Evaluation of gastric and small bowel transit times in coeliac disease with the small bowel PillCam®: a single centre study in a non gluten-free diet adult Italian population with coeliac disease.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms underlying bowel disturbances in coeliac disease are still relatively unclear. Past reports suggested that small bowel motor abnormalities may be involved in this pathological condition; there are no studies addressing small bowel transit in coeliac disease before and after a gluten-free diet. AIM: The objective of this study was to determine whether capsule endoscopy (CE) could serve as a test for measurement of gastric and small bowel transit times in a group of symptomatic or asymptomatic coeliac patients at the time of diagnosis with respect to a control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty coeliac untreated patients and 30 age-, sex- and BMI-matched healthy controls underwent CE assessment of whole gut transit times. RESULTS: All subjects completed the study per protocol and experienced natural passage of the pill. No statistical significant differences between gastric emptying and small bowel transit times both in coeliac and control group were found (p = 0.1842 and p = 0.7134; C.I. 95%, respectively). No correlation was found in coeliac patients and control group between transit times and age, sex and BMI. By using the Pearson's correlation test, significant correlation emerged between gastric emptying time and small bowel transit times in coeliac disease (r = 0.1706). CONCLUSIONS: CE reveals unrecognized gender differences and may be a novel outpatient technique for gut transit times' assessment without exposure to radiation and for the evaluation of upper gut dysfunction in healthy patients suffering from constipation without evidence of intestinal malabsorption. Nevertheless, CE does not seem to be the most suitable method for studying gut transit times in untreated coeliac patients; this might be ascribed to the fact that CE consists of inert (non-digestible, non-absorbable) substances.

Colon capsule endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline.

PillCam colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is an innovative noninvasive, and painless ingestible capsule technique that allows exploration of the colon without the need for sedation and gas insufflation. Although it is already available in European and other countries, the clinical indications for CCE as well as the reporting and work-up of detected findings have not yet been standardized. The aim of this evidence-based and consensus-based guideline, commissioned by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) is to furnish healthcare providers with a comprehensive framework for potential implementation of this technique in a clinical setting.

Advance in diagnosis and treatment of small bowel tumors: a single-center report.

BACKGROUND: The past decade has seen significant advances in the evaluation of the small bowel, long considered as the "black box" in gastroenterology. The development of several endoscopic techniques, including capsule endoscopy (CE) and double (DBE)- and single (SBE)-balloon enteroscopy, has improved the evaluation of this part of the gut and led to reach a more precise preoperative diagnosis of small-bowel tumors. These rare tumors were previously diagnosed only after laparotomy, although laparoscopic advanced surgery can be used for minimally invasive therapeutic approach in these patients. This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic impact of endoscopic procedures on small-bowel tumors. METHODS: During October 2010, 148 SBE procedures were performed; in 14 patients (7 males and 7 females, mean age 58.8 years; range 37-82 years) who suffered from obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, with previous negative upper and lower GI endoscopy, a diagnosis of small-bowel tumor was suspected according to CT scan (7 cases) and/or CE (11 patients). Then, an enteroscopy was performed. RESULTS: Multiple biopsies were taken in 9 cases; endoscopic tattoos were performed in 11 cases. After endoscopic procedures, histological examination showed melanoma in one case, adenocarcinoma in seven, and adenoma in one case. In 11 of 14 patients, a laparoscopic partial resection of small bowel involved was possible due to endoscopic tattoos. In one patient, the involvement of colic segment precluded a laparoscopic resection. In two patients, the laparoscopic resection was not possible for technical problems. Histological findings on resected specimens were indicative for melanoma in one case, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in four cases, gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumor (GANT) in one case, adenoma in one, and adenocarcinoma in seven cases. CONCLUSIONS: New development of different endoscopic approaches to the small bowel has led to reach an earlier diagnosis of small-bowel tumors and a preoperative diagnosis with consequent minimally invasive surgical approach.

Single-balloon push-and-pull enteroscopy system: does it work? A single-center, 3-year experience.

