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.

Combining the age-male-albumin-bilirubin-platelets score and shear wave elastography stratifies carcinogenic risk in hepatitis C patients after viral clearance.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of hepatitis C with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) produces a high rate of sustained virological response (SVR) with fewer adverse events than interferon (IFN) therapy with a similar effect in inhibiting carcinogenesis as IFN therapy. The age-male-albumin-bilirubin-platelets (aMAP) score is useful for stratifying the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis patients, and the velocity of shear waves (Vs) measured by shear wave elastography has also been shown to be useful for diagnosing the level of fibrotic progression in hepatitis C and predicting carcinogenic risk. Combining these two may improve the prediction of carcinogenic risk. AIM: To determine whether combining the aMAP score with Vs improves carcinogenic risk stratification in medium-to-high-risk hepatitis C patients. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study involved hepatitis C patients treated with DAAs who achieved SVR. Vs was measured before treatment (baseline), at the end of treatment (EOT), and 12 wk (follow-up 12) and 24 wk (follow-up 24) after treatment. The patients were followed for at least six months after EOT to determine whether cancer developed. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors contributing to hepatic carcinogenesis. The diagnostic performances of clinical parameters for predicting the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma were evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. RESULTS: A total of 279 patients (mean age 65.9 years, 118 males, 161 females) were included in the analysis. Multiple regression analysis was performed with carcinogenesis as the target variable and alanine aminotransferase, platelets, α-fetoprotein, Vs, and the Fib-4 index as explanatory variables; only Vs was found to be significant (P = 0.0296). The cut-off value for Vs for liver carcinogenesis calculated using the ROC curve was 1.53 m/s. Carcinoma developed in 2.0% (3/151) of those with Vs < 1.53 m/s and in 10.5% (9/86) of those with Vs ≥ 1.53 m/s. CONCLUSION: In hepatitis C patients after SVR, combining the aMAP score and Vs to stratify the risk of carcinogenesis is more efficient than uniform surveillance of all patients.

Novel multi-parametric diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using ultrasonography, body mass index, and Fib-4 index.

BACKGROUND: Shear wave speed (SWS), shear wave dispersion (SWD), and attenuation imaging (ATI) are new diagnostic parameters for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. To differentiate between non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), we developed a clinical index we refer to as the "NASH pentagon" consisting of the 3 abovementioned parameters, body mass index (BMI), and Fib-4 index. AIM: To investigate whether the area of the NASH pentagon we propose is useful in discriminating between NASH and NAFL. METHODS: This non-invasive, prospective, observational study included patients diagnosed with fatty liver by abdominal ultrasound between September 2021 and August 2022 in whom shear wave elastography, SWD, and ATI were measured. Histological diagnosis based on liver biopsy was performed in 31 patients. The large pentagon group (LP group) and the small pentagon group (SP group), using an area of 100 as the cutoff, were compared; the NASH diagnosis rate was also investigated. In patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. RESULTS: One hundred-seven patients (61 men, 46 women; mean age 55.1 years; mean BMI 26.8 kg/m2) were assessed. The LP group was significantly older (mean age: 60.8 ± 15.2 years vs 46.4 ± 13.2 years; P < 0.0001). Twenty-five patients who underwent liver biopsies were diagnosed with NASH, and 6 were diagnosed with NAFL. On ROC curve analyses, the areas under the ROC curves for SWS, dispersion slope, ATI value, BMI, Fib-4 index, and the area of the NASH pentagon were 0.88000, 0.82000, 0.58730, 0.63000, 0.59333, and 0.93651, respectively; the largest was that for the area of the NASH pentagon. CONCLUSION: The NASH pentagon area appears useful for discriminating between patients with NASH and those with NAFL.

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.

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.

Role of liver stiffness measurements in patients who develop hepatocellular carcinoma after clearance of the hepatitis C virus.

PURPOSE: To measure changes in liver stiffness over time due to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in hepatitis C patients using shear wave elastography (SWE). METHODS: Patients with hepatitis C treated with DAA therapy in a university medical center between July 2015 and April 2020 were evaluated. Shear wave velocity (Vs) of the liver was measured using SWE. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), platelet count, and α-fetoprotein (AFP) were measured at the same time, and the FIB-4 index was estimated. Absence of hepatocellular carcinoma was confirmed at baseline and end of therapy. Imaging was then performed every 6 months. Patient characteristics were compared between patients who did and did not develop carcinoma. RESULTS: The mean age of the 229 patients (93 men) was 65.6 years. Eight patients developed carcinoma during follow-up (mean 32.6 ± 19.5 months). Significant differences were found between the groups in terms of AFP, platelet count, and Fib-4 index at baseline; the pre-treatment data had the best relationship with hepatocarcinogenesis. Mean Vs decreased significantly during DAA therapy, and then decreased further. Liver stiffness 6 months after treatment ended had the best relationship with hepatocarcinogenesis. CONCLUSION: In patients with a sustained virological response, risk of developing cancer can be predicted by measuring Vs approximately 6 months after treatment.

