Colonic mucosal pseudolipomatosis: Are we aware of it?

OBJECTIVE: Colonic mucosal pseudolipomatosis is rare, and its pathogenesis is controversial. A number of mechanisms, including mechanical injury during an endoscopic procedure or chemical injury by disinfectant, seem to contribute to its pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study examined the colonic biopsies of 1370 patients. These biopsies were preserved at the Department of Pathology of Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between January 2012 and June 2013. RESULTS: We found pseudolipomatosis in 14 of 1370 colonoscopy cases (1.02%). Of these 14 patients, 8 were male and 6 were female. The male patients were between 24 and 66 years, with a mean of 39; the female patients were between 26 and 58 years, with a mean of 42. CONCLUSION: Many endoscopists are unaware of the lesion, and the diagnosis is generally possible only after pathological assessment of multiple biopsies taken from suspect lesions. Here we report and discuss colonic pseudolipomatosis incidentally found in a series of patients undergoing routine colonoscopy, and we underline the endoscopic pattern and diagnostic difficulties.

Does a fitted abdominal corset makes colonoscopy more tolerable?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present study evaluated the usefulness of a fitted abdominal corset for colonoscopy, enabling proper compression of the abdomen during the entire examination. METHODS: Patients undergoing colonoscopy were subjected to either traditional methods or to using a fitted abdominal corset. Two hundred and sixteen patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (conventional colonoscopy) and group 2 (colonoscopy with abdominal corset). Cecal intubation rate and time need for manual compression and change of position were recorded. At the end of each colonoscopic examination, the patient evaluated pain by an 11-point visual analog scale from 0 to 10 (0: no pain, 10: worst pain). RESULTS: Cecal intubation time was shorter, the need for extra manual compression and change of position decreased and patients felt less pain during the procedure as denoted by lower visual analog scale scores in the group using a fitted abdominal corset, when compared to the group without a corset, in a statistically proven manner. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the usefulness of the abdominal corset in decreasing the degree of patient pain and it makes colonoscopy easier and quicker with less manipulation, so we propose using a fitted abdominal corset during routine colonoscopic procedures.

A new modified concomitant therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori eradication rates have tended to decrease recently, mostly due to antibiotic resistance. In the present study, our aim was to determine Hp eradication rate with the LAC plus tid metronidazole regimen and the secondary objective of this study was to identify an effective regimen for our population. METHODS: Eighty-four Hp-positive patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia were assigned into the same group. Patients were administered the classical LAC protocole (lansoprazole 30 mg bid, amoxicillin 1 g bid and claritromycin 500 mg bid for 14 days) plus metronidazole 500 mg tid for 14 days. Gastroscopy and histopathological assessment were performed before enrollment and C(14) urea breath test and stool antigen test were performed 6 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: All 84 patients completed the study. No patient left the study because of drug side effect. Total eradication rate was 75% (63/84). CONCLUSION: Although LAC plus tid metronidazole regimen achieved a much better eradication rate compared with the standard LAC regimen; this is the first study that has a relatively low success with a concomitant therapy. So in areas of high resistance like Turkey, one cannot expect a high success with any clarithromycin containing regimen and those should be avoided.

Comparative outcomes of antireflux treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms in patients with endoscopic esophagitis.

The objectives of this prospective study are to determine the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms in patients with endoscopic esophagitis, to investigate the relationship between LPR symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to compare the treatment responses of both symptom groups. 120 consecutive patients having complaints of GERD were included. Group I consisted of 62 patients with a diagnosis of endoscopic esophagitis. The second group consisted of 58 subjects with no detectable pathology at gastroscopy. LPR symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms were graded. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) were prescribed to patients. Both groups of symptoms were compared in two groups of patients. The improvement in symptoms was evaluated after treatment. The frequencies of LPR symptoms were statistically higher in patients with endoscopic esophagitis. All LPR symptoms were statistically relieved in their frequency after treatment. The decrease in LPR symptom scores after treatment in group I was statistically significant. FSSG (frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD) scores were statistically higher in group I than in group II before treatment. After treatment, FSSG scores were significantly decreased in group I. There was statistically significant positive correlation between the LPR symptom scores and FSSG scores before treatment. In conclusion, there is a high incidence of LPR symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms in patients with endoscopic esophagitis. LPR and upper abdominal symptoms responded well to antireflux treatment in patients with endoscopic esophagitis.