BACKGROUND: The last decade has seen significant advances in the evaluation of the small bowel. Several endoscopic techniques have been developed in recent years: capsule endoscopy (CE), double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), and, more recently, the single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE). The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic impact, safety, and feasibility of the SBE procedure after a 3-year experience. METHODS: A total of 73 SBE procedures were performed from July 2006 to July 2009. The starting insertion route (oral or anal) of SBE was chosen according to the estimated location of the suspected lesions based on the clinical presentation and, in 48 patients, on the findings of CE. A total of 70 patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (31), suspected malabsorption syndrome (12), polyposis syndromes (11), suspected Crohn's disease (9), and suspected gastrointestinal tumors (7) were recruited. RESULTS: The SBE was not carried out in four patients because of technical problems. Multiple angiodysplasias were found and treated in 9 patients; Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and multiple polypectomies were carried out in 8 patients; endoscopic tattoos were performed in 2 patients due to the large diameter of the polyps; and multiple biopsies was performed in only one patient. SBE diagnosed Crohn's disease in four patients, malabsorption syndromes in two, lymphangiectasia in two, eosinophilic enteritis in one, melanoma in one, and nonspecific inflammation in eight. A total of seven small-bowel tumors were diagnosed (all were tattooed). In 23/70 patients the exam was negative. No major complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Single-balloon enteroscopy seems to be safe, useful, and highly effective in the diagnosis and therapy of several small-bowel diseases.

Helicobacter pylori infection: is sequential therapy superior to standard triple therapy? A single-centre Italian study in treatment-naive and non-treatment-naive patients.

BACKGROUND: Clarithromycin resistance has decreased the eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori. AIMS: To determine whether a 10-day course of sequential therapy (ST) is more effective at eradicating H pylori infection than triple therapy (TT) in the first or second line, and to assess side effects and compliance with therapy. METHODS: One hundred sixty treatment-naive and 40 non-treatment-naive patients who were positive for H pylori infection by ¹³C-urea breath test or endoscopy were enrolled. Eighty of 160 patients underwent TT, while 80 of 160 underwent ST with omeprazole (20 mg) plus amoxicillin (1 g) twice/day for five days, followed by omeprazole (20 mg) with tinidazole (500 mg) twice/day and clarithromycin (500 mg) twice/day for five consecutive days. H pylori eradication was evaluated by ¹³C-urea breath test no sooner than four weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS: Eradication was achieved in 59 of 80 treatment-naive patients treated with TT (74%), in 74 of 80 patients treated with ST (93%), and in 38 of 40 non-treatment-naive patients (95%). Eradication rates in treatment-naive patients with ST were statistically significantly higher than TT (92.5% versus 73.7%; P=0.0015; OR 4.39 [95% CI 1.66 to 11.58]). Mild adverse effects were reported for both regimens. CONCLUSIONS: ST appears to be a well-tolerated, promising therapy; however, randomized controlled trials with larger and more diverse sample populations are needed before it can be recommended as a first-line treatment.

13C urea breath test to identify Helicobacter pylori Infection in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding admitted to the Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVE: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a cause of Emergency Department (ED) visits. Peptic ulcer secondary to H. pylori (HP) infection and/or to the use of NSAIDs is the most frequent cause. The aim of the study is to evaluate directly in the ED the prevalence of HP infection through Urea Breath test (UBT) in patients admitted to the ED for UGIB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 87 patients (58M/29F) with a mean age of 63.8 + 11.7 yrs with an active UGIB who performed EGDS and UBT. RESULTS: 34.4% of patients performing EGDS and UBT resulted positive to HP. Peptic ulcer was present in 20/30 (66.7%) of HP+ compared to 20/57 (35.1%) of HP- (p<0.001), and also gastritis and/or duodenitis were mostly present in HP+ (23.3% vs. 15.8%) (p<0.05). A biopsy was performed in only 31% of patients with a positive rate of 33.3%. In 78% we obtained a correspondence between UBT and biopsy results. Compared to biopsy result, we obtained for UBT a positive predictive value (PPV) of 71% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 80%. Taking the UBT as a gold standard, we obtained for biopsies a PPV of 69% and a NPV of 85%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that the use of UBT directly in ED in patients with UGIB allows for a rapid, reliable and non-invasive diagnosis of HP infection as a causative agent for bleeding, thus permitting a right etiological treatment.

European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE): recommendations (2009) on clinical use of video capsule endoscopy to investigate small-bowel, esophageal and colonic diseases.

