Efficacy of Peracetic Acid (EndoPA®) for Disinfection of Endoscopes.

Background/Aims: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of peracetic acid (EndoPA® Firson Co., Ltd., Cheonan, Korea) in disinfecting endoscopes. Methods: We prospectively investigated the gastroscopes (Part I) utilized in 100 gastroscopic examinations and colonoscopes (Part II) utilized in 30 colonoscopic examinations after disinfecting them with 0.2% peracetic acid (EndoPA® Firson Co., Ltd.). These instruments had been collected consecutively throughout the study period. We reprocessed and disinfected the endoscopes according to the guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting gastrointestinal endoscopes laid down by the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in 2017. Three culture samples were obtained from each examination, based on different sampling methods. The primary outcome was a positive culture rate. Results: In Part I of our study, two of 300 samples were positive. The culture positive rate after disinfection was 0.7% (2/300). The culture positive rate was not significantly different based on the exposure time to EndoPA® or the age of the scopes (p=0.7 or 0.2, respectively). In Part II of our study, all samples (n=90) were negative. Conclusions: We conclude that 0.2% peracetic acid (EndoPA®) appears to be a good disinfectant for both gastroscopes and colonoscopes.

Findings of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy after 16 Years.

A 58-year-old man had been diagnosed with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCMP) according to echocardiography findings 16 years ago. Echocardiography showed ischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP)-like features with decreased systolic function but a non-dilated chamber. Coronary angiography was performed but showed a normal coronary artery. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multifocal transmural and subepicardial delayed-enhancing areas at the anteroseptal, septal, and inferoseptal left ventricular (LV) wall, and wall thinning and decreased motion of the anteroseptal LV wall. Findings of ischemic CMP-like features by echocardiography suggested microvascular dysfunction. This late stage of HCMP carries a high risk of sudden death. Cardiac MRI evaluation may be necessary in cases of ischemic CMP-like features in HCMP. In this case, the diagnosis of end-stage HCMP with microvascular dysfunction was confirmed by using cardiac MRI after a follow-up period of more than 16 years.