Diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to a tiny polyp in the cecum.

Endoscopic findings in primary or secondary intestinal lymphoma are non-specific, which can lead to finding a polyp, an ulcer or a completely normal mucosa. As a matter of fact, this makes having a high clinical suspicion with only the endoscopic technique, quite difficult. Due to this reason, we believe that either taking random biopsies or biopsies from visible lesions of affected sections in another imaging tests, should be indicated in order to increase the diagnostic capacity of the endoscopic technique.

Definition of competence standards for optical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Position Statement.

BACKGROUND : The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has developed a core curriculum for high quality optical diagnosis training for practice across Europe. The development of easy-to-measure competence standards for optical diagnosis can optimize clinical decision-making in endoscopy. This manuscript represents an official Position Statement of the ESGE aiming to define simple, safe, and easy-to-measure competence standards for endoscopists and artificial intelligence systems performing optical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps (1 - 5 mm). METHODS : A panel of European experts in optical diagnosis participated in a modified Delphi process to reach consensus on Simple Optical Diagnosis Accuracy (SODA) competence standards for implementation of the optical diagnosis strategy for diminutive colorectal polyps. In order to assess the clinical benefits and harms of implementing optical diagnosis with different competence standards, a systematic literature search was performed. This was complemented with the results from a recently performed simulation study that provides guidance for setting alternative competence standards for optical diagnosis. Proposed competence standards were based on literature search and simulation study results. Competence standards were accepted if at least 80 % agreement was reached after a maximum of three voting rounds. RECOMMENDATION 1: In order to implement the leave-in-situ strategy for diminutive colorectal lesions (1-5 mm), it is clinically acceptable if, during real-time colonoscopy, at least 90 % sensitivity and 80 % specificity is achieved for high confidence endoscopic characterization of colorectal neoplasia of 1-5 mm in the rectosigmoid. Histopathology is used as the gold standard.Level of agreement 95 %. RECOMMENDATION 2: In order to implement the resect-and-discard strategy for diminutive colorectal lesions (1-5 mm), it is clinically acceptable if, during real-time colonoscopy, at least 80 % sensitivity and 80 % specificity is achieved for high confidence endoscopic characterization of colorectal neoplasia of 1-5 mm. Histopathology is used as the gold standard.Level of agreement 100 %. CONCLUSION : The developed SODA competence standards define diagnostic performance thresholds in relation to clinical consequences, for training and for use when auditing the optical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps.

Cold loop polypectomy perforation of a tiny colon polyp.

We report the case of a 61-year-old woman having corticoid treatment with corticosteroids for polyarthralgia, who underwent a post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy, identifying a 5-mm diameter, flat-elevated polyp in the proximal transverse colon (Paris 0-IIa).

Development of knowledge-based clinical decision support system for patients included in colorectal screening program.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Colorectal (CRC) screening programs represent a large volume of procedures that need a follow-up endoscopy. A knowledge-based clinical decision support system (K-CDSS) is a technology which contains clinical rules and associations of compiled data that assist with clinical decision-making tasks. We develop a K-CDSS for management of patients included in CRC screening and surveillance of colorectal polyps. METHODS: We collected information on 48 variables from hospital colonoscopy records. Using DILEMMA Solutions Platform © (https://www.dilemasolution.com) we designed a prototype K-CDSS (PoliCare CDSS), to provide tailored recommendations by combining patients data and current guidelines recommendations. The accuracy of rules was verified using four scenarios (normal colonoscopy, lesions different than polyps, non-advanced adenomas and advanced adenomas). We studied the degree of agreement between the clinical assessments made by expert doctors and nurses equipped with PoliCare CDSS. Two experts confirmed a correlation between guidelines and PoliCare recommendations. RESULTS: 56 consecutive endoscopy cases from colorectal screening program were included (62.8 years; range 53-71). Colonoscopy results were: absence of colon lesions (n=7, 12.5%), lesions in the colon that are not polyps (n=3, 5.4%) and resected colonic polyps (n=46, 82.1%; 100% R0 resection). Patients with resected polyps presented non-advanced adenoma (n=21, 45.6%) or advanced lesions (n=25, 54.4%). There were no differences in erroneous orders with PoliCare CDSS (Kappa value 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: PoliCare CDSS can easily be integrated into the workflow for improving the overall efficiency and better adherence to evidence-based guidelines.

