Remission of diffuse ulcerative duodenitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis after infliximab therapy: a case study and review of the literature

Although ulcerative colitis (UC) is confined to colonic and rectal mucosa in a continuous fashion, recent studies have also demonstrated the involvement of upper gastrointestinal tract as diagnostic endoscopy becomes more available and technically advanced. The pathogenesis of UC is not well established yet. It might be associated with an inappropriate response of host mucosal immune system to gut microflora. Although continuous and symmetric distribution of mucosal inflammation from rectum to colon is a typical pattern of UC, clinical feature and course of atypically distributed lesions in UC might also help us understand the pathogenesis of UC. Herein, we report a case of duodenal involvement of UC which successfully remitted after infliximab therapy. Endoscopic and pathologic findings before and after administration of anti-tumor necrosis factor suggest that the pathogenesis of upper gastrointestinal involvement of UC may be similar to that of colon involvement.

Practice patterns and clinical significance of use of capsule endoscopy in suspected and established Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although the role of capsule endoscopy (CE) in Crohn's disease (CD) has expanded, CE is not used routinely for diagnosing and evaluating CD in Korea. We aimed to investigate current patterns of practice and evaluate the clinical significance of the use of CE in CD in Korean patients. METHODS: Among 651 CE procedures performed for various indications, we retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent CE in 57 cases of suspected CD (sCD) and 14 cases of established CD (eCD). RESULTS: In the sCD group, CE was most commonly used for the initial diagnosis of CD (54.4%). Capsule retention was found in only 1 patient in the eCD group (1/71, 1.4%). In the sCD group, 28.1% of patients were diagnosed with CD on the basis of CE findings; other diseases diagnosed included tuberculous enteritis (7.0%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced enteropathy (5.3%), and other enteritis (17.5%). Only 11.5% of patients with eCD (14/122) underwent CE. The indication for CE in the 14 patients with eCD was to assess disease extent and activity. The overall diagnostic yield of CE was 59.7%. Therapeutic strategies were changed in 70.2% of patients in the sCD group and 50% of those in the eCD group based on CE findings. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, CE was most commonly indicated for the initial diagnosis of CD and was not generally performed in patients with eCD. CE appears to be an effective diagnostic modality for evaluating sCD and is useful for determining therapeutic strategies for patients with sCD and those with eCD.

Constipation Misperception Is Associated With Gender, Marital Status, Treatment Utilization and Constipation Symptoms Experienced

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is essential that clinicians have an understanding of patients' perceptions of constipation as well as constipation misperception (CM), which can be defined as failure to recognize the six constipation symptoms (infrequency, straining, hard stool, incomplete evacuation, anorectal obstruction or manual maneuver). The aims of our study were to identify the prevalence of CM and its association with demographics and clinical features. METHODS: This nationwide survey included 625 self-reported constipated subjects (431 females; mean age, 41.2 years) among random participants in the National Health Screening Program. The prevalence of CM for each constipation symptom was estimated, and the participants were classified into nil (0), low (1-2), mid (3-4) and high (5-6) level CM subgroups according to the number of misperceived symptoms. RESULTS: The highest rate of CM was observed for manual maneuver (48.3%), followed by anorectal obstruction (38.4%), stool infrequency (34.6%), incomplete evacuation (32.2%), hard stool (27.2%) and straining (25.4%). Among the nil (n = 153), low (n = 242), mid (n = 144) and high level (n = 86) subgroups, there were significant differences in the proportions of males (18.3%, 34.3%, 39.6% and 30.2%; P = 0.001, respectively), never-married status (25.7%, 38.2%, 36.8% and 45.9%; P = 0.030, respectively) and those who did not receive treatment for constipation (41.8%, 47.5%, 58.3% and 66.3%; P < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant linear trend of increasing degree of CM with decreasing symptoms experienced (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CM is significantly associated with gender, marital status, treatment utilization and the range of constipation symptoms experienced.

