Visceral Adipose Tissue Reduction Measured by Deep Neural Network Architecture Improved Reflux Esophagitis Endoscopic Grade.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral obesity is a risk factor for reflux esophagitis (RE). We investigated the risk of RE according to visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured by deep neural network architecture using computed tomography (CT) and evaluated the longitudinal association between abdominal adipose tissue changes and the disease course of RE. METHODS: Individuals receiving health checkups who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and abdominal CT at Seoul National University Healthcare System Gangnam Center between 2015 and 2016 were included. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas and volumes were measured using a deep neural network architecture and CT. The association between the abdominal adipose tissue area and volume and the risk of RE was evaluated. Participants who underwent follow-up EGD and abdominal CT were selected; the effects of changes in abdominal adipose tissue area and volume on RE endoscopic grade were investigated using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: We enrolled 6,570 patients who underwent EGD and abdominal CT on the same day. RE was associated with male sex, hypertension, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, current smoking status, and levels of physical activity. The VAT area and volume increased the risk of RE dose-dependently. A decreasing VAT volume was significantly associated with improvement in RE endoscopic grade (hazard ratio: 3.22, 95% confidence interval: 1.82-5.71). Changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue volume and the disease course of RE were not significantly correlated. DISCUSSION: Visceral obesity is strongly associated with RE. VAT volume reduction was prospectively associated with improvement in RE endoscopic grade dose-dependently. Visceral obesity is a potential target for RE treatment.

[A new method for measuring spinal kyphosis using CT images and a study of its relationship with reflux esophagitis].

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the validity and reproducibility of a new quantitative method for measuring spinal kyphosis using computed tomography (CT), and to investigate its relationship with reflux esophagitis. [Method] Using a new method to measure the index of kyphosis in CT images (IKCT), 10 examiners evaluated 10 cases of spinal kyphosis. One examiner measured 47 cases twice and 20 cases were examined to assess the validity with the kyphosis index. A case-control study was conducted on 303 cases of reflux esophagitis, of which 241 were mild and 62 severe. [Results] Regarding IKCT reproducibility, the inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.977. The intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.974. The correlation index with the kyphosis index was 0.731. A greater IKCT value, not contracting serious atrophic gastritis, and severe hiatal hernia were identified as risk factors for severe reflux esophagitis. [Conclusion] IKCT is a simple and useful method for measuring kyphosis. The prevention of kyphosis can help suppress severe reflux esophagitis.

Evaluation of Minimal Change Lesions Using Linked Color Imaging in Patients With Nonerosive Reflux Esophagitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: High prevalence of minimal change lesion (MCL) in nonerosive reflux esophagitis (NERD) patients is commonly recognized by many endoscopists. However, it is difficult to detect MCL with conventional white-light imaging (WLI) endoscopy. Linked color imaging (LCI), a novel image-enhanced endoscopy technology with strong, unique color enhancement, is used for easy recognition of early gastric cancer and detection of Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of LCI and WLI endoscopy in evaluating MCL in patients with NER. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients with NERD and 38 subjects with nongastroesophageal reflux disease (non-GERD) were recruited in this study between August 2017 and July 2018. During upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the distal 5 cm of the esophageal mucosal morphology at the squamocolumnar junction was visualized using WLI followed by LCI. MCL was defined as areas of erythema, blurring of the Z-line, friability, decreased vascularity, white turbid discoloration, and edema or accentuation of the mucosal folds. Three experienced endoscopists evaluated the color patterns for MCL on WLI images and on WLI combined with LCI images in both groups. A biopsy was taken 2 cm above the esophagogastric junction. Histologic slides were scored by a pathologist in a blinded manner. RESULTS: The proportion of MCL was higher in the patients with NERD (70.7%, 29/41) than in patients with non-GERD (39.5%, 15/38) using WLI combined with LCI. In 12 patients with NERD, both WLI and LCI showed normal mucosa. The MCL detection rate was significantly higher when using WLI combined with LCI than when using WLI (70.7% vs. 51.2%, P=0.039) in patients with NERD. The histopathologic score of MCL (+) was significantly higher than that of MCL (-) patients in both the NERD group (4.59±0.32 vs. 2.36±0.34, P<0.01) and the non-GERD group (3.47±0.50 vs. 2.00±0.28, P<0.01). The intraobserver reproducibility levels and interobserver agreement were better with LCI than with WLI alone. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency of MCL was higher in patients with NERD than in those with non-GERD. MCL can be identified by using WLI combined with LCI in patients with NERD. By enhancing endoscopic images, LCI is more sensitive in detecting MCL compared with WLI.

