Continuing Medical Education Questions: March 2024.

Article Title: The Role of Imaging for GI Bleeding: Consensus Recommendations From the American College of Gastroenterology and Society of Abdominal Radiology.

Continuing Medical Education Questions: May 2023.

Article Title: Reduced Adenoma Miss Rate with 9-Minute vs 6-Minute Withdrawal Times for Screening Colonoscopy: A Multicenter Randomized Tandem Trial.

Benchmarking definitions of false-positive alerts during computer-aided polyp detection in colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of false-positive alerts is an important outcome measure in computer-aided colon polyp detection (CADe) studies. However, there is no consensus definition of a false positive in clinical trials evaluating CADe in colonoscopy. We aimed to study the diagnostic performance of CADe based on different threshold definitions for false-positive alerts. METHODS: A previously validated CADe system was applied to screening/surveillance colonoscopy videos. Different thresholds for false-positive alerts were defined based on the time an alert box was continuously traced by the system. Primary outcomes were false-positive results and specificity using different threshold definitions of false positive. RESULTS: 62 colonoscopies were analyzed. CADe specificity and accuracy were 93.2 % and 97.8 %, respectively, for a threshold definition of ≥ 0.5 seconds, 98.6 % and 99.5 % for a threshold definition of ≥ 1 second, and 99.8 % and 99.9 % for a threshold definition of ≥ 2 seconds. CONCLUSION: Our analysis demonstrated how different threshold definitions of false positive can impact the reported diagnostic performance of CADe for colon polyp detection.

Pleural Effusions Following Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: This was a single-center retrospective study to evaluate incidence, prognosis, and risk factors in patients with postoperative pleural effusions, a common pulmonary complication following liver transplantation. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 374 liver transplantation cases through a database within the timeframe of January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2015. Demographics, pulmonary and cardiac function testing, laboratory studies, intraoperative transfusion/infusion volumes, postoperative management, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: In the immediate postoperative period, 189 (50.5%) developed pleural effusions following liver transplantation of which 145 (76.7%) resolved within 3 months. Those who developed pleural effusions demonstrated a lower fibrinogen (149.6 ± 66.3 mg/dL vs 178.4 ± 87.3 mg/dL; P = .009), total protein (5.8 ± 1.0 mg/dL vs 6.1 ± 1.2 mg/dL; P = .04), and hemoglobin (9.8 ± 1.8 mg/dL vs 10.3 ± 1.9 mg/dL; P = .004). There was not a statistically significant difference in 1-year all-cause mortality and in-hospital mortality between liver transplant recipients with and without pleural effusions. Liver transplant recipients who developed pleural effusions had a longer hospital length of stay (16.4 ± 10.9 days vs 14.0 ± 16.5 days; P = .1), but the differences were not statistically significant. However, there was a significant difference in tracheostomy rates (11.6% vs 5.4%; P = .03) in recipients who developed pleural effusions compared to recipients who did not. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, pleural effusions are common after liver transplantation and are associated with increased morbidity. Pre- and intraoperative risk factors can offer both predictive and prognostic value for post-transplantation pleural effusions. Further prospective studies will be needed to further evaluate the relevance of these findings to limit instances of postoperative pleural effusions.

Advances in management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review new advances in managing nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. RECENT FINDINGS: Implementation of various scoring systems in combination with video capsule endoscopy assists in stratifying and managing nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. New techniques such as thermocoagulation and hemoclips are useful to treat bleeding. SUMMARY: The advancement of methods and procedures in managing nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding has decreased mortality of patients presenting with this type of hemorrhage. In this chapter, we will be discussing various scores to stratify nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding and techniques to stop bleeding.

Intensive Care of Pulmonary Complications Following Liver Transplantation.

Chronic liver disease has been associated with pulmonary dysfunction both before and after liver transplantation. Post-liver transplantation pulmonary complications can affect both morbidity and mortality often necessitating intensive care during the immediate postoperative period. The major pulmonary complications include pneumonia, pleural effusions, pulmonary edema, and atelectasis. Poor clinical outcomes have been known to be associated with age, severity of liver dysfunction, and preexisting lung disease as well as perioperative events related to fluid balance, particularly transfusion and fluid volumes. Delineating each and every one of these pulmonary complications and their associated risk factors becomes paramount in guiding specific therapeutic strategies.

