Potential Added Value of 18F-FDG PET Metabolic Parameters in Predicting Disease Relapse in Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The predictive value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) metabolic parameters for predicting AIP relapse is currently unknown. This study firstly explored the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters as predictors of type 1 AIP relapse. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study analyzed 51 patients who received 18F-FDG PET/CT prior to treatment and did not receive maintenance therapy after remission. The study collected baseline characteristics and clinical data and conducted qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of pancreatic lesions and extrapancreatic organs. The study used three thresholds to select the boundaries of pancreatic lesions to evaluate metabolic parameters, including the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), mean standard uptake value (SUVmean), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and tumor-to-normal liver standard uptake value ratio (SUVR). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors and build a recurrence prediction model. The model was internally validated using the bootstrap method and a nomogram was created for clinical application. RESULTS: In the univariable analysis, the relapsed group showed higher levels of SUVmax (6.0 ± 1.6 vs. 5.2 ± 1.1; P = 0.047), SUVR (2.3 [2.0-3.0] vs. 2.0 [1.6-2.4]; P = 0.026), and TLG2.5 (234.5 ± 149.1 vs. 139.6 ± 102.5; P = 0.020) among the 18F-FDG PET metabolic parameters compared to the non-relapsed group. In the multivariable analysis, serum IgG4 (OR, 1.001; 95% CI, 1.000-1.002; P = 0.014) and TLG2.5 (OR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.002-1.013; P = 0.012) were independent predictors associated with relapse of type 1 AIP. A receiver-operating characteristic curve of the predictive model with these two predictors demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.806. CONCLUSION: 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters, particularly TLG2.5, are potential predictors for relapse in patients with type 1 AIP. A multiparameter model that includes IgG4 and TLG2.5 can enhance the ability to predict AIP relapse.

A nomogram for prediction of ERCP success in patients with bile duct leaks: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct leaks (BDLs) are serious complications that occurs after hepatobiliary surgery and trauma, leading to rapid clinical deterioration. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the first-line treatment for BDLs, but it is not clear which patients will respond to this therapy and which patients will require additional surgical intervention. The aim of our study was to explore the predictors of successful ERCP for BDLs. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from six centers' databases. All consecutive patients who were clinically confirmed as BDLs were included in the study. Collected data were demographics, disease severity, and ERCP procedure characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to select independent predictive factors that affect the outcome of ERCP for BDLs, and a nomogram was established. Calibration and ROC curves were used to evaluate the models. RESULTS: Four hundred and forty-eight consecutive patients were clinically confirmed as BDLs and 347 were excluded. In the 101 patients included patients, clinical success was achieved in 78 patients (77.2%). In logistic multivariable regression, two independent factors were negatively associated with the success of ERCP: SIRS (OR, 0.183; 95% CI 0.039-0.864; P = 0.032) and high-grade leak (OR 0.073; 95% CI 0.010-0.539; P = 0.010). Two independent factors were positively associated with the success of ERCP: leak-bridging drainage (OR 4.792; 95% CI 1.08-21.21; P = 0.039) and cystic duct leak (OR 6.193; 95% CI 1.03-37.17; P = 0.046). The prediction model with these four factors was evaluated using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.9351. The calibration curve showed that the model had good predictive accuracy. CONCLUSION: Leak-bridging drainage and cystic duct leak are positive predictors for the success of ERCP, while SIRS and high-grade leak are negative predictors. This prediction model with nomogram has good predictive ability and practical clinical value, and may be helpful in clinical decision-making and prognostication.