Linked color imaging improves visibility of reflux esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: With more prevalent gastroesophageal reflux disease comes increased cases of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Image-enhanced endoscopy using linked-color imaging (LCI) differentiates between mucosal colors. We compared LCI, white light imaging (WLI), and blue LASER imaging (BLI) in diagnosing reflux esophagitis (RE). METHODS: Consecutive RE patients (modified Los Angeles [LA] classification system) who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy using WLI, LCI, and BLI between April 2017 and March 2019 were selected retrospectively. Ten endoscopists compared WLI with LCI or BLI using 142 images from 142 patients. Visibility changes were scored by endoscopists as follows: 5, improved; 4, somewhat improved; 3, equivalent; 2, somewhat decreased; and 1, decreased. For total scores, 40 points was considered improved visibility, 21-39 points was comparable to white light, and < 20 points equaled decreased visibility. Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient [ICC]) were also evaluated. Images showing color differences (ΔE*) and L* a* b* color values in RE and adjacent esophageal mucosae were assessed using CIELAB, a color space system. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 67.1 years (range: 27-89; 63 males, 79 females). RE LA grades observed included 52 M, 52 A, 24 B, 11 C, and 3 D. Compared with WLI, all RE cases showed improved visibility: 28.2% (40/142), LA grade M: 19.2% (10/52), LA grade A: 34.6% (18/52), LA grade B: 37.5% (9/24), LA grade C: 27.3% (3/11), and LA grade D: 0% (0/3) in LCI, and for all RE cases: 0% in BLI. LCI was not associated with decreased visibility. The LCI inter-rater reliability was "moderate" for LA grade M and "substantial" for erosive RE. The LCI intra-rater reliability was "moderate-substantial" for trainees and experts. Color differences were WLI: 12.3, LCI: 22.7 in LA grade M; and WLI: 18.2, LCI: 31.9 in erosive RE (P < 0.001 for WLI vs. LCI). CONCLUSION: LCI versus WLI and BLI led to improved visibility for RE after subjective and objective evaluations. Visibility and the ICC for minimal change esophagitis were lower than for erosive RE for LCI. With LCI, RE images contrasting better with the surrounding esophageal mucosa were more clearly viewed.

Risk factors for reflux esophagitis after eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

Objective: While there is an association between successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori (HP) and reflux esophagitis (RE), risk factors associated with RE remain obscure. The aim of this study is to determine risk factors associated with the development of RE after HP eradication.Materials and methods: Among all patients treated with successful HP eradication from 2008 to 2016, we retrospectively analyzed those who were free from RE at initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and who were followed up with EGD after eradication. Patients were classified according to the presence or absence of RE at the follow-up EGD. RE was defined as mucosal breaks proximal to the squamous-columnar junction. Demographic data, underlying diseases, medications and endoscopic findings at the initial EGD were compared between patients with and without RE.Results: Among 1575 patients, 142 (9.0%) had RE at the follow-up EGD. The time interval from HP eradication until EGD ranged from 4 to 24 months. The endoscopic grade of RE was higher in males than in females. Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.24), body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 2.00-4.22), use of calcium channel blockers (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.12-2.55), and hiatal hernia (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 2.41-5.00) were associated with the development of RE.Conclusions: Calcium channel blocker use was found to be a risk factor for the development of RE after eradication of HP.

Efficacy of long-term maintenance therapy with 10-mg vonoprazan for proton pump inhibitor-resistant reflux esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficacy of long-term (52 weeks) maintenance therapy by 10-mg vonoprazan administration for proton pump inhibitor-resistant reflux esophagitis continued from the preceding study. METHODS: Sixteen patients with proton pump inhibitor-resistant reflux esophagitis (mean age 70.9 years, eight males) in whom endoscopic healing was achieved by 20-mg vonoprazan administration for 4 weeks and maintenance of remission was maintained by 10-mg vonoprazan administration for 8 weeks were enrolled. Endoscopy was performed at 52 weeks after the initiation of maintenance therapy with 10-mg vonoprazan to evaluate whether there was any recurrence of reflux esophagitis. Changes in the gastric mucosa were investigated at 52 weeks. Symptoms were assessed using the frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and the fast gastrin level at 8 and 52 weeks following the maintenance therapy. RESULTS: Endoscopic remission was maintained at 52 weeks in 15 (93.8%) of the 16 patients with proton pump inhibitor-resistant reflux esophagitis. One patient relapsed with grade C of reflux esophagitis. There were no significant differences in the symptom score at 8 and 52 weeks, nor the gastrin level at 8 and 52 weeks. There was no change in the stomach on endoscopy at 52 weeks. CONCLUSION: Long-term maintenance therapy by 10-mg vonoprazan administration is very effective for proton pump inhibitor-resistant reflux esophagitis patients in whom endoscopic healing was maintained by 8 weeks maintenance therapy with 10-mg vonoprazan administration.

