Can endoscopic ultrasound distinguish between mediastinal benign lymph nodes and those involved by sarcoidosis, lymphoma, or metastasis?

BACKGROUND: Lymph nodes (LNs) echofeatures on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and concurrent fine needle aspiration (FNA) are alternatives to highly invasive approaches for etiologic diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy (MLAD). AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of LNs echofeatures and FNA via EUS to distinguish benign LNs from LNs involved by sarcoidosis, lymphoma, and metastasis in non-lung cancer patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent EUS-FNA for MLAD was performed. Echofeatures of LNs including echogenicity, margins, shape, and LN size were recorded. Final diagnosis was made based on surgical sampling or clinical diagnosis with long-term follow-up. Only patients diagnosed as benign MLAD, sarcoidosis, lymphoma, and metastasis included. Diagnostic value of echofeatures and FNA was evaluated. RESULTS: Included were 162 patients with final diagnosis of benign (68), sarcoidosis (33), lymphoma (20), and metastasis (41). The median LN along axis in the benign group [20.5 mm (6-76)] was significantly shorter than in the metastasis [28 mm (9-82)] and sarcoidosis [27 mm (17-50)] groups (p < 0.05). The median LN short axis in the benign group [11 mm (2-50)] was significantly shorter than in the metastasis [17 mm (5-44)] and lymphoma [16 mm (7-47)] groups (p < 0.05). No other echofeatures showed a discriminant value among the groups. When performing FNA, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of EUS-FNA were 73.7, 100, 100, 72.2, and 84.4 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although benign MLAD tend to be smaller than other etiologies, echofeatures of LNs are not reliable etiologic diagnostic approach to MLAD. Therefore, FNA is suggested when feasible. However, due to relatively low sensitivity, LNs with benign FNA results should be subjected to further work-up if they are clinically suspicious.

Pilot study on light dosimetry variables for photodynamic therapy of Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia.

PURPOSE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used to treat Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia and mucosal carcinoma. Outcomes are variable with some patients having persistent disease, whereas others develop strictures. The aims of this study were (a) to compare porfimer sodium tissue uptake, light dose, and esophageal thickness with clinical outcomes and (b) to determine the selectivity of porfimer sodium uptake in diseased and normal epithelium. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Forty-eight hours after porfimer sodium infusion, patients underwent mucosal biopsy for quantification of the porfimer sodium. Laser light was delivered at 48 hours and again 24 or 48 hours later. Porfimer sodium was extracted from the biopsy samples and quantified using fluorescence spectroscopy. The enhanced photodynamic dose was determined as [porfimer sodium content * light dose/esophageal thickness]. PDT efficacy was determined 6 to 8 weeks later based on persistence or complete ablation of dysplasia or carcinoma. RESULTS: Mean porfimer sodium content of 6.2 mg/kg (range, 2.6-11.2 mg/kg) and mean total light dose of 278 J/cm (range, 225-360 J/cm) resulted in a complete treatment. Mean porfimer sodium tissue content of 3.9 mg/kg (range, 2.1-8.1 mg/kg) and mean total light dose of 268 J/cm (range, 250-350 J/cm) resulted in an incomplete treatment. The total esophageal thickness (range, 1.7-6.0 mm) and enhanced photodynamic dose were correlated with treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal thickness is the strongest predictor of treatment outcome. The porfimer sodium content of Barrett's and normal tissue is not significantly different. "Photodynamic dose" for esophageal PDT should incorporate the esophageal thickness.

The natural history of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors: a multicenter endoscopic ultrasound survey.

GOALS: To evaluate the natural course of <3-cm upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and to determine the appropriate timing for EUS follow-up. BACKGROUND: Subepithelial tumors (SETs) can range from benign lesions to tumors with malignant behavior or potential to become malignant such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). EUS is considered a valuable tool for their evaluation as it estimates the exact size and layer of origin, and also additional morphologic features that can suggest the diagnosis. For high surgical risk patients and when no worrisome EUS features are seen, EUS surveillance of subepithelial tumors is often used. METHODS: Fifty-one patients (mean age, 61.2+/-11.8 y; median, 63 y) with asymptomatic <3-cm SETs of second and fourth echolayer were followed for a mean period of 29.7 months (range, 3 to 84; median, 23 mo) in 3 tertiary care institutions. Evaluation included location, echolayer, tumor diameter, internal echo pattern, and outer margin of lesions by EUS. EUS was performed by using miniprobes, radial and linear echoendoscopes. RESULTS: Follow-up revealed increase in size and/or change in echogenic features in 7/51 (13.7%) patients. Surgical follow-up was available for 3 of 7 of these patients. Two of the fourth layer SETs, which had both increase in size and change in echogenicity were found to be GISTs (+c-kit). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of <3-cm SETs does not change during a median of 23 months. The change in echogenicity and increase in size may indicate a GIST.

A case of mesenteric ischemia secondary to Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) with a positive outcome after intervention.

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-inflammatory, non-atherosclerotic angiopathy, which commonly affects the renal and internal carotid arteries. Although rare, FMD has the potential of involving the mesenteric vasculature. Due its low incidence and relatively little knowledge concerning its risk factors and etiology, actual diagnosis of FMD involving the mesenteric vessels requires a very high degree of suspicion. Upon review of the few reported cases of FMD causing mesenteric ischemia, it is clear that therapeutic interventions are rarely discussed and that positive outcomes are even more uncommon. Herein, we present the case of a 47 year-old female with mesenteric ischemia secondary to FMD, which was diagnosed and treated originally with angioplasty, then repeat angioplasty with stent placement, and finally with a bypass graft. Ultimately, the patient had a positive outcome, including eight month follow-up.