When and How To Use Endoscopic Tattooing in the Colon: An International Delphi Agreement.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is a lack of clinical studies to establish indications and methodology for tattooing, therefore technique and practice of tattooing is very variable. We aimed to establish a consensus on the indications and appropriate techniques for colonic tattoo through a modified Delphi process. METHODS: The baseline questionnaire was classified into 3 areas: where tattooing should not be used (1 domain, 6 questions), where tattooing should be used (4 domains, 20 questions), and how to perform tattooing (1 domain 20 questions). A total of 29 experts participated in the 3 rounds of the Delphi process. RESULTS: A total of 15 statements were approved. The statements that achieved the highest agreement were as follows: tattooing should always be used after endoscopic resection of a lesion with suspicion of submucosal invasion (agreement score, 4.59; degree of consensus, 97%). For a colorectal lesion that is left in situ but considered suitable for endoscopic resection, tattooing may be used if the lesion is considered difficult to detect at a subsequent endoscopy (agreement score, 4.62; degree of consensus, 100%). A tattoo should never be injected directly into or underneath a lesion that might be removed endoscopically at a later point in time (agreement score, 4.79; degree of consensus, 97%). Details of the tattoo injection should be stated clearly in the endoscopy report (agreement score, 4.76; degree of consensus, 100%). CONCLUSIONS: This expert consensus has developed different statements about where tattooing should not be used, when it should be used, and how that should be done.

Clip Closure After Resection of Large Colorectal Lesions With Substantial Risk of Bleeding.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is not clear whether closure of mucosal defects with clips after colonic endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) prevents delayed bleeding, although it seems to have no protective effects when risk is low. We performed a randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of complete clip closure of large (≥2 cm) nonpedunculated colorectal lesions after EMR in patients with an estimated average or high risk of delayed bleeding. METHODS: We performed a single-blind trial at 11 hospitals in Spain from May 2016 through June 2018, including 235 consecutive patients who underwent EMR for large nonpedunculated colorectal lesions with an average or high risk of delayed bleeding (based on Spanish Endoscopy Society Endoscopic Resection Group score). Participants were randomly assigned to groups that received closure of the scar with 11-mm through-the-scope clips (treated, n = 119) or no clip (control, n = 116). The primary outcome was proportion of patients in each group with delayed bleeding, defined as evident hematochezia that required medical intervention within 15 days after colonoscopy. RESULTS: In the clip group, complete closure was achieved in 68 (57%) cases, with partial closure in 33 (28%) cases and failure to close in 18 (15%) cases. Delayed bleeding occurred in 14 (12.1%) patients in the control group and in 6 (5%) patients in the clip group (absolute risk difference, reduction of 7% in the clip group; 95% confidence interval, -14.7% to 0.3%). After completion of the clip closure, there was only 1 (1.5%) case of delayed bleeding (absolute risk difference, reduction of 10.6%; 95% confidence interval, -4.3% to 17.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized trial of patients with large nonpedunculated colorectal lesions undergoing EMR, we found that clip closure of mucosal defects in patients with a risk of bleeding can be a challenge, but also reduces delayed bleeding. Prevention of delayed bleeding required complete clip closure. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02765022.

Accuracy of the Narrow-Band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic Classification System in Identification of Deep Invasion in Colorectal Polyps.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: T1 colorectal polyps with at least 1 risk factor for metastasis to lymph node should be treated surgically and are considered endoscopically unresectable. Optical analysis, based on the Narrow-Band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) classification system, is used to identify neoplasias with invasion of the submucosa that require endoscopic treatment. We assessed the accuracy of the NICE classification, along with other morphologic characteristics, in identifying invasive polyps that are endoscopically unresectable (have at least 1 risk factor for metastasis to lymph node). METHODS: We performed a multicenter, prospective study of data collected by 58 endoscopists, from 1634 consecutive patients (examining 2123 lesions) at 17 university and community hospitals in Spain from July 2014 through June 2016. All consecutive lesions >10 mm assessed with narrow-band imaging were included. The primary end point was the accuracy of the NICE classification for identifying lesions with deep invasion, using findings from histology analysis as the reference standard. Conditional inference trees were fitted for the analysis of diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Of the 2123 lesions analyzed, 89 (4.2%) had features of deep invasion and 91 (4.3%) were endoscopically unresectable. The NICE classification system identified lesions with deep invasion with 58.4% sensitivity (95% CI, 47.5-68.8), 96.4% specificity (95% CI, 95.5-97.2), a positive-predictive value of 41.6% (95% CI, 32.9-50.8), and a negative-predictive value of 98.1% (95% CI, 97.5-98.7). A conditional inference tree that included all variables found the NICE classification to most accurately identify lesions with deep invasion (P < .001). However, pedunculated morphology (P < .007), ulceration (P = .026), depressed areas (P < .001), or nodular mixed type (P < .001) affected accuracy of identification. Results were comparable for identifying lesions that were endoscopically unresectable. CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of 2123 colon lesions >10 mm, we found the NICE classification and morphologic features identify those with deep lesions with >96% specificity-even in non-expert hands and without magnification. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02328066.