Predicting success of direct endoscopic necrosectomy with lumen-apposing metal stents for pancreatic walled-off necrosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) is increasingly used in the management of pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON). However, it still remains unknown which patients will fail to respond to DEN with LAMSs and require additional surgical intervention. Therefore, the aim of our study was to explore predictors of successful DEN with LAMSs for pancreatic WON. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. All consecutive patients who underwent DEN with LAMSs for pancreatic WON were included. Collected data were demographics, disease severity, morphologic features, and procedure characteristics. Potential factors affecting DEN outcome were predefined and analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred one consecutive patients undergoing DEN with LAMSs for WON were identified, among whom 4 patients were excluded for technical failure (n = 1) and previous debridement without LAMSs (n = 3). In the 97 included patients, clinical success was achieved in 79 patients (81.4%). In logistic multivariable regression, 3 independent factors were negatively associated with success of DEN with LAMSs: increasing Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (odds ratio [OR], .70; 95% confidence interval [CI], .55-.90; P = .005), >50% pancreatic necrosis (OR, .16; 95% CI, .03-.77; P = .022), and paracolic gutter extension (OR, .08; 95% CI, .02-.42; P = .003). A receiver-operating characteristic curve of the prediction model with these 3 factors demonstrated an area under the curve of .926. CONCLUSIONS: Paracolic gutter extension, increasing Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and >50% gland necrosis are negative predictors for success of DEN with LAMSs in WON. This prediction model with nomogram may be helpful in clinical decision-making and prognostication.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic resection for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors originating from the muscularis propria: a 7-year experience from a large tertiary center in China.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few studies have evaluated the value of endoscopic resection (ER) for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal (GI) stromal tumors (GISTs) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) in a large population, and no studies have evaluated risk factors for piecemeal resection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ER for gastric GISTs in a real-world setting and to explore factors associated with piecemeal resection. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2019, 185 patients with gastric GISTs originating from the MP were assessed. Clinicopathological and endoscopic data were collected and analyzed. Baseline characteristics of the en bloc resection and piecemeal resection groups were compared to evaluate predictive factors for piecemeal resection. RESULTS: There were 71 males and 114 females with a mean age of 57.0 ± 9.7 years. The mean size of GISTs was 15 mm (range 4-65 mm). A total of 123 were very low risk, 52 were low risk, and ten were moderate risk. In this study, 103 GISTs were treated with endoscopic submucosal excavation (ESE), 68 GISTs were treated with endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR), and 14 GISTs were treated with submucosal tunneling ER (STER). Either en bloc resection or complete resection was achieved in 160 (86.5%) patients. No recurrence was noted during follow-up. Only five patients experienced minor complications, with a complication rate of 2.7%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that size (odds ratio [OR] 1.060, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.004-1.118; P = 0.035) and shape (OR 5.434, 95% CI 1.638-18.027; P = 0.006) were independent predictors of piecemeal resection. CONCLUSION: ER was effective and safe for the treatment of gastric GISTs originating from the MP. Piecemeal resection did not seem to affect the efficacy of ER, and no recurrence was noted during follow-up. Large size and irregular shape are risk factors related to piecemeal resection of ER.

Hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection: An alternative resection modality for large laterally spreading tumors in the cecum?

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic resection for large, laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) in the cecum is challenging. Here we report on the clinical outcomes of hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in large cecal LSTs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with cecal LSTs ≥ 2 cm who underwent ESD or hybrid ESD procedures between January of 2008 and June of 2019. We compared the baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes, including procedure time, the en bloc and complete resection rates, and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 27 patients in the ESD group and 35 patients in the hybrid ESD group, respectively. Hybrid ESD was more used for lesions with submucosal fibrosis. No other significant differences were found in patient characteristics between the two groups. The hybrid ESD group had a significantly shorter procedure time compared with the ESD group (27.60 ± 17.21 vs. 52.63 ± 44.202 min, P = 0.001). The en bloc resection rate (77.1% vs. 81.5%, P = 0.677) and complete resection rate (71.4% vs. 81.5%, P = 0.359) of hybrid ESD were relatively lower than that of the ESD group in despite of no significant difference was found. The perforation and post-procedure bleeding rate (2.9% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.684) were similar between the two groups. One patient perforated during the ESD procedure, which was surgically treated. One patient in the hybrid ESD group experienced post-procedure bleeding, which was successfully treated with endoscopic hemostasis. Post-procedural fever and abdominal pain occurred in six patients in the ESD group and five patients in the hybrid ESD group. One patient in the ESD group experienced recurrence, which was endoscopically resected. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that hybrid ESD may be an alternative resection strategy for large cecal LSTs with submucosal fibrosis.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection for rectal laterally spreading tumors.

BACKGROUND: Evidence that comprehensively compares the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for rectal laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) is limited. METHODS: Between January 2009 and June 2018, 143 rectal LSTs in 143 patients who had undergone either ESD (n = 84) or ESTD (n = 59) were included in the study. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, and 50 pairs were selected. The data on patient demographics, treatment information, pathology reports, adverse events and follow-up were collected. RESULTS: Before PSM, the median specimen area was significantly larger in the ESTD group than in the ESD group (12.56 cm2 vs. 6.32 cm2, respectively; p < 0.001). The median dissection speed was significantly higher in the ESTD group than in the ESD group (24.53 mm2/min vs. 15.16 mm2/min, respectively; p < 0.001). After PSM, the median dissection speed was significantly higher in the ESTD group than in the ESD group (23.80 mm2/min vs. 17.12 mm2/min, respectively; p < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, significant factors related to a higher dissection speed were the treatment method of ESTD (p < 0.001) and larger specimen area (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ESTD appears to be a safe and effective method to treat rectal LSTs. Compared with ESD, ESTD appears to achieve a higher dissection speed for rectal LSTs.

