Exploring the utility of EUS in Budd-Chiari syndrome: a multicenter multiobserver prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is essentially radiologic and is needed to plan appropriate therapy. We therefore conducted this proof of concept study to assess the utility of EUS in assessing the anatomy of BCS. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, observational study enrolled 50 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of BCS. All patients underwent a detailed EUS examination by 3 independent endosonographers, blinded to the anatomic details of BCS and others' findings. The EUS examination was compared between the endosonographers and with conventional angiography (where available) or magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Outcomes assessed were interobserver agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy in diagnosing pathologic lesions of BCS. RESULTS: Fifty BCS patients (mean age, 34 years [range, 13-65]) underwent EUS. Results showed good agreement among endosonographers for diagnosing right hepatic vein (κ = .716) and left hepatic vein lesions (κ = .722), moderate agreement for middle hepatic vein lesions (κ = .660), and very good agreement for inferior vena cava (IVC) lesions (κ = .823). EUS demonstrated high sensitivity and positive predictive value, low interobserver variability, and overall diagnostic accuracy for BCS lesions. CONCLUSIONS: EUS is a safe and accurate diagnostic tool for BCS. It can provide accurate mapping of hepatic veins, intrahepatic collaterals, and the IVC.

Navigating portal hypertension: Unlocking safe passage to healthy pregnancy in EHPVO.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pregnancy is associated with hyperdynamic circulatory state and increased risk of portal hypertension related complications in patients with extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). We aim to study the impact of EHPVO on pregnancy-related outcomes with focus on subset of patients with UGIB (upper GI bleed). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of obstetric, maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients with EHPVO registered between January 2006 and December 2022. Forty-five patients were included. Forty-five healthy females with low-risk pregnancies formed the control group. RESULTS: Adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes were comparable between EHPVO and control group (22% vs. 28.6%; p > .05; low birth weight/ small for gestational age 17.8% vs. 36%, p = .0918 and 14.2% vs. 10%, p = .5698 respectively). Adverse outcomes were similar in patients with and without history of UGIB (26.3% vs. 19.4%, p = .0814; 17.8% vs. 36%, p = .0918; 14.2% vs. 10%, p = .5698). There was no maternal mortality in both the groups. A total of 7% pregnancies in EHPVO patients were complicated by ascites. CONCLUSIONS: EHPVO pregnancies have successful obstetric and neonatal outcomes with adequate management of portal hypertension.

Adverse events with EUS-guided biliary drainage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Multiple meta-analyses have evaluated the technical and clinical success of EUS-guided biliary drainage (BD), but meta-analyses concerning adverse events (AEs) are limited. The present meta-analysis analyzed AEs associated with various types of EUS-BD. METHODS: A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was conducted from 2005 to September 2022 for studies analyzing the outcome of EUS-BD. The primary outcomes were incidence of overall AEs, major AEs, procedure-related mortality, and reintervention. The event rates were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five studies (7887 patients) were included in the final analysis. The pooled clinical success rates and incidence of AEs with EUS-BD were 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94.1-95.9) and 13.7% (95% CI, 12.3-15.0), respectively. Among early AEs, bile leak was the most common followed by cholangitis with pooled incidences of 2.2% (95% CI, 1.8-2.7) and 1.0% (95% CI, .8-1.3), respectively. The pooled incidences of major AEs and procedure-related mortality with EUS-BD were .6% (95% CI, .3-.9) and .1% (95% CI, .0-.4), respectively. The pooled incidences of delayed migration and stent occlusion were 1.7% (95% CI, 1.1-2.3) and 11.0% (95% CI, 9.3-12.8), respectively. The pooled event rate for reintervention (for stent migration or occlusion) after EUS-BD was 16.2% (95% CI, 14.0-18.3; I2 = 77.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high clinical success rate, EUS-BD may be associated with AEs in one-seventh of the cases. However, major AEs and mortality incidence remain less than 1%, which is reassuring.