Impact of reflux esophagitis on the esophageal function before and after laparoscopic fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: High-resolution manometry (HRM), which is breakthrough testing equipment to evaluate esophageal motor function, was developed in Europe and United State and has garnered attention. Moreover, multichannel intraluminal impedance pH (MII-pH) testing has allowed us to grasp all liquid/gas reflux including not only acid but also non-acid reflux. We examined the impact of the presence of reflux esophagitis (RE) on esophageal motor function before and after laparoscopic fundoplication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects included 100 patients (male: 63 patients, mean age: 54.1 ± 15.8) among 145 patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD associated diseases during a 4-year period from October 2012 to September 2016, excluding 6 patients who underwent further surgery, 32 patients on whom HRM was not performed, 3 patients who had technical errors during testing, and 4 patients for whom the status of RE was unknown. Regarding HRM, Mano Scan from Given Imaging Ltd. was used, and for the analysis, Mano View version 3.0 from the same company was used, after which data was calculated based on the Chicago Classification advocated by Pandolfino et al. Moreover, for the MII-pH testing, Sleuth manufactured by Sandhill Scientific. Inc. was used and automatic analysis was conducted by a computer. Postoperative assessments were conducted 3 months following surgery for all. Data was described in the median value and inter-quartile range, with a statistically significant difference defined as p < 0.05 by Chi square, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: RE+ group (Los Angeles classification A:B:C:D = 7:9:16:12 patients) included 44 patients (44%), of older age compared to the RE- group (62 vs. 50 years, p = 0.012) and a higher Body Mass Index value (24.0 vs. 22.5, p = 0.045); however, no differences were observed in terms of gender and duration of symptoms. In the preoperative findings on MII-pH, the RE+ group demonstrated significantly longer acid reflux time (4.7 vs. 1.3%, p = 0.005), while in the HRM findings, the RE- group demonstrated a significantly longer abdominal esophagus (0 vs. 0.4 cm, p = 0.049) and maintained esophageal body motor function (DCI: 1054 vs. 1407 mmHg s cm, p = 0.021, Intact peristalsis ratio: 90 vs. 100%, p = 0.037). As to the comparison of the treatment effect before and after laparoscopic fundoplication (Toupet fundoplication for all), significant improvements were observed in both groups in various parameters regarding reflux including acid reflux time, total number of liquid reflux episodes and total number of reflux episodes. Moreover, for both groups, the total length of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (RE+ group: 2.7 vs. 3.2 cm, p = 0.001, RE- group: 3.0 vs. 3.4 cm, p = 0.003) and the total length of the abdominal esophagus (RE+ group: 0 vs. 1.6 cm, p < 0.001, RE- group: 0 vs. 1.8 cm, p = 0.001) were significantly extended following surgery; however, no change was observed in DCI before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the presence of RE, cardiac function and LES function were improved following laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication, but no changes were observed in esophageal body motor function.

Efficacy of Vonoprazan for Proton Pump Inhibitor-Resistant Reflux Esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Vonoprazan (VPZ) is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker that may be clinically beneficial for proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-resistant reflux esophagitis (RE). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacies of VPZ therapy at 20 mg for 4 weeks in patients with PPI-resistant RE and VPZ maintenance therapy at 10 mg for 8 weeks in patients who have been successfully treated. METHODS: Subjects comprised 24 patients with PPI-resistant RE (Los Angeles classification grade A/B/C/D: 3/7/11/3). After confirming PPI-resistant RE by endoscopy, 20 mg VPZ was administered. Endoscopy was performed 4 weeks after the initiation of VPZ. Symptoms were evaluated using the frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG). Maintenance therapy with 10 mg VPZ was performed and endoscopy was conducted after 8 weeks. RESULTS: In 21 (87.5%) out of 24 patients, esophageal mucosal breaks were successfully treated by 20 mg VPZ. The median FSSG score was significantly lower on days 1-7, 14, and 28 after the initiation of VPZ than before its administration. Maintenance therapy with 10 mg VPZ prevented the relapse of esophageal mucosal breaks in 16 (76.2%) out of 21 patients. CONCLUSION: VPZ was effective for most patients with PPI-resistant RE.