Endoscopic versus surgical resection in the management of gastric schwannomas.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastric schwannoma (GS) is not well clinically recognized and surgical resection (SR) remains the mainstay of treatment. Recently, endoscopic resection (ER) appears to be a safe and effective alternative. However, its comparative outcomes with SR is lacking. Our aim was to first compare clinical outcomes and costs between ER and SR in the management of GSs. METHODS: A total of 46 consecutive patients with GSs who underwent ER (n = 16) or SR (n = 30) in our large tertiary center between July 2007 and Oct 2018 were included. Clinicopathologic features, clinical outcomes, medical costs and follow-up were retrospectively reviewed and compared between two groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics are comparable except for a smaller tumor size in ER group (22.9 vs 41.0 mm, p = 0.002). Complete resection was achieved in 87.5% of patients with ER and 100% of patients with SR (p = 0.116). The ER group had a significant shorter operative time (91.6 vs 128.2 min), less blood loss (16.9 vs 62.7 mL) and lower operation cost (21,054.4 vs 30,843.4 RMB) than SR group (all p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse events (12.5% vs 10%, p = 0.812) and length of postoperative hospital stay (8.3 vs 8.2 days, p = 0.945). During a long-term follow-up of mean 37.4 months (range 6-140 months), no residue, recurrence or metastasis was observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SR, ER has the similar safety and efficacy in the management of GSs, but contributes to a shorter operation time and lower medical costs. ER may be considered as the first-line treatment, especially for patients with GSs smaller than 30 mm.

Advanced achalasia: good candidate for peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been increasingly accepted as the first-line treatment of achalasia. However, laparoscopic Heller myotomy or esophagectomy still remains as the mainstay treatment for advanced achalasia featured with megaesophagus and/or sigmoid-shaped esophagus. Although the efficacy of POEM for advanced achalasia with sigmoid-shaped esophagus has been described, little is known about the role of POEM for patients with megaesophagus. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of POEM for advanced achalasia with megaesophagus. Patients who received initial examinations and underwent POEM in our hospital from June 2013 to December 2018 were identified and data were retrospectively analyzed. The advanced achalasia was defined as megaesophagus with a diameter of ≥6 cm. The primary outcome was clinical success. The secondary outcomes were technical success and adverse events. A total of 112 patients (50 females, 44.6%) were included with a mean age of 44.8 years. The median symptom duration was 6.5 years (IQR:3.0-13.0 years). Modified POEM techniques were used in 27.7% (31/112) of patients. Technical success rate was 99.1% (112/113) per procedure. Clinical success was seen in 93.1% patients with median Eckardt score decreasing from 8.0 to 1.0 (P < 0.001) during a median 31.0 months of follow-up. The mean LES pressure decreased from 29.5 mmHg to 14.2 mmHg after POEM (P < 0.05). Procedure-related adverse events occurred in 8.9% patients. Reflux disease was observed postoperatively in 26.7% of patients. POEM is also indicated for patients with advanced achalasia with a favorable safety and efficacy.

Long-term outcomes of superficial neoplasia at the esophagogastric junction treated via endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection: a cohort study of a single center from China.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The techniques and indications for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) to remove superficial neoplasia at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) have been developed and expanded. However, the resection of superficial neoplasia at the EGJ by ESD remains challenging, and the long-term clinical outcomes of curative and non-curative resections based on histological criteria remain unclear. We conducted a retrospective analysis on the safety and efficacy of the ESD and ESTD procedure with these patients. METHODS: The records of 209 consecutive patients at the Chinese PLA General Hospital who received ESD and ESTD to treat EGJ superficial neoplasia from November 2006 to December 2016 were reviewed for this retrospective cohort study. We divided patients into two groups (curative and non-curative resection). RESULTS: Of all 14 additional surgeries, 1 patient in the curative group and 13 in the non-curative group underwent surgical operation with residual tumor in 7 specimens. During a median follow-up period of 46.4 months (range 12.2-142.3 months), the 5-year survival rate was 98.6%. Two patients died 91 months and 66 months after surgery due to subarachnoid hemorrhage and lymphoma, respectively. One patient died of gastric cancer 1 year after the surgery. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 99.5%. Local tumor recurrence was detected in 9 of 209 cases. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, ESD was shown to be a safe and effective treatment strategy for early EGJ neoplasia. Mucosal adhesion may increase the difficulty of piecemeal curative resection, but the superficial depth of such an invasion favors better clinical outcomes. Additional surgical resection is a good choice for non-curative ESD, and re-ESD is also an alternative, in conjunction with intensive follow-up.