Impedance Analysis Using High-resolution Impedance Manometry Facilitates Assessment of Pharyngeal Residue in Patients With Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Impedance analysis using high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) enables the recognition of pharyngeal residue in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. The aims of this study were to evaluate appropriate criteria for impedance analysis in a large patient cohort, as well as the diagnostic accuracy and agreement of analysis performed by HRIM trainees. METHODS: We reviewed 33 controls (13 males; median age, 61.2 years) and 104 oropharyngeal dysphagia patients (61 males; median age, 70.4 years) who underwent a flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing study (FEES) and HRIM. Two experts compared the pharyngeal residue on FEES and impedance color pattern at 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 Omega of the impedance bar. Three trainees were given a 60 minutes tutorial to determine the diagnostic accuracy and agreement of this analysis. RESULTS: The diagnostic sensitivity of experts for predicting liquid residue was 73.1% for 1,000 Omega, 96.2% for 1,500 Omega and 100% for 2,000 Omega. Significantly higher sensitivity was observed at 1,500 Omega compared to 1,000 Omega (P < 0.001). The diagnostic specificity of experts for liquid residue was 98.3% for 1,000 Omega, 96.6% for 1,500 Omega and 83.1% for 2,000 Omega. There was a higher specificity at 1,500 Omega compared to 2,000 Omega (P = 0.008). The kappa value among the 3 trainees was 0.89 and the diagnostic accuracy of the trainees for liquid residue was comparable to that of the experts. CONCLUSIONS: The impedance analysis at 1,500 Omega provides more accurate information for the detection of liquid residue, irrespective of the level of expertise.

Double-Balloon Enteroscopy in Elderly Patients: Is It Safe and Useful?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Providers may be hesitant to perform double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in the elderly because the increased number of co-morbidities in this population poses a greater risk of complications resulting from sedation. There are limited data on the use of DBE in the elderly. Here, we assessed the safety and efficacy of DBE in the elderly compared to those in younger patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 158 patients who underwent 218 DBEs. Patients were divided into an elderly group (age > or =65 years; mean 71.4+/-5.4; n=34; 41 DBEs) and a younger group (age <65 years; mean 39.5+/-13.5; n=124; 177 DBEs). RESULTS: In both groups, the most common indication for DBE was obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Mucosal lesions (33.3% vs. 60.9%; P=0.002) were the most common finding in both groups, followed by tumors (30.8% vs. 14.1%; P=0.036). The elderly were more likely to receive interventional therapy (51.3% vs. 23.5%; P=0.001). The diagnostic yield of DBE was slightly higher in the elderly group (92.3% vs. 86.5%; P=0.422), but was not statistically significant. The therapeutic success rate of DBE was 100% in the elderly group compared to 87.5% in the younger group (P=0.536). The overall DBE complication rate was 1.8% overall, and this rate did not differ significantly between the groups (2.6% vs. 1.7%; P=0.548). CONCLUSIONS: DBE is safe and effective in the elderly, and has a high diagnostic yield and high therapeutic success rate.

Trends in the Eradication Rates of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea: Multicenter Study over 13 Years / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori infection have been reported to have decreased over the years due to antibiotics resistance. The aim of this study is to investigate the trend of eradication rates of first-line triple therapy for H. pylori over the past 13 year period, and to evaluate factors affecting H. pylori eradication in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. METHODS: A total of 2,982 patients with H. pylori infection who were treated with either 1 week or 2 weeks first-line therapy (proton pump inhibitor [PPI], amoxicillin, and clarithromycin) from January 1999 through December 2011 were included in this study. Data were collected by retrospectively reviewing the medical records. RESULTS: The overall H. pylori eradication rate was 87.2%. The eradication rates from 1999 to 2011 fluctuated between 78.0% and 95.7%, but no definite evidence of a decreasing tendency was seen over the 13 year period (p=0.113). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the eradication rate according to the duration of therapy (p=0.592). However, there was a significant difference in the eradication rate among various PPIs (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was no decreasing trend in the H. pylori eradication rate over the past 13 years in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. There also was no difference in the eradication rates depending on duration of therapy. However, a significant difference was noted among various PPIs.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Diagnosed with Linear Endoscopic Ultrasound (with Video) in a Patient with Normal Body Mass Index

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an uncommon disease that results from SMA compression of the third portion of the duodenum. Patients with SMA syndrome present with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The diagnosis is usually made from an upper barium study or computed tomography. Typically, SMA syndrome is caused by a decreased aortomesenteric angle of 6degrees to 25degrees. An underweight body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for development of SMA syndrome. There are few reports of the role of linear endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis of SMA syndrome. We report a case of SMA syndrome, with normal BMI, that was diagnosed with the aid of linear EUS. Although SMA syndrome is not typically within the scope of practice of endosonographers, it is useful to get familiar with the findings.

