Characteristics of Serrated Adenomas in Non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans Undergoing Screening Colonoscopy.

Background and aim Adenomatous polyps are precursor lesions for colorectal cancer (CRC). Serrated adenomas/polyps are considered a risk factor for the development of proximal and interval CRC. African-Americans are at higher risk for right-sided CRC. Minimal data evaluating serrated adenoma characteristics by race/ethnicity on initial screening colonoscopy (SC) exist. The aim of this investigation was to compare the characteristics of serrated adenomas found in non-Hispanic whites (nHw) and African-Americans (AA) undergoing initial SC. Methods The University of Florida-Jacksonville endoscopy database was searched for all SC performed between January 2000 and December 2014. Inclusion criteria were nHw or AA race/ethnicity and histologically proven serrated adenoma found at SC. Data were collected for all included age at SC, sex, number, location, and size of serrated adenomas found. Results A total of 8693 individuals (nHw - 4199 and AA - 4494) underwent SC between January 2000 and December 2014. Serrated adenomas were found in 479 individuals (nHw, n=294; AA, n=185), and AA were significantly less likely than nHw to have serrated adenomas on SC (AA 4.1% vs nHw 7%; p< 0.0001). No difference was observed in mean age, location, or size between nHw and AA with serrated adenomas. Conclusions Serrated adenomas are more frequent in nHw compared to AA at initial SC. No difference was seen in size or location of serrated adenomas, as well as patient age, between AA and nHw. A study of genetic factors predisposing to serrated adenoma formation and the impact of socioeconomic disparities should be performed across ethnic groups to understand this difference.

Excessive Tums Intake Can Cause Colonoscope Malfunction.

During a diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy, a foreign material was found coating a patient's stomach and proximal colon. Polypectomy with a hot snare and cold forceps proved unsuccessful, as the endoscope channels clogged. Thereafter, the patient confessed to taking one bottle of Tums (GlaxoSmithKline, St. Louis, Missouri, US) daily for an unknown duration. The medication was discontinued and a repeat colonoscopy showed complete resolution. The costs of repeat procedures, reduced efficacy, as well as equipment damage or refurbishment are substantial, and so providers should note that this may be the result of excessive calcium carbonate (similarly to barium) and instruct the patients to adjust intake accordingly.

Letrozole-induced hepatitis with autoimmune features: a rare adverse drug reaction with review of the relevant literature.

While aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been known to cause minor elevations in liver enzymes, severe hepatotoxicity is rare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Letrozole-induced hepatitis with autoimmune features. A 70-year-old female with estrogen positive, invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, presented with jaundice 3 months after starting letrozole. Hepatic transaminases were markedly elevated and her ANA and anti-smooth muscle antibody was positive. Liver biopsy featured drug-induced hepatitis. After stopping letrozole, liver tests trended back to normal within 3 weeks. She scored 9 for Roussel-Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM). Over the last 10 years, there have been reported cases of drug-induced hepatitis secondary to AIs. We anticipate that there will be more widespread use of AIs based on recommendations from the TEXT, SOFT and extended AI trials. Therefore, physicians must be aware of this rare but life-threatening complication.