Efficacy and safety of endosonography-guided transvascular needle aspiration of thoracic and abdominal lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of intrathoracic and abdominal masses is challenging when lesions are located behind major vessels. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transvascular needle aspiration (TVNA) provides a potentially useful diagnostic tool for such lesions. Data with respect to the safety and outcome of E-TVNA are scarce. Hence, this meta-analysis was conducted to assess the critical role of E-TVNA for diagnosis of various lesions. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A meta-analysis was performed by pooling the data from studies obtained from comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, and Scopus from January 2000 to September 2022. The outcomes analyzed included sample adequacy, diagnostic accuracy and adverse events including bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies (n = 411) were included in the final analysis. The pooled rate of sample adequacy was 91.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 86.8-96.2], while the pooled rate of diagnostic accuracy was 85.0% (95% CI: 78.9-91.2). The pooled rate of bleeding with E-TVNA was 1.4% (95% CI 0.0-3.1%). All the episodes of bleeding were mild and resolved without any further intervention. There was no significant heterogeneity with respect to various outcomes and results were comparable on sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: E-TVNA offers a safe and accurate diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of mediastinal and abdominal lesions located on the other side of major vessels. Selection of potential candidates and close periprocedural observation are essential to improve the outcome.

Tofacitinib in ulcerative colitis - Small molecule but large effect.

None.

Adverse events with endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The technical and clinical effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided gastroenterostomy (GE) has been reported by several meta-analyses, but few of them have addressed the adverse events (AE). The goal of the current meta-analysis was to analyze the AEs associated with various types of EUS-GE. METHODS: All relevant studies reporting the AEs with EUS-GE were searched from 2000 to 31st March 2023 in MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus. The event rates were pooled using a random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 36 studies (n = 1846) were included in the meta-analysis. The present meta-analysis reports a pooled technical success rate of 96.9% (95.9-98.0; I2 = 29.3%) with a pooled clinical success rate of 90.6% (88.5-92.7; I2 = 60.9%). The pooled incidence of overall AEs with EUS-GE was 13.0% (10.3-15.7; I2 = 69.7%), with the commonest being maldeployment of the stent, seen in 4.6% (3.2-6.0; I2 = 50.6%). The pooled incidences of serious AE and procedure-related mortality were 1.2% (0.7-1.8; I2 = 1.9%) and 0.3% (0.0-0.7; I2 = 0.0%), respectively. Subgroup analysis of studies using only the free-hand technique showed a significantly lower overall AE and maldeployment but not serious AE and other individual AEs. The pooled incidences of delayed stent migration and stent occlusion were 0.5% (0.0-1.1; I2 = 0.0%) and 0.8% (0.2-1.3; I2 = 0.0%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite a technical and clinical success rate of >90%, AEs are seen in around one-seventh of the cases of EUS-GE, maldeployment being the commonest. However, the pooled incidence of serious AE and mortality remains low, which is reassuring.

Partial Splenic Artery Embolization for the Management of Symptomatic Hypersplenism in Portal Hypertension: Clinical Insights from a Case Series.

Background and aims: Partial splenic artery embolization (PSAE) is an alternative treatment modality for managing hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension. We are presenting a case series of patients with portal hypertension who underwent PSAE for symptomatic hypersplenism. Methods: We included patients with portal hypertension who underwent PSAE from January 2022 to December 2022. Patients' characteristics and procedure related complications were noted. Data were analyzed for improvement in the hematological parameters. Results: A total of 11 (7 women, median age 34 [18-56] years) patients were included. Three patients were cirrhotic (hepatitis B-2, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease -1) and 8 were non-cirrhotic (extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction-5, Non cirrhotic portal fibrosis-3). Splenic artery aneurysm was concomitantly present in 5 cases. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Post embolization, hemoglobin, white blood cells and platelet counts improved at 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks along with symptomatic improvement. All patients had post-embolization syndrome. One patient developed transient ascites and secondary bacterial peritonitis which was managed conservatively. One patient died due to splenic abscess and septicemia. Conclusion: Although, hematological parameters and symptoms improve post procedure, PSAE is associated with major complications and should be performed judiciously in selected cases only. Graphical abstract is presented in Figure 1.

Changing Etiological Spectrum of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in India-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Recent studies from both India and outside India have shown a change in the etiological profile of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to analyze the etiological spectrum and changing trends of HCC etiology in India using a systematic review of current literature and meta-analysis. Methods: Electronic databases of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase were searched from inception to July 2023 for studies reporting the data on the etiology of HCC from India. The pooled proportions with 95% confidence interval were calculated using summative statistics. Results: A total of 60 studies (n = 12,327) were included in the final analysis. The pooled proportions of HCC cases with at least one positive and negative viral marker were 56.0 (49.5-62.6) and 43.1% (36.5-49.8), respectively. The pooled proportion of HCC cases with positive hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers was 41.0 (35.8-46.1), while those with positive markers for hepatitis C virus were 20.3 (17.0-23.6). The pooled proportion of cases with HCC with significant alcohol intake was 19.0% (15.6-22.4), and those related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were 16.9% (12.1-21.7). Around 7.9% (5.8-10.0) of the cases had HCC with multiple etiologies. Subgroup analysis showed a significant variation with the location of the study based on zone. Meta-regression analysis based on publication year (1990-2023) showed a significant reduction in the proportion of cases with HBV and an increase in cases with NAFLD. In contrast, the proportion of cases with hepatitis C virus and alcohol did not change significantly. Conclusion: Viral hepatitis is the most common etiology of HCC in India, predominantly HBV. The proportions of cases with HCC related to NAFLD are increasing, and those related to HBV are declining.