Transoral fundoplication offers durable symptom control for chronic GERD: 3-year report from the TEMPO randomized trial with a crossover arm.

BACKGROUND: Four randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the short-term efficacy and safety of transoral esophagogastric fundoplication (TF) performed with the EsophyX® device in eliminating troublesome gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in well-selected patient populations. The aim of this study was to assess the durability of these outcomes at 3 years post-procedure. METHODS: The TF EsophyX versus Medical PPI Open Label trial was conducted in seven US sites. Between June and August 2012, we enrolled patients with small (<2 cm) or absent hiatal hernias who suffered from troublesome GERD symptoms while on PPI therapy for at least 6 months and had abnormal esophageal acid exposure (EAE). Randomization was to TF group (n = 40) or to PPI group (n = 23). Following evaluation at 6 months, all remaining PPI patients (n = 21) elected to undergo crossover to TF. Fifty-two patients were assessed at 3 years for (1) GERD symptom resolution using three GERD-specific quality of life questionnaires, (2) healing of esophagitis using endoscopy, (3) EAE using 48-h Bravo testing, and (4) discontinuation of PPI use. Two patients who underwent revisional procedures by year 3 were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: At 3-year follow-up, elimination of troublesome regurgitation and all atypical symptoms was reported by 90 % (37/41) and 88 % (42/48) of patients, respectively. The mean Reflux Symptom Index score improved from 22.2 (9.2) on PPIs at screening to 4 (7.1) off PPIs 3 years post-TF, p < 0.0001. The mean total % time pH <4 improved from 10.5 (3.5) to 7.8 (5.7), p = 0.0283. Esophagitis was healed in 86 % (19/22) of patients. At the end of study, 71 % (37/52) of patients had discontinued PPI therapy. All outcome measures remained stable between 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-ups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that TF can be used to achieve long-term control of chronic GERD symptoms, healing of esophagitis, and improvement in EAE.

Uncertainty-aware network for fine-grained and imbalanced reflux esophagitis grading.

Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) assists endoscopists in analyzing endoscopic images, reducing misdiagnosis rates and enabling timely treatment. A few studies have focused on CAD for gastroesophageal reflux disease, but CAD studies on reflux esophagitis (RE) are still inadequate. This paper presents a CAD study on RE using a dataset collected from hospital, comprising over 3000 images. We propose an uncertainty-aware network with handcrafted features, utilizing representation and classifier decoupling with metric learning to address class imbalance and achieve fine-grained RE classification. To enhance interpretability, the network estimates uncertainty through test time augmentation. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed network surpasses previous methods, achieving an accuracy of 90.2% and an F1 score of 90.1%.

Continuous imaging of esophagogastric junction in patients with reflux esophagitis using 320-row area detector CT: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is evaluated using an esophageal manometric study. However, information regarding the surrounding organs is difficult to obtain with use of a sensor catheter. We investigated the utility of 320-row area detector computed tomography (CT) to evaluate morphological changes of the esophagogastric junction and surrounding organs. METHODS: The study subjects were 18 healthy volunteers and 29 patients with reflux esophagitis (RE). Immediately after swallowing a diluted contrast agent, continuous imaging of the esophagogastric junctional area was performed for 15 s. Using CT images, the presence or absence of esophageal hiatal hernia, His angle before and after swallowing, size of the diaphragmatic hiatus, morphologically identified-LES (MI-LES) length, intraluminal horizontal area of MI-LES during relaxation phase, MI-LES thickness, abdominal esophagus length, subcutaneous fat area, visceral fat area, and esophagogastric junction fat area were evaluated. RESULTS: Analysis of CT images showed more frequent occurrence of hiatal hernia, greater His angle, and a larger diaphragmatic hiatus in patients with severe RE, while the lengths of MI-LES and abdominal esophagus were shorter in those patients. Visceral and esophagogastric junction fat areas tended to be greater in patients with RE. In all subjects, the posterior wall of the MI-LES was thicker than the anterior wall. CONCLUSION: Continuous imaging with 320-row area detector CT is useful to evaluate morphological changes in the esophagogastric junction area in both normal individuals and patients with reflux esophagitis.

