Efficacy and Safety of UI05MSP015CT in Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a controlled release, once-daily formulation of mosapride (UI05MSP015CT) in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS: Patients with FD were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either UI05MSP015CT (15 mg once a day, study group) or mosapride (5 mg three times a day, control group) and corresponding placebo for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was a change in the gastrointestinal symptom score (GIS) evaluated at enrollment and after 4 weeks. Secondary endpoints were changes in the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean version (NDI-K), rate of satisfactory symptom relief, and rate of adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients were enrolled (female, 73.9%; mean age, 44.0±15.4 years). After excluding patients who violated the study protocol, 59 and 58 patients from the study and control groups, respectively, were included in the per-protocol analysis. No difference was observed in drug compliance between the control and study groups (97.07%±4.52% vs 96.85%±6.05%, p=0.870). Changes in GIS scores were 9.69±6.44 and 10.01±5.92 in the study and control groups. The mean difference in GIS change between groups was 0.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.75 to 2.41), demonstrating non-inferiority of UI-05MSP015CT (p=0.755). The rate of satisfactory symptom relief was not different between the study and control groups (39.0% vs 56.9%, p=0.053). No differences in change in NDI-K score (14.3 vs 16.9, p=0.263) or rates of adverse events (12.9% vs. 4.4%, p=0.062) were observed between the study and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Once-daily mosapride is not inferior to conventional mosapride in efficacy and is safe in patients with FD.

A Case of Endoscopically Complete Remission of Esophageal Neuroendocrine Tumors by Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy / 대한소화기학회지

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the esophagus are extremely rare, aggressive and have a poor prognosis. Combined therapy using chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery appear effective. Here, we present a patient with a complaint of dysphagia who was diagnosed with this rare tumor. Upper gastrointestinal endoscope of a 46-year-old female revealed a localized ulcerative lesion in the middle esophagus. Histologic exam of biopsy specimens indicated a neuroendocrine carcinoma. The tumor cells were arranged in microtubular structures, with small and round cells containing scanty cytoplasm. They were positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin A on immunohistochemical staining. A computed tomography scan showed an esophageal tumor with enlarged superior mediastinal lymph nodes and about 1.2 cm sized liver metastasis, similar to findings in PET-CT scanning. The patient was prescribed chemotherapy consisting of etoposide and cisplatin, which led to regression of disease on follow-up imaging study. She continues under clinical observation. We seek to increase awareness of this exceedingly rare but hazardous disease by sharing our unexpected finding.

Nephrotic Syndrome Related to Early Gastric Cancer

Nephrotic syndrome results in a prolonged, heavy increase in glomerular permeability to proteins. Nephrotic syndrome caused by malignant neoplasms accounts for 7.9% to 10.9%. Nephrotic syndrome can improve following resection of gastric malignancies. However, the relationship between early gastric cancer and nephrotic syndrome has not been elucidated. We report a case of early gastric cancer with nephrotic syndrome that improved after resection of the primary gastric lesion by endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Adenosquamous Carcinoma in Distal Transverse Colon in a 72-Year-Old Female Patient

Adenocarcinoma accounts for most of the malignant tumors which originate from the colon, whereas the adenosquamous carcinoma is rather rare, totaling to about 0.06% of all colon cancers. Herein, we present a case of adenosquamous carcinoma of the transverse colon with hepatic metastasis. The patient is a 72-year-old woman who is presented with a chief of lower abdominal pains. Her colonoscopy has indicated an ulcerofungating mass about 4 cm x 3 cm in size in the distal transverse colon, and the biopsy confirmed her diagnosis of adenosquamous carcinoma. An abdominopelvic computed tomography shows an circumferential enhancing mass on her distal transverse colon with three hepatic metastatic nodules. Transverse colectomy and hepatectomy are later being performed.

