Is it necessary to stop glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists prior to endoscopic procedure? A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are effective in diabetes and obesity, reducing hyperglycemia by increasing insulin release and delaying gastric emptying. However, they can cause gastroparesis, raising concerns about aspiration during procedures. Recent guidelines advise discontinuing GLP-1 RA before surgery to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. AIM: To evaluate the effect of GLP-1 RAs on gastric residual contents during endoscopic procedures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review at BronxCare Health System, New York, from January 2019 to October 2023, assessed gastric residue and aspiration in GLP-1 RA patients undergoing endoscopic procedures. Two groups were compared based on dietary status before the procedure. Data included demographics, symptoms of gastroparesis, opiate use, hemoglobin A1c, GLP-1 agonist indication, endoscopic details, and aspiration occurrence. IBM SPSS was used for analysis, calculating means, standard deviations, and applying Pearson's chi-square and t-tests for associations, with P < 0.05 as being significant. RESULTS: During the study, 306 patients were included, with 41.2% on a clear liquid/low residue diet and 58.8% on a regular diet before endoscopy. Most patients (63.1%) were male, with a mean age of 60 ± 12 years. The majority (85.6%) were on GLP-1 RAs for diabetes, and 10.1% reported digestive symptoms before endoscopy. Among those on a clear liquid diet, 1.5% had residual food at endoscopy compared to 10% on a regular diet, which was statistically significant (P = 0.03). Out of 31 patients with digestive symptoms, 13% had residual food, all from the regular diet group (P = 0.130). No complications were reported during or after the procedures. CONCLUSION: The study reflects a significant rise in GLP-1 RA use for diabetes and obesity. A 24-hour liquid diet seems safe for endoscopic procedures without aspiration. Patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms might have a higher residual food risk, though not statistically significant. Further research is needed to assess risks based on diabetes duration, gastroparesis, and GLP-1 RA dosing, aiming to minimize interruptions in therapy during procedures.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Endoscopic Intervention: A Clinical Review.

Gastrointestinal diseases are increasing in global prevalence. As a result, the contribution to both mortality and healthcare costs is increasing. While interventions utilizing scoping techniques or ultrasound are crucial to both the timely diagnosis and management of illness, a few limitations are associated with these techniques. Artificial intelligence, using computerized diagnoses, deep learning systems, or neural networks, is increasingly being employed in multiple aspects of medicine to improve the characteristics and outcomes of these tools. Therefore, this review aims to discuss applications of artificial intelligence in endoscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis and Progression to Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Literature Review.

The prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is increasing globally due to factors such as urbanization, obesity, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, healthcare accessibility, diagnostic advancements, and genetic influences. Research on MAFLD and HCC risk factors, pathogenesis, and biomarkers has been conducted through a narrative review of relevant studies, with a focus on PubMed and Web of Science databases and exclusion criteria based on article availability and language. Steatosis marks the early stage of MASH advancement, commonly associated with factors of metabolic syndrome such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Various mechanisms, including heightened lipolysis, hepatic lipogenesis, and consumption of high-calorie diets, contribute to the accumulation of lipids in the liver. Insulin resistance is pivotal in the development of steatosis, as it leads to the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue. Natural compounds hold promise in regulating lipid metabolism and inflammation to combat these conditions. Liver fibrosis serves as a significant predictor of MASH progression and HCC development, underscoring the need to target fibrosis in treatment approaches. Risk factors for MASH-associated HCC encompass advanced liver fibrosis, older age, male gender, metabolic syndrome, genetic predispositions, and dietary habits, emphasizing the requirement for efficient surveillance and diagnostic measures. Considering these factors, it is important for further studies to determine the biochemical impact of these risk factors in order to establish targeted therapies that can prevent the development of HCC or reduce progression of MASH, indirectly decreasing the risk of HCC.

Esophagitis Dissecans Superficialis: Unveiling the Enigmatic Entity of Esophageal Mucosal Sloughing.

Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS), formerly referred to as sloughing esophagitis, is a degenerative condition affecting the squamous epithelium. EDS is known to be a benign condition that resolves on its own. The exact etiology of EDS remains unclear, although associations with medications like bisphosphonates or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, skin conditions, heavy smoking, and physical trauma have been reported. The clinical manifestations exhibit a wide range, encompassing both incidental findings and symptomatic presentations related to the esophagus. Here we present an interesting case of a middle-aged female patient with dysphagia who underwent early esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for timely identification and treatment of EDS, emphasizing the significance of early detection and management.

Understanding Esophageal Diverticular Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.

Esophageal diverticulum refers to a sac or protrusion formed by the epithelial-lined tissue of the esophagus. It can exist as either a true diverticulum involving all layers of the esophagus or a false diverticulum. Most cases of esophageal diverticula are acquired conditions that primarily affect older individuals. Typically, patients with a known motility disorder experience dysphagia as a common symptom of esophageal diverticulum; other symptoms include recurrent pneumonia, hoarseness, and halitosis. Failure to diagnose this condition promptly or accurately can result in more severe complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, lung abscesses, aspiration pneumonia, and cancer development. In this report, we present the case of a 68-year-old female who arrived at the emergency department with symptoms of epigastric discomfort and hematemesis and was found to have diverticula in the middle portion of the esophagus.

Gastric Metastasis 5 Years after Primary Invasive Lobular Adenocarcinoma of the Breast.

Breast cancers metastasize most commonly to the bone, brain, liver, and lungs, but rarely to the gastrointestinal tract. Although metastatic breast carcinomas in the stomach can be confused with primary gastric cancers due to their nonspecific presentation and rare incidence, it is important to differentiate the two since the treatment is different. Clinical suspicion is imperative for a prompt endoscopic evaluation and a definitive diagnosis that will lead to appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the possibility of gastric metastasis of breast cancers, especially in those with a history of invasive lobular breast carcinoma and a new onset of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Novel Therapies for Celiac Disease: A Clinical Review Article.

Celiac disease is emerging as an autoimmune disorder with increasing prevalence and incidence. The mean age of presentation is also increasing with the passage of time. The delay in diagnosis is partly attributable to the asymptomatic state in which most patients present. The diagnosis of the disease is primarily based on biopsy, but serology can also be included for possible screening purposes. Although the primary management strategy is to eliminate gluten from the diet of such patients; however, compliance with the diet and follow-up to detect healing might be difficult to maintain. Therefore, there is a need to investigate further management therapies that can be easily administered and monitored. The aim of the review is to discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and novel therapies being investigated for celiac disease.

Diagnostic Challenge of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumor in a Young Female Patient.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare cancers arising from neuroendocrine cells and are characterized by their ability to secrete functional hormones causing distinctive hormonal syndromes. The incidence of NET has increased over the years, and small bowel neuroendocrine tumor (SBNET) is one of the most challenging to detect due to its varied presentation and poor accessibility with traditional endoscopic methods. Patients with SBNET present with variable hormonal symptoms, such as diarrhea, flushing, and nonspecific abdominal pain, which often delay the diagnosis. We present the case of a young patient who underwent multidisciplinary workups leading to a successful diagnosis of SBNET promptly. The patient was a 31-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with complaints of nausea, vomiting, and sudden-onset, severe, sharp abdominal pain. CT scan of her abdomen showed an area of irregular intraluminal soft tissue density suspicious for a mass in the mid-small bowel. The patient's initial enteroscopy was normal. A video capsule endoscopy showed a small bowel mass, which was consistent with SBNET confirmed by pathology later. This case emphasizes the importance of considering SBNET as a differential diagnosis in young patients with nonspecific symptoms of abdominal pain and highlights the role of multidisciplinary approaches in achieving prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Emphysematous Gastritis: A Case Series on a Rare but Critical Gastrointestinal Condition.