Advanced Neoplasm Detection and Its Associated Factors in Colonoscopic Surveillance of Endoscopically Resected Early Colorectal Cancer / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Early colon cancer can be effectively diagnosed and treated by colonoscopy, and surveillance colonoscopy is necessary to detect precursor lesions or new early colon cancer. We analyzed the surveillance results of patients with endoscopically resected early colon cancer to evaluate the detection rate of advanced neoplasia and its associated factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, from May 2003 to December 2011. Patients who underwent endoscopic resection for early colon cancer, showed mucosal and submucosal invasion on histopathologic examination, and received surveillance colonoscopy at least once were enrolled in the current study. Patients who underwent operation and those who were lost during surveillance period were excluded. RESULTS: Among a total of 305 patients diagnosed with early colon cancer, 211 patients met our inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 15 (7.1%) advanced neoplasias were detected at first colonoscopy. One hundred ninety-eight patients (93.8%) underwent surveillance colonoscopy within one year and 14 (7.0%) advanced neoplasias were detected in this group of patients. When patients with and without advanced neoplasia at first surveillance colonoscopy performed within one year were compared, inadequate bowel preparation (OR, 18.237; 95% CI, 3.741-88.895; p<0.001) and three or more colon polyps (OR, 9.479; 95% CI, 1.103-81.452; p=0.040) were significant risk factors for detecting advanced neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the high detection rate of advanced neoplasia at first surveillance colonoscopy in patients with endoscopically resected early colon cancer, surveillance interval should be within one year, especially when the bowel preparation has been inadequate and three or more colon polyps have been detected.

Herpes Simplex Virus Duodenitis Accompanying Crohn's Disease / 대한소화기학회지

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a recognized cause of gastrointestinal infection in immunodeficient patients. Although a few cases of HSV gastritis and colitis in immunocompromised patients have been reported, there are no reports of HSV duodenitis in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). A 74-year-old female was admitted with general weakness and refractory epigastric pain. She had been diagnosed with CD three years ago. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed diffuse edematous and whitish mucosa with multiple erosions in the duodenum. Considering the possibility of viral co-infection, cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunohistochemical staining, PCR, and cultures of duodenal biopsies were performed, all of which were negative with the exception of the isolation of HSV in culture. After administration of intravenous acyclovir for 1 week, follow-up EGD showed almost complete resolution of the lesions and the patient's symptoms improved. In CD patients with refractory gastrointestinal symptoms, HSV, as well as CMV, should be considered as a possible cause of infection, so that the diagnosis of viral infection is not delayed and the appropriate antiviral treatment can be initiated.

A duodenal lipoma with a long stalk

No abstract available.

Rectal hyposensitivity and functional anorectal outlet obstruction are common entities in patients with functional constipation but are not significantly associated

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The causes of functional anorectal outlet obstruction (outlet obstruction) include functional defecation disorder (FDD), rectocele, and rectal intussusception (RI). It is unclear whether outlet obstruction is associated with rectal hyposensitivity (RH) in patients with functional constipation (FC). The aim of this study was to determine the association between RH and outlet obstruction in patients with FC. METHODS: This was a retrospective study using a prospectively collected constipation database, and the population comprised 107 patients with FC (100 females; median age, 49 years). We performed anorectal manometry, defecography, rectal barostat, and at least two tests (balloon expulsion test, electromyography, or colon transit time study). RH was defined as one or more sensory threshold pressures raised beyond the normal range on rectal barostat. We investigated the association between the presence of RH and an outlet obstruction such as large rectocele (> 2 cm in size), RI, or FDD. RESULTS: Forty patients (37.4%) had RH. No significant difference was observed in RH between patients with small and large rectoceles (22 [44.9%] vs. 18 [31%], respectively; p = 0.140). No significant difference was observed in RH between the non-RI and RI groups (36 [36.7%] vs. 4 [30.8%], respectively; p = 0.599). Furthermore, no significant difference in RH was observed between the non-FDD and FDD groups (19 [35.8%] vs. 21 [38.9%], respectively; p = 0.745). CONCLUSIONS: RH and outlet obstruction are common entities but appear not to be significantly associated.