These recommendations on video capsule endoscopy, an emerging technology with an impact on the practice of endoscopy, were developed by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guidelines Committee. The first draft of each section was prepared by one or two members of the writing team, who were selected as experts on the content of that section on the basis of their published work. They used evidence-based methodology, performing MEDLINE and PubMed literature searches to identify relevant clinical studies. Abstracts from scientific meetings were included only if there was no published full paper on a particular topic. If there was disagreement, the first author of the Guideline made the final decision. Recommendations were graded according to the strength of the supporting evidence. The draft guideline was critically reviewed by all authors and submitted to the ESGE councillors for their critical review before approval of the final document. The ESGE Guidelines Committee acknowledges that this document is based on a critical review of the data available at the time of preparation and that further studies may be needed to clarify some aspects. Moreover, this Guideline may be revised as necessary to account for changes in technology, new data, or other aspects of clinical practice. This document should be regarded as supplying recommendations only to gastroenterologists in providing care to their patients. It is not a set of rules and should not be construed as establishing a legal standard of care, or as encouraging, advocating, requiring, or discouraging any particular treatment. These recommendations must be interpreted according to the clinician's knowledge, expertise, and clinical judgment in the management of individual patients and, if necessary, a course of action that varies from recommendations must be undertaken.

Study of the effects of transoral gastroplasty on insulin sensitivity and secretion in obese subjects.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transoral gastroplasty (TOGA) recently emerged as a new, feasible and relatively safe technique for the surgical treatment of obesity. However, so far there are no data on the effects on insulin sensitivity in the literature. Our aim is to evaluate the effect of TOGA on insulin sensitivity and secretion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine glucose normo-tolerant obese subjects (age:41+/-6 years; BMI:42.49+/-1.03 kg/m(2)) were studied. Fat-free mass (FM) and fat mass (FM) were assessed by bioelectrical impedance; plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and 3 months after the operation. Insulin sensitivity was calculated using the oral-glucose insulin-sensitivity index, and insulin secretion by C-peptide deconvolution. Three months after surgery, a significant (P=0.008) reduction of BMI to 35.65+/-0.65 kg/m(2), with a decrease of FM and FFM from 57.22+/-2.19 to 41.46+/-3.02 kg (P=0.008) and from 59.52+/-1.36 to 56.67+/-1.10 kg (P=0.048) respectively, was observed. Insulinemia was significantly reduced at fast and at 120 min after OGTT; in contrast, no significant change in glucose concentration was observed. Insulin sensitivity significantly increased (348.45+/-20.08 vs. 421.18+/-20.84 ml/min/m(2), P=0.038) and the incremental area of insulin secretion rate (total ISR) significantly decreased (from 235.05+/-27.50 to 124.77+/-14.50 nmol/min/m(2), P=0.021). Total ISR correlated with weight, BMI and FM (r=0.522, P=0.028; r=0.541, P=0.020; r=0.463, P=0.049, respectively). BMI represented the most powerful predictor of ISR decrease (R(2)=0.541, P=0.020). CONCLUSION: Transoral gastroplasty allows a significant weight loss 3 months after the intervention as well as an amelioration of insulin sensitivity with subsequent reduction of the insulin secretion.

Small-bowel neoplasms in patients undergoing video capsule endoscopy: a multicenter European study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Small-bowel tumors account for 1% - 3% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. Recent studies with video capsule endoscopy (VCE) suggest that the frequency of these tumors may be substantially higher than previously reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency, clinical presentation, diagnostic/therapeutic work-up, and endoscopic appearance of small-bowel tumors in a large population of patients undergoing VCE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Identification by a questionnaire of patients with VCE findings suggesting small-bowel tumors and histological confirmation of the neoplasm seen in 29 centers of 10 European Countries. RESULTS: Of 5129 patients undergoing VCE, 124 (2.4%) had small-bowel tumors (112 primary, 12 metastatic). Among these patients, indications for VCE were: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (108 patients), abdominal pain (9), search for primary neoplasm (6), diarrhea with malabsorption (1). The main primary small-bowel tumor type was gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) (32%) followed by adenocarcinoma (20%) and carcinoid (15%); 66% of secondary small-bowel tumors were melanomas. Of the tumors, 80.6% were identified solely on the basis of VCE findings. 55 patients underwent VCE as the third procedure after negative bidirectional endoscopy. The lesions were single in 89.5% of cases, and multiple in 10.5%. Retention of the capsule occurred in 9.8% of patients with small-bowel tumors. After VCE, 54/124 patients underwent 57 other examinations before treatment; in these patients enteroscopy, when performed, showed a high diagnostic yield. Treatment was surgery in 95% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that VCE detects small-bowel tumors in a small proportion of patients undergoing this examination, but the early use of this tool can shorten the diagnostic work-up and influence the subsequent management of these patients.

