Quantification of interstitial cells of Cajal and fibrosis during gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy and its association with clinical outcomes.

Background and study aims Alterations to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and collagen fibrosis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroparesis. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of pyloric muscle sampling during gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) and the association between pyloric ICC density and degree of fibrosis with clinical outcomes. Patients and methods This was a single-center prospective study of gastroparetic patients who underwent G-POEM and intraprocedural pyloric muscle biopsies between January 2022 and April 2023. ICC count was estimated using CD117 stain and trichome for collagen fibrosis. Clinical response to G-POEM was defined as an improvement of ≥ 1 point on the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index. Results Fifty-six patients (median age 60 years, 71.4% women) underwent G-POEM (100% technical success; 71.4% clinical response). ICC depletion (< 10/high-power field) and fibrosis were encountered in 70.4% and 75% of the cases, respectively. There was no difference in mean ICC count between G-POEM responders vs. non-responders (7±3.6 vs. 7.7±3.3; P = 0.9). There was no association between ICC density or degree of fibrosis with the etiology of gastroparesis, duration of symptoms, gastric emptying rate, or pyloric impedance planimetry. Patients who did not respond to G-POEM had a significantly higher degree of moderate/severe fibrosis when compared with those who responded (81.3% vs. 25%; P = 0.0002). Conclusions Pyloric muscle biopsies during G-POEM was feasible and safe. ICC depletion and pyloric muscle fibrosis are common in gastroparetic patients. The degree of fibrosis may be related to pyloric dysfunction and clinical response to G-POEM. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for spastic esophageal dysmotility among opioid users: a multicenter propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) often presents as spastic esophageal disorders (SEDs) and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO). The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for SEDs and EGJOO among opioid users and nonusers. METHODS: This propensity score (PS) matching study included consecutive opioid users and nonusers who underwent POEM for SEDs and EGJOO between January 2018 and September 2022. The following covariates were used for the PS calculation: age, sex, duration of symptoms, Eckardt score, type of motility disorder, and length of myotomy during POEM. Clinical response was defined as a post-POEM Eckardt score ≤3. RESULTS: A total of 277 consecutive patients underwent POEM during the study period. PS matching resulted in the selection of 64 pairs of patients strictly matched 1:1 (n = 128) with no statistically significant differences in demographic, baseline, or procedural characteristics or in the parameters considered for the PS between the 2 groups. Clinical response to POEM was significantly lower among opioid users (51 of 64 [79.7%]) versus nonusers (60 of 64 [93.8%]) (P = .03) at a median follow-up of 18 months. Among opioid users, higher opioid dose (>60 morphine milligram equivalents per day) was associated with a higher likelihood of failure to respond to POEM (odds ratio, 4.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-3.98; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical response to POEM for SEDs and EGJOO is significantly lower among opioid users versus nonusers. There was a dose-relationship between opioids and response to POEM, with higher daily opioid usage associated with a higher likelihood of treatment failure.

Application of broken windows theory to identify flow disruptions in neurosurgery procedure.

Addressing flow disruptions (FDs) in neurosurgery requires a multifaceted approach. Strategies like improved communication protocols, minimizing interruptions, improving coordination among team, optimizing operating room layout, and promoting user-centered design can help mitigate the challenges and enhance the overall flow and safety of neurosurgical procedures. Thirty neurosurgery cases were observed at two tertiary care facilities. The data collected were from wheels into the operating room to wheels out from the operating room. Data points were categorized using a human factors taxonomy known as RIPCHORD-TWA (Realizing Improved Patient Care Through Human-Centered Operating Room Design for Threat Window Analysis). Of the 541 total disruptions observed, coordination issues were the most prevalent (26.25%), followed by layout issues (26.06%), issues related to interruption (22.55%), communication (22.37%), equipment issues (2.40%) and usability issues (0.37%) comprised the remainder of the observations. This translated into one disruption every 2.7 min. Instead of focusing exclusively on errors and adverse events, we propose conceptualizing the accumulation of disruptions as "threat windows" to analyze potential threats to the integrity of the care system. This perspective allows for the improved identification of system weaknesses or threats, affording us the ability to address these inefficiencies and intervene before errors and adverse events may occur.