Histopathological changes of rat kidney with exposure to chronic thinner inhalation.

INTRODUCTION: Organic solvents are liquid substances commonly used in everyday life at home and in industrial workplaces. These solvents are found primarily in paint as thinner. Because other narcotics are hard to find, thinner is used as a narcotic especially among youngsters of low socioeconomic level. The aim of this study is to determine the histopathological changes of rat kidney with exposure to chronic thinner inhalation. METHODS: Randomized trial--the study was conducted at the animal care facility of Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital. Forty albino Wistar male rats were used throughout the experiment. Three groups of rats inhaled thinner in a glass cage for 1, 3, and 5 weeks, respectively. Ten rats inhaled only the air in the room as the control group. RESULTS: We observed the development of inflammation in the kidneys that became more remarkable as exposure time extended. Development of inflammation because of thinner apparently differed between the groups of week 1 and week 5. There was no difference in granuloma development. If the experiment lasted longer, there might have been granuloma development. CONCLUSIONS: Based on histopathological evaluations, it was shown that exposure to chronic thinner inhalation causes detectable damage on the kidney, which becomes more prominent as exposure period extends. As we established disorders in movement and consciousness in the rats during thinner inhalation, we can conclude that thinner also has a damaging effect upon the central nervous system.

Elective and emergency surgery in chronic hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to report our experience in elective and emergency surgery on chronic hemodialysis (CH) patients for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: All patients on CH for ESRD who underwent various surgical procedures in our unit within the past 9-year period (2001-2010) were included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups according to the type of surgery performed: elective or emergency. Demographic data, indications for surgery, primary causes of ESRD, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and mortality rates were studied. RESULTS: Of 130 patients, 121 underwent elective surgery while 10 were addressed for emergency operation. In the elective surgery group, the most common diseases were secondary hyperparathyroidism, kidney diseases, cholelithiasis, and diabetic foot gangrene. Complications occurred in nine patients (morbidity rate, 7%) and only one patient died (mortality rate, 0.8%). In the emergency surgery group, the most common diseases were diabetic foot gangrene and obstructed sigmoid colon cancer. In this group, complications occurred in seven patients (total morbidity rate, 70%) and two patients died (mortality rate, 20%). CONCLUSIONS: Elective surgery in patients on CH for ESRD can be performed with acceptable surgical risks provided careful preoperative preparation, intraoperative, and postoperative precautions are taken.

Association of laryngopharyngeal manifestations and gastroesophageal reflux.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms, the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and Helicobacter Pylori infection and treatment response to proton pump inhibitors. Forty-five patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux diseases related symptoms (sore throat, throat burning, throat clearing, globus sensation, cough, halitozis, dysphonia, dysphagia, postnasal dripping, vocal fatigue, and sputum) were included in this study. For pre-therapeutic and post-therapeutic comparison, symptoms and laryngological findings were graded on a 4-point scale. The patients underwent upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy. During endoscopy, antral biopsies from the stomach were obtained to detect H. Pylori. Antireflux medication with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and H. Pylori eradication therapy if present were prescribed to the patients. The improvement in symptoms and laryngological findings were evaluated after treatment. By means of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), reflux was detected in only 11% of patients. But there can be reflux patients other than the detected ones. Although, H. Pylori was present in 62% of patients, no correlation was found between H. Pylori positivity and symptoms. All patients responded well to antireflux treatment and H. Pylori eradication therapy. Laryngopharyngeal symptoms and findings can be predictors of gastroesophageal diseases when response to reflux treatment is taken into account.