Clinical Comparison for Colon Polyps between Right and Left Colon in Koreans

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Comparative studies of colon polyps between right and left colon in Korean population are limited. We investigated the clinical characteristics of the patients according to polyp location and compared the results of the morphological and histological analysis of right and left colon polyps. METHODS: The study was performed prospectively for the patients who underwent colon polypectomy for health check-ups in a single tertiary center. The patients were classified into three groups by the location of the polyps: right group (from the cecum to the splenic flexure), left group (from the descending colon to the anus), and total group. The size, the morphology, the location and the pathology of the polyps were evaluated. RESULTS: From June 2010 to June 2011, Overall 2596 polyps from 950 patients (male=646) were analyzed. Colon polyps were right side-shift with increased patients age (P<0.001). The incidence of polyps was most common in sigmoid colon (26.5%). Polyps less than 5 mm size were more common in left colon (P<0.001) and flat polyps larger than 1 cm in right colon (P=0.006), respectively. In histopathological findings, the distribution of advanced adenoma was not different according to the location, however tubular adenomas and serrated adenomas (P<0.001) were more common in right colon. Female was more distributed in right group, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a single center study, colon polyps were more distributed in right colon with age and in females. Also flat polyps larger than 1cm, tubular adenoma and serrated adenoma were found in larger proportion in right colon.

Examination of the Effects of Vardenafil on Esophageal Function Using Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance and Manometry

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the effects of the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor vardenafil on esophageal function, including bolus transit, using multichannel intraluminal impedance and esophageal manometry (MII-EM). METHODS: Sixteen healthy volunteers (15 men) underwent an MII-EM study including 10 liquid swallows and 10 viscous swallows in a seated position after fasting. Then, each subject was asked to ingest 50 mL distilled water or 10 mg vardenafil dissolved in 50 mL water, in a double-blind manner. After 25 minutes, the MII-EM study was repeated. RESULTS: Eight men received vardenafil and eight subjects received water. Resting and residual lower esophageal sphincter pressures differed significantly only in the vardenafil group (from 18 +/- 6.7 to 6.6 +/- 5.3 mmHg, P < 0.001 and from 4.9 +/- 2.6 to 2.1 +/- 3.6 mmHg, P = 0.006, respectively). Mean distal esophageal amplitude decreased significantly only in the vardenafil group (from 86.7 +/- 41.6 to 34.0 +/- 38.0 mmHg, P < 0.05). Complete bolus transits of liquid and viscous meals decreased significantly only after vardenafil ingestion (from 80.2% +/- 13.8% to 49.4% +/- 27.9%, P < 0.05 and from 72.8% +/- 33.6% to 21.5% +/- 29.0%, P = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Vardenafil decreased esophageal bolus transit in the seated position, despite decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure.

A Case of Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen Mistaken as a Pancreatic Mass due to Different Enhancing Pattern from Normal Spleen / 대한소화기학회지

Most cases of accessory spleen show similar features as normal spleen in imaging studies. However, some accessory spleen has unusual scan feature which can be misdiagnosed. We present a case of intrapancreatic accessory spleen that was discovered incidentally during a workup for abdominal pain in a 47-year-old woman. CT and MRI revealed a different enhancing pattern from that of the spleen. Further evaluation with endoscopic ultrasonography failed to identify the pancreatic mass. Therefore, it was surgically removed and diagnosed pathologically as an accessory spleen.

