Monitoring endoscopic postoperative recurrence in Crohn's disease after an ileocecal resection. Does capsule endoscopy have a role in the short and long term?

Background: Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is a noninvasive method to detect endoscopic postoperative recurrence (POR) after an ileocolonic resection in Crohn's Disease (CD). Few studies have evaluated the role of SBCE in the early POR (= 12 months). Data for detection of late POR (>12 months) and evaluation of treatment response in previous POR is scarce. We aimed to assess the SBCE performance in the three scenarios (early-POR, late-POR, and previous-POR). Methods: Retrospective 11-year cohort study of SBCE procedures performed on CD patients with ileocolonic resection. Disease activity by Rutgeerts score (RS), correlation with biomarkers, and therapeutic changes were recorded. Results: We included 113 SBCE procedures (34 early-POR, 44 late-POR, and 35 previous-POR). 105 procedures (92.9%) were complete and 97 SBCE (85.5%) were conclusive with no differences between groups. Relevant POR (RS ≥i2) was more frequent in the early-POR group compared to late-POR (58.8% vs 27.3%, p=0.02). In the previous-POR, RS improved in 43.5% of procedures, worsened in 26%, and remained unchanged in 30.5%. Fecal calprotectin (FCP) value of 100µg/g displayed the best accuracy: sensitivity 53.8%, specificity 78.8%, positive predictive value 66.7% and negative predictive value 68.4%. SBCE guided therapeutic changes in 43 patients (38%). No adverse events occurred in our cohort. Conclusion: SBCE is a safe and effective method to assess POR in the early and late setting in clinical practice, and for the evaluation of treatment response to previous POR. FCP is an accurate surrogate marker of POR and 100µg/g value had the best overall accuracy.

[Capsule endoscopy interpretation: the role of physician extenders]. / Interpretación de la cápsula endoscópica: el papel del personal no especializado.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: capsule endoscopy (CE) allows for a new era in small-bowel examination. Nevertheless, physicians time for CE-interpretation remains longer than desirable. Alternative strategies to physicians have not been widely investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of physician extenders in CE-interpretation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: one CE-experienced gastroenterologist and two physician extenders reviewed independently 20 CE-procedures. Each reader was blinded to the findings of their colleagues. A consensus formed by the readers and a second CE-experienced gastroenterologist was used as gold standard. Number, type and location of images selected, character of CE-exams and their relationship with indications were recorded. Gastric emptying time (GEt), small-bowel transit time (SBTt) and time spent by readers were also noted. RESULTS: sensitivity and specificity for "overall" lesions was 79 and 99% for the gastroenterologist; 86 and 43% for the nurse; and 80 and 57% for the resident. All 34 "major" lesions considered by consensus were found by the readers. Agreement between consensus and readers for images classification and procedures interpretation was good to excellent (? from 0.55 to 1). No significant differences were found in the GEt and SBTt obtained by consensus and readers. The gastroenterologist was faster than physician extenders (mean time spent was 51.9 +/- 13.5 minutes versus 62.2 +/- 19 and 60.9 +/- 17.1 for nurse and resident, respectively; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: physician extenders could be the perfect complement to gastroenterologists for CE-interpretation but gastroenterologists should supervise their findings. Future cost-efficacy analyses are required to assess the benefits of this alternative.

[New applications of capsule endoscopy: PILLCAMTM ESO]. / Nuevas aplicaciones de la cápsula endoscópica: PILLCAM ESO.

Capsule endoscopy has opened a new era in small bowel examination. Its indications are now well-defined and currently, wireless capsule endoscopy is considered as the first-line imaging tool for the diagnosis of small bowel diseases. ECE has been shown to be feasible, safe and a good alternative technique in patients refusing conventional endoscopy. Although results reported in both GERD and cirrhotic patients are encouraging, great differences in terms of accuracy (particularly in GERD patients) have been found in published studies. These differences have been attributed to study designs, the lack of adequate experience and inconvenience of ingestion protocols. In summary, more large-scale studies evaluating the new 14-fps capsule, adequate ECE-experience and new modified ingestion protocols are still needed.

[Predictive pre-treatment value of the Prognostic Nutritional Index on survival in gastric carcinoma]. / Valor predictivo pre-tratamiento del Índice Pronóstico Nutricional sobre la supervivencia del carcinoma gástrico.

BACKGROUND: The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) combines the values of circulating lymphocytes and serum albumin and, in the Asian literature; it has been related with the prognosis following R0 resection of gastric cancer. No results are available in Western countries. We study the possible independent prognostic value, at the moment of the tumour's diagnosis, of PNI on survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We review 234 consecutive gastric carcinomas, calculating global survival and tumour-specific survival. We considered pre-treatment PNI values of < 40 to be pathological. We carried out a univariate and multivariate analysis of cases of survival according to PNI, including the following adjustment variables: age > 70 years, ASA anaesthetic at the time of diagnosis, size of the neoplasia > 5cm, macroscopic type, undifferentiated degree and TNM clinical stage through echoendoscopy and/or CAT. RESULTS: The univariate analysis registered greater global and specific survival in cases with PNI ≥ 40 versus PNI < 40: [HR = 2.28; CI 95% = (1.60-3.26); p< 0.001] and [HR = 2.35; CI 95% = (1.63-3.39); p< 0.001], respectively. The multivariate analysis confirmed a better independent prognosis in cases with OI ≥ 40: global survival: [HR = 1.48; CI 95% = (1.02-2.16); p = 0.040], specific survival: [HR = 1.51; CI 95% = (1.03-2.23); p = 0.036]. CONCLUSIONS: At the moment of diagnosis of gastric cancer and including all registered cases, a PNI ≥ 40 is accompanied by a signifi-cantly greater global and tumour-specific survival. In our series, this better prognosis is independent of the patient's age group, his/her ASA classification, the size and degree of differentiation of the neoplasia and its TNM clinical stage.

