Colon diverticulosis is not a risk factor for the detection of adenomatous polyps - results of a prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colon diverticula (CD) and adenomatous polyps are frequently found during colonoscopy. Data from the literature contains inconsistent information about whether patients with CD have a higher risk for colon adenomas. A positive correlation might influence the current guidelines for screening colonoscopies. The aim of this study was to examine whether presence of CD is associated with endoscopic adenoma detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study at 2 centers in Germany. Patients with an indication for colonoscopy were included. The number and localization of diverticula were recorded. Detected polyps were resected, and histopathological results were captured. Logistic regression models were fitted to the data to evaluate the association between CD and adenoma detection. RESULTS: A total of 938 colonoscopies was included. CD occurred in 49.1 % of the colonoscopies. The polyp and adenoma detection rates (PDR, ADR) were 50.3 % and 32.3 %. In 37.5 % of the patients with diverticula, at least 1 adenoma was detected, whereas this was the case in 27.3 % in the absence of diverticula. The presence of diverticula was positively correlated with the detection of adenomas in univariate analysis (p = 0.001), but no significant association could be found in multivariable analysis (p = 0.775). Increasing age (p < 0.001), male sex (p = 0.005), and longer withdrawal time (p < 0.001) were significant predictors for adenoma detection in the multivariable analysis. Similar results were also observed for both the distal and the proximal colon. DISCUSSION: Diverticula and adenomas are frequently found during colonoscopies. However, diverticula disease was not significantly associated with adenoma detection after adjustment for relevant prognostic factors. Older age, male sex, and duration of withdrawal time are predictors for the detection of adenomatous polyps.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori on gastrointestinal microbiota: a population-based study in Linqu, a high-risk area of gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Gastrointestinal microbiota may be involved in Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer development. The aim of this study was to explore the possible microbial mechanisms in gastric carcinogenesis and potential dysbiosis arising from H. pylori infection. DESIGN: Deep sequencing of the microbial 16S ribosomal RNA gene was used to investigate alterations in paired gastric biopsies and stool samples in 58 subjects with successful and 57 subjects with failed anti-H. pylori treatment, relative to 49 H. pylori negative subjects. RESULTS: In H. pylori positive subjects, richness and Shannon indexes increased significantly (both p<0.001) after successful eradication and showed no difference to those of negative subjects (p=0.493 for richness and p=0.420 for Shannon index). Differential taxa analysis identified 18 significantly altered gastric genera after eradication. The combination of these genera into a Microbial Dysbiosis Index revealed that the dysbiotic microbiota in H. pylori positive mucosa was associated with advanced gastric lesions (chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia/dysplasia) and could be reversed by eradication. Strong coexcluding interactions between Helicobacter and Fusobacterium, Neisseria, Prevotella, Veillonella, Rothia were found only in advanced gastric lesion patients, and were absent in normal/superficial gastritis group. Changes in faecal microbiota included increased Bifidobacterium after successful H. pylori eradication and more upregulated drug-resistant functional orthologs after failed treatment. CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection contributes significantly to gastric microbial dysbiosis that may be involved in carcinogenesis. Successful H. pylori eradication potentially restores gastric microbiota to a similar status as found in uninfected individuals, and shows beneficial effects on gut microbiota.