Upper gastrointestinal tract polyps: what do we know about them?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate upper gastrointestinal polyps detected during esophago- gastroduodenoscopy tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis on data regarding 55,987 upper gastrointestinal endoscopy tests performed at the endoscopy unit of Istanbul Education and Research Hospital between January 2006 and June 2012. RESULTS: A total of 66 upper gastrointestinal polyps from 59 patients were analyzed. The most common clinical symptom was dyspepsia, observed in 41 cases (69.5%). The localizations of the polyps were as follows: 29 in the antrum (43.9%), 15 in the corpus (22.7%), 11 in the cardia (16.7%), 3 in the fundus (4.54%), 3 in the second portion of the duodenum (4.54%), 2 in the bulbus (3.03%) and 3 in the lower end of the esophagus (4.54%). Histopathological types of polyps included hyperplastic polyps (44) (66.7%), faveolar hyperplasia (8) (12.1%), fundic gland polyps (4) (6.06%), squamous cell polyps (4) (6.06%), hamartomatous polyps (3) (4.54%), and pyloric gland adenoma (3) (4.54%). Histopathological analysis of the gastric mucosa showed chronic atrophic gastritis in 30 cases (50.84%), HP infection in 33 cases (55.9%) and intestinal metaplasia in 19 cases (32.20%). In 3 cases with multiple polyps, adenocarcinoma was detected in hyperplastic polyps. CONCLUSIONS: Among polypoid lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract, the most common histological type is hyperplastic polyps. Generally, HP infection is associated with chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The incidence of adenocarcinoma tends to be higher in patients with multiple hyperplastic polyps.

Sarcoidosis incidentally diagnosed: a case report.

Sarcoidosis is a chronic, granulomatous condition with unknown cause. Because most of the patients are free of clinical symptoms, sarcoidosis should be considered in differential diagnosis if noncaseous granuloma is noted in biopsies, performed for other reasons. With no clinical symptoms, our patient was diagnosed with sarcoidosis upon identifying noncaseous granuloma in the lymph node biopsy material collected during the laparoscopic operation, performed for gallbladder polyp.

Diagnostic and therapeutic value of ERCP in acute cholangitis.

Cholangitis, with a clinical spectrum between acute ascending cholangitis and acute fulminant cholangitis, the mildest and the most severe forms, respectively, is the infection of bile ducts with a potential of serious mortality and morbidity. Obstruction of the bile ducts followed by infection, with E. coli being the most commonly isolated agent, is common to all forms of cholangitis. Biliary obstruction is caused by choledocholithiasis mostly. "Choledochal pressure" is the most important factor, determining morbidity. If the pressure exceeds 25 cm H2O, which is the critical value, immune dysfunction ensues. Sepsis is common if the infection of biliary ducts is suppurative. Mortality and morbidity are inevitable if left untreated or drained late. The objective of this study is, in the stand point of the current literature, to analyse the diagnostic, therapeutic success and complication rates of ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) in patients with a diagnosis of acute purulent cholangitis with no response to medical treatment.

Portal hypertension and myeloproliferative neoplasms: a relationship revealed.

Background/Objectives. Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms have a well-established increased risk of thrombosis. Many trials report identification of an underlying myeloproliferative neoplasm by investigation of the patients developing portal hypertensive esophagus and/or fundus variceal hemorrhage in the absence of any known etiology. This trial was designed to investigate the association between myeloproliferative neoplasms and portal hypertension and to detect the frequency of portal hypertension development in this subset of patients. Methodology. Twenty-nine patients previously diagnosed with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytopenia, and primary myelofibrosis, who were under followup at the hematology outpatient clinic of our hospital, were included in the trial. Results. In our trial, we detected portal hypertension in 13.8% of the patients (n = 4), as a finding that was similar to those obtained in other studies performed to date. Conclusions. Considering the fact that diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms usually takes a long time, treatment should be started (while, on the other hand, assessing the investigational and therapeutical choices for the complications) right after the bone marrow biopsy or cytogenetic studies required for establishing the final diagnosis have been performed.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of tumor M2-pyruvate kinase levels in patients with colorectal canhcer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Screening for precancerous lesions is important for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal tumors. We investigated M2-pyruvate kinase levels in patients with colorectal polyps and carcinoma and assessed factors affecting M2-pyruvate kinase levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-five patients who had undergone colonoscopic examination and who were diagnosed with a neoplastic lesion were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the macroscopic diagnosis of polyp or carcinoma. According to histopathological evaluation, specimens were grouped as nonneoplastic lesions, tubular adenoma, tubulovillous adenoma and adenocarcinoma. M2-pyruvate kinase levels were measured with the Tumor M2-pyruvate kinase ELISA kit. RESULTS: Mean M2-pyruvate kinase levels were 76.1±57.73 (13.1-288.22) IU/ml. We did not find a correlation between M2-pyruvate kinase levels and age, gender, smoking, alcohol and aspirin consumption and colorectal cancer family history. There was a relationship between body mass index and M2-pyruvate kinase level (p=0.022). The carcinoma group had the highest levels of M2-pyruvate kinase both endoscopically and histopathologically (p=0.009, p=0.019 respectively). M2-pyruvate kinase levels of patients who died were significantly higher than patients who survived (p=0.001). Enzyme values were significantly lower in diabetic patients than nondiabetics (p=0.04); and chronic renal failure patients had higher levels (p=0.045). CONCLUSION: Serum M2-pyruvate kinase levels may be useful in distinguishing malignant and benign lesions of the colon and may provide insight in terms of survival.