Emphysematous gastritis (EG) is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by gas-forming microorganisms causing gas to accumulate within the stomach wall. It has a high mortality rate and is associated with risk factors like gastroenteritis, alcohol use disorder, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, recent abdominal surgery, long-term corticosteroid use, and ingestion of corrosive agents. Diagnosis is challenging due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, coffee-ground emesis, fever, and signs of systemic infection. We present two cases of patients with signs and symptoms of EG, where prompt diagnosis and treatment were achieved, avoiding further complications. Surgical intervention was avoided due to the successful response to conservative treatment. These cases highlight the importance of early detection and intervention in improving patient outcomes and preventing complications associated with EG.

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma in a Young Patient Presenting as a Cecal Mass.

Colorectal lymphomas are very rare and are usually found in male patients between the fifth and seventh decade of life. Our patient was a 30-year-old male who presented with the complaint of epigastric pain and abdominal mass for the past three months. Physical examination was remarkable for soft solid abdominal mass extending from the right side of the abdomen toward the left side. Computed tomography showed a large lobulated mass in the right lower quadrant involving multiple loops of bowel. The mass measured 15.1 x 12.5 cm in transverse dimension and 16.2 cm in craniocaudal dimension. Colonoscopy showed a villous and fungating mass occupying the whole cecum and extending into the ascending colon. Pathology from the colonoscopy mass revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which was CD20 (cluster of differentiation 20) positive. He was started on rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) chemotherapy regimen and is following at the oncology outpatient department. A combination of surgical resection and chemotherapy is used in treating patients with colorectal lymphoma.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in a Crohn's Patient.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare, benign, focal, self-limiting disease. We report a unique case of KFD in a patient with coexisting Crohn's disease. Our patient is a 23-year-old African American female with a past medical history significant for Crohn's disease who presented to the clinic because of a painless lump over the right side of the neck for the past 3 weeks. On physical examination, the patient was found to have enlarged nontender right cervical lymph nodes from levels 2 to 4. An excisional biopsy of the right neck lymph node was done which revealed necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis, favoring a diagnosis of KFD. Over the course of the next 2 months, her lymphadenopathy got resolved. This is the first case of KFD in a patient with Crohn's Disease. Lymphoma remains a feared adverse outcome for immunomodulatory drugs, thus necessitating their cessation upon signs of lymphadenopathy. Our case highlights the importance of a detailed workup in order to access the underlying cause of the lymphadenopathy so that the immunomodulatory drugs can be resumed in these patients.

Prevalence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in HIV Patients Co-infected or Triple Infected With Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in a Community Hospital in South Bronx.

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) share common modes of transmission; hence HBV and HCV infection are more prevalent among HIV patients. The co-infection with HIV/HBV, HIV/HCV, or HIV/HBV/HCV carries significant morbidity, with higher progression rates to end-stage liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods We conducted a retrospective study among HIV adult patients co-infected with HBV or HCV and those with HCV, HIV, and HBV triple infection enrolled in the outpatient clinic of BronxCare Hospital between the years 2010 and 2021. Records were reviewed to obtain demographic data, including age and sex, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV antibodies, and CD4 T-lymphocyte count test results. Male and female patients ≥18 years with confirmed HIV by double enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and western blot, who underwent serology testing for both HBsAg and anti-HCV, were included in the study. Results In this study, 11355 HIV patients were included, comprising 7020 (61.8%) males and 4335 (38.2%) females. A total of 410 (3.6%) were hepatitis B positive, 1432 (12.6%) were hepatitis C positive, and 127 (1.1%) were both hepatitis B and C positive. Fifty-two (0.5%) patients were diagnosed with HCC. The majority of the patient with HCC (50%, n =26) were hepatitis C serology positive (p<0.001) while 9.6% (n=5) were positive for both hepatitis C and hepatitis B (p<0.001). Conclusion HIV/HBV/HCV triple-infected patients had a lower rate of HCC compared to HIV/HCV co-infected patients. HIV without hepatitis C or hepatitis B is an independent risk factor for HCC.

