Effectiveness of direct needle puncture for complete hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture after pancreaticoduodenectomy (with video).

A 79-year-old Japanese woman, who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy 6 months prior to presentation owing to pancreatic cancer, complained of jaundice with high fever. Computed tomography revealed proximal bile duct dilatation with complete hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture (HJAS). We performed a single-balloon endoscopy for biliary drainage. The presence of a scar-like feature surrounding the anastomosis was identified as the HJAS. White-light imaging during single-balloon endoscopy revealed that the HJAS contained a milky whitish area (MWA), suggesting that a membranous and fibrosis layer affected continuous inflammation around the center of the anastomosis (within a scar-like feature). Endoscopic dilatation was performed using an endoscopic injection needle, with the MWA used as an indicator. A 23-gauge endoscopic injection needle was used to penetrate the center of the blind lumen within the MWA, and a pinhole was created in the stricture. After confirming the position of the proximal bile duct using a contrast medium with the needle, an endoscopic guidewire with a cannula was inserted into the pinhole. A through-the-scope sequential balloon dilator was used to dilate the stricture, and a plastic stent was inserted into the proximal bile duct. This endoscopic intervention led to positive outcomes. In cases of complete HJAS occlusion, an endoscopic approach to the bile duct is difficult because the anastomotic opening of the HJAS is not visible. Thus, puncturing within the MWA, which can be used as a scar-like landmark within a complete membranous HJAS, is considered a useful endoscopic strategy.

Sudden detection of pyriform sinus carcinoma during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Iatrogenic trauma and perforation are among the most concerning complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A 76-year-old man presented for management of obstructive jaundice caused by pancreatic cancer. The ERCP was planned for further evaluation of pancreatic cancer and endoscopic biliary drainage. The ERCP scope could not pass because of resistance during the initial attempt to insert it through the pyriform sinus. After two attempts, mild bleeding occurred in the oral cavity, and the ERCP scope was successfully inserted in the esophagus. Tissue debris was observed in the esophagus; however, it was considered attributable to damage during insertion. Because passage was difficult, we placed a guidewire deep in the duodenum to ensure an accurate route and removed the ERCP scope. Then, we switched to direct-view esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and observed the pyriform sinus. EGD showed an irregular ridge and stenosis, which were determined to comprise a pyriform sinus tumor. Tissue fragments at the ERCP insertion site were retrieved for pathological examination. The ERCP scope was inserted using a guidewire, and biliary drainage was completed. When unexpected resistance is noticed, endoscopic manipulation should be stopped, and a detailed evaluation should be conducted. Endoscopists, particularly trainees with limited procedural experience, should be vigilant of these potential complications.

A Case of a Granular Cell Tumor Arising in a Patient with Long-segment Barrett's Esophagus.

Esophageal cell tumors are rare. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed on a 48-year-old woman revealed an elevated esophageal lesion and the presence of long-segment Barrett's esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a 15 mm homogeneous hypoechoic tumor extending from the lamina propria mucosa to the submucosa. Pathological examination of the biopsy tissue revealed a sheet-like cluster of histiocytoid cells with an abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical examination revealed S-100 (+) and CD68 (+), thus suggesting the diagnosis of a granular cell tumor. The tumor was resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection. Pathologically, the background mucosa was Barrett's mucosa. This is the first reported case of an esophageal granular cell tumor in long-segment Barrett's esophagus.

Non-improvement of atrophic gastritis in cases of gastric cancer after successful Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely related to the development of gastric cancer (GC). However, GC can develop even after H. pylori eradication. Therefore, it would be extremely useful if GC could be predicted after eradication. The Kyoto classification score for gastritis (GA) is closely related to cancer risk. However, how the score for GC changes after eradication before onset is not well understood. AIM: To investigate the characteristics of the progression of Kyoto classification scores for GC after H. pylori eradication. METHODS: Eradication of H. pylori was confirmed in all patients using either the urea breath test or the stool antigen test. The Kyoto classification score of GC patients was evaluated by endoscopy at the time of event onset and three years earlier. In addition, the modified atrophy score was evaluated and compared between the GC group and the control GA group. RESULTS: In total, 30 cases of early GC and 30 cases of chronic GA were evaluated. The pathology of the cancer cases was differentiated adenocarcinoma, except for one case of undifferentiated adenocarcinoma. The total score of the Kyoto classification was significantly higher in the GC group both at the time of cancer onset and three years earlier (4.97 vs 3.73, P = 0.0034; 4.2 vs 3.1, P = 0.0035, respectively). The modified atrophy score was significantly higher in the GC group both at the time of cancer onset and three years earlier and was significantly improved only in the GA group (5.3 vs 5.3, P = 0.5; 3.73 vs 3.1, P = 0.0475, respectively). CONCLUSION: The course of the modified atrophy score is useful for predicting the onset of GC after eradication. Patients with severe atrophy after H. pylori eradication require careful monitoring.