[Autoimmune pancreatitis: a case report]. / Pancreatitis autoinmune: a propósito de un caso.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an infrequent pathology, although there is a growing incidence in Eastern countries, which might be due to a greater rate of detection. It can be associated with other auto immune pathologies and its association with IgG4-related systemic disease has been described.Its clinical presentation is varied and the normal treatment is medical, using corticoids.A diagnosed clinical case is described.

[Non-small bowel lesions detected with capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding]. / Detección de lesiones fuera del intestino delgado con cápsula endoscópica en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva oculta.

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for approximately 5-10% of patients presenting with gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The majority of lesions responsible were found to be located in the small bowel. Currently, capsule en-doscopy is the first-line tool to investigate the small bowel as it is a non-invasive, feasible and simple procedure. Howe-ver, capsule endoscopy sometimes identifies the source of bleeding outside the small bowel and within the reach of conventional endoscopy. We present the case of a 46 year-old man with few prior negative endoscopic procedures and iron-deficiency anaemia due to gastric GIST.

[Utility of endoscopy in digestive hemorrhage due to vasculitis]. / Utilidad de la endoscopia en la hemorragia digestiva por vasculitis.

Vasculitides constitute a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. The skin is mainly affected, although the gastrointestinal tract mucosa can also be involved. The contribution of endoscopy in these cases has not been clearly determined. We report three cases of systemic vasculitis (polyarteritis nodosa, Schonlein-Henoch purpura and Behcet's disease) presenting with acute digestive bleeding. Endoscopy was an effective technique for completing the diagnosis and in establishing an effective nonsurgical therapeutic approach in these potentially lethal cases of gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

[Severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding in a 25-year-old patient]. / Hemorragia digestiva baja grave en joven de 25 años.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding refers to blood loss originating from a site distal to the ligament of Treitz. The aetiology varies depending on the age of patients. Excluding benign anorectal pathology in children and young people, Meckel's diverticulum, juvenile polyps and inflammatory bowel disease are the main causes. Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, being present in about 2% of the general population. Most Meckel's diverticulum are asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally. The risk of complications is 4-6%, with bleeding as one of them.

Valor predictivo pre-tratamiento del Índice Pronóstico Nutricional sobre la supervivencia del carcinoma gástrico / Predictive pre-treatment value of the Prognostic Nutritional Index on survival in gastric carcinoma

Fundamento: El Índice Pronóstico nutricional (IPN) combina los valores de los linfocitos circulantes y la albúmina sérica y, en la literatura asiática, se le ha relacionado con el pronóstico tras la resección R0 del cáncer gástrico, sin disponer de resultados en países occidentales. Estudiamos, en el momento del diagnóstico del tumor, el posible valor pronóstico independiente del IPN, sobre la supervivencia. Pacientes y Métodos: Revisamos 234 carcinomas gástricos consecutivos, determinando la supervivencia global y la específica por el tumor. Consideramos patológicos los valores del IPN pre-tratamiento < 40. Realizamos un análisis univariante y multivariante de las supervivencias según el IPN, incluyendo las siguientes variables de ajuste: edad > 70 años, ASA anestésico al diagnóstico, tamaño de la neoplasia > 5 cm, tipo macroscópico infiltrante, grado indiferenciado y estadificación clínica TNM mediante ecoendoscopia y/o TAC. Resultados: El análisis univariante registró una mayor supervivencia global y específica en los casos con IPN ≥ 40 versus IPN < 40: [HR = 2,28; IC 95% = (1,60-3,26); p< 0,001] y [HR = 2,35; IC 95% = (1,63-3,39); p< 0,001], respectivamente. El análisis multivariante confirmó un mejor pronóstico independiente en los casos con IO ≥ 40: supervivencia global: [HR = 1,48; IC 95% = (1,02-2,16); p = 0,040], supervivencia específica: [HR = 1,51; IC 95% = (1,03-2,23); p = 0,036]. Conclusiones: En el momento del diagnóstico del cáncer gástrico e incluyendo la totalidad de los casos registrados, un IPN ≥ 40 se acompaña de una supervivencia global y específica por el tumor significativamente mayor. En nuestra serie, este mejor pronóstico es independiente del grupo de edad del paciente, de su clasificación ASA, del tamaño y grado de diferenciación de la neoplasia y de su estadificación clínica TN (AU)