Glycemic control after total pancreatectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: an exploratory study.

Background. Glycemic control following total pancreatectomy (TP) has been thought to be difficult to manage. Diffuse intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a potentially curable precursor to pancreatic adenocarcinoma, best treated by TP. Objective. Compare glycemic control in patients undergoing TP for IPMN to patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Design/Setting. Retrospective cohort. Outcome Measure. Hemoglobin A1C(HbA1C) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after TP. In the control group, baseline was defined as 6 months prior to the first HbA1c measure. Results. Mean HgbA1C at each point of interest was similar between TP and type I DM patients (6 months (7.5% versus 7.7%, P = 0.52), 12 months (7.3% versus 8.0%, P = 0.081), 18 months (7.7% and 7.6%, P = 0.64), and at 24 months (7.3% versus 7.8%, P = 0.10)). Seven TP patients (50%) experienced a hypoglycemic event compared to 65 type 1 DM patients (65%, P = 0.38). Limitations. Small number of TP patients, retrospective design, lack of long-termfollowup. Conclusion. This suggests that glycemic control following TP for IPMNcan be well managed, similar to type 1 DM patients. Fear of DM following TP for IPMN should not preclude surgery when TP is indicated.

Lung cancer staging by combined endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): The gastroenterologist's perspective.

This review deals with the combined approach of endoscopic ultrasound and endobronchial ultrasound for lung cancer staging. The review provides an overview for the gastroenterologist who performs endosonography with regard to the current evidence supporting the use of endoscopic ultrasound and endobronchial ultrasound in clinical practice.

Patient outcomes after total pancreatectomy: a single centre contemporary experience.

INTRODUCTION: Total pancreatectomy (TP) is associated with significant metabolic abnormalities leading to considerable morbidity. With the availability of modern pancreatic enzyme formulations and improvements in control of diabetes mellitus, the metabolic drawbacks of TP have diminished. As indications for TP have expanded, we examine our results in patients undergoing TP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 47 patients undergoing TP from January 2002 to January 2008 was performed. Patient data and clinical outcomes were collected and entered into a database. Disease-free survival and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Fifteen males and 32 females with a median age of 70 years underwent TP for non-invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) (21), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (20), other neoplasm (3), chronic pancreatitis (2) and trauma (1). Median hospital stay and intensive care stay were 11 days and 1 day, respectively. Thirty-day major morbidity and mortality was 19% and 2%, respectively. With a median follow-up length of 23 months, 33 patients were alive at last follow-up. Estimated overall survival at 1, 2 and 3 years for the entire cohort was 80%, 72% and 65%, and for those with pancreatic adenocarcinoma was 63%, 43% and 34%, respectively. Median weight loss at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery was 6.8 kg, 8.5 kg and 8.8 kg, respectively. Median HbA1c values at 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery were 7.3, 7.5 and 7.7, respectively. Over one-half of the patients required re-hospitalization within 12 months post-operatively. CONCLUSION: TP results in significant metabolic derangements and exocrine insufficiency, diabetic control and weight maintenance remain a challenge and readmission rates are high. Survival in those with malignant disease remains poor. However, the mortality appears to be decreasing and the morbidities associated with TP appear acceptable compared with the benefits of resection in selected patients.

Endoscopic mucosal ablation for the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia with the HALO90 system: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) often results in GI bleeding and chronic anemia. Treatment options are limited and include medical, endoscopic, and surgical therapies. OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of endoscopic mucosal ablative therapy by using the HALO(90) system for patients with GAVE and recurrent bleeding. DESIGN: Prospective open-label case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Six consecutive patients with GAVE, bleeding, and blood transfusion dependence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Comparison of preablation and postablation Hb levels and transfusion requirements. To assess the number of ablation sessions needed to stabilize the Hb level and eliminate the need for blood transfusion. RESULTS: Six patients, (4 men, mean age 58 years, range 47-65 years) underwent endoscopic mucosal ablation of antral lesions (mean procedure time 29 minutes; mean treatments 1.7, range 1-3). The mean Hb level improved from 8.6 to 10.2 g/dl (mean 2 months after the last ablation). Five of 6 patients are no longer dependent on blood transfusions to maintain a stable Hb level. LIMITATIONS: This is a pilot study, with a small number of patients at a single center, with limited patient follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that endoscopic mucosal ablation by using the HALO(90) system is a promising treatment option for chronic bleeding related to GAVE.

West Nile Virus infection with hearing loss.

Since the New York outbreak in 1999, West Nile Virus (WNV) has spread across the United States and North America. The spectrum of disease may range from asymptomatic to debilitating neuroinvasive. We present a case of a woman with myasthenia gravis on immunosuppressive therapy who developed WNV meningoencephalitis presenting as flaccid paralysis and severe bilateral hearing loss. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of WNV-associated hearing loss, and the first reported in a patient with previously diagnosed myasthenia gravis. Of epidemiologic interest was that her mother, 81 years old and in previous good health, developed a WNV infection shortly before the patient's infection.