatient-onset acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: An observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The clinical severity and course of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (ALGIB) are believed to differ between inpatient-onset and outpatient-onset cases, but no reports have investigated these issues in detail. We aimed to evaluate the clinical differences between inpatient-onset and outpatient-onset ALGIB. METHODS: Medical records of patients who had undergone emergency colonoscopy for ALGIB were retrospectively reviewed. The severity was evaluated using the NOBLADS score. Patients with obvious ALGIB relapse and/or persistent iron-deficiency anemia after emergency colonoscopy were considered to exhibit a poor clinical course. RESULTS: We reviewed 723 patients with ALGIB and divided them into the inpatient-onset cohort (172 patients) and outpatient-onset cohort (551 patients). Compared with the outpatient-onset cohort, the inpatient-onset cohort had a significantly higher proportion of patients with a poor clinical course (51.2% vs 21.6%; P < 0.001) and a significantly higher mean NOBLADS score (3.6 ± 1.1 vs 2.5 ± 1.0; P < 0.001). The most common bleeding source was acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer (52.3%) in the inpatient-onset cohort and colonic diverticular bleeding (29.4%) in the outpatient-onset cohort. Multivariate analysis showed that a platelet count < 15 × 104 /µL and albumin concentration < 3 g/dL were significantly associated with a poor clinical course in the inpatient-onset cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical course was significantly worse in the inpatient-onset cohort than in the outpatient-onset cohort. The bleeding source, clinical characteristics, and clinical course differed between the inpatient-onset and outpatient-onset cohorts. The clinical course in the inpatient-onset cohort may depend on the patient's condition at ALGIB onset.

Two Cases of Acute Gastric Mucosal Lesions Due to Helicobacter pylori Infection Confirmed to be Transient Infection.

Two adult cases of acute gastric mucosal lesions (AGML) caused by Helicobacter pylori infection were confirmed by spontaneous eradication during the follow-up period. The clinical course of the initial infection by H. pylori in adults with AGML remains unclear, whether it is transient or progresses to a persistent infection. In these two reported cases, gastric biopsies at the time of the onset revealed the presence of H. pylori; however, serum H. pylori antibodies performed at the same time were negative. Retesting for H. pylori serum antibody, after six months in one and after two months in the other, was negative, confirming spontaneous eradication.

Linked color imaging provides enhanced visibility with a high color difference in upper gastrointestinal neoplasms.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this post-hoc analysis in a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial was to evaluate the visibility of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) neoplasms detected using linked color imaging (LCI) compared with those detected using white light imaging (WLI). METHODS: The visibility of the detected UGI neoplasm images obtained using both WLI and LCI was subjectively reviewed, and the median color difference (ΔE) between each lesion and the surrounding mucosa according to the CIE L*a*b* color space was evaluated objectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with neoplasms that were missed under WLI and detected under LCI. RESULTS: A total of 120 neoplasms, including 10, 32, and 78 neoplasms in the pharynx, esophagus, and stomach, respectively, were analyzed in this study. LCI enhanced the visibility 80.9% and 93.6% of neoplasms in pharynx/esophagus and stomach compared with WLI, respectively. LCI also achieved a higher ΔE of enhanced neoplasms compared with WLI in the pharynx/esophagus and stomach. The median WLI ΔE values for gastric neoplasms missed under WLI and later detected under LCI were significantly lower than those for gastric neoplasms detected under WLI (8.2 vs 9.6, respectively). Furthermore, low levels of WLI ΔE (odds ratio [OR], 7.215) and high levels of LCI ΔE (OR, 22.202) were significantly associated with gastric neoplasms missed under WLI and later detected under LCI. CONCLUSION: Color differences were independently associated with missing gastric neoplasms under WLI, suggesting that LCI has an obvious advantage over WLI in enhancing neoplastic visibility.

[Evacuation of tissue and blood biomarkers of progression to NASH cirrhosis by six liver biopsies: a case report].

We present a 56-year-old female patient diagnosed with stage 2/grade 3 non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) via liver biopsy. Over the next 14 years, six liver biopsies were performed, and the patient was followed up clinically. This was a valuable case wherein we were able to investigate the histology of the liver and the timing of changes in the AST/ALT ratio, platelets, albumin, FIB4-Index, and liver fibrosis markers.

Severe grade of melanosis coli is associated with a higher detection rate of colorectal adenoma.