A case report: nasobiliary drainage inducing remission in benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis.

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of cholestasis and pruritus without anatomical obstruction. Generally, medical therapy is not effective in benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis. Here, we report the case of a young male patient with benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis who presented with cholestatic jaundice and pruritus, refractory to standard therapies. He improved on treatment with temporary endoscopic nasobiliary drainage. We propose that temporary endoscopic nasobiliary drainage should be considered in cholestatic benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis patients. A 36-year-old male patient admitted to our outpatient clinic with the complaint of pruritus. His anamnesis revealed that he experienced the same symptoms and signs in 2006. He was hospitalized in a hepatology clinic and was thoroughly examined. Liver biopsy was performed, and he was finally diagnosed as having benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis. Medical therapy options all proved to be ineffective and we were able to achieve remission in this patient only with the help of nasobiliary drainage. For this patient, we tried nasobiliary drainage in addition to the standard medical therapies. He improved on nasobiliary drainage. In conclusion, we propose that temporary endoscopic biliary drainage should be considered in cholestatic benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis patients. We hope that this case report contributes to the topic, since only a few nasobiliary drainage case experiences have been reported to date.

Steinert's syndrome presenting as anal incontinence: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Myotonic dystrophy (MD) or Steinert's syndrome is a rare cause of chronic diarrhea and anal incontinence. In the presence of chronic diarrhea and fecal incontinence with muscle weakness, neuromuscular disorders such as myotonic dystrophy should be considered in the differential diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 45-year-old Turkish man with Steinert's syndrome, who was not diagnosed until the age of 45. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, the persistence of diarrhea and fecal incontinence with muscle weakness should suggest that the physician perform an anal manometric study and electromyography. Neuromuscular disorders such as myotonic dystrophy should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Renal and suprarenal insufficiency secondary to familial Mediterranean fever associated with amyloidosis: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Familial Mediterranean fever is an autosomal recessive disease that predominantly affects people of the Mediterranean coast. One of the most frequent complications of the disease is amyloidosis. This clinical entity is known as secondary (also called AA) amyloidosis. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we describe the case of a 33-year-old Turkish man with familial Mediterranean fever and chronic renal insufficiency. He was admitted to our clinic with symptoms of suprarenal insufficiency. The patient died three months later as a result of cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: Our aim is to make a contribution to the literature by reporting a case of combined insufficiency due to the accumulation of renal and adrenal amyloid in a patient with familial Mediterranean fever, which has very rarely been described in the literature. We hope that adrenal insufficiency, which becomes fatal if not diagnosed and treated rapidly, will come to mind as easily as chronic renal failure in clinical practice.

A study to detect Helicobacter pylori in adenotonsillar tissue.

We conducted a prospective study to investigate the possibility of Helicobacter pylori colonization on tonsillar and adenoid tissues. Our study group was made up of 84 consecutively presenting children aged 4 to 12 years who had undergone adenotonsillectomy or adenoidectomy with or without ventilation tube insertion. The excised specimens were analyzed by rapid urease testing and histopathologic examination to detect H pylori. Histologic sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and Giemsa staining as performed in routine gastric biopsies. We found no H pylori colonization in any specimen. Therefore, we consider the possibility of H pylori colonization of adenotonsillar tissue unlikely, even though the authors of some recent studies have reported such a finding. Other means of detecting possible H pylori colonization in the upper aerodigestive tract rely on invasive biopsy procedures, which are difficult to use in clinical practice. Therefore, on the basis of our findings and our review of the literature, we conclude that looking for H pylori in the upper aerodigestive tract is not only clinically useless, but damaging, as well.

