Comparative Efficacy of Endoscopic Assist Devices on Colonic Adenoma Detection: A Systematic Review With Network Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Numerous endoscopic assist devices exist, yet data surrounding their comparative efficacy is lacking. We conducted a systematic review with network meta-analysis to determine the comparative efficacy of endoscopic assist devices on colonic adenoma detection. METHODS: A systematic search was performed using multiple electronic databases through July 2020, to identify all randomized controlled trials and dual-arm observational studies compared with either other endoscopic assist devices and/or standard colonoscopy. The primary outcome was adenoma detection rate (ADR). Secondary outcomes included polyp detection rate (PDR), serrated adenoma detection rate (SADR), right-sided adenoma detection rate (RADR), and proximal adenoma detection rate (PADR). RESULTS: Fifty-seven studies (31,051 patients) met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Network meta-analysis identified an enhanced ADR among (clear) cap [odds ratio (OR): 2.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-4.99], endocuff, (OR: 4.95, 95% CI: 3.15-7.78), and endoring (OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.47-9.20)-with no significant difference amongst any particular device. Similar findings for PDR were also seen. Enhanced SADR was identified for endocuff (OR: 9.43) and endoring (OR: 4.06) compared with standard colonoscopy. Enhanced RADR (OR: 5.36) and PADR (OR: 3.78) were only identified for endocuff. Endocuff comparatively demonstrated the greatest ADR, PDR, and SADR, but this was not significant when compared with the other assist devices. Subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials identified enhanced PDR and ADR for both cap and endocuff. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic assist devices displayed increased ADR and PDR as compared with standard colonoscopy and thus should be widely adopted. A nonsignificant trend was seen toward higher efficacy for the endocuff device.

Etiological Analysis of Reactive Gastropathy in an Urban Population.

BACKGROUND: Reactive gastropathy (RG) is an adaptive response to assaults of the gastric mucosa. Demographic information regarding RG as well as the coincidence of RG and gastrointestinal cancer are poorly characterized entities. OBJECTIVE: Herein, we aim to investigate relationships of RG to both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors, as well as conduct a stratified analysis by race in an ethnically diverse, urban population. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we queried an urban hospital inpatient pathology database searching for patients with surgical gastric biopsies positive for RG between March 25, 2015, and March 25, 2016. Of the 728 patients with a final diagnosis of RG, 292 were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. We explored risk factors and conducted a stratified analysis for associations based on patient demographics. RESULTS: In this urban minority population, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the most common medication associated with RG (Fig. 1), as well as the most common cause of RG, followed by chronic bile reflux. In addition, significant differences in demographics and gastropathic characteristics associated with RG, stratified by ethnicity, were found (Fig. 2). Notably, Hispanics, African Americans, and Caucasians had the highest rate of concomitant RG and diabetes, hypertension, and tobacco/alcohol use, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that NSAID usage is the most common cause of RG, followed by bile reflux-mediated mucosal injury, in an ethnically diverse urban US-based population. Of note, few patients had intestinal metaplasia, suggesting it to be a slow or negligent sequela of RG.

Obesity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Associated with Early Readmissions Characterised by an Increased Systems and Patient-level Burden.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Rates of obesity are rising in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We conducted a US population-based study to determine the effects of obesity on outcomes in hospitalised patients with IBD. METHODS: We searched the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016-2017 to identify all adult patients hospitalised for IBD, using ICD-10 codes. We compared obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30) vs non-obese [BMI < 30] patients with IBD to evaluate the independent effects of obesity on readmission, mortality, and other hospital outcomes. Multivariate regression and propensity matching were performed. RESULTS: We identified 143 190 patients with IBD, of whom 9.1% were obese. Obesity was independently associated with higher all-cause readmission at 30 days {18% vs 13% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.16, p = 0.005)} and 90 days (29% vs 21% [aOR 1.27, p < 0.0001]), as compared with non-obese patients, with similar findings upon a propensity-matched sensitivity analysis. Obese and non-obese patients had similar risks of mortality on index admission [0.24% vs 0.31%, p = 0.18] and readmission [1.5% vs 1.8% p = 0.3]. Obese patients had longer [5.3 vs 4.9 days] and more expensive [USD12,195 vs USD11,154] hospitalisations on index admission. Obesity did not affect the risk of intestinal surgery or bowel obstruction. Compared with index admissions, readmissions were characterised by increased mortality [6-fold], health care use, and bowel obstruction [3-fold] [all p < 0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity in IBD appears to be associated with increased early readmission, characterised by a higher burden, despite the introduction of weight-based therapeutics. Prevention of obesity should be a focus in the treatment of IBD to decrease readmission and health care burden.