IgG4 is Elevated in Eosinophilic Esophagitis but Not in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND: For eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) recently an association with immunoglobulin (Ig)G4 rather than IgE has been reported. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most important differential diagnosis of EoE. We compared esophageal IgG4 plasma cell infiltration and serum IgG4 levels of EoE patients (before and after budesonide therapy) with GERD patients. METHODS: Prospectively collected serum samples of 17 EoE patients before and after 8 weeks of therapy with budesonide (1 mg BID) were analyzed for total and antigen-specific IgG4 and IgE levels. Also, immunohistochemical analysis of total and IgG4-positive plasma cells was performed on esophageal biopsies of these patients. In total, 14 GERD patients without histologic proof of eosinophilic infiltration were taken as a control group. RESULTS: Total IgG4 serum levels in EoE patients were significantly higher than in GERD patients (121.0 vs. 71.2 mg/dL; P=0.038) and decreased under budesonide therapy (121.0 vs. 104.2 mg/dL; P=0.019). IgE levels did not differ significantly between all groups. In EoE patients also a high number of esophageal IgG4-positive plasma cells was detected and significantly reduced under therapy (29.1 vs. 0.1 IgG4-positive cells; P<0.001). In GERD patients no relevant esophageal plasma cell infiltration could be seen. CONCLUSIONS: In EoE patients elevated systemic IgG4 serum levels compared with GERD patients can be seen and decrease under topical steroid therapy. Also, local IgG4 plasma cells expression is high in EoE, but not in GERD patients and normalize under therapy. These findings are further proof for a possible association of EoE with IgG4.

Risk factors for bleeding from gastrointestinal angiodysplasia: a case-control study in patients with bleeding and non-bleeding angiodysplasia.

OBJECTIVES: Angiodysplasia (AD) is a common source of gastrointestinal bleeding. Yet, little is known about factors forwarding bleeding in these vascular malformations. The presented study aims to determine risk factors for bleeding that occurs only in patients with symptomatic, but not with asymptomatic, AD. METHODS: Case-control study in patients with AD and either a positive or a negative history of gastrointestinal bleeding in Munich, Germany. Groups were compared by clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic features. RESULTS: 80 patients with (58, f 31, med. age 72) or without bleeding AD (22, f 12, med. age 61) were included. Bleeding from AD was significantly associated with the total number of AD (OR 1.4 (95 % CI 1.1-1.7) p = 0.01) and closure time in PFA/collagen-epinephrine test (OR 1.0 (95 % CI 1.0-1.0) p < 0.01). The total number of AD correlated significantly with age (r = 0.36; p = 0.01). AD were mainly detected in the upper small intestine (> 30 %). Although patients with aortic stenosis suffered not significantly more frequently from bleeding from AD, they demonstrated a loss of high molecular multimers of VWF. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of AD is clearly correlated to the age of the patient. A higher number of ADs and inhibition of primary hemostasis increase the risk of bleeding.

An Open-Labeled Study on Fecal Microbiota Transfer in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients Reveals Improvement in Abdominal Pain Associated with the Relative Abundance of Akkermansia Muciniphila.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The gut microbiota is altered in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and microbiota manipulations by diet or antibiotics can reduce its symptoms. As fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) in IBS is still controversial, we investigated the clinical and side effects of FMT in a cohort of IBS patients with recurrent, treatment refractory symptoms, and studied gut microbiota signatures. METHODS: Using an observational, prospective study design, we applied FMTs from one unrelated, healthy donor to 13 IBS patients. Fecal samples of patients and the donor were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: On a symptom level, primarily abdominal pain symptoms were reduced after FMT, and no adverse effects were observed. Studying the microbiome, we found an increase in alpha diversity and changes in the composition of the gut microbiota after FMT. Beta diversity changes after FMT were prominent in a subset of 7 patients with microbiota profiles coming very close to the donor. These patients also showed most pronounced visceral pain reduction. The relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila was inversely correlated with pain reduction in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Although exploratory in nature and with a pilot character, this study highlights the potential role of microbiota manipulations in IBS and describes a novel association of intestinal Akkermansia and pain modulation.

Management of occluded self-expanding biliary metal stents in malignant biliary disease.