Classification and Locoregional Treatment of Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors.

A 43-year-old male presented to his primary care physician's office with a complaint of painless rectal bleeding with a concomitant weight loss of 10-15 pounds and intermittent abdominal pain. Endoscopic evaluation was remarkable for a 5 mm rectal polyp roughly 10 cm from the anal verge. Resection was performed and the pathology was consistent with a low-grade neuroendocrine/carcinoid tumor. Immunostaining for synaptophysin, chromogranin, CD56, and CAM5.2 were positive while staining for CK20 was negative. Given the absence of metastasis on radiographic and endoscopic evaluation, the patient was managed conservatively thereafter with observation. Despite having an indolent clinical course, resection is recommended for all rectal neuroendocrine tumors. Locoregional endoscopic resection versus radical resection can be used for adequate tissue removal depending on the characteristics of the tumor and the degree of invasion.

Metformin-Induced Acute Hepatitis.

Metformin is considered an initial oral pharmacotherapy of choice for treating hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although safe in the vast majority of the population, rare side effects will come to light as the prevalence of T2DM continues to rise. We present a rare case of metformin-induced hepatotoxicity and possibly the first reported case of dose-dependent metformin-induced hepatotoxicity. This case report aims to make clinicians aware of this infrequent yet significant adverse reaction that can arise with metformin therapy.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis as a rare gastroenterological association of COVID-19: a case series and systematic review.

Background and Aim: Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is an acute inflammatory disease of the gallbladder in the absence of cholecystolithiasis. It is a serious clinicopathologic entity, with a high mortality rate of 30-50%. A number of etiologies have been identified that can potentially trigger AAC. However, clinical evidence on its occurrence following COVID-19 remains scarce. We aim to evaluate the association between COVID-19 and AAC. Methods: We report our clinical experience based on 3 patients who were diagnosed with AAC secondary to COVID-19. A systematic review of the MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase databases was conducted for English-only studies. The latest search date was December 20, 2022. Specific search terms were used regarding AAC and COVID-19, with all associated permutations. Articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were screened, and 23 studies were selected for a quantitative analysis. Results: A total of 31 case reports (level of clinical evidence: IV) of AAC related to COVID-19 were included. The mean age of patients was 64.7 ± 14.8 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.1:1. Major clinical presentations included fever 18 (58.0%), abdominal pain 16 (51.6%), and cough 6 (19.3%). Hypertension 17 (54.8%), diabetes mellitus 5 (16.1%), and cardiac disease 5 (16.1%) were among the common comorbid conditions. COVID-19 pneumonia was encountered before, after, or concurrently with AAC in 17 (54.8%), 10 (32.2%), and 4 (12.9%) patients, respectively. Coagulopathy was noted in 9 (29.0%) patients. Imaging studies for AAC included computed tomography scan and ultrasonography in 21 (67.7%) and 8 (25.8%) cases, respectively. Based on the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 criteria for severity, 22 (70.9%) had grade II and 9 (29.0%) patients had grade I cholecystitis. Treatment included surgical intervention in 17 (54.8%), conservative management alone in 8 (25.8%), and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in 6 (19.3%) patients. Clinical recovery was achieved in 29 (93.5%) patients. Gallbladder perforation was encountered as a sequela in 4 (12.9%) patients. The mortality rate in patients with AAC following COVID-19 was 6.5%. Conclusions: We report AAC as an uncommon but important gastroenterological complication following COVID-19. Clinicians should remain vigilant for COVID-19 as a possible trigger of AAC. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can potentially save patients from morbidity and mortality. Relevance for Patients: AAC can occur in association with COVID-19. If left undiagnosed, it may adversely impact the clinical course and outcomes of patients. Therefore, it should be considered among the differential diagnoses of the right upper abdominal pain in these patients. Gangrenous cholecystitis can often be encountered in this setting, necessitating an aggressive treatment approach. Our results point out the clinical importance of raising awareness about this biliary complication of COVID-19, which will aid in early diagnosis and appropriate clinical management.