SARS-CoV-2 and Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Rare Gastrointestinal Manifestation of COVID-19.

Portal vein thrombosis is defined as a clot within the trunk or intrahepatic branches of the portal vein. Sequelae involves either partial or complete recanalization. However, in patients with liver disease, it can progress to a cavernoma instead of recanalization. This can result in gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal infarction. Its rising incidence in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is an important clinical aspect that needs to be addressed and treated.

The Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become one of the most popular surgical weight loss options. Since its inception as a procedure intended to promote durable weight loss, the association between LSG and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been a point of debate. First and foremost, it is known that GERD occurs more frequently in the obese population. With the sleeve gastrectomy growing to be the predominant primary bariatric operation in the United States, it is imperative that we understand the impact of LSG on GERD. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of LSG on GERD symptoms. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-one bariatric surgery candidates completed a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire before and after undergoing elective LSG (mean follow-up time of 20.4 ± 2.7 months). Values were stratified by the presence or absence of preoperative GERD, GERD medications, age, gender, crural repair, patient satisfaction with present condition, and percent total weight loss (%TWL). RESULTS: For the entire group, mean weight loss, %TWL, and reduction in BMI were 79 pounds, 28.1%, and 12.7 kg/m2 respectively. Within the overall cohort, there was no significant change in GERD symptoms from before to after surgery (mean GERD-HRQL scores were 6.1 before and after surgery, p = 0.981). However, in a subgroup analysis, patients without GERD preoperatively demonstrated a worsening in mean GERD-HRQL scores after surgery (from 2.4 to 4.5, p = 0.0020). The percentage of change in the usage of medications to treat GERD was not statistically significant (from 37 to 32%, p = 0.233). The percent of patients satisfied with their condition postoperatively was significantly increased in those with preoperative GERD, older age, crural repair intraoperatively, and in those with the highest %TWL. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that while overall LSG does not significantly affect GERD symptoms, patients without GERD preoperatively may be at risk for developing new or worsening GERD symptoms after surgery. It is important to remark that this is a review of the patient's clinical symptoms of GERD, not related to any endoscopic, pathological, or manometry studies. Such studies are necessary to fully establish the effect of LSG on esophageal health.

A Case of Candidal Infection of Large Biloma After CT-Guided Liver Biopsy Confirming Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Bilomas are unexpected post-procedural complications of cholecystectomies, hepatic resections, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and-rarely-liver biopsies. While uncommon, this should remain high on the differential in a patient presenting with sudden postop sepsis even in the absence of significant liver injury. Diagnosis involves coordination between interventional radiology, gastroenterology, and internal medicine. This involves a precise clinical history, invasive radiological techniques, and advanced interventional endoscopic solutions for diagnosis and treatment. This is a case of a biloma that occurred as a consequence of a post-hepatic biopsy and resulted in fungal infection, rather than its more common bacterial counterpart. Due to the unusual circumstances, a more circuitous route to the correct diagnosis and treatment was undertaken.

Efficacy of EUS-RFA in pancreatic tumors: Is it ready for prime time? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) can be used in patients with unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of EUS-RFA in treatment of locally advanced unresectable PDAC and other pancreatic tumors. Patients and methods A comprehensive search was done of multiple electronic databases and conference proceedings including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science databases, Google Scholar and manual search of references (from inception through May 2019) to identify the studies reporting use of EUS-RFA for pancreatic lesions. The primary outcome was to evaluate technical and clinical success of the procedure. The secondary outcome was to study overall adverse events (AEs). Results Thirteen studies reporting 165 EUS-RFA procedures on 134 patients were included. Of 134 patients, 27.94 % (38) had unresectable locally advanced PDAC, 40 % (53) had PNETs, 3 % (4) had metastasis to the pancreas and 30 % (41) had other lesions. The pooled technical success rate calculated out of the total number of procedures was 100 % (95 % CI [99.18 - 100], I2 = 0 %). The pooled clinical success rate calculated out of the total number of patients was 91.58 % (95 % CI [82.5 - 98.08], I2 = 21.5 %). The pooled overall AE rates were 14.67 % (95 % CI [4.77 - 27.46], I2 = 56.19 %) out of which abdominal pain was the most common with 9.82 % (95 % CI [3.34 - 18.24], I2 = 23.76 %). Low to moderate heterogeneity was noted. Conclusion EUS-RFA has high technical (100 %) and clinical success (91.5 %) rates. Further multicenter trials are needed to further validate our findings.