Patients with Clostridium difficile infection and prior appendectomy may be prone to worse outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) occurs due to a dysbiosis in the colon. The appendix is considered a 'safe house' for gut microbiota and may help repopulate gut flora of patients with CDI. AIM: To study the impact of prior appendectomy on the severity and outcomes of CDI. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 1580 patients with CDI, admitted to our hospital between 2008 to 2018. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of the appendix. The primary aim was to (1) assess all-cause mortality and (2) the severity of CDI. Severity was defined as per the Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria. Logistic regression, and propensity score analysis using inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) was performed. RESULTS: Of the 1580 patients, 12.5% had a history of appendectomy. There was no statistical difference in mortality between patients with a prior appendectomy or without (13.7% vs 14%, P = 0.877). However, a history of appendectomy affected the severity of CDI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.75]. On IPTW, this association remained significant (OR = 1.59, P < 0.05). On multivariable analysis of secondary outcomes, prior appendectomy was also associated with toxic megacolon (OR = 5.37, P < 0.05) and colectomy (OR = 2.77, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prior appendectomy may affect the severity of CDI, development of toxic megacolon and the eventual need for colectomy. Since treatment of CDI is governed by its severity, stronger antibiotic regimens or earlier use of fecal microbiota transplant may be a viable option for patients with prior appendectomy.

Imatinib-Resistant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Presenting as a Large Abdominal Mass.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the stromal or mesenchymal neoplasms affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Although they constitute 1% of primary gastrointestinal tumors, they are the most common nonepithelial tumors involving the gastrointestinal tract. They mostly present as overt or occult gastrointestinal bleeding. We present a case in which a 77-year-old female presented with a large abdominal mass. The origin of the mass was unclear on CT and MRI scan of the abdomen. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic ultrasonography showed a cystic lesion in the perigastric region. A fine-needle biopsy of the lesion was performed, which was consistent with spindle type GIST. After the initial failure of imatinib therapy, the tumor was managed surgically.

Colitis Induced by Colon-Cleansing Agent.

Constipation is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders and affects 20% of the general population. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that affects the large intestine and is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. We report a case of a 35-year-old African American man with a past medical history of IBS who presented to the clinic with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea for 1 week. The patient stated that he used a colon-cleansing agent because of persistent constipation. Computed tomography scan of the patient's abdomen and pelvis with contrast was performed which showed diffuse contiguous segmental mural thickening and nodularity seen along the distal transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy showed moderate diffuse inflammation characterized by altered vascularity, erythema, and granularity from the rectum to the descending colon, and localized mild inflammation characterized by erythema was found at the ileocecal valve. The patient's clinical condition improved with symptomatic management over 10 days. Patients with IBS should be advised to restrain from using a colon-cleansing agent without advice from their primary doctor as it can lead to various complications.

The Role of Imaging Modalities in Diagnosing Dysphagia: A Clinical Review.

Dysphagia, which is characterized by difficulty in oro-gastric bolus transit, is a common condition. It is broadly classified into oropharyngeal or esophageal pathology. A wide array of differentials for dysphagia and initial clinical suspicion of oropharyngeal or esophagus etiology can assist in further evaluation. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) are the preferred modalities for assessing oropharyngeal bolus transit, residual, as well as determining the risk of laryngeal aspiration. High-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM) is an emerging modality for optimal topographical and pressure assessment of pharyngeal anatomy. HRPM provides improved assistance in evaluating the strength of the pharyngeal muscular contraction. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the preferred exam for patients with suspected esophageal etiology of dysphagia. Barium swallow provides luminal assessment and assists in evaluating esophageal motility; it is non-invasive, but therapeutic interventions like biopsy cannot be performed. High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) has added another dimension in the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. The purpose of this review article is to help internists and primary care providers get a better understanding of the role of various imaging modalities in diagnosing dysphagia in the elderly population. This article also provides a comprehensive review and detailed comparison of these imaging modalities based on the latest evidence.