Successful Treatment of a Gastric Plasmacytoma Using a Combination of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection and Oral Thalidomide

We report a rare case of a gastric plasmacytoma treated with endoscopic resection and oral thalidomide therapy. A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with indigestion. He had no specific medical history and unremarkable laboratory results. Gastroendoscopic findings revealed a focal, erythematous, flat elevated lesion in the anterior wall of the stomach antrum. A biopsy revealed atypical lymphocytes. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with an insulation-tipped knife was performed 45 days after diagnosis. Radiological and hematological evaluations, including a bone marrow biopsy, were performed and showed no involvement of other organs. The patient was diagnosed with extramedullary gastric plasmacytoma. Follow-up gastroendoscopy was performed three times during a 2-year period and showed nonspecific ESD scarring. The patient's condition was found to be stable.

Penumomediastinum and Subcutaneous Emphysema Developed Following Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: Two Cases

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is extensively used for the management of early gastric cancer. But many possible complications can occur. We report here two cases where subcutaneous empysema and pneumomediasinum occurred after ESD of early gastric cancers without perforation. The lesions were close to the esophagogastro-junction. The reason subcutaneous empysema and pneumomediasinum developed is lack of serosa of esophagus. Insufflated air may leak when the muscular layer is exposed during ESD. After intravenous antibiotics and total parenteral nutirition were administered, the patients improved without any other complications.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors between Gastric Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma and Gastric Adenocarcinoma / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastric lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LLC) is a rare cancer that presents with a unique histologic pattern that is characterized by poorly differentiated malignant cells infiltrating the background stroma along with massive lymphocyte infiltration. Many studies have shown that gastric LLC is associated with better prognosis than other gastric malignancies. However, the reason for better prognosis has not been clarified and the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we attempted to determine the clinical characteristics of gastric LLC and identify its prognostic factors related to improved survival. METHODS: A total of 18 patients were diagnosed with gastric LLC after resection from 2005 to 2012 at Department of Gastroenterology in Chungnam National University Hospital. The data of these patients were compared with 36 age- and sex-matched patients with poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma who also underwent resection during the same study period. RESULTS: Postoperative recurrence or metastasis tended to occur less frequent in gastric LLC than in poorly-differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. Among prognostic factors, only the number of lymph node metastases showed significant difference, with gastric LLC being associated with a smaller number of lymph node metastases. Regarding the disease free and overall survival rate, both were higher for gastric LLC than for poorly-differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma, albeit not statistically significant (p=0.089 and p=0.159, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma was associated with a higher number of lymph node metastases at diagnosis than gastric LCC. Other potential factors affecting prognosis were not significantly different between the two cancer types.

A Case of Gastric Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Presenting as Panperitonitis by Stomach Perforation

Gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare cause of gastric malignant tumors and has a poor prognosis. The carcinoma has histologic features characterized by irregular shape, thick cords and trabeculae of tumor cells. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells shows synaptophysin as positive. We report a case of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the stomach initially presenting as panperitonitis because of spontaneous tumor perforation. A 70-year-old man visited our emergency room because of abdominal pain. A preoperative abdominal CT showed a pneumoperitoneum in the upper abdomen suggesting ulcer perforation of the stomach. An emergent laparotomy with primary repair of the perforation was performed. After general conditions of the patient improved, endoscopic biopsy was performed. Pathologic examination revealed that the tumor was a gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma. Radical subtotal gastrectomy was additionaly performed.

A Case of Gastric Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Presenting as Panperitonitis by Stomach Perforation

Gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare cause of gastric malignant tumors and has a poor prognosis. The carcinoma has histologic features characterized by irregular shape, thick cords and trabeculae of tumor cells. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells shows synaptophysin as positive. We report a case of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the stomach initially presenting as panperitonitis because of spontaneous tumor perforation. A 70-year-old man visited our emergency room because of abdominal pain. A preoperative abdominal CT showed a pneumoperitoneum in the upper abdomen suggesting ulcer perforation of the stomach. An emergent laparotomy with primary repair of the perforation was performed. After general conditions of the patient improved, endoscopic biopsy was performed. Pathologic examination revealed that the tumor was a gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma. Radical subtotal gastrectomy was additionaly performed.