Hydrogen peroxide-related colitis (previously known as "pseudolipomatosis"): a series of cases occurring in an epidemic pattern.

We report several cases of hydrogen peroxide-related colitis that occurred in an epidemic pattern in our gastrointestinal endoscopy center during a 2-month period in early 2007. During colonoscopy using sterilized endoscopes that had been flushed with hydrogen peroxide after the peracetic acid cycle, instantaneous effervescence and blanching (the "snow white sign") were observed on the intestinal mucosa when the water button was depressed. Biopsy specimens revealed features resembling a clinical condition which used to be known as "pseudolipomatosis." At follow-up, no patient was found to have suffered morbidity associated with this peroxide colitis. Endoscopists should consider hydrogen peroxide colitis when they see a snow white sign during colonoscopy which cannot be attributed to active inflammation or organic disease of the digestive tract.

Capsule endoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic abdominal pain consult gastroenterologists frequently, requiring a large number of examinations. AIM: To assess the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain of unknown origin and negative diagnostic work-up. PATIENTS: From January 2002 to September 2004, 16 patients (10 female; mean age 42.7 years) who complained of chronic abdominal pain were referred to our unit for capsule endoscopy. METHODS: Chronic abdominal pain was defined as continuous or almost continuous, for at least 3 months and without criteria for other gastrointestinal disorders. All patients had a previous diagnostic work-up including abdominal ultrasonography, oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy and small bowel follow through, performed within 2 months. RESULTS: Capsule endoscopy was normal in 12 patients (75%). Small bowel abnormalities were found in three patients, but were considered irrelevant. In one patient (6.3%), capsule endoscopy revealed ileal erosions and inflammation and was retained in a stricture undetected by radiology. This patient underwent elective surgery which revealed an ileal carcinoid neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: Capsule endoscopy identified a specific cause of chronic abdominal pain in only one patient. Capsule endoscopy is a safe procedure but does not seem to play an important role in the evaluation of patients with chronic abdominal pain of unknown origin.

But how many misunderstood Crohn's disease are revealed "by chance" using Capsule Endoscopy in Chronic Recurrent OGIB? Experience of a Single Italian Center and long term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The role of capsule endoscopy (CE) in Crohn's disease (CD) has expanded with greater understanding of the technology. The ability of CE to differentiate CD from other causes of inflammation has been questioned. Longitudinal studies are required to assess the long-term impact and significance of CE findings in suspected CD. The aim of this work is to verify in how many misunderstood cases of suspected Crohn's Disease CE was able to identify precociously and "by chance" when it is performed for recurrent obscure GI bleeding (OGIB), to evaluate how many of them were later confirmed during a median 24 months follow-up. Moreover, we observed the role of the early diagnosis in changing the clinical management of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out on CE procedures performed for suspected OGIB. 1008 consecutive patients was enrolled and 492 included in the study. Previous investigations such as ileo-colonoscopy and/or previous small bowel imaging were documented. Only patients with at least 6 months of documented follow-up were included. A chart review was undertaken to record CE findings/correlate with subsequent diagnosis and outcome. RESULTS: 94/492 (19.1%) patients positive for suspected CD were identified. Follow-up data were available 64/94 (68%). The mean follow-up was 24 months. There was a strong positive correlation between results of CE and subsequent clinical diagnosis. The suspected CD was confirmed in 100% (94/94) of follow-up patients. CONCLUSIONS: CE appears able to identify lesions compatible with suspected Crohn's disease otherwise unacknowledged with consequently change in treatment options for the patients.