Curriculum for optical diagnosis training in Europe: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Position Statement.

This manuscript represents an official Position Statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) aiming to guide general gastroenterologists to develop and maintain skills in optical diagnosis during endoscopy. In general, this requires additional training beyond the core curriculum currently provided in each country. In this context, ESGE have developed a European core curriculum for optical diagnosis practice across Europe for high quality optical diagnosis training. 1: ESGE suggests that every endoscopist should have achieved general competence in upper and/or lower gastrointestinal (UGI/LGI) endoscopy before commencing training in optical diagnosis of the UGI/LGI tract, meaning personal experience of at least 300 UGI and/or 300 LGI endoscopies and meeting the ESGE quality measures for UGI/LGI endoscopy. ESGE suggests that every endoscopist should be able and competent to perform UGI/LGI endoscopy with high definition white light combined with virtual and/or dye-based chromoendoscopy before commencing training in optical diagnosis. 2: ESGE suggests competency in optical diagnosis can be learned by attending a validated optical diagnosis training course based on a validated classification, and self-learning with a minimum number of lesions. If no validated training course is available, optical diagnosis can only be learned by attending a non-validated onsite training course and self-learning with a minimum number of lesions. 3: ESGE suggests endoscopists are competent in optical diagnosis after meeting the pre-adoption and learning criteria, and meeting competence thresholds by assessing a minimum number of lesions prospectively during real-time endoscopy. ESGE suggests ongoing in vivo practice by endoscopists to maintain competence in optical diagnosis. If a competent endoscopist does not perform in vivo optical diagnosis on a regular basis, ESGE suggests repeating the learning and competence phases to maintain competence.Key areas of interest were optical diagnosis training in Barrett's esophagus, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, early gastric cancer, diminutive colorectal lesions, early colorectal cancer, and neoplasia in inflammatory bowel disease. Condition-specific recommendations are provided in the main document.

New management of hepatolithiasis: Can surgery be avoided? (with video).

BACKGROUND: The presence of hepatolithiasis (HL) is prevalent in eastern countries. It is a clinical entity which is rarely reported in non-surgical series because the standard treatment is the surgical option. Currently, treatment has evolved, with the use of endoscopic techniques being increased and the number of hepatectomies being decreased. SpyGlass™ is a small-calibre endoscopic direct cholangiopancreatoscopy developed to explore and perform procedures in the bile and pancreatic ducts. Single-operator peroral cholangioscopy (POC) is an endoscopic technique useful for treating difficult bile duct stones. AIMS: To assess the usefulness, efficacy, and safety of POC with the SpyGlass™ system in patients with HL. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: to achieve technical success of the procedure and clinical success of patients with HL. STUDY DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Retrospective, single-centre cohort study of patients with HL from April 2012 to August 2018. SpyGlass™ was chosen in symptomatic patients referred from the surgery unit as the first-line procedure. To perform electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL), we used a Northgate Autolith IEHL generator with a 0.66-mm biliary probe. RESULTS: We performed a total of 13 procedures in 7 patients with HL. The mean age was 46 years (range 35-65) and 3/7 of patients were female. We achieved technical success in 5/7 cases (71.4%) and clinical success in 4/7 cases (57%). DISCUSSION: SpyGlass™ is safe and effective in the treatment of HL. With these results, we confirm the need for management of patients with HL in a multidisciplinary team. When the endoscopic approach is the option, this procedure must be performed by experts in advanced endoscopy.