A Case of Angiographic Embolization of Aortoenteric Fistula Caused by Endovascular Stent Grafting for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm / 대한소화기학회지

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) developed after treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a rare but usually fatal complication. We report a rare case of AEF bleeding after endovascular stent grafting for AAA which was managed angiographically. An 81-year-old man presented with hematochezia and acute abdominal pain for 1 day ago. Four years ago, an aortic stent was implanted in the infrarenal aorta for AAA. Endoscopies were performed to evaluate the hematochezia. Evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was observed, but a clear bleeding point was not detected on upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography performed subsequently showed that the bleeding point was located in the fourth portion of the duodenum as an AEF caused by an inflammatory process in the stent-graft. Intra-arterial angiography showed a massive contrast leakage into the bowel via a small fistula from around the aortic stent graft site. Embolization was successfully performed by injecting a mixture of glue and lipiodol into the AEF tract. The patient was discharged with no evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding after the embolization.

Adenocarcinoma Occurring in a Gastric Hyperplastic Polyp Treated with Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Gastric hyperplastic polyps are generally considered benign lesions, although rare cases of adenocarcinoma have been reported. Although, the underlying mechanism of carcinogenesis in gastric hyperplastic polyps is still uncertain, most malignant polyps are seen to originate from dysplastic epithelium rather than from hyperplastic epithelium. Herein, we report the case of a woman diagnosed with adenocarcinoma that originated from a hyperplastic gastric polyp that was successfully removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection. In this case, we observed adenomatous changes around the cancerous component.

A Case of Gastroduodenal Fistula Caused by Gastric Ulcer

Gastroduodenal fistula or double pylorus is a very rare condition. It is a fistulous communication between gastric antrum and duodenal bulb. It can be either congenital or acquired. In most cases it is thought to be a complication of gastric ulcer. We recently experienced a case of gastroduodenal fistula in 70 year-old man presenting as epigastric pain. He was diagnosed with non ST elevation myocardial infarction previously, and was taking aspirin. Gastroduodenal communication was revealed by endoscopy. We report a case of gastroduodenal fistula that developed in man who was taking aspirin, with review of the literature.

The Clinical Significance of Specialized Intestinal Metaplasia in the Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus: Nationwide Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The meaning of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not clear. This study was designed to determine the clinical significance of SIM in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsies were taken from 601 subjects with endoscopically suspected columnar-lined esophagus. Under light microscopy with Alcian-blue stain, SIM was identified. Demographic characteristics, gastroesophageal (GE) reflux symptoms and endoscopic findings were compared between the SIM-present group and the SIM-absent group. RESULTS: Among 601 subjects, 184 (30.6%) were confirmed by pathology to have SIM. Age over 40 years (P<0.001) and a medication history of proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker were found more frequently in the SIM-present group (P=0.01) than in the SIM-absent group. Any of 7 GE reflux symptoms (heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness, globus sensation, cough and epigastric soreness) were more frequent in the SIM-present group than SIM-absent group (P<0.001). Specifically, heartburn, chest pain and cough were significantly more common in the SIM-present group. There was no clinically significant difference associated with endoscopic findings or other clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: When subjects with endoscopically suspected BE are analyzed based on the presence or absence of SIM, the SIM-present group was significantly associated with GE reflux symptoms suggestive of frequent GE reflux. However, the presence of SIM did not correlate with endoscopic findings.

A Case of Anaplastic Carcinoma of the Pancreas Mimicking a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor / 대한내과학회지

Anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas is an extremely rare but aggressive, rapidly progressive tumor. It often presents with invasion of adjacent organs and distant metastases. Most cases are inoperable and confirmed by autopsy. A correct diagnosis of stomach invasion by anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas is important due to the risk of bleeding, perforation by rapid tumor growth, and a poor prognosis. However, an accurate diagnosis is difficult as a result of the various clinical presentations, symptoms, and radiological findings. We herein report a case of anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas in a 78-year-old woman who presented with stomach invasion mimicking a gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

The Distribution of Endoscopic Gastritis in 25,536 Heath Check-up Subjects in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.