Gastric interventional endoscopy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review new advances in gastric interventional endoscopy. RECENT FINDINGS: Implementation of gastric endoscopy as a therapeutic option in obesity, gastric cancer, and gastroparesis. SUMMARY: Less invasive new gastric endoscopic procedures can potentially replace currently offered laparoscopic approaches in many fields. In this article, we will review the use of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty as a weight loss procedure, endoscopic submucosal dissection in treatment of early gastric cancer, and gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy in treatment of refractory gastroparesis. These procedures can increase access to bariatric weigh loss procedures, provide an organ-saving curative option for early gastric cancer, and offer a new modality to improve refractory gastroparesis.

Small Intestinal Angioectasia: Characterization, Risk Factors, and Rebleeding.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal angioectasias (AEs) represent the most common vascular malformation within the gastrointestinal tract. This study sought to characterize epidemiologic/comorbid risk factors for AEs, rebleeding, and patterns of anatomic distribution within the small intestine. STUDY: This retrospective observational cohort study included 158 patients with AEs on capsule endoscopy (CE) from 2007 to 2015. Epidemiologic/comorbid data were collected and incorporated into final analysis. Each AE was categorized by location using a small bowel transit time-based quartile system. Rebleeding was evaluated following CE. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to statistically significant factors on univariate analysis to determine independent risk factors for rebleeding. RESULTS: Most lesions were found in the first quartile (67.1%). Rebleeding occurred in 46 (29.7%) of the 156 patients for whom data were available. Rates of rebleeding were significantly higher among older patients (74.4 vs. 67.7 y, P=0.001), those with active bleeding on CE (41.3% vs. 16.5%, P=0.001), those with a history of aortic stenosis (21.7% vs. 9.2%, P=0.033), and those with AEs presents in quartile 3 (26.1% vs. 8.3%, P=0.003). Age, active bleeding on CE, and AE presence in quartile 3 were independently associated with rebleeding in multivariate analysis (P=0.009, 0.023, and 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These data help improve our knowledge of AEs regarding risk factors for rebleeding, and utilizes a novel small bowel transit time-based quartile localization method that may simplify future research and comparisons of anatomic distribution and behavior of small bowel AEs.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic full-thickness resection for management of a rare case of esophageal GI stromal tumor.

Video 1The mass was identified at the upper- to mid-esophagus, 25 cm from the central incisors. No varices were seen on further examination of the esophagus. A 4-mm injector force needle was used to create a large submucosal injection using BlueBoost lifting agent proximal to the mass. A longitudinal mucosal incision was then made using the hybrid T-type electrocautery knife, 20 cm from the central incisors.The cutting current was the preset Endocut Q mode, and the coagulation setting was spray coag mode, effect 2 and 40 W.Next, tunnel creation by submucosal dissection was performed with a focus on keeping the submucosal space as clean as possible. Carbon dioxide was used for insufflation to prevent pneumoperitoneum.A smooth-surfaced oval mass was identified originating from the muscularis propria layer. Dissection was extended 2 cm distally beyond the mass. Next, resection of the mass was performed. First, the mucosal surface of the mass was dissected. Dissection began at the distal portion, proceeded to the left and right lateral borders, and then continued toward the proximal portion. The mass was dissected away from the muscularis propria.We focused on freeing the mass, ensuring this esophageal mass was intact throughout dissection. The attached bands of muscularis propria at the distal portion were carefully resected completely.Water irrigation was used at this time to ensure better visualization for resection. The remaining attached bands of muscularis propria were resected, ensuring complete en bloc resection. Afterward, the mass was suctioned into the cap and carefully retrieved as shown, and then sent to pathology for processing.The entire defect bed was inspected post-resection, and no perforation or bleeding was identified.The mucosal defect was completely closed with through-the-scope hemostatic clips in a longitudinal fashion beginning with approximation of the defect at the distal portion.

Deploying automated machine learning for computer vision projects: a brief introduction for endoscopists.

Video 1Deploying automated machine learning for computer vision projects: a brief introduction for endoscopists.

Enhanced suction for removal of esophageal food impaction.

Video 1Enhanced suction for removal of esophageal food impaction.

Natural orifice transendoscopic surgery as a rescue for a dislodged lumen-apposing metal stent in the peritoneum after successful EUS-directed transgastric ERCP.

Video 1Natural orifice transendoscopic surgery as a rescue for a dislodged lumen-apposing metal stent after EUS-directed transgastric ERCP.

Use of a novel articulation arm device for endoscopic submucosal dissection of a rectal laterally spreading tumor.

Video 1.