Panchromoendoscopy Increases Detection of Polyps in Patients With Serrated Polyposis Syndrome.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS), characterized by multiple and/or large proximal serrated lesions, increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Serrated lesions often are missed during colonoscopy but panchromoendoscopy can increase their detection in an average-risk population. We performed a randomized controlled study to determine the efficacy of panchromoendoscopy in detection of polyps in patients with SPS. METHODS: Patients with SPS (n = 86 patients) underwent tandem high-definition (HD) colonoscopies from February 2015 through July 2016 at 7 centers in Spain. Patients were assigned randomly to groups that received 2 HD white-light endoscopy examinations (HD-WLE group; n = 43) or HD-WLE followed by 0.4% indigo carmine panchromoendoscopy (HD-CE group; n = 43). For each procedure, polyps detected were described, removed, and analyzed by histology. The primary outcome was additional polyp detection rate, defined as the number of polyps detected during the second inspection divided by the total number of polyps detected during the first and the second examination. RESULTS: A total of 774 polyps were detected (362 in the HD-WLE group and 412 in the HD-CE group); 54.2% were hyperplastic, 13.8% were adenomas, and 10.9% were sessile serrated polyps. There was a significantly higher additional polyp detection rate in the HD-CE group (0.39; 95% CI, 0.35-0.44) than in the HD-WLE group (0.22; 95% CI, 0.18-0.27) (P < .001). A higher additional rate of serrated lesions proximal to the sigmoid colon were detected in the second inspection with HD-CE (0.40; 95% CI, 0.33-0.47) than with HD-WLE (0.24; 95% CI, 0.19-0.31) (P = .001). Detection of adenomas and serrated lesions greater than 10 mm did not differ significantly between groups. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only use of HD-CE was associated independently with increased polyp detection throughout the colon. CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized controlled trial, we found that panchromoendoscopy increases detection of polyps (mostly of small serrated lesions) and should be considered the standard of care in patients with SPS. Studies are needed to determine the effects of this strategy on the incidence of advanced neoplasia during long-term follow-up evaluation. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT03476434.

Advanced imaging for detection and differentiation of colorectal neoplasia: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Update 2019.

1:  ESGE suggests that high definition endoscopy, and dye or virtual chromoendoscopy, as well as add-on devices, can be used in average risk patients to increase the endoscopist's adenoma detection rate. However, their routine use must be balanced against costs and practical considerations.Weak recommendation, high quality evidence. 2:  ESGE recommends the routine use of high definition systems in individuals with Lynch syndrome.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 3:  ESGE recommends the routine use, with targeted biopsies, of dye-based pancolonic chromoendoscopy or virtual chromoendoscopy for neoplasia surveillance in patients with long-standing colitis.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 4:  ESGE suggests that virtual chromoendoscopy and dye-based chromoendoscopy can be used, under strictly controlled conditions, for real-time optical diagnosis of diminutive (≤ 5 mm) colorectal polyps and can replace histopathological diagnosis. The optical diagnosis has to be reported using validated scales, must be adequately photodocumented, and can be performed only by experienced endoscopists who are adequately trained, as defined in the ESGE curriculum, and audited.Weak recommendation, high quality evidence. 5:  ESGE recommends the use of high definition white-light endoscopy in combination with (virtual) chromoendoscopy to predict the presence and depth of any submucosal invasion in nonpedunculated colorectal polyps prior to any treatment. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 6:  ESGE recommends the use of virtual or dye-based chromoendoscopy in addition to white-light endoscopy for the detection of residual neoplasia at a piecemeal polypectomy scar site. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 7:  ESGE suggests the possible incorporation of computer-aided diagnosis (detection and characterization of lesions) to colonoscopy, if acceptable and reproducible accuracy for colorectal neoplasia is demonstrated in high quality multicenter in vivo clinical studies. Possible significant risks with implementation, specifically endoscopist deskilling and over-reliance on artificial intelligence, unrepresentative training datasets, and hacking, need to be considered. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.

Periendoscopic management of antiplatelet therapy: Prospective evaluation of adherence to guidelines.

INTRODUCCIóN: Adherence to guidelines on the periendoscopic management of antiplatelet therapy (APT) has not been analyzed in detail. Our aim was to assess adherence to guidelines in patients referred to our Endoscopy Unit on a case-by-case basis, describing in detail the detected deviations and identifying areas of improvement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of outpatients consecutively scheduled for an unsedated upper or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy between January and June 2015. Patients on anticoagulant therapy were excluded. RESULTS: 675 patients were evaluated, including 91 (13.5%) patients on APT [upper GI endoscopy 25 (27.5%), lower GI endoscopy 66 (72.5%)]. Contrary to the clinical guidelines, aspirin was discontinued in 25 of the 77 patients previously prescribed the drug (32.5%) but this modification was patient's own decision in 11 cases. Most of the apparent deviations in the management of clopidogrel and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) were not true non-adherence cases. The Primary Care physician modified an APT prescribed by another physician in 8 of 9 cases (88.9%), always in cases with aspirin. No relationship was found between the endoscopic procedure's predicted risk of bleeding or the patient's thrombotic risk and modification of therapy. DISCUSSION: In many patients, the peri-procedural management of APT goes against current guidelines, but some of these inconsistencies cannot be considered true deviations from practice. Identified areas for improvement are increasing patient awareness about APT, disseminating the guidelines in Primary Care, and underscoring the significance of thrombotic risk related to APT withdrawal.

Real-life chromoendoscopy for neoplasia detection and characterisation in long-standing IBD.