The Interaction among Microbiota, Immunity, and Genetic and Dietary Factors Is the Condicio Sine Qua Non Celiac Disease Can Develop.

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy, triggered by dietary wheat gluten and similar proteins of barley and rye in genetically susceptible individuals. This is a complex disorder involving both environmental and immune-genetic factors. The major genetic risk factor for CD is determined by HLA-DQ genes. Dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immune systems can conceivably cause impairment of mucosal barrier function and development of localized or systemic inflammatory and autoimmune processes. Exposure to gluten is the main environmental trigger responsible for the signs and symptoms of the disease, but exposure to gluten does not fully explain the manifestation of CD. Thus, both genetic determination and environmental exposure to gluten are necessary for the full manifestation of CD; neither of them is sufficient alone. Epidemiological and clinical data suggest that other environmental factors, including infections, alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition, and early feeding practices, might also play a role in disease development. Thus, this interaction is the condicio sine qua non celiac disease can develop. The breakdown of the interaction among microbiota, innate immunity, and genetic and dietary factors leads to disruption of homeostasis and inflammation; and tissue damage occurs. Focusing attention on this interaction and its breakdown may allow a better understanding of the CD pathogenesis and lead to novel translational avenues for preventing and treating this widespread disease.

A Simple Evaluation Tool (ET-CET) Indicates Increase of Diagnostic Skills From Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy Training Courses: A Prospective Observational European Multicenter Study.

Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) has become a first line diagnostic tool. Several training courses with a similar format have been established in Europe; however, data on learning curve and training in SBCE remain sparse.Between 2008 and 2011, different basic SBCE training courses were organized internationally in UK (n = 2), Italy (n = 2), Germany (n = 2), Finland (n = 1), and nationally in Germany (n = 10), applying similar 8-hour curricula with 50% lectures and 50% hands-on training. The Given PillCam System was used in 12 courses, the Olympus EndoCapsule system in 5, respectively. A simple evaluation tool for capsule endoscopy training (ET-CET) was developed using 10 short SBCE videos including relevant lesions and normal or irrelevant findings. For each video, delegates were required to record a diagnosis (achievable total score from 0 to 10) and the clinical relevance (achievable total score 0 to 10). ET-CET was performed at baseline before the course and repeated, with videos in altered order, after the course.Two hundred ninety-four delegates (79.3% physicians, 16.3% nurses, 4.4% others) were included for baseline analysis, 268 completed the final evaluation. Forty percent had no previous experience in SBCE, 33% had performed 10 or less procedures. Median scores for correct diagnosis improved from 4.0 (IQR 3) to 7.0 (IQR 3) during the courses (P < 0.001, Wilcoxon), and for correct classification of relevance of the lesions from 5.0 (IQR 3) to 7.0 (IQR 3) (P < 0.001), respectively. Improvement was not dependent on experience, profession, SBCE system, or course setting. Previous experience in SBCE was associated with higher baseline scores for correct diagnosis (P < 0.001; Kruskal-Wallis). Additionally, independent nonparametric partial correlation with experience in gastroscopy (rho 0.33) and colonoscopy (rho 0.27) was observed (P < 0.001).A simple ET-CET demonstrated significant improvement of diagnostic skills on completion of formal basic SBCE courses with hands-on training, regardless of preexisting experience, profession, and course setting. Baseline scores for correct diagnoses show a plateau after interpretation of 25 SBCE before courses, supporting this number as a compromise for credentialing. Experience in flexible endoscopy may be useful before attending an SBCE course.

Gastric cryptosporidiosis complicating HIV infection: case report and review of the literature.

Gastric cryptosporidiosis is rarely reported despite the fact that Cryptosporidium has been recognized with increasing frequency as an aetiological agent of severe chronic diarrhoeal enteritis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We report a case of gastric cryptosporidiosis that occurred in an AIDS patient. Fifteen previously reported cases of gastric cryptosporidiosis are also reviewed. The review of all cases reported in the literature, including our own, showed that 12 patients had digestive symptoms. In 14 out of 16 patients the diagnosis was achieved by biopsy of the gastric mucosa rather than by examination of the stools. Gastric localization of Cryptosporidium is a rare and severe manifestation of intestinal cryptosporidiosis in patients with AIDS, and no single drug regimen has yet been found to be effective in eradicating this organism.