Capsule Endoscopy for Suspected Small Bowel Bleeding in Patients with Portal Hypertension

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In Korea, limited data are available on small bowel bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. This study reports on the use of capsule endoscopy in cases of suspected small bowel bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. METHODS: Capsule endoscopy was used at our hospital to evaluate small bowel disease in 501 cases from July 2003 to June 2010. Of those cases, nine patients with portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis with suspected small bowel bleeding were selected for the study. A retrospective analysis was performed using data from medical records. RESULTS: Six of the nine (66.7%) patients were males with an average age of 53.4 years. The average hemoglobin level was 8.1 g/dL. Abnormalities noted during capsule endoscopy included portal hypertensive enteropathy in all nine cases (100%), jejunal varices in four (44.4%), jejunal and ileal angiodysplasia in five (55.5%), multiple small bowel erosions in one (11.1%), granularity of the jejunal mucosa in one (11.1%), and small bowel erythema in three (33.3%). Active bleeding from jejunal varices was detected in two patients (22.2%). Despite having no obvious active bleeding during the capsule endoscopy, four patients (44.4%) were diagnosed with portal hypertensive enteropathy with obscure small bowel bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Capsule endoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of small bowel bleeding in patients with portal hypertensive enteropathy. Additional prospective and multicenter studies on the use of capsule endoscopy are needed to evaluate the incidence and clinical importance of portal hypertensive enteropathy.

A Case of Transient Small Intestinal Intussusceptions in an Adult / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Intussusception occurs when a segment of the bowel invaginates into the lumen of an adjacent distal segment. Intussusception in adults is a rare disease, accounting for only 5% of all cases. Asymptomatic small bowel intussusception in adults without a lead point is usually transient. When the length of the intussusception is less than 3.5 cm, it can be managed conservatively. This case was an asymptomatic small bowel intussusception without a lead point, which was discovered incidentally during an abdominal computed tomography scan. Spontaneous reduction in the intussusception was observed without any complications while maintaining conservative treatment only.

A Case of Ischemic Colitis Results from the Bleeding on Gastric Dieulafoy Lesions / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Ischemic colitis is the most common ischemic injury of the gastrointestinal tract. It can result from ischemia caused by compromised blood flow to the mesenteric arteries. Colonic ischemia may be precipitated by several conditions, although a cause is not clearly identified in most cases. A 63-year-old man was admitted because of loss of consciousness with melena. After endoscopic bleeding control of Dieulafoy lesions of the stomach, hematochezia occurred during the in-hospital care period. A sigmoidoscopy and computed tomography scan were conducted to evaluate the hematochezia, and ischemic colitis was diagnosed. Here, we report a case of ischemic colitis associated with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis in Which Endoscopic Ultrasonography Was Useful for the Diagnosis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an uncommon condition in which submucosal or subserosal gas cysts are present within the bowel wall. We report a case of a 37-year-old man with no medical history. He underwent a colonoscopy for screening purposes, which revealed multiple and variably sized submucosal tumors in the ascending colon. Endoscopic ultrasonographic (EUS) finding showed multiple hyperechogenic regions with distal acoustic shadowing within the submucosa of the ascending colon. A computed tomography scan showed multiple air-filled cystic masses in the ascending colon. EUS appears to be effective for the diagnosis of PCI.

A Case of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Involving Colon Mimicking Colon Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is the most common form of systemic vasculitis in children but occurs rarely in adults. Henoch-Schonlein purpura has characteristic features of a purpuric skin rash, abdominal pain, arthralgia, and abnormal urinary findings. Gastrointestinal tract involvement is characterized by abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding. Recently, we experienced a case of Henoch-Schonlein purpura with gastrointestinal involvement mimicking colon cancer in a 41-year-old female who complained of erythematous macules, arthralgia, and abdominal pain. The initial colonoscopic findings and computed tomographs failed to rule out colon cancer, but serial endoscopic examinations and clinical manifestations revealed colonic involvement of Henoch-Schonlein purpura.

A Case of Asymptomatic Aspiration of a Capsule Endoscope with a Successful Resolution

Aspiration is a very rare complication of capsule endoscopy, but it is potentially life-threatening and should be considered an emergency requiring immediate intervention since it can evolve into major airway compromise and obstructive pneumonitis. We experienced a case of asymptomatic aspiration of a capsule in a 75-year-old man. The aspirated capsule was diagnosed on routine chest and abdomen X-rays to confirm its position after ingestion. The capsule was removed via bronchoscopy using a net, without sequelae, after inducing the patient to cough. To prevent this complication, a thorough history of swallowing disorders is needed before capsule ingestion, and patients with swallowing difficulties should have the capsule placed in the duodenum endoscopically. Moreover, on capsule aspiration, cough induction is the most effective method of capsule removal.