BACKGROUND: Occlusion of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) in malignant biliary obstruction occurs in up to 40% of patients. This study aimed to compare the different techniques to resolve stent occlusion in our collective of patients. METHODS: Patients with malignant biliary obstruction and occlusion of biliary metal stent at a tertiary referral endoscopic center were retrospectively identified between April 1, 1994 and May 31, 2014. The clinical records were further analyzed regarding the characteristics of patients, malignant strictures, SEMS, management strategies, stent patency, subsequent interventions, survival time and case charges. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients with biliary metal stent occlusion were identified. Seventy-nine of these patients were eligible for further analysis. Favored management was plastic stent insertion in 73.4% patients. Second SEMS were inserted in 12.7% patients. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and mechanical cleansing were conducted in a minority of patients. Further analysis showed no statistically significant difference in median overall secondary stent patency (88 vs. 143 days, P = 0.069), median survival time (95 vs. 192 days, P = 0.116), median subsequent intervention rate (53.4% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.501) and median case charge (€5145 vs. €3473, P = 0.803) for the treatment with a second metal stent insertion compared to plastic stent insertion. In patients with survival time of more than three months, significantly more patients treated with plastic stents needed re-interventions than patients treated with second SEMS (93.3% vs. 57.1%, P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: In malignant biliary strictures, both plastic and metal stent insertions are feasible strategies for the treatment of occluded SEMS. Our data suggest that in palliative biliary stenting, patients especially those with longer expected survival might benefit from second SEMS insertion. Careful patient selection is important to ensure a proper decision for either management strategy.

Cap Assisted Upper Endoscopy for Examination of the Major Duodenal Papilla: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Crossover Study (CAPPA Study).

OBJECTIVE: Examination of major duodenal papilla (MDP) by standard forward-viewing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (S-EGD) is limited. Cap assisted esophagogastroduodenoscopy (CA-EGD) utilizes a cap fitted to the tip of the endoscope that can depress the mucosal folds and thus might improve visualization of MDP. The aim of this study was to compare CA-EGD to S-EGD for complete examination of the MDP. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled crossover study. Subjects scheduled for elective EGD were randomized to undergo S-EGD (group A) or CA-EGD (group B) before undergoing a second examination by the alternate method. Images of the MDP were evaluated by three blinded multicenter-experts. Our primary outcome measure was complete examination of the papilla. Secondary outcome measures were duration and overall diagnostic yield. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were randomized and completed the study. Complete examination of MDP was achieved in 98 patients using CA-EGD compared to 24 patients using S-EGD (97 vs. 24%, P<0.001). Median duration from intubation of the esophagus until localization of the MDP was shorter with CA-EGD (46. vs. 96 s., P<0.001). In group A, 11 extra lesions and 12 additional incidental findings were detected by secondary CA-EGD, whereas neither were detected by secondary S-EGD in group B (22 vs. 0% and 24 vs. 0%, P<0.001 and P<0.001). CONCLUSION: CA-EGD enabled complete examination of MDP in almost all cases compared to a low success rate of S-EGD. CA-EGD detected a significant amount of lesions and incidental findings when added to S-EGD. CA-EGD is a safe and effective method for examination of MDP.

Endoluminal Sphincter Augmentation with the MUSE™ System and GERDX™ System in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A New Impact?

To bridge the gap between the long-term intake of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the potential risks of laparoscopic fundoplication, a number of endoscopic procedures for the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been developed over the past 30 years. Because of the minimally invasive approach, short operative time, and efficacy in selected patients, endoluminal sphincter augmentation appears to be highly attractive. However, most early devices have proven to be unsafe or failed to provide long-term symptom relief. Accordingly, products for endoluminal sphincter augmentation have undergone several modifications to achieve an increased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) baseline pressure to re-establish the LES as an efficacious anti-reflux barrier. This paper reviews and discusses the two latest products for endoluminal sphincter augmentation, the MUSE™ device (Medigus, Ltd., Omer, Israel) and the GERDX™ system (G-SURG GmbH, Seeon-Seebruck, Germany). While the currently available literature has proven their effectiveness in principle, long-term results are lacking. Further studies and developments are necessary to determine whether these two new devices will truly impact GERD therapy.