Minor Papillary Relief in a Type IA Choledochal Cyst: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Choledochal cysts are an anatomical conundrum as they present with nonspecific symptoms generally delaying diagnosis and treatment. Its lag time remains critical, as cholangiocarcinoma, a fatal sequelae, contributes to its morbidity and mortality. Herein, we present a case of a type 1A choledochal cyst. We hope that its review on presentation, classification system, diagnosis, and management prevent complications and cataclysmic results.

Clinical efficacy and safety of mucosal incision-assisted biopsy for the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and biopsy (EUS-FNA/FNB) has been traditionally used for making a tissue diagnosis. Several newer techniques are emerging as a viable alternative to EUS-FNA/FNB, including mucosal incision-assisted biopsy (MIAB), with a view to increasing the diagnostic yield for upper gastrointestinal (GI) subepithelial tumors (SETs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to describe the overall diagnostic yield of MIAB for upper GI SETs. METHODS: Multiple electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar) and conference abstracts were comprehensively searched. The primary outcome of our meta-analysis was the overall diagnostic yield of the MIAB. The secondary outcome was to study complications in terms of perforation and clinically significant bleeding. The meta-analysis was performed using a DerSimonian and Laird random-effect model. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the final meta-analysis, reporting a total of 159 patients (male 86, female 73) with a mean age of 58 years. The overall pooled diagnostic yield of MIAB was 89% (95% confidence interval [CI] 82.65-93.51, I 2=0.00). Histologically, GI stromal tumor was the reported diagnosis in 38.62% (95%CI 22.29-56.24, I 2=77.51%) of tumors, followed by leiomyoma 25% (95%CI 18.02-32.62, I 2=4.42%). The overall rate of clinically significant bleeding following the procedure was 5.03% (95%CI 0.36-12.86, I 2=57.43%) and no perforations were reported. CONCLUSIONS: MIAB is a safe and effective technique for the diagnosis of upper GI SETs and can be considered as a viable alternative to EUS-FNA/FNB. MIAB can be performed during routine endoscopy and no advanced equipment is required.

Diagnostic yield of deep biopsy via endoscopic submucosal dissection for the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Conventionally, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and biopsy (EUS-FNA)/EUS-FNB) has been used for tissue diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal (GI) subepithelial tumors (SETs). However, deep biopsy (DB) via endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is emerging as an alternative technique, given the inadequate tissue sampling with EUS-FNA/EUS-FNB. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to report the overall diagnostic yield of DB via ESD for upper GI SETs. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies (from commencement to Oct 2017) that reported the DB via ESD technique for diagnosis of upper GI SETs. The primary outcome of interest was the method's overall diagnostic yield and the secondary outcome was to the occurrence of complications. The meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies, comprising 209 patients with a mean age of 57.3 years, were included in the final meta-analysis. The overall pooled diagnostic yield of DB via ESD for upper GI SETs was 95% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.91-99.98, I2=78.2%). Overall, pooled outcomes of major bleeding and perforation in our meta-analysis was noted in 0.07% (95%CI 0.00-2.32, I2=0%) and 0% (95%CI 0.00-1.70, I2=0%) respectively. Data regarding major bleeding and perforation rates were not reported in 2 studies. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in our meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: DB via ESD is an effective and safe procedure for diagnosing upper GI SETs. Further multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.

An Unlikely Route: Metastatic Ovarian Malignancy within the Duodenum.

The small bowel is an uncommon site for cancer metastasis. Despite this, cases have reported the duodenum as a metastatic site from local organs. However, duodenal involvement from more distant organs, such as the ovaries, has rarely been reported. Herein, we present a case of a 68-year-old female who developed duodenal metastatic disease from a primary ovarian serous adenocarcinoma. The goal of this report is to encourage clinicians to keep a broad differential in patients complaining of abdominal pain, especially in those with a history of primary ovarian malignancy.

Outlasting a Rare Duodenal Angiosarcoma.

With current life expectancies exceeding 78 years on average, to be confronted with the discovery of a rare cancer often found in advanced stages is a startling devastation. Angiosarcoma of the intestine is a rare and aggressive tumor that is not often considered in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Once found and accurately diagnosed, it is a bewildering race against time as its median survival time is 150 days from diagnosis. This case report details a rare small intestinal angiosarcoma with its host surpassing current epidemiological standards of survival time despite only being eligible for chemotherapy.