Post-embolization syndrome-like symptoms due to shedding of necrotic material of hepatocellular carcinoma into the bile duct following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: an instructive case.

Fever, abdominal pain, and liver dysfunction are almost inevitable complications of transcatheter arterial chemo embolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma, but these symptoms may also be due to bile duct obstruction caused by shedding of necrotic tumor material into the bile duct. A 68-year-old man presented with persistent fever, liver dysfunction, and abdominal pain after TACE. Computed tomography revealed stone-like hyperdensities in the bile duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed these structures to be necrotic material from hepatocellular carcinoma. We believe this is an instructive case of an often overlooked situation.

Hepatic invasion of a gastric ulcer confirmed by endoscopy and surgery.

A 66-year-old woman who had been suffering from chronic anorexia for two years was transported to the hospital after being unable to consume food for three days. She had no hematemesis or abdominal pain and had no history of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Blood tests showed marked anemia with hemoglobin of 3.3 g/dL, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a large ulcer lesion in the lesser curvature of the gastric body and a liver-like mass protruding from the ulcer base. Biopsy of the mass showed proliferation of cells showing irregular cord-like structures, suggestive of normal liver tissue or hepatocellular carcinoma. Computed tomography scan showed no obvious free air in the abdomen. Despite conservative treatment, the patient developed hematemesis and progressive anemia, and surgery was performed (total gastrectomy with partial hepatectomy). Surgical specimen showed an ulcer lesion with fibrosis and loss of wall structure in all layers of the stomach, and liver adhesion with fibrosis deep in the ulcer, but no malignant findings. With the advent of powerful gastric acid secretion inhibitors, gastric ulcer invasion into the liver is now very rare, and this case is thus a valuable example showing very clear images.

Progress of ulcerative colitis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: We have previously demonstrated that the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused exacerbations in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, probably through psychological and physical stress. However, successive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic continuously followed the first. The effects of this chronic stress on the disease condition in UC patients are of interest. AIM: To clarify the effect of chronic stress from COVID-19 on disease condition in patients aggravated after the first wave. METHODS: Our previous study investigated 289 consecutive UC outpatients treated in one center during March and April 2020, the period of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, an identical group of 289 UC patients was evaluated using UC-disease activity index (UC-DAI), endoscopic mucosal appearance score, and Matts pathological grade scoring. RESULTS: Of the 289 UC patients included in the study in 2020, 10 patients dropped out as of 2021 and another 11 patients dropped out as of 2022, making three groups for 2020, 2021 and 2022. No significant differences in characteristics were found among the three groups. UC-DAI scores had aggravated during the period of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, but significantly recovered in 2021 and remained stable in 2022. Matts grade scores significantly recovered in 2021 from those in 2020 and remained stable in 2022. CONCLUSION: Disease activity of UC patients recovered in 2021 and remained stable in 2022, aggravated by the stress of the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020 despite persistence of the pandemic.

Covered self-expandable metallic stents versus plastic stents for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy in patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Covered self-expandable metallic stents (cSEMS) have become popular for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy with transmural stenting (EUS-HGS). We compared the time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO), complications, and reintervention rates between EUS-HGS using plastic stent (PS) and cSEMS in patients with unresectable malignancies at multicenter institutions in Japan. METHODS: Patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction who underwent EUS-HGS between April 2015 and July 2020 at any of the six participating facilities were enrolled. Primary endpoint: TRBO; secondary endpoints: rate of complications other than recurrent biliary obstruction and technical success rate of reintervention were evaluated. RESULTS: PS and cSEMS were used for EUS-HGS in 109 and 43 patients, respectively. The TRBO was significantly longer in the cSEMS group than in the PS group (646 vs. 202 days). Multivariate analysis identified two independent factors associated with a favorable TRBO: combined EUS-guided antegrade stenting with EUS-HGS and the use of cSEMS. No significant difference was observed in the rate of complications other than recurrent biliary obstruction between the two groups. The technical success rate of reintervention was 85.7% for PS and 100% for cSEMS (p=0.309). CONCLUSION: cSEMS might be a better option for EUS-HGS in patients with unresectable malignancies, given the longer TRBO.

A case of eosinophilic pancreatitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis.