A large randomised controlled intervention trial to prevent gastric cancer by eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Linqu County, China: baseline results and factors affecting the eradication.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the full range of benefits and adverse consequences of Helicobacter pylori eradication as a strategy for gastric cancer prevention, the community-based intervention trial was launched in Linqu County, China. DESIGN: A total of 184,786 residents aged 25-54 years were enrolled in this trial and received (13)C-urea breath test. H. pylori positive participants were assigned into two groups, either receiving a 10-day quadruple anti-H. pylori treatment or lookalike placebos together with a single dosage of omeprazole and bismuth. RESULTS: The prevalence of H. pylori in trial participants was 57.6%. A total of 94,101 subjects completed the treatment. The overall H. pylori eradication rate was 72.9% in the active group. Gender, body mass index, history of stomach disease, baseline delta over baseline-value of (13)C-urea breath test, missed medication doses, smoking and drinking were independent predictors of eradication failure. The missed doses and high baseline delta over baseline-value were important contributors in men and women (all Ptrend<0.001). However, a dose-response relationship between failure rate and smoking or drinking index was found in men (all Ptrend<0.001), while high body mass index (Ptrend<0.001) and history of stomach disease were significant predictors in women. The treatment failure rate increased up to 48.8% (OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.24 to 3.68) in men and 39.4% (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.61 to 4.42) in women with multiple factors combined. CONCLUSIONS: This large community-based intervention trial to eradicate H. pylori is feasible and acceptable. The findings of this trial lead to a distinct evaluation of factors influencing eradication that should be generally considered for future eradication therapies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-TRC-10000979 in accordance with WHO ICTRP requirements.

A randomised, double-blind trial comparing budesonide formulations and dosages for short-term treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of two different budesonide formulations (effervescent tablet for orodispersible use (BET) and viscous suspension (BVS)) with different daily dosages for short-term treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). DESIGN: Adults with active EoE (n=76) randomly received 14 days' treatment with either BET 2×1 mg/day (BET1, n=19) or BET 2×2 mg/day (BET2, n=19), or BVS 2×5 mL (0.4 mg/mL)/day (BVS, n=19) or placebo (n=19) in a double-blind, double-dummy fashion, with a 2-week follow-up. Primary end point was histological remission (mean of <16 eosinophils/mm(2 )hpf). Secondary end points included endoscopy score, dysphagia score, drug safety and patient's preference for drug formulation. RESULTS: Histological remission occurred in 100%, 94.7% and 94.7% of budesonide (BET1, BET2, BVS, respectively) and in 0% of placebo recipients (p<0.0001). The improvement in total endoscopic intensity score was significantly higher in the three budesonide groups compared with placebo. Dysphagia improved in all groups at the end of treatment; however, improvement of dysphagia persisted only in those treated with BET1 (p=0.0196 vs placebo). There were no serious adverse events. Local fungal infection (stained fungi) occurred in two patients of each budesonide group (10.5%). The effervescent tablet was preferred by 80% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: BET or BVS was highly effective and safe for short-term treatment of EoE. The 1 mg (twice daily) dosage was equally effective as the 2 mg twice daily dosage. The majority of patients preferred the effervescent tablet formulation. CLINICALTRIALSGOV NUMBER: NCT02280616; EudraCT number, 2009-016692-29.