Benefits of EUS-guided gastroenterostomy over surgical gastrojejunostomy in the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a large multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO) allows resumption of peroral intake. Although surgical gastrojejunostomy (SGJ) provides durable relief, it may be associated with a higher morbidity, interfere with chemotherapy, and require an optimum nutritional status. EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative. We aimed to conduct the largest comparative series to date between EUS-GE and SGJ for mGOO. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included consecutive patients undergoing SGJ or EUS-GE at 6 centers. Primary outcomes included time to resumption of oral intake, length of stay (LOS), and mortality. Secondary outcomes included technical and clinical success, reintervention rates, adverse events (AEs), and resumption of chemotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 310 patients were included (EUS-GE, n = 187; SGJ, n = 123). EUS-GE exhibited significantly lower time to resumption of oral intake (1.40 vs 4.06 days, P < .001), at lower albumin levels (2.95 vs 3.33 g/dL, P < .001), and a shorter LOS (5.31 vs 8.54 days, P < .001) compared with SGJ; there was no difference in mortality (48.1% vs 50.4%, P = .78). Technical (97.9% and 100%) and clinical (94.1% vs 94.3%) success was similar in the EUS-GE and SGJ groups, respectively. EUS-GE had lower rates of AEs (13.4% vs 33.3%, P < .001) but higher reintervention rates (15.5% vs 1.63%, P < .001). EUS-GE patients exhibited significantly lower interval time to resumption of chemotherapy (16.6 vs 37.8 days, P < .001). Outcomes between the EUS-GE and laparoscopic (n = 46) surgical approach showed that EUS-GE had shorter interval time to initiation/resumption of oral intake (3.49 vs 1.46 days, P < .001), decreased LOS (9 vs 5.31 days, P < .001), and a lower rate of AEs (11.9% vs 17.9%, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to date showing that EUS-GE can be performed among nutritionally deficient patients without affecting the technical and clinical success compared with SGJ. EUS-GE is associated with fewer AEs while allowing earlier resumption of diet and chemotherapy.

Milky Ascites: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Chylous ascites is a milky-appearing, triglyceride-rich fluid within the abdominal cavity. It is a rare finding that arises from the disruption of the lymphatic system and can be caused by a wide variety of pathologies. Here, we present a diagnostically challenging case of chylous ascites. In this article, we discuss the pathophysiology and various etiologies of chylous ascites, explore the diagnostic tools available, and highlight the management strategies implemented in this rare finding.

Prospective study on the efficacy of endoscopic through-the-scope tack and suture system for gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy mucosal incision site closure.

Background and study aims Mucosal closure after gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) can be difficult due to the thick gastric mucosa. We evaluated the use of a novel through-the-scope (TTS) suture system for G-POEM mucosotomy closure. Patients and methods This was a single-center prospective study on consecutive patients who underwent G-POEM with TTS suture closure between February 2022 and August 2022. Technical success was defined as complete mucosotomy closure with TTS suture alone. On subgroup analysis, we compared performance on TTS suturing between the advanced endoscopist and the advanced endoscopy fellow (AEF) under supervision. Results Thirty-six consecutive patients (median age 60 years, interquartile range [IQR] 48.5-67], 72 % women) underwent G-POEM with TTS suture of the mucosotomy. Median mucosal incision length was 2 cm (IQR: 2-2.5). Mean mucosal closure and total procedure time were 17.5 ±â€Š10.8 and 48.4 ±â€Š16.8 minutes, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 24 patients (66.7 %) and 100 % of the cases were adequately closed with a combination of TTS suture and clips. When compared to the advanced endoscopist, the AEF required > 1 TTS suture system for complete closure significantly more frequently (66.7 % vs. 8.3 %, P  = 0.009) and more time for mucosal closure (20.4 ±â€Š12.1 vs. 11.9 ±â€Š4.9 minutes, P  = 0.03). Conclusions TTS suturing is effective and safe for G-POEM mucosal incision closure. With experience, technical success is high, and most closures may be achieved using a single TTS suture system alone, which has important cost and time implications. Additional comparative trials with other closure devices are need1ed.