Approach to Pancreatic Head Mass in the Background of Chronic Pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer. CP may present with an inflammatory mass, and differentiation from pancreatic cancer is often difficult. Clinical suspicion of malignancy dictates a need for further evaluation for underlying pancreatic cancer. Imaging modalities remain the mainstay of evaluation for a mass in background CP; however, they have their shortcomings. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become the go-to investigation. Adjunct modalities such as contrast-harmonic EUS and EUS elastography, as well as EUS-guided sampling using newer-generation needles are useful in differentiating inflammatory from malignant masses in the pancreas. Paraduodenal pancreatitis and autoimmune pancreatitis often masquerade as pancreatic cancer. In this narrative review, we discuss the various modalities used to differentiate inflammatory from malignant masses of the pancreas.

Standard and Extended Thromboprophylaxis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Literature Review.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, frequently experience venous thromboembolism (VTE), a potentially fatal consequence. The pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to VTE include inflammation, modifications in coagulation factors, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet activation. Numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, have a significant impact on the thrombotic cascade. Patients with IBD are more likely to suffer VTE for a variety of causes. Exacerbations of preexisting conditions, admission to the hospital, surgical intervention, immobilization, corticosteroid usage, central venous catheterization, and hereditary susceptibility all fit into this category. The mainstay of therapy for VTE in IBD patients includes anticoagulation that is individualized for each patient depending on the thrombosis site, severity, bleeding risk, and interaction with other drugs. In some high-risk IBD patients, such as those having major surgery or hospitalized with severe flare, preventive anticoagulation may play a role. However, the acceptance rate for this recommendation is low. Additionally, there is a subset of patients who would require extended thromboprophylaxis. The majority of the studies that looked into this question consisted of patients in the surgical setting. Emerging data suggest that risk factors other than surgery can also dictate the duration of anticoagulation. While extending anticoagulation in all patients may help reduce VTE-related mortality, identifying these risk factors is important. Hence, the decision to initiate prophylaxis should be individualized, considering the overall thrombotic and bleeding risks. This review explores the relationship between IBD and VTE, including risk factors, epidemiology, and prevention. A multifactorial approach involving aggressive management of underlying inflammation, identification of modifiable risk factors, and judicious use of anticoagulant therapy is essential for reducing the burden of VTE in this vulnerable population. How to cite this article: Harindranath S, Varghese J, Afzalpurkar S, et al. Standard and Extended Thromboprophylaxis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Literature Review. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2023;13(2):133-141.

Post-paracentesis Ascitic Fluid Leak in Patients with Cirrhosis of Liver and its Management: A Prospective Study.

Background: Ascites is the most common complication of decompensated cirrhosis of liver requiring paracentesis for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The ascitic fluid leak can develop after paracentesis in patients with cirrhosis leading to significant morbidity if persistent. We aimed to study the incidence and predictors of post-paracentesis leak in patients with ascites. Methods: In this prospective study, patients with cirrhosis undergoing therapeutic paracentesis were followed up, and those patients who developed persistent leak were included as cases. Controls were randomly selected in a 2:1 ratio from the group of patients who did not develop leak. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 256 patients underwent 1126 sessions of therapeutic abdominal paracentesis over a period of 14 months. Post-paracentesis leak was seen in 55 (4.8%) patients while only 20 (1.7%) patients had persistent leak. The management of leak was in a stepwise manner initially with tincture benzoin with tight dressing followed by topical cyanoacrylate adhesive and followed by autologous blood patch in those not responding. The persistent leak group had higher proportion of patients with parietal edema, higher PT-INR and Child-Pugh score, lower mid-upper arm circumference, short physical performance battery score, and handgrip strength. On multivariate analysis, only the presence of parietal edema was an independent predictor of post-paracentesis persistent leak (odds ratio 10.35, 95% confidence interval 1.61-66.54, P = 0.014). Conclusion: Persistent leak after paracentesis develops in a minority of patients with cirrhosis. The presence of parietal edema is a risk factor for persistent leak. The majority of these patients can be managed in a stepwise approach.