Abdominal Ascites of Unknown Origin: Diagnostic Accuracy of Adenosine Deaminase for Tuberculous Peritonitis.

The occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) is exceedingly rare in the United States (US), and incidence has steadily declined since 1993, but the pace of decline has slowed in recent years. The US TB rate during 2019 declined to 2.7 cases per 100,000 persons, the lowest level on record. The abdominal form is the sixth leading cause of extrapulmonary TB, after lymphatic, genitourinary, osteoarticular, miliary, and meningeal. Abdominal TB can infect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the peritoneum and the pancreaticobiliary system. We present a case of persistently elevated adenosine deaminase in peritoneal ascites of a young, healthy female with new-onset ascites. An extended diagnostic evaluation was performed to reach the diagnosis.

Fulminant Pseudomembranous Colitis Leading to Clostridium Paraputrificum Bacteremia.

Clostridium species are spore-forming gram-positive anaerobic rod bacteria that cause a broad range of infections in humans, including intra-abdominal infections, myonecrosis, and bacteremia. Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a severe form of infection caused by Clostridioides difficile. Clostridial bacteremia usually occurs in the settings of neutropenia, alcohol abuse, diabetes mellitus, sickle cell anemia, malignancy, hemodialysis, inflammatory bowel disease, and AIDS. We report a case of fulminant PMC leading to C. paraputrificum bacteremia in an otherwise immunocompetent patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of such an occurrence.

Acute Hepatitis in a Yemeni Immigrant Associated with Khat: A "Biological Amphetamine" Carried in Cultures.

Viral infections, alcohol, hepatic steatosis, autoimmunity medications and herbal supplements are common etiologies of hepatitis. Khat (Catha Edulis) is a commonly used recreational substance in East African and Middle Eastern countries. Khat has been reported in the literature to be associated with hepatotoxicity, which can present in several forms, including chronic liver disease. The possible pathogenesis of liver injury could be secondary to biochemical components of Khat itself or additives such as pesticides or preservatives. An autoimmune mechanism of liver injury has also been postulated, supported by sparse evidence. We present a case of a Yemeni immigrant with acute hepatitis whose fear about social norms and breaching confidentiality made it challenging to identify Khat as being the underlying cause. A 34-year-old man from Yemen presented with right upper quadrant pain of one day duration. He had predominantly elevated transaminases with mild elevation in bilirubin. His investigations were negative for the viral, metabolic or biliary etiology. A persistent focus on clinical history and the well-established physician-patient relationship revealed a history of Khat use. The liver biopsy finding of lobular hepatitis was compatible with drug-induced liver injury and established the finding of Khat hepatotoxicity. Subsequently, the patient improved with conservative management.

Colonic Ileus, Distension, and Ischemia Due to COVID-19-Related Colitis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) predominantly presents with respiratory symptoms, however, the involvement of the gastrointestinal system has also been reported. Isolated gastrointestinal manifestation due to COVID-19 presenting as colonic distension is uncommon. Colonic ileus from COVID-19 infection presents as dilatation on imaging, with the risk of subsequent ischemia and perforation if not recognized and treated promptly. There is no consensus on the treatment modality for COVID-19-related colitis, however, COVID-19-targeted medications in conjunction with surgical intervention have been performed for management. We present a case of a 73-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain, distention, and diarrhea. He tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was found to have marked dilatation of the colon on imaging. He was initially given convalescent plasma to reduce inflammatory markers, as tocilizumab was contraindicated due to suspected bowel obstruction. Once more stable, he underwent surgical intervention followed by tocilizumab infusion. Pathological specimens of the colon demonstrated hemorrhagic colitis with microthrombi suggestive of COVID-19-related colitis.  Recognizing COVID-19-related colitis allows for timely diagnosis and management with targeted interventions in addition to surgery, which may prevent perforation. We suggest convalescent plasma followed by the formation of colostomy and finally infusion of tocilizumab as a feasible option for the treatment of COVID-19-related colitis. However, further research is needed in order to fully understand this entity and provide guidance for its management.