Magnetic endoscope imaging for routine colonoscopy: impact on propofol dosage and patient safety - a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: The use of magnetic endoscope imaging (MEI) has been previously shown to facilitate colonoscopy procedures. We aimed to evaluate the benefits of MEI in terms of reduction in propofol dosage in patients undergoing routine colonoscopy. METHODS: We conducted a randomized prospective trial in a university hospital in Germany. Endoscopists were randomly assigned 1:1 to use MEI during colonoscopy (MEI arm) or to conduct colonoscopy without the use of MEI (standard arm). The desired level of sedation was conscious sedation as assessed using the Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation scores. After complete recovery, patient satisfaction was assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS) ranging from 1 to 10 points. The primary outcome was total propofol dosage. Secondary outcome measures were patient satisfaction, patients' cooperation, and complication rates, as well as cecal intubation time and adenoma detection. RESULTS: Among 334 randomized patients, no severe adverse events were observed. Median propofol dosage was significantly lower in the MEI arm compared with the standard arm (150 mg vs. 180 mg; P = 0.04). Deep sedation was observed in 7.8 % of patients in the MEI group and 3.6 % in the standard arm (P = 0.10). Patient satisfaction scores were higher in the MEI arm compared with standard procedures (9.0 vs. 8.5; P = 0.04). No significant differences in patients' cooperation, cecal intubation time, and adenoma detection were observed between the study arms. CONCLUSION: The use of MEI may be useful in reducing propofol dosage for colonoscopy and improving patient satisfaction.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02121704.

Capnographic monitoring of midazolam and propofol sedation during ERCP: a randomized controlled study (EndoBreath Study).

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This was to determine whether intervention based on additional capnographic monitoring reduces the incidence of hypoxemia during midazolam and propofol sedation for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] I ­â€ŠIV) scheduled for ERCP under midazolam and propofol sedation were randomly assigned to a control arm with standard monitoring or an interventional arm with additional capnographic monitoring. In both arms detection of apnea prompted withholding of propofol administration, stimulation of the patient, insertion of a nasopharyngeal tube, or further measures. The primary study end point was incidence of hypoxemia (oxygen saturation [Sao 2] below 90 %); secondary end points included occurrences of severe hypoxemia (Sao 2 ≤ 85 %), bradycardia, and hypotension, and sedation quality (patient cooperation and satisfaction). RESULTS: 242 patients were enrolled at three German endoscopy centers. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no significant reduction in hypoxemia incidence in the capnography arm compared with the standard arm (38.0 % vs. 44.4 %, P = 0.314). Apnea was more frequently detected in the capnography arm (64.5 % vs. 6.0 %, P < 0.001). There were no differences regarding rates of bradycardia and hypotension. Per-protocol analysis showed lower incidence of hypoxemia in the capnography arm compared with the standard arm (31.5 % vs. 44.8 %, P = 0.048). There was one death related to sedation in the standard arm. Sedation quality was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Intention-to-treat analysis showed hypoxemia incidence was not significantly lower in the additional capnography arm compared with standard monitoring. Additional capnographic monitoring of ventilatory activity resulted in improved detection of apnea.

Single-day sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate versus split-dose polyethylene glycol for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy: A prospective randomized endoscopist-blinded trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The intake of polyethylene glycol (PEG) prior colonoscopy is frequently associated with nausea and abdominal discomfort. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate (PMC) is superior to a polyethylene glycol (PEG) preparation in regard to patient acceptance. Furthermore, it investigates possible differences in efficiency and patient safety. METHODS: In a randomised, prospective, and endoscopist-blinded study patients were 1:1 randomized to either use PMC or 4-L PEG in order to prepare for colonoscopy. Cleansing regimes consisted of a split-dose administration in the PEG arm and standard administration in the PMC arm. Primary end point was proportion of patients evaluating the bowel preparation procedure as "very distressing," defined as ≥ 8 points on a 10-point numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary end points were quality of bowel preparation and electrolyte parameters. RESULTS: PMC bowel-cleansing procedure was better tolerated compared with PEG (PMC(NRS<8) = 89.9% vs PEG(NRS<8) = 79.2%, P = 0.037). Mean declines in serum sodium (ΔSodium(PEG) = -0.76 ± 3.07 vs ΔSodium(PMC) = -3.38 ± 3.56 mmol/L; P < 0.001), chloride (ΔChloride(PEG) = -1.00 ± 3.22 vs ΔChloride(PMC) = -3.49 ± 3.51 mmol/L; P < 0.001), and osmolality (ΔOsmolality(PEG) = -4.23 ± 6.82 vs ΔOsmolality(PMC) = -8.83 ± 7.43 mosmol/kg; P < 0.001) were higher in the PMC arm than in the PEG arm. Hyponatremia after bowel preparation occurred more often in PMC (21.2%) than in PEG (4.0%) (P < 0.001). Successful preparation was achieved more frequently in the PEG arm (42.9% vs 82.2%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Standard picosulfate/magnesium citrate is better accepted than a split-dose PEG regimen. From the perspective of successful preparation and patients' safety, PEG is superior to PMC.