The severity and distribution of melanosis coli differ among individuals, and the related factors remain unknown. Additionally, their clinical implications have not been sufficiently demon-strated. Thus, we aimed to detect clinical factors related to the severity and range of melanosis coli and elucidate the associations between the grade, location, and detection rate of colorectal neoplasms. Colonoscopy cases performed at our institution from January 2011 to February 2021 were included. Melanosis coli was classified into mild and severe grades. Clinical characteristics and neoplasm detection rates were compared between the mild and severe MC groups and between the right-sided and whole-colon melanosis coli groups. Overall, 236 MC (mild, n = 143; severe, n = 93) cases, of which 50 were right-sided, 5 were left-sided, and 181 were whole-colon melanosis coli cases, were enrolled. The proportion of anthranoid users was higher in the severe melanosis coli group than in the mild melanosis coli group. The adenoma detection rate was higher in the severe melanosis coli and whole-colon melanosis coli groups. The prevalence of neoplasms measuring 5-9 mm and >9 mm was higher in the severe melanosis coli group (p<0.01 and p = 0.04). Severe melanosis coli due to anthranoid usage is associated with colorectal adenoma development.

A case of idiopathic gastric intramural hematoma diagnosed using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and followed up with conservative treatment.

We herein report a case of an idiopathic intramural hematoma in the gastric wall that presented with symptoms of anemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor-like lesion on the anterior gastric wall below the gastric fundus. Noncontrast-enhanced ultrasonography showed an anechoic area with indistinct boundaries mainly located within the submucosal layer in the gastric wall, and the lesion showed no contrast enhancement on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the above-mentioned ultrasonographic imaging findings, a final diagnosis of idiopathic intramural gastric hematoma was made. The patient was treated conservatively, and changes in the size and internal ultrasonographic characteristics of the mass were followed up by ultrasonography. Six months later, esophagogastroduodenoscopy confirmed that the mass had disappeared.

Helicobacter pylori-Negative Advanced Gastric Cancer Arising from the Gastric Mucosa without Inflammation, Atrophy, or Intestinal Metaplasia.

Gastric cancer is strongly associated with atrophic gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. The eradication of H. pylori has been reported to improve inflammation of the gastric mucosa, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia and has also been shown to inhibit the development and growth of gastric cancer. Advanced gastric cancer from H. pylori-negative mucosa without inflammation, atrophy, or intestinal epithelialization is rarely found. We report on two cases of advanced gastric cancer without endoscopic evidence of gastric mucosal atrophy. One case was in the gastric angle 9 years after H. pylori eradication and the other case was in the pylorus of an uninfected stomach. Although gastric cancer is strongly associated with atrophic gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, postoperative histopathological examination of the stomach in both cases showed no inflammation, atrophy, or intestinal metaplasia. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas were confirmed at the microscopic level, and both cases were determined to be type 4 using the Borrmann classification. There is a body of evidence showing that H. pylori infection can cause gastric cancer and is the most prevalent infection-induced cancer in the world. The 2 cases here displayed different carcinogenesis than gastric mucosal atrophy caused by H. pylori infection. With the spread of H. pylori eradication treatments and an increasing number of uninfected patients, these case reports can contribute to future strategies for the diagnosis of gastric cancer.

Treatment of ectopic variceal bleeding at choledochojejunostomy by endoscopic glue injection therapy with cyanoacrylate: Report of three cases including long-term outcomes.

Ectopic varices around the choledochojejunostomy site after pancreatoduodenectomy are rare. Diagnosing ectopic varices is difficult but, if untreated or misdiagnosed, the resulting mortality is high. This report describes three cases of ectopic variceal bleeding at the choledochojejunostomy site that were improved by endoscopic glue injection therapy (EGIT) with cyanoacrylate (CA). Case 1 was a 68-year-old man admitted to the hospital with hematemesis and melena. Six years prior, the patient underwent a total pancreatectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous adenocarcinoma. We diagnosed ectopic variceal rupture at the choledochojejunostomy site and controlled bleeding by EGIT with alpha-CA (αCA). Two recurrences of bleeding were improved by EGIT. Case 2 was a 71-year-old man admitted to the hospital with melena. Two and a half years prior, the patient underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. We found the red plug on the ectopic varices at the choledochojejunostomy site through endoscopic observation and performed EGIT with αCA. He had no recurrence. Case 3 was a 77-year-old woman admitted to the hospital with melena. Eleven years prior, the patient underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for chronic pancreatitis at the pancreatic head. We controlled ectopic variceal bleeding at the choledochojejunostomy site by EGIT with αCA. Seven years after EGIT, ectopic varices could not be identified with an endoscope and there was no recurrence of ectopic bleeding.