Endoscopic submucosal excavation and endoscopic full-thickness resection for gastric schwannoma: five-year experience from a large tertiary center in China.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic resection (ER) is an effective and safe method for gastric submucosal tumors, mostly composed of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and leiomyomas. The role of ER in gastric schwannoma (GS) has rarely been described. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ER for GS. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in consecutive patients who underwent ER for GS from March 2013 to October 2018 at our center. Clinicopathological, endoscopic, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 16 consecutive patients (9 females, 56.3%) were included, with a mean age of 50.4 years (range 25-75 years). The mean tumor size was 22.9 ± 15.1 mm (range 10-55 mm). Thirteen tumors (81.3%) were located in the middle third of the stomach and 12 tumors (75%) grew with intraluminal pattern. Endoscopic submucosal excavation (ESE) was performed in 7 patients while endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) was done in 9 patients. R0 resection was achieved in 14 patients (87.5%). The mean operative time was 91.6 ± 52.8 min (range 36-203 min) and the mean postoperative length of hospital stays was 8.3 ± 2.7 days (range 6-13 days). No adverse events were encountered except for fevers in 2 patients. No patients required surgical resection or intervention. During long-term follow-up of mean 21.8 months (range 6-62 months), no residue, recurrence, or metastasis was observed. CONCLUSIONS: ER is effective and safe for patients with GS with favorable long-term outcomes.

New treatment method for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): C-BLART (clip band ligation anti-reflux therapy)-a short-term study.

OBJECTIVES: C-BLART (clip band ligation anti-reflux therapy) has been reported as a new alternative endoscopic treatment for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study evaluated the short-term efficacy of C-BLART for controlling GERD symptoms, esophageal acid exposure, esophagitis, and quality of life. METHODS: Patients with refractory GERD were recruited for a nonrandomized concurrent comparison, with 60 patients in the C-BLART with tailored PPI use group and 43 patients in the BID proton pump inhibitor (PPI) group. The primary outcomes were esophageal acid exposure and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. The GERD-Q score, esophagitis grade, and adherence degree were also recorded. Crossover from the BID PPI group to the C-BLART with tailored PPI use group was allowed after 6 months. RESULTS: The LES pressure and GERD-Q score improved more in the C-BLART with tailored PPI use group (P < 0.001) after 6 months, with no significant difference in the decrease in esophagitis compared with the baseline endoscopic results (P = 0.268). Treatment with PPIs had been halted in 43% of the patients at 6 months after C-BLART. At 12 months after C-BLART, the DeMeester score showed a significant improvement compared with the baseline measurements (P = 0.025). The GERD-Q score and LES pressure did not significantly improve compared with the baseline values (P = 0.102, P = 0.184) in C-BLART with tailored PPI use group. At 6 to 12 months, n = 6 (10%) patients had undergone laparoscopic fundoplication to control their symptoms in all the patients after C-BLART. CONCLUSION: C-BLART is a novel treatment for controlling refractory GERD symptoms, esophageal acid exposure, and LES pressure according to this short-term analysis, safely performed endoscopically to create an anti-reflux barrier with ligated bands. Despite improvements in DeMeester score, LES pressure, and GERD-Q scores in the C-BLART with tailored PPI use group, many patients continue to demonstrate objective evidence of GERD.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic resection for non-ampullary duodenal laterally spreading tumors.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Non-ampullary duodenal laterally spreading tumors (NAD-LSTs) mimic the morphological features and natural history of colorectal LSTs, even achieving a large size but lacking invasive behavior; thus, they are suited for endoscopic resection (ER). At present, the endoscopic therapeutic approach in NAD-LSTs has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ER for NAD-LSTs and to evaluate the risk factors for delayed perforation after ER of NAD-LSTs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 54 patients with 54 NAD-LSTs treated with ER at the Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2007 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on patient demographic, clinicopathological characteristics of the lesions, outcomes of ER, and results of follow-up endoscopies were collected. RESULTS: The mean (SD) lesion size was 26.9 mm (8.5). Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed in 21 lesions, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed in 33 lesions. R0 resection was achieved in 93.9% of the ESD group and 38.1% of the EMR group (p = 0.000). Delayed bleeding was noted in two patients. Delayed perforation was identified in four patients. The incidence of delayed perforation showed a significant association with post-ampullary tumor location (p = 0.030). Follow-up endoscopy was performed in all cases with a mean (SD) period of 22.1 months (8.2), and local recurrence was identified in four cases after piecemeal EMR. CONCLUSIONS: ER of NAD-LSTs is a feasible and less invasive treatment. However, ER of NAD-LSTs is associated with serious adverse events such as delayed perforation, especially in patients with lesions located distal to Vater's ampulla.