Diagnostic performance and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition of gallbladder lesions: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition (TA) is widely used for various target samples, but its efficacy in gallbladder (GB) lesions is unknown. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to assess the pooled adequacy, accuracy and safety of EUS-TA of GB lesions. METHODS: A literature search from January 2000 to August 2022 was done for studies analyzing the outcome of EUS-guided TA in patients with GB lesions. Pooled event rates were expressed with summative statistics. RESULTS: The pooled rate of sample adequacy for all GB lesions and malignant GB lesions was 97.0% (95% CI: 94.5-99.4) and 96.6% (95% CI: 93.8-99.3), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of malignant lesions were 90% (95% CI: 85-94; I2 = 0.0%) and 100% (95% CI: 86-100; I2 = 0.0%), respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.915. EUS-guided TA had a pooled diagnostic accuracy rate of 94.6% (95% CI: 90.5-96.6) for all GB lesions and 94.1% (95% CI: 91.0-97.2) for malignant GB lesions. There were six reported mild adverse events (acute cholecystitis = 1, self-limited bleeding = 2, self-limited episode of pain = 3) with a pooled incidence of 1.8% (95% CI: 0.0-3.8) and none of the patients had serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided tissue acquisition from GB lesions is a safe technique with high sample adequacy and diagnostic accuracy. EUS-TA can be an alternative when traditional sampling techniques fail or are not feasible.

Does a coaxial double pigtail stent reduce adverse events after lumen apposing metal stent placement for pancreatic fluid collections? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Lumen apposing metal stents (LAMSs) have a higher clinical success rate for managing pancreatic fluid collections. But they are associated with adverse events (AEs) like bleeding, migration, buried stent, occlusion, and infection. It has been hypothesized that placing a double pigtail stent (DPS) within LAMS may mitigate these AEs. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to compare the outcome and AEs associated with LAMS with or without a coaxial DPS (LAMS-DPS). Methods: A comprehensive literature search of three databases from January 2010 to August 2022 was conducted for studies comparing the outcome and AEs of LAMS alone and LAMS-DPS. Pooled incidence and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for all the dichotomous outcomes. Results: Overall, eight studies (n = 460) were included in the final analysis. The clinical success rate (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.87-1.14) and the risk of overall AEs (RR 1.60, 95% CI: 0.95-2.68) remained comparable between both groups. There was no difference in the risk of bleeding between LAMS alone and LAMS-DPS (RR 1.80, 95% CI: 0.83-3.88). Individual analysis of other AEs, including infection, stent migration, occlusion, and reintervention, showed no difference in the risk between both procedures. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis shows that coaxial DPS within LAMS may not reduce AE rates or improve clinical outcomes. Further larger studies, including patients with walled-off necrosis, are required to demonstrate the benefit of coaxial DPS within LAMS.

Utility of gastroscopy in the left lateral semi-recumbent position: A blood-free coup!

Background and study aims The utility of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in the left lateral semi-recumbent position in the setting of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) with a persistent fundal pool of blood for adequate visualization and effective endotherapy has not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of this position in such settings. Patients and methods A prospective study of patients presenting with acute UGIB with an uncleared fundal pool of blood was conducted. All underwent EGD in the left lateral decubitus and secondary left lateral semi-recumbent positions. Outcomes in secondary position in terms of adequate visualization of the fundus, identification of new or additional sources of bleeding, and effectiveness of endotherapy were studied. Results We screened 860 patients and included 44 patients (5.11%) with a persistent fundal pool of blood. Endoscopy in the primary position revealed the source of bleeding in 37 of 44 patients (84%). The source of the bleeding was not identified in seven of 44 patients (16%). Endoscopy in the secondary position showed clearance of fundal pool in all 44 patients (100%). A new source of bleeding was identified in all seven patients (100%) and an additional source could be identified in another five patients (13.6%). Endotherapy was performed in the secondary position for all 44 patients with 100% technical success and 94% clinical success. Conclusions These data show that endotherapy in the left lateral semi-recumbent position is feasible, safe, and effective. It should be done when endoscopy in the left lateral decubitus position reveals a pool of blood in the fundus and there is inadequate visualization of the fundus.