OBJECTIVE: Outside clinical trials, the effectiveness of chromoendoscopy (CE) for long-standing IBD surveillance is controversial. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of CE for neoplasia detection and characterisation, in real-life. DESIGN: From June 2012 to 2014, patients with IBD were prospectively included in a multicentre cohort study. Each colonic segment was evaluated with white light followed by 0.4% indigo carmine CE. Specific lesions' features were recorded. Optical diagnosis was assessed. Dysplasia detection rate between expert and non-expert endoscopists and learning curve were ascertained. RESULTS: Ninety-four (15.7%) dysplastic (1 cancer, 5 high-grade dysplasia, 88 low-grade dysplasia) and 503 (84.3%) non-dysplastic lesions were detected in 350 patients (47% female; mean disease duration: 17 years). Colonoscopies were performed with standard definition (41.5%) or high definition (58.5%). Dysplasia miss rate with white light was 40/94 (57.4% incremental yield for CE). CE-incremental detection yield for dysplasia was comparable between standard definition and high definition (51.5% vs 52.3%, p=0.30). Dysplasia detection rate was comparable between expert and non-expert (18.5% vs 13.1%, p=0.20). No significant learning curve was observed (8.2% vs 14.2%, p=0.46). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for dysplasia optical diagnosis were 70%, 90%, 58% and 94%, respectively. Endoscopic characteristics predictive of dysplasia were: proximal location, loss of innominate lines, polypoid morphology and Kudo pit pattern III-V. CONCLUSIONS: CE presents a high diagnostic yield for neoplasia detection, irrespectively of the technology and experience available in any centre. In vivo, CE optical diagnosis is highly accurate for ruling out dysplasia, especially in expert hands. Lesion characteristics can aid the endoscopist for in situ therapeutic decisions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02543762.

Single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy in pancreatobiliary diseases: clinical experience in a tertiary referral hospital.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: to assess the usefulness, efficacy and safety of single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy (SOCP) with the SpyGlass™ system for the management of biliopancreatic diseases. METHODS: a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing SOCP with the SpyGlass™ between September 2008 and April 2016 was performed. Data was obtained from a prospectively-maintained database at a tertiary referral center. The primary study outcomes were technical and complete endoscopic success of the procedure. Two different SpyGlass™ systems were employed; the former is called legacy and the latter, digital system (DS). RESULTS: a total of 107 SOCP procedures in 93 patients performed by a single operator were analyzed. Technical success of the SpyGlass™ examination was achieved in 90/93 (97%) of patients and complete success by resolving the biliopancreatic condition in 82/93 (88%) cases. In indeterminate biliary strictures, a complete success was achieved in 45/52 (85%) of cases. With regard to stone treatment, technical success was achieved in 34/34 (100%) patients and complete success, in 31/34 (91%) cases. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy was applied in 16/34 (47%) of cases. There were a total of 7/93 adverse effects (7.5%). CONCLUSIONS: SOCP is a useful and safe technique for the treatment of biliopancreatic diseases with a low rate of adverse effects. The procedure seems technically demanding and dedication is required.

Primary chancre in the rectum: an underdiagnosed cause of rectal ulcer.

We report the case of a 35-year-old homosexual man with previous history of HIV, with primary chacre in the rectum. We believe this paper is significant because the diagnosis of rectal ulcer is more common in recent years, however rectal syphilis is a poorly recognized entity, especially with primary chancre formation.

Endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps in patients on antiplatelet therapy: an evidence-based guidance for clinicians.

Due to the rising prevalence of coronary heart disease, endoscopists are more frequently performing a polypectomy in patients on antiplatelet therapy (APT) and dual antiplatelet therapy (DATP). Despite the availability of several guidelines with regard to the management of antiplatelet drugs during the periprocedure period, there is still variability in the current clinical practice. This may be influenced by the low quality of the evidence supporting recommendations, because most of the studies dealing with APT and polypectomy are observational and retrospective, and include mainly small (< 10 mm) polyps. However, some recommendations can still be made. An estimation of the bleeding and thrombotic risk of the patient should be made in advance. In the case of DAPT the procedure should be postponed, at least until clopidogrel can be safely withheld. If possible, non-aspirin antiplatelet drugs should be withheld 5-7 days before the procedure. Polyp size is the main factor related with post-polypectomy bleeding and it is the factor that should drive clinical decisions regarding the resection method and the use of endoscopic prophylactic measures. Non-aspirin antiplatelet agents can be reintroduced 24-48 hours after the procedure. In conclusion, there is little data with regard to the management of DAPT in patients with a scheduled polypectomy. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to support clinical recommendations.