Clinical and endoscopic characteristics of acute esophageal necrosis and severe reflux esophagitis.

ABSTRACT: The similarities and differences between acute esophageal necrosis and severe reflux esophagitis have not been elucidated. We compared Los Angeles classification Grade C reflux esophagitis, Grade D reflux esophagitis, and acute esophageal necrosis to consider the similarities and differences between acute esophageal necrosis and severe reflux esophagitis.We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at a tertiary referral center from January 2012 to December 2019. Data on patients diagnosed as Grade C reflux, Grade D reflux, or acute esophageal necrosis for the first time were extracted for analysis.A total of 213 patients were enrolled in the study, composed of 130 Grade C reflux, 74 Grade D reflux, and 9 acute esophageal necrosis patients. Compared to Grade C reflux patients, Grade D reflux and acute esophageal necrosis patients were more likely to be transfused (P = .013 and P = .011, respectively), to have duodenal ulcers (P = .025 and P = .049, respectively), and to have psychiatric illnesses (P = .022 and P = .018, respectively). Compared to both Grade C and D reflux, acute esophageal necrosis patients were more likely to present with shock (P = .003 and P < .001, respectively), have type 1 diabetes (P = .030 and P = .004, respectively), and present in winter (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Significant step-wise differences (Grade C < Grade D < acute esophageal necrosis) were observed in the need for admission (P < .001 and P = .009), coffee ground emesis (P < .001 and P = .022), and stigmata of hemorrhage on endoscopy (P = .002 and P < .001). Admission (P = .003) and coffee ground emesis (P = .003) independently predicted either Grade D reflux or acute esophageal necrosis over Grade C reflux on multivariate analysis.Shock, type 1 diabetes, and winter may predict acute esophageal necrosis, while the need for admission and coffee ground emesis may predict Grade D reflux or acute esophageal necrosis.

Inter-observer variability of experts and trainees for the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis: Comparison of linked color imaging, blue laser imaging, and white light imaging.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnosis of reflux esophagitis according to the Los Angeles classification minimal change (LA-M) has a low inter-observer agreement. We aimed to investigate whether the inter-observer agreement of reflux esophagitis was better when expert endoscopists read the endoscopic images, or when the linked color imaging (LCI) or blue laser imaging (BLI)-bright mode was used. In addition, whether the inclusion of LA-M in the definition of reflux esophagitis affected the consistency of the diagnosis was investigated. METHODS: During upper endoscopy, endoscopic images of the gastroesophageal junction were taken using white light imaging (WLI), BLI-bright, and LCI modes. Four expert endoscopists and four trainees reviewed the images to diagnose reflux esophagitis according to the modified LA classification. RESULTS: The kappa values for the inter-observer variability for the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis were poor to fair among the experts (κ = â€Š0.22, 0.17, and 0.27 for WLI, BLI-bright, and LCI, respectively) and poor among the trainees (κ = â€Š0.18, 0.08, and 0.14 for WLI, BLI-bright, and LCI). The inter-observer variabilities for the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis excluding LA-M were fair to moderate (κ = â€Š0.42, 0.35, and 0.42 for WLI, BLI-bright, and LCI) among the expert endoscopists and moderate among the trainees (κ = 0.48, 0.43, and 0.51 for WLI, BLI-bright, and LCI). CONCLUSIONS: The inter-observer agreement for the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis was very low for both the expert endoscopists and the trainees, even using BLI-bright or LCI mode. However, when reflux esophagitis LA-M was excluded from the diagnosis of esophagitis, the degree of inter-observer agreement increased.

Transabdominal ultrasound elastography of the esophagogastric junction predicts reflux esophagitis.