Trainee colonoscopists fulfil quality standards for the detection of adenomatous polyps.

BACKGROUND: The detection of adenomatous lesions is a major indicator for quality and competence in colonoscopy. Little is known about adenoma detection rates (ADR) of endoscopy trainees. The aim of our study was to investigate the performance of trainee colonoscopists in detecting adenomas and to depict the shape of adenoma detection learning curves during apprenticeship. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated a prospectively maintained database of a single tertiary referral center to reveal colonoscopies performed by trainee endoscopists during 2001 and 2013. Colonoscopy reports were chronologically retrieved and separately analyzed for each trainee. Using cumulative curves, courses of trainee's Adenoma detection rates (ADR) during apprenticeship were displayed. Additionally, procedural data including cecal intubation rate and occurrence of complications were assessed. RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed 4354 colonoscopies conducted by 10 trainee endoscopists (TE). A median number of 371 investigations were performed by each apprentice. Group ADR was 23%. No significant difference between aggregated ADRs at the beginning (23%) and at the end (22%) of apprenticeship could be determined (p = 0.70). However, individual learning curves showed considerable different slopes. Personal ADR values ranged between 17% and 31%. Overall cecum intubation rate was 99.0 %. Complication rates were low and fulfilled quality requirements recommended in guidelines. CONCLUSION: From the beginning of education, trainee colonoscopists are capable to provide high-quality investigations considering the detection of adenomas as a benchmark quality indicator. Nevertheless, performance differs markedly between investigators. Therefore, individual detection rates should be reviewed regularly to reveal further need for training.

Erosive esophageal reflux vs. non erosive esophageal reflux: oral findings in 71 patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the prevalence of acidic oral mucosal lesions and periodontal conditions in patients suffering from erosive esophageal reflux disease (ERD) compared with non erosive esophageal reflux disease (NERD) patients, both treated with long term proton pump inhibitors (PPI). METHODS: Seventy-one patients with diagnosed GERD were studied: i.e. 29 ERD and 42 NERD patients. Thorough visual examination of the oral mucosa and a periodontal evaluation was performed. The primary outcome was defined as a statistically significant difference, between the two groups, in the presence of acidic lesions of the oral mucosa and specific periodontal parameters. RESULTS: This study failed to demonstrate statistically significant differences between ERD and NERD patients with respect to the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions. However, significantly more ERD patients suffered from severe periodontitis (CAL ≥ 5 mm) as compared to NERD patients. Accordingly, it may be assumed that PPI-use had no adverse effects on the prevalence of acidic oral mucosal lesions and on periodontal destruction. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study it may be concluded that ERD and NERD patients need separate evaluation with respect to periodontal destruction. Moreover, long term PPI medication had no adverse clinical impact on acidic oral mucosal lesions and periodontal destruction. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of reflux in the periodontal destruction of ERD individuals.

Serum eosinophil cationic protein is superior to mast cell tryptase as marker for response to topical corticosteroid therapy in eosinophilic esophagitis.