Novel technique for management of Bouveret syndrome.

Video 1Endoscopic treatment of a Bouveret syndrome showing and describing the techniques and procedures involved.

Pyloric Gastric Adenoma: Endoscopic Detection, Removal, and Echoendosonographic Characterization.

Pyloric gland adenomas (PGAs) are rare neoplasms found not only in the gastrointestinal tract but also in other extragastrointestinal organs. They have potential for malignant conversion, and early detection and removal is imperative to prevent invasive disease. PGAs prove difficult in management and surveillance given their rarity. However, increasing familiarity with histological appearance and use of advanced tools such as echoendosonography can bring greater understanding of their clinical history. We describe a unique case of a PGA detected within a hiatal hernia sac characterized with echoendosonography and highlight the need to develop surveillance protocols for these types of lesions.

Gastrointestinal Kaposi Sarcoma: A Rare Case of an Isolated Rectal Lesion in an Immunocompetent HIV-Negative Patient.

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a pathological endothelial growth associated with human herpes virus-8 which primarily affects the skin. In HIV-negative men who have sex with men, the clinical presentation of KS resembles the classic form limited to cutaneous or multifocal disease. In this report, we present a unique case of a healthy 61-year-old man who has sex with men with an isolated gastrointestinal KS who does not meet criteria for any of the typical KS clinical variants. Proper follow-up and regular HIV screenings are needed to evaluate the potential progression course of the disease in these patients.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Across the United States: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background and Aims: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms occur among patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and there is clear evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the causative pathogen, infects the GI tract. In this large, multicenter cohort study, we evaluated variations in gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 throughout the United States (US). Methods: Patients hospitalized with a positive COVID-19 test prior to October 2020 were identified at 7 US academic centers. Demographics, presenting symptoms, laboratory data, and hospitalization outcomes were abstracted. Descriptive and regression analyses were used to evaluate GI manifestations and their potential predictors. Results: Among 2031 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, GI symptoms were present in 18.9%; diarrhea was the most common (15.2%), followed by nausea and/or vomiting (12.6%) and abdominal pain (6.0%). GI symptoms were less common in the Western cohort (16.0%) than the Northeastern (25.6%) and Midwestern (26.7%) cohorts. Compared to nonintensive care unit (ICU) patients, ICU patients had a higher prevalence of abnormal aspartate aminotransferase (58.1% vs 37.3%; P < .01), alanine aminotransferase (37.5% vs 29.3%; P = .01), and total bilirubin (12.7% vs 9.0%; P < .01). ICU patients also had a higher mortality rate (22.7% vs 4.7%; P < .01). Chronic liver disease was associated with the development of GI symptoms. Abnormal aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase was associated with an increased risk of ICU admission. Conclusion: We present the largest multicenter cohort of patients with COVID-19 across the United States. GI manifestations were common among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, although there was significant variability in prevalence and predictors across the United States.

The Pillow Sign: Is It Always Benign?

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is classically found in the stomach; however, in less common, cases can be found in extragastric locations. Colonic MALTomas are exceedingly rare and comprise a small group of extragastric cases. There is no standardized approach for optimal management of this disease. We report a case of a colonic MALT lymphoma found on colonoscopy that demonstrated the pillow sign and appearance of a benign lipoma. Despite antimicrobial and endoscopic therapy, the malignancy reoccurred in a patient with chronic hepatitis B, thereby precluding one of the mainstays of treatment, rituximab, until viral eradication.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm-diagnostic approach and post-surgical follow up: Three case reports and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare tumor that was first described by Frantz in 1959. Although this tumor is benign, some may have malignant potential that can be predicted based on demographics, imaging characteristics, and pathologic evaluation. This case series presents 3 SPN cases with discussion on gender differences, preoperative predictors of malignancy, and a suggested algorithm for diagnostic approach as well as post-surgical follow up. CASE SUMMARY: Three adult patients in a tertiary hospital found to have SPN, one elderly male and two young females. Each of the cases presented with abdominal pain and were discovered incidentally. Two cases underwent endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration and biopsy to assess tumor markers and immuno-histochemical staining (which were consistent with SPN before undergoing surgery), and one case underwent surgery directly after imaging. The average tumor size was 5 cm. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology. Two patients had post-surgical complications requiring intervention. CONCLUSION: Demographic and imaging characteristics can be sufficient to establish diagnosis for SPN, while malignant cases require pre-operative evaluation with endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration/fine needle biopsy.