Eosinophilic pancreatitis (EP) is very rare and characterised by infiltration of eosinophils into the pancreatic parenchyma. A 40-year-old man was diagnosed with total-colitis-type ulcerative colitis at the age of 15 years. He was then diagnosed with steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis. He was given golimumab, which resulted in remission. Ten months after beginning golimumab, he was urgently hospitalised with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Hence, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy was performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Pathologically, abundant infiltration of eosinophils was observed in the edematous intralobular stroma of the pancreas. He was diagnosed with EP, and treated with corticosteroids.

Endoscopic Treatment for Submucosal Heterotopic Gastric Gland in a Case Observed over Nine Years from Development to Enlargement.

A 70-year-old Japanese man with a submucosal gastric mass that continued to increase in size underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection using the pocket creation method. Histologically, some epithelial cell nuclei were enlarged, but there was little atypia overall and no sign of malignancy, suggesting a diagnosis of submucosal heterotopic gastric gland (SHGG). SHGG that enlarges over time has been associated with gastric cancer, but a preoperative diagnosis is difficult. This case was very valuable, as it enabled us to follow the course of SHGG over a period of about nine years, from the onset to enlargement.

A retrospective multicenter study comparing the punctures to B2 and B3 in endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy.

Objectives: In recent years, endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) has been performed as an important salvage option for failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for biliary drainage. However, technical issues, such as puncture site (bile duct of segment 3 [B3] or bile duct of segment 2 [B2]), dilation method, stent selection, and procedural safety, need to be resolved for the optimization of EUS-HGS. The present study was to compare the safety, difficulty, and technical and functional success between biliary access via B2 and B3 during EUS-HGS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective investigation of 161 consecutive EUS-HGS cases across a total of 6 facilities, including those at our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups according to the successful drainage route: the puncture to B2 (P-B2) or the puncture to B3 (P-B3). We compared the technical and functional success rates, technical difficulty, and adverse events between the two groups. We also conducted a subgroup analysis to show the factors related to the procedure time. Results: There were 92 cases in the P-B2 group and 69 cases in the P-B3 group. There were no significant differences in the technical success, functional success, or adverse events between the groups; however, the procedure time was significantly shorter in P-B2 cases than in P-B3 cases. The multivariate analysis showed that the puncture site was the only factor related to the procedure time. Conclusions: Based on these findings, P-B2 appears useful and safe. P-B2 is as effective as P-B3 and was able to be performed in a shorter period of time. The B2 approach can be considered a useful option for EUS-HGS.

Safe Performance of Track Dilation and Bile Aspiration with ERCP Catheter in EUS-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy with Plastic Stents: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic-ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) with plastic stent placement is associated with a high incidence of adverse events that may be reduced using an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) contrast catheter in the track dilation step. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of track dilation and bile aspiration performed with an ERCP contrast catheter in EUS-HGS with plastic stent placement. METHODS: In a multicenter setting, 22 EUS-HGS cases dilated with an ERCP contrast catheter were analyzed retrospectively and compared between a bile aspiration group and no bile aspiration group. RESULTS: Overall, adverse events occurred in three (13.6%) cases of bile leakage, three (13.6%) cases of peritonitis, and one (4.5%) case of bleeding. Comparing patients with and without bile aspiration, 6 of the 11 patients (54.5%) with no bile aspiration had adverse events, whereas only 1 of the 11 patients (9.1%) who had bile aspiration, as much bile as possible, had an adverse event (bleeding). In univariate analysis, the only factor affecting the occurrence of adverse events was bile aspiration whenever possible (odds ratio, 12.0; 95%CI 1.12-128.84). CONCLUSIONS: In EUS-HGS with plastic stent placement, track dilation and bile aspiration with an ERCP contrast catheter may be useful in reducing adverse events.

Usefulness of duckbill-type anti-reflux self-expandable metal stents for distal malignant biliary obstruction with duodenal invasion: A pilot study.

Objectives: Early obstruction of a self-expandable metal stent placed for distal malignant biliary obstruction is more likely to occur in the presence of duodenal invasion. An anti-reflux self-expandable metal stent (ARMS) has been developed for the purpose of preventing duodenal fluid reflux into the bile duct. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness and safety of a duckbill-type ARMS (D-ARMS) in the situation of duodenal invasion. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10 consecutive patients who received D-ARMS for distal malignant biliary obstruction with duodenal invasion. We evaluated non-occlusion cholangitis, recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), and adverse events after D-ARMS placement. Results: There were no cases of non-occlusion cholangitis. RBO was observed in 2 patients (20%), and time to RBO was 236 days and 117 days, respectively. The causes of RBO were overgrowth and sludge formation. The median time to RBO was 382 days (range, 117-382 days). Only one adverse event was observed (cholecystitis). Conclusions: D-ARMS shows potential as an optimal ARMS.