March of the Eosinophils: A Case of Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis, Immune Thrombocytopenia, and Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) refer to eosinophilic infiltration of various sections of the gastrointestinal tract in the absence of secondary causes. Diagnosis of EGID requires histological evidence of eosinophilic infiltration of the GI tract. Here, we present a case of a young male with biopsy-proven eosinophilic gastroenteritis with a concomitant established diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).  Presently, EGIDs remain an underexplored clinical entity. While its pathophysiology is not fully understood at this time, TH2 mediated activation of B-cells and subsequent stimulation of eosinophils locally appears to be at play. This is in contrast to the TH1 predominant cytokine profile underlying ITP, which this patient also has. Treatment typically involves dietary modifications and glucocorticoids.

Wandering Mucosal Melanoma Presenting as Occult Gastrointestinal Blood Loss Anemia.

Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer arising from the skin, retina, and mucosal lining of the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), or genitourinary tracts, all of which contain melanocytes. Mucosal or extracutaneous melanomas (ECMs) are rare accounting for 1% of all melanomas. We herein report a case of a metastatic mucosal melanoma presenting as occult blood loss anemia. A 58-year-old male presented with generalized weakness, anorexia, weight loss, and intermittent melena for one year. On exam, he was tachycardic, borderline hypotensive, and pale without epigastric tenderness. Labs showed severe anemia [hemoglobin, Hgb 3.8 mg/dL, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 72 fl] for which he received two units of red cells. Endoscopy revealed an 8 mm non-bleeding, gastric ulcer with a raised border and a clean base on the wall of the gastric body. Histologic analysis was consistent with malignant melanoma displaying strong positivity for S-100, Melan A, and HMB 45 stains. The CT of the abdomen revealed multifocal metastatic disease with subcutaneous, intramuscular, and perinephric implants with suspicion of small bowel carcinomatosis. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy for the abdominal wall mass and surgical pathology confirmed melanoma. The patient is planned to be started on immunotherapy for advanced disease. Most melanomas found in the GI tract are metastatic. Mucosal melanoma presenting as a gastric ulcer is extremely rare. As a result, metastasis from other sites must be ruled out before making a diagnosis of primary gastric melanoma (PGM). In our case, a widespread disease with unknown primary elucidated the diagnosis but post-operative inspection failed to find any potential lesion on the skin, genitals, or other organs, suggesting the possible diagnosis of metastatic gastric melanoma. However, follow-up is still required to confirm the diagnosis according to the established criteria. Pathologic diagnosis of melanoma requires the identification of melanin in the cytoplasm and immunohistochemistry with specific markers such as S-100, Melan A, and HMB-45. Although the pathologic diagnosis of PGM is similar to cutaneous melanoma, preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to the extremely low incidence, lack of obvious melanin pigmentation, similar microscopic patterns as more common gastric cancers, and lack of awareness among physicians and pathologists. The prognosis of mucosal melanoma is poor, with a five-year survival rate of 25% versus 80% for cutaneous melanoma. Advanced age, surgically unresectable disease, and lymph node involvement are all poor prognostic markers. There is no standard protocol for treatment. Surgery is the only curative treatment for the resectable disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy have an established role in cutaneous melanoma but there is only limited data on adjuvant systemic therapy with mucosal melanoma. Further research is imperative to establish proper management guidelines for this rare disease entity.