PURPOSE: Abdominal ultrasound (US) can visualize the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) as a hyperechoic area in the dorsal portion of the lateral segment of the liver. We prospectively evaluated the EGJ using US elastography (US-EG) in patients with reflux esophagitis (RE) to examine prediction of distal esophageal function. METHODS: Of 108 patients undergoing US-EG and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 102 in whom the EGJ was observed for ≥ 15 s were included. The subjects were divided into a RE group (n = 41, Grade M/A/B:24/13/4 according to modified Los Angeles Classification) and a non-RE group (n = 61). Direct strain elastography (LOGIQ E9, GE Healthcare), which gives a semi-quantitative elasticity index within a region of interest including the lateral segment, was used as a standard for measurement of the change in stiffness (CS) at the EGJ. RESULTS: The number of CS as determined by US-EG was 6.0 (5.5-6.7) in the RE group and 8.6 (6.6-10.0) in the non-RE group (P < 0.0001). In ROC analysis, the AUC was 0.8415 for diagnosis of RE using the number of CS. At a cut-off of 7.7, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosis were 92.7, 65.6, and 74.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The presence of RE can be predicted based on US-EG.

Asthma under control is inversely related with erosive esophagitis among healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: Some recent studies suggested that reflux esophagitis is positively correlated with asthma. However, there are debates on this issue. The aim of this study is to clarify the true association between reflux esophagitis and asthma in a large population. METHODS: Medical records of subjects who received health surveillance checkup between January 2005 and December 2011 were reviewed. Their endoscopic findings, medical history, body mass index, and smoking history were analyzed. Erosive esophagitis was defined as endoscopically detected mucosal break at the Z-line, irrespective of reflux symptom. Information about asthma history was obtained from their questionnaires and medical records. RESULTS: Out of the total 15,999 patients, 986 had erosive esophagitis and 376 had asthma. In this population, erosive esophagitis was inversely related with asthma in univariable analysis (OR, 0.586; 95% CI, 0.342-1.003, p = 0.049). In multivariable analysis, asthma was demonstrated as an independent negative risk factor for erosive esophagitis (OR, 0.472; 95% CI, 0.257-0.869, p = 0.016), under adjustment with age (OR, 1.000; 95% CI, 0.994-1.006, p = 0.977), male sex (OR, 2.092; 95% CI, 1.683-2.601, p < 0.001), body mass index (OR, 1.115; 95% CI, 1.090-1.141, p < 0.001), smoking (OR, 1.584; 95% CI, 1.318-1.902, p < 0.001), and urban residence (OR, 1.363; 95% CI, 1.149-1.616, p < 0.001). Likewise, erosive esophagitis was shown to be an independent negative risk factor for asthma (OR, 0.558; 95% CI, 0.324-0.960, p = 0.035) under adjustment with age (OR, 1.025; 95% CI, 1.015-1.034, p <0.001), male sex (OR, 0.861; 95% CI, 0.691-1.074, p = 0.185), and body mass index (OR, 1.067; 95% CI, 1.030-1.106, p < 0.001) in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to previous studies, this large scale data showed inverse association between erosive esophagitis and asthma. Further studies investigating the clear mechanism of this phenomenon are warranted.

CHROMOENDOSCOPY USING TOLUIDINE BLUE PLUS LUGOL'S SOLUTION FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF ESOPHAGEAL PREMALIGNANT LESIONS AND SUPERFICIAL NEOPLASMS IN HIGH-RISK PATIENTS.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer. The prognosis is bleak in patients with advanced stages. Patients with early disease have a better prognosis than those with advanced stage. There are several techniques for the screening of premalignant and superficial lesions including chromoendoscopy. OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to determine the effectiveness of chromoendoscopy with toluidine blue combined with Lugol's solution for diagnosis of esophageal premalignant and superficial neoplastic lesions in high risk patients. METHODS: Routine white light upper endoscopy was performed. Toluidine blue was sprayed from the gastroesophageal junction to 20 cm of the dental arch. Then the uptake dye areas were characterized. Later Lugol's solution was sprayed. Areas with less-intense staining were characterized. Biopsy of the toluidine blue capturing areas and areas with less-intense staining of Lugol's solution were taken. In the cases where lesions were not evidenced after application of dyes, biopsies four quadrants of the esophageal mucosa were taken. The samples were evaluated by a digestive pathologist. RESULTS: Barrett's esophagus was the most common premalignant lesion and the early neoplastic lesion was adenocarcinoma with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity 85.7%, positive predictive value 30%, negative predictive value 100%, positive likelihood ratio 7 negative likelihood ratio 0. CONCLUSION: Chromoendoscopy with toluidine blue combined with Lugol's solution is a useful tool in the screening of esophageal premalignant lesions and superficial neoplasms.

Is all ineffective esophageal motility the same? A clinical and high-frequency intraluminal US study.