The Distribution of Endoscopic Gastritis in 25,536 Heath Check-up Subjects in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.

A Case of Mantle Cell Lymphoma Exhibiting Features of Gastric Linitis Plastica Type of Advanced Gastric Cancer

Mantle cell lymphoma has a broad spectrum of endoscopic presentations, such as thick, rigid folds that are indispensible on air insufflation, superficial confluent ulceration, or a polypoidal mass protruding into the lumen. The exact diagnosis is difficult to make because the lesion is in the submucosal layer and inaccessible by biopsy. Lesions will often exfoliate necrotic cells which make interpretation difficult, or they may be too small in number and size and thus indistinguishable from anaplastic carcinoma. We report a case of mantle cell lymphoma with diffuse wall thickening of the whole stomach in a 51-year-old man. The series of endoscopic findings in this case support the role of differential diagnosis of linitis plasica type of advanced gastric cancer with mantle cell lymphoma.

A Case of POEMS Syndrome Associated with Idiopathic Liver Cirrhosis / 대한내과학회지

POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin lesion) is rare multisystem disease of unknown cause with varying clinical manifestations. Although there is no established definition for this syndrome, the common classical features are considered to be secondary to the plasma cell dyscrasia with the production of a monoclonal component. Anasarca, including ascites, peripheral edema, and pleural effusion, occurs frequently in POEMS syndrome, but cases with idiopathic liver cirrhosis are rarely reported. We experienced a 73-year-old female with POEMS syndrome whose main problem was massive ascites. It is the first report of idiopathic liver cirrhosis in a patient with POEMS syndrome in Korea.

The Use of Uncovered Self-Expandable Metallic Stents for Palliation ofGastric Outlet Obstruction Caused by Stomach Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the use of uncovered self-expandable metallic stents as a palliative therapy for gastric outlet obstruction caused by stomach cancer. METHODS: A total of 36 patients who underwent uncovered stent insertion were investigated. Hanarostents (uncovered pyloric/duodenal stents, M.I. Tech Co., Ltd.) were used in the procedures. The technical success rate, clinical success rate, presence of clinical symptoms and complications were estimated during the study period. RESULTS: The technical success rate for stent replacement was 97.2% (35 out of 36 patients) and the clinical success rate was 91.7% (33 out of 36 patients). The mean dysphagia scores before and after the procedures were 2.44 and 0.92, respectively. The median hospital stay after stenting was 10 days and the mean follow-up period was 91 days. Thirteen patients died during the follow-up period (mean survival, 70 days). The complication rate was 22.2% (8 out of 36 patients). Restenosis occurred in four cases, bleeding in two cases, pain in one case and stent migration in one case. There were no deaths related to the procedures. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that placement of uncovered self-expandable metallic stents for gastric outlet obstruction caused by stomach cancer results in good symptomatic improvement with a low rate of complications.

A Case of a Foreign Body in the Common Bile Duct Caused by Lipiodol / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Finding a foreign body in the common bile duct (CBD) is very rare. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been widely used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver tumors, and especially when the tumors are not surgically resectable. We experienced a patient with a CBD foreign body 47 days after performing TACE for single hepatic metastasis of adrenal cortical carcinoma. The foreign body in the common bile duct was high attenuated on the pre-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and it was not observed on the previous CT. We successfully extracted it via a basket after performing endoscopic sphincterotomy; this foreign body was dark black color, flexible and smooth. It was not observed on the follow-up CT scan after one month. The foreign body in the common bile duct was tumor tissue that contained lipiodol and it was near the bile duct. We report here on a rare case of a foreign body in the common bile duct, and it was caused by lipiodol after performing TACE.