Boerhaave Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review.

Boerhaave's syndrome is a rare yet serious condition associated with high mortality and morbidity. Diagnosis of this syndrome is usually done with the aid of imaging and prompt management should be initiated to improve the outcomes. Treatment for this syndrome has been mainly surgical since its discovery by Herman Boerhaave; however, multiple endoscopic approaches have been successfully used recently with the advancement of this field. Here, we describe two cases of Boerhaave's syndrome that were endoscopically managed along with a brief literature review of the different endoscopic methods used to manage this syndrome.

Dysphagia: A Rare Presentation of Sarcoidosis.

Gastrointestinal (GI) sarcoidosis is a rare manifestation of this multi-systemic granulomatous disorder. Esophageal involvement is extremely rare and there have been few case reports about this. Our article reports a case of esophageal sarcoidosis in which dysphagia was the main presenting symptom. The main initial treatment of symptomatic sarcoidosis in general and pulmonary sarcoidosis in specific usually involves corticosteroids, however, there are no specific guidelines for the management of GI sarcoidosis. Surprisingly, or maybe not, in our case, the dysphagia did not improve with steroid therapy which prompted further investigations as well as endoscopic intervention.

Mycophenolate-Induced Colitis: A Rare Side Effect.

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a well-known immunosuppressive medication that is widely used in solid organ transplant recipients. This medication is known to have various gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Some of those side effects are simple and temporary like nausea; on the other hand, it can also lead to more serious side effects like colitis. We herein report a case of MPA-induced colitis that presented with severe diarrhea. Unexpectedly, the endoscopic appearance of the colon was normal. Moreover, pathology findings were nonspecific. Symptoms had resolved after discontinuation of the medication. MPA-induced colitis is a rare side effect with no established guidelines for management or treatment. Furthermore, the nonspecific endoscopic and microscopic findings make it a diagnostic dilemma.

Extramedullary Plasmacytoma Causing Myelopathy Resulting in Gait Imbalance.

Plasmacytomas are neoplasms of plasma cells that can involve the bone marrow, the bone itself, or soft tissue without bone marrow involvement. Extramedullary plasmacytomas are most commonly found in the upper respiratory tract in a total of 80% of all cases. Extramedullary plasmacytomas have also been documented in locations such as the central nervous system. This form of plasmacytoma may be seen as a solitary entity or in patients with multiple myeloma. We present a case of a 66-year-old female with a history of multiple myeloma on maintenance therapy with lenalidomide who has been experiencing gait imbalance for the past two months. The patient had a thoracic MRI done that revealed a mass at T7-8 with associated cord compression. She was taken for surgical intervention by neurosurgery. Pathology revealed trabecular bone and cartilage infiltrated by sheets of plasma cells highlighted by immunostaining CD138, monoclonal lambda light chains, consistent with a plasma cell neoplasm (plasmacytoma). The patient's hospital course was complicated by hypotension resulting in transient ischemic myelopathy that was addressed in the neuro-intensive care unit. The patient was then discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation center. She would follow up with her primary oncologist for localized radiation therapy.

Hyperplastic Gastric Polyp Causing Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage and Acute Blood Loss Anemia.

Hyperplastic polyps are the second most common type of gastric polyp in the United States with equal incidence in both genders, usually found incidentally during endoscopic examinations. It is a well-known fact that they are associated with iron-deficiency anemia due to chronic blood loss. We present a case of a 69-year-old man with a relatively small hyperplastic gastric polyp with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, presenting with melena and acute blood loss anemia requiring admission to intensive care unit and urgent endoscopic intervention with hot snare removal of the polyp and cautery of surrounding area with excellent hemostasis. The pathology revealed focal intestinal metaplasia and low-grade dysplasia with no evidence of malignancy. He was subsequently discharged with outpatient follow-up with gastroenterology.