Colonic Perineurioma's Malignant Proximity to Serrated Colonic Polyps.

A colonic perineurioma is often considered a benign cousin to a colonic polyp. However, in the submucosal type of perineurioma, it is important to rule out the malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Alternatively, in the BRAF-positive serrated types of perineuriomas, surveillance is equivalent to intervals designated to serrated polyps due to a similar malignant potential. These versions serve as reminders that colonic perineuriomas are not to be disregarded.

Marshall Islands Pinworm.

Pinworm infections are usually under the spectrum of the Infectious Diseases department, however, they can fall into a gastroenterologist's lap when found incidentally during a screening colonoscopy. This case expands on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of pinworms in the patient and household.

Duodenal Xanthoma: From Specks to Obstruction.

Xanthomas within the gastrointestinal tract occur secondary to a mucosal insult. When enough cells accumulate, their appearance can range from small nodules studding the intestinal mucosa to bandlike infiltrations to pseudotumor-like masses within the intestine with fibrosis and inflammation resembling malignancy. When large enough, they can produce symptoms of obstruction such as vomiting, abdominal pain, distention, and dysmotility. This case demonstrates the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of duodenal xanthomas.

A Devastatingly "Minor" Relationship Between Male Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer.

Certain cancers pave way for other primary cancers to emerge with genetic disturbances serving as a common denominator as demonstrated by our male patient who developed prostate cancer within three months of being diagnosed with breast cancer despite being negative for the major genetic mutations, BRCA1 and BRCA2 and having a negative family history for cancers. Here we examine overlapping major and minor contributing risk factors and the limitations of the most current screening guidelines.

Calcified Diverticula in the Setting of Per Rectal Bleed.

Diverticula and calcification of tissue are both common processes; however, when occurring synergistically, they present a rare phenomenon. Our case of a 62-year-old female with frank blood per rectum revealed calcified diverticula on a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan. This is a diagnosis of exclusion having ruled out differentials such as calcified fecaliths, ingestion of radiopaque liquids, pills or objects, calcified infectious cysts, and neoplastic masses. After resuscitation and stabilization of the patient, the subsequent priority shifted to the assessment of the rebleeding risk. With calcification being a rare occurrence with diverticula, it is unclear how this constant irritating nidus will affect the chances of rebleeding. Thus, for this particular phenomenon, patients with calcified diverticula should be monitored with dedicated surveillance to ascertain rebleeding rates.

Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Findings in HIV-Infected Patients in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic evaluation with biopsies are instrumental in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), especially in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 304 HIV-positive and 199 HIV-negative patients who had undergone upper and/or lower endoscopy in an urban community hospital from the years 2012 - 2017 was performed. Inclusion criteria included men and women between the ages of 45 to 75 years, which had undergone colonoscopies between within 2012 - 2017 and had tested positive for HIV. They were selected from that population if they had complete charts that included information regarding symptoms, viral load, cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count, prescribed HAART medication, findings from the upper and lower colonoscopy both from the gastroenterologist's report and pathologist's report. Only then would they be added to the pool of final selection that we could compute data from and draw conclusions. RESULTS: Among HIV patients, those with less than 200 CD4 cells/µL counts had lower rates of diverticulosis and hemorrhoids, as compared with those with greater than 200 cells/µL counts. Other gross and histological findings (from either upper or lower endoscopy) were not statistically different between these two groups. In HIV-positive patients, gastritis, Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, and esophagitis were significantly less common, while Candida esophagitis was more common. Among HIV patients taking different HAART regimens, the prevalence of peptic ulcers was significantly higher in those taking IIs than that in those who were not. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should consider the possibility that the GI symptoms in HIV-infected patients on HAART may be due to an opportunistic infection, even when the CD4 count is more than 200 cells/µL and the viral load is low.

A Review of Double Common Bile Duct and Its Sequelae.

A double or accessory common bile duct (ACBD) is a rare congenital anomaly. We report the case of a 60-year-old American Asian male, who was found to have a double or duplicated common bile duct after being admitted for evaluation of a pancreatic mass. A duplicated bile duct has the same mucosa histologically as a single bile duct. However, the opening of a duplicated bile duct lacks a sphincter allowing retrograde flow of gut contents which results in a higher probability of intraductal calculus formation. On rare occasions, it can predispose to liver abscesses, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, and ampullary cancer depending on the location of the opening of the ACBD. We present an integrative review of the limited cases of ACBD with correlation to the current case and discussion regarding the aspects of diagnosis and management.