Comparison of 7- and 14-day first-line therapies including levofloxacin in patients with Helicobacter pylori positive non-ulcer dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Because of the increasing resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole, the most frequently used antibiotics in the first-line therapy of Helicobacter pylori eradication, new therapeutic alternatives are needed. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 7- and 14-day triple therapy including lansoprazole, levofloxacin and amoxicillin for Helicobacter pylori eradication as a first-line therapy. METHODS: Ninety-one non-ulcer dyspeptic patients infected with Helicobacter pylori as diagnosed by both histology and a rapid urease test were included in this study. Patients were randomized to receive either 7- (Group 1; 51 patients) or 14-day (Group 2; 40 patients) therapy with lansoprazole (30 mg b.i.d.), plus levofloxacin (500 mg o.i.d.) and amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.) and they were followed for six weeks. Eradication was assessed by 14C-urea breath test four weeks after completing the treatment protocols. RESULTS: In Group 1, 41 patients completed the treatment and the eradication rate was 34.15%. In group 2, 36 patients completed the treatment and the eradication rate was 72.2% (p= 0.001 vs group 1). CONCLUSIONS: Triple therapy with lansoprazole, levofloxacin and amoxicillin for 14 days was effective for Helicobacter pylori eradication, but 7-day therapy with the same protocol had a lower and unacceptable cure rate and should not be used.

Assessment of anxiety levels in patients during elective upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy are frequently performed procedures that can cause anxiety related to disappointing expectations, embarrassment and fear of discomfort. The aim of this study was to examine the possible relationship between state anxiety and trait anxiety with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy. METHODS: Ninety-eight consecutive outpatients (52 gastroscopy and 46 colonoscopy) undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy were interviewed to evaluate anxiety. Anxiety was rated at baseline and immediately prior to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy using the Spielberger State- Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: A modest but significant increase was detected in state anxiety prior to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy but no change was detected in trait anxiety in either group. Anxiety levels were not related with the type of endoscopic procedure. State anxiety scores increased from 36.9 (28.5 42.5) to 45.7 (27.5 48.0) (p=0.001) in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and from 36.2 (26.5 38.5) to 44.8 (30.5 48.0) (p=0.001) in patients undergoing colonoscopy. Females had higher anxiety levels than males in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic outpatient upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy were associated with remarkable anxiety in patients; however, anxiety levels were not related with the type of endoscopic procedure.

Torsion of a giant pedunculated liver hemangioma mimicking acute appendicitis: a case report.

Hemangiomas are the most common benign neoplasms affecting the liver. They occur at all ages. Most cases are asymptomatic and do not require any treatment. Rarely, hemangiomas can be pedunculated. If they undergo torsion and infarction, they become symptomatic. Herein; we report the case of a 31 year old male presenting with features of acute appendicitis: continuous right iliac fossa pain, rebound, guarding tenderness at McBurney' s point, nausea, anorexia, shifted white blood cell count and a Mantrels score of 6. At laparotomy a normal appendix was observed and a torsioned pedinculated liver hemangioma turned out to be the cause.

MALT lymphoma of the rectum, presenting with rectal prolapsus: a case report.

Up to now, there have been only a few reported cases of Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas arising in the rectum. Its clinical presentation is indistinguishable from that of rectal carcinoma but the treatment is apparently different. Symptoms of primary lymphomas involving the rectum include; anorexia, weight loss, change in bowel habits, obstruction, and bleeding. These symptoms are not disease specific and can be seen in many other gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with polypoid masses may present with obstruction symptoms. In this rare case, a female patient admitted to the emergency service with prolapsus of a rectal mass.The optimal treatment of rectal MALT lymphoma is not well defined yet, given the rarity of the disease. Surgical resection of the localized lesion and following adjuvant chemotherapy has proved to be an effective treatment option. However, a close and long-lasting follow-up is important.