Background: The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) combines the values of circulating lymphocytes and serum albumin and, in the Asian literature; it has been related with the prognosis following R0 resection of gastric cancer. No results are available in Western countries. We study the possible independent prognostic value, at the moment of the tumour's diagnosis, of PNI on survival. Patients and methods: We review 234 consecutive gastric carcinomas, calculating global survival and tumour-specific survival. We considered pre-treatment PNI values of < 40 to be pathological. We carried out a univariate and multivariate analysis of cases of survival according to PNI, including the following adjustment variables: age > 70 years, ASA anaesthetic at the time of diagnosis, size of the neoplasia > 5cm, macroscopic type, undifferentiated degree and TNM clinical stage through echoendoscopy and/or CAT. Results: The univariate analysis registered greater global and specific survival in cases with PNI ≥ 40 versus PNI < 40: [HR = 2.28; CI 95% = (1.60-3.26); p< 0.001] and [HR = 2.35; CI 95% = (1.63-3.39); p< 0.001], respectively. The multivariate analysis confirmed a better independent prognosis in cases with OI ≥ 40: global survival: [HR = 1.48; CI 95% = (1.02-2.16); p = 0.040], specific survival: [HR = 1.51; CI 95% = (1.03-2.23); p = 0.036]. Conclusions: At the moment of diagnosis of gastric cancer and including all registered cases, a PNI ≥ 40 is accompanied by a significantly greater global and tumour-specific survival. In our series, this better prognosis is independent of the patient's age group, his/her ASA classification, the size and degree of differentiation of the neoplasia and its TNM clinical stage (AU)

Detección de lesiones fuera del intestino delgado con cápsula endoscópica en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva oculta / Non-small bowel lesions detected with capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

La hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro constituye el 5-10% del total de hemorragias digestivas, siendo el intestino delgado la localización más frecuente. Por su sencillez y fiabilidad la enteroscopia con cápsula es la técnica de elección tras un primer estudio endoscópico negativo (gastroscopia e ileo-colonoscopia). Sin embargo, en ocasiones, el origen del sangrado no se identifica en el interior de éste, sino fuera y al alcance de la endoscopia convencional (esófago, estómago o colon). Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 46 años con anemia ferropénica y varios estudios endoscópicos previos negativos a quien se detectó un tumor gástrico (GIST) durante una enteroscopia con cápsula. El diagnóstico definitivo se obtuvo tras el estudio histológico de la pieza quirúrgica (AU)

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for approximately 5-10% of patients presenting with gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The majority of lesions responsible were found to be located in the small bowel. Currently, capsule endoscopy is the first-line tool to investigate the small bowel as it is a non-invasive, feasible and simple procedure. However, capsule endoscopy sometimes identifies the source of bleeding outside the small bowel and within the reach of conventional endoscopy. We present the case of a 46 year-old man with few prior negative endoscopic procedures and iron-deficiency anaemia due to gastric GIST (AU)

Pancreatitis autoinmune: a propósito de un caso / Autoimmune pancreatitis: a case report

La pancreatitis autoinmune (PAI) es una patología poco frecuente, aunque con una creciente incidencia en países orientales, si bien esto podría deberse a una mayor tasa de detección. Puede asociarse a otras patologías autoinmunes, y se ha descrito su asociación con la enfermedad sistémica por IgG4. La clínica es variada y el tratamiento habitualmente es médico, mediante corticoides. Se describe un caso clínico diagnosticado (AU)

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an infrequent pathology, although there is a growing incidence in Eastern countries, which might be due to a greater rate of detection. It can be associated with other autoimmune pathologies and its association with IgG4-related systemic disease has been described. Its clinical presentation is varied and the normal treatment is medical, using corticoids. A diagnosed clinical case is described (AU)

Hemorragia digestiva baja grave en joven de 25 años / Severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding in a 25-year-old patient

La hemorragia digestiva baja se define como la que tiene su origen por debajo del ligamento de Treitz. La etiología de la misma varía dependiendo de la edad de los pacientes. Excluida la patología anorrectal benigna, en niños y jóvenes las causas más habituales son el divertículo de Meckel, los pólipos juveniles y la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. El divertículo de Meckel es la anomalía congénita más frecuente del tracto gastrointestinal, estando presente en el 2% de la población general. La mayoría de los divertículos de Meckel son asintomáticos y se diagnostican de forma incidental. Aproximadamente, el riesgo de presentar complicaciones es del 4-6%, siendo la hemorragia una de ellas. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 25 años, que acudió a nuestro servicio con un cuadro de molestias abdominales inespecíficas y rectorregia. Tras estudio endoscópico completo, el diagnóstico de divertículo de Meckel se realizó intraoperatoriamente. Se realizó resección ileal incluyendo el divertículo, con evolución posterior satisfactoria(AU)

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding refers to blood loss originating from a site distal to the ligament of Treitz. The aetiology varies depending on the age of patients. Excluding benign anorectal pathology in children and young people, Meckel’s diverticulum, juvenile polyps and inflammatory bowel disease are the main causes. Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, being present in about 2% of the general population. Most Meckel’s diverticulum are asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally. The risk of complications is 4-6%, with bleeding as one of them(AU)