BACKGROUND: Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is characterized by frequent hypotensive or failed peristaltic contractions; its pathophysiology is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether patients with IEM because of GERD would differ from patients with other etiologies of IEM on the basis of esophageal-muscle thickness measured by high-frequency intraluminal US (HFIUS). DESIGN: Single-center prospective study. SETTING: Academic medical center; from January 2004 to June 2005. SUBJECTS: A total of 46 patients who were newly diagnosed with IEM were classified into 2 groups: GERD-related IEM (group I, n = 26) and non-GERD-related IEM (group II, n = 20) on the basis of the presence of reflux esophagitis and/or pathologic acid exposure by 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. In addition, 16 asymptomatic healthy volunteers with no reflux esophagitis, normal manometric finding, and normal level of acid exposure were included as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: We compared the clinical characteristics, including a predominant principal esophageal symptom and the results from HFIUS among the control, GERD-related IEM (group I), and non-GERD-related IEM (group II) groups. RESULTS: The proportion of typical reflux symptom as a predominant symptom was higher in group I (66%) than in group II (25%). Muscle thickness was greater in group II than in group I and the control group during both the baseline rest period and the peak of contraction period at all levels of the middle of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and 3 cm and 9 cm above the LES (respectively) (P < .05). LIMITATION: The limitation was the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with non-GERD-related IEM had increased muscle thickness on HFIUS compared with patients with GERD-related IEM and the controls. Based on this study, IEM is not necessarily indicative of GERD.

Clinical outcome of jejunal pouch double-tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The importance of the duodenal passage and the need for pouch reconstruction after total gastrectomy are matters of controversy. METHODOLOGY: Twenty consecutive patients with early gastric cancer were studied 20who underwent jejunal pouch double-tract (JPD) reconstruction after total gastrectomy. Nutritional variables were examined for > or =10 years postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 204 minutes. There was no anastomotic leakage and no hospital mortality. Anastomotic stenosis between the esophagus and a jejunal pouch developed in 2 patients (10%), and reflux esophagitis was observed in 4 (20%). Symptoms were controlled by conserva tive treatment within 3 years after surgery. Body mass indices in all patients were significantly decreased from 1 month (p<0.05) to 10 years (p<0.005) after the operation. The mean body weight decrease occurring during the first to the tenth postoperative year was 12.7% overall, but 17.8% and 9.1% in patients aged > or =60 years and <60 years, respectively. The body weight decreases from 3 (p<0.05) to 6 (p<0.01), and at 9 years (p<0.01) were significantly lower before 60 years of age than after. CONCLUSIONS: JPD reconstruction facilitates long-term recovery of body weight after total gastrectomy and should be considered before the aged of 60.

The predictive value of computed tomography in the detection of reflux esophagitis in patients undergoing upper endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Reflux esophagitis (RE) may mimic symptoms requiring cross-sectional imaging. METHODS: From 565 patients who had CT and esophagogastroduodenoscopy within four days apart, CT scans of 72 patients with RE confirmed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy and 108 matched patients without RE were evaluated for distal esophageal wall characteristics. RESULTS: In RE patients the distal esophageal wall thickness was greater (5.2±2.0mm) compared to patients without RE (3.5±1.2mm, p<0.0001) with AUC of 0.78 and 56% sensitivity, 88% specificity for a 5.0mm cut-off. CONCLUSIONS: There is a moderate association between distal esophageal wall thickness on CT and RE diagnosed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy as the reference standard.

Is pH Testing Necessary Before Antireflux Surgery in Patients with Endoscopic Erosive Esophagitis?

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between the Los Angeles (LA) grade of esophagitis and acid exposure by pH monitoring is unclear. The aim of this study was to correlate the results of pH testing in patients with esophagitis to determine at what LA grade of esophagitis a pH test is not necessary. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the records of all patients who underwent upper endoscopy and were found to have esophagitis graded using the LA system and who had pH monitoring from 2014 to 2016. An abnormal pH test was determined based on the DeMeester score. RESULTS: There were 56 patients with a median age of 57 years. Esophagitis was LA grade A in 19, B in 20, C in 15 and D in 2 patients. An abnormal pH score was present in 47 patients (84%). All patients with C or D esophagitis had an abnormal pH score compared to 79% and 75% of patients with A and B esophagitis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of LA C or D esophagitis was always associated with increased esophageal acid exposure on pH testing and is proof of reflux disease. However, pH testing is recommended prior to antireflux surgery in patients with LA A or B esophagitis.