GOALS: We evaluated the serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and mast cell tryptase (MCT) as surrogate markers for response to treatment in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) under topical steroid therapy with fluticasone. BACKGROUND: EoE is a chronic disease characterized histologically by eosinophilic inflammation of the esophagus. Esophageal mastocytosis and mast cell activation have been implicated in EoE pathogenesis. STUDY: Fifteen patients with EoE completed this prospective observational study. Before and after 3 months of therapy with fluticasone, eosinophilic and mast cell counts were analyzed from histologic samples of the esophagus and were correlated with serum markers ECP and MCT. RESULTS: Fluticasone-therapy significantly decreased mean eosinophils [from 42.2 to 16.2 eosinophils/high-power field (hpf); P=0.004] and mast cells (from 13.9 to 5.1 mast cells/hpf; P=0.001) in the esophageal epithelium. There was a significant decrease of mean ECP (from 15.6 to 5.5 µg/L; P=0.024) and MCT-serum-values (from 4.7 to 3.8 µg/L; P=0.029) under therapy. Serum-ECP correlated significantly with histologic eosinophilic counts after fluticasone-therapy (r=0.54; P=0.038) in contrast to serum-MCT. CONCLUSIONS: Serum-ECP but not serum-MCT could be a promising noninvasive biomarker to assess response to topical corticosteroid therapy in EoE. These findings should be confirmed by larger studies; ClincialTrials.gov number, NCT01624129.

Long-term follow-up after endoscopic stent therapy for benign biliary strictures.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic therapy holds an important role in the management of benign biliary strictures. This study compares the long-term outcome of stenting therapy depending on the underlying cause of the stricture. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, 228 patients with benign biliary strictures were identified using an endoscopic database, hospital charts, and cholangiograms between January 1992 and December 2008. Long-term follow-up was evaluated with cholangiograms, transabdominal ultrasound, laboratory parameters, and physical examination. The median follow-up period was 44.7 months. RESULTS: Endoscopic management showed best long-term results in patients with stone-associated biliary stricture. In this subgroup, endoscopic therapy could be successfully completed in 92% (71/77) of the patients. Patients with postoperative biliary stricture had good outcome in 83% (53/64) of cases. Idiopathic strictures presented a successful outcome in 58% (15/26). Biliary strictures caused by chronic pancreatitis had a significantly poorer outcome compared with strictures of other origin. Therapeutic success of endoscopic therapy could only be observed in 31% of patients (19/61). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term outcome of endoscopic therapy for benign strictures was significantly dependent on the underlying cause of the stricture. In particular, patients with biliary strictures due to chronic pancreatitis benefit least from endoscopic therapy, whereas patients with stone-associated strictures had the highest therapeutic success rate.

In vivo diagnosis of murine pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and early-stage pancreatic cancer by molecular imaging.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal disease with poor patient outcome often resulting from late diagnosis in advanced stages. To date methods to diagnose early-stage PDAC are limited and in vivo detection of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), a preinvasive precursor of PDAC, is impossible. Using a cathepsin-activatable near-infrared probe in combination with flexible confocal fluorescence lasermicroscopy (CFL) in a genetically defined mouse model of PDAC we were able to detect and grade murine PanIN lesions in real time in vivo. Our diagnostic approach is highly sensitive and specific and proved superior to clinically established fluorescein-enhanced imaging. Translation of this endoscopic technique into the clinic should tremendously improve detection of pancreatic neoplasia, thus reforming management of patients at risk for PDAC.

Myospherulosis.

Myospherulosis is a rare tumor caused by interaction of extravasated erythrocytes and exogenous or endogenous lipids. Fifty-nine articles presented 181 patients with myospherulosis since first description in 1969. Myospherulosis seems to occur in any age and in any part of the body; however, most frequent sites are paranasal sinus and subcutaneous tissue. In most cases, exogenous lipids from postoperative packing are damaging the erythrocytes, but also spontaneous cases are described. Diagnosis is made by histology but can be already suggested by radiographic imaging. Differential diagnoses include infections by fungi or algae due to histopathologic similarity. Besides that, radiographic imaging and morphology can wrongly be interpreted as carcinomas, metastases, osteofibrosis, or echinococcosis. Myospherulosis is a benign process, with symptoms deriving from the space occupying character and surgical excision can bring cure. We discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment and provide a systematic review of the literature on myospherulosis.