Predictive value of risk score using Kyoto classification of gastritis a few years prior to diagnosis of early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Based on past diagnostic classifications of gastritis, the Kyoto classification of gastritis adopts simpler, more objective gastritis findings according to Helicobacter pylori infection status and evaluates the risk of gastric cancer. To clarify whether this score can predict future gastric cancer, we retrospectively examined risk scores obtained using the Kyoto classification of gastritis a few years prior to the diagnosis of early gastric cancer. METHODS: We reviewed data from 50 individuals who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy 2-3 years prior to the diagnosis of early gastric cancer in our hospital. Two expert endoscopists evaluated and compared risk scores obtained using the Kyoto classification of gastritis between cancer and control groups. RESULTS: With regard to the risk score obtained using the Kyoto classification of gastritis in all cases, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, diffuse redness, and total score were significantly higher among gastric cancer cases. Among H. pylori-eradicated cases, atrophy score was higher in the gastric cancer group. Among patients for whom H. pylori had been eradicated for >3 years at first endoscopy, atrophy score was still higher in the gastric cancer group. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study suggested that the risk score obtained using the Kyoto classification of gastritis was useful for predicting the onset of gastric cancer. In particular, patients with a high atrophy score even after H. pylori eradication may be at high risk of developing gastric cancer.

A case of Helicobacter pylori-negative gastric cancer associated with Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome.

A 43-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome (CCS) underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for Helicobacter pylori-negative gastric cancer. Histologically, the completely resected specimen showed large and small irregular glands composed of foveolar epithelial-like atypical cells, and it was immunohistochemically MUC5AC positive overall, MUC6 positive except for the surface layer and nearby parts, and MUC2 negative. The patient was diagnosed with gastric-phenotype, low-grade, well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. This is a case of gastric cancer developing in CCS definitively without H. pylori infection. We conclude that H. pylori infection is not an absolute condition in gastric cancer associated with CCS. Elucidation of the true malignant potential of CCS excluding the effects of H. pylori infection is needed.

Shear wave elastography in hepatitis C patients before and after antiviral therapy.

AIM: To investigate shear wave (SW) propagation velocity in patients with untreated hepatitis C and patients with sustained virological response (SVR). METHODS: A total of 136 hepatitis C patients [85 patients who had not received antiviral therapy (naïve group) and 51 patients who had received antiviral therapy and subsequently achieved SVR of at least 24 wk (SVR group)] and 58 healthy volunteers and outpatients without liver disease (control group) underwent evaluation of liver stiffness by SW elastography (SWE). Various parameters were evaluated in the chronic hepatitis C patients at the time of SWE. RESULTS: SW propagation velocity (Vs) was 1.23 ± 0.14 m/s in the control group, 1.56 ± 0.32 m/s in the SVR group, and 1.69 ± 0.31 m/s in the naïve group. Significant differences were seen between the control group and the SVR group (P = 0.0000) and between the SVR group and the naïve group (P = 0.01417). All four fibrosis markers were higher in the naïve group than in the SVR group. In the naïve group, Vs was positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = 0.5372), α feto protein (AFP) (r = 0.4389), type IV collagen (r = 0.5883), procollagen III peptide (P-III-P) (r = 0.4140), hyaluronic acid (r = 0.4551), and Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) (r = 0.6092) and negatively correlated with albumin (r = -0.4289), platelets (r = -0.5372), and prothrombin activity (r = -0.5235). On multiple regression analysis, Vs was the most strongly correlated with ALT (standard partial regression std ß = 0.4039, P = 0.00000). In the SVR group, Vs was positively correlated with AFP (r = 0.6977), type IV collagen (r = 0.5228), P-III-P (r = 0.5812), hyaluronic acid (r = 0.5189), and M2BPGi (r = 0.6251) and negatively correlated with albumin (r = -0.4283), platelets (r = -0.4842), and prothrombin activity (r = -0.4771). On multiple regression analysis, Vs was strongly correlated with AFP (standard partial regression std ß = 0.5953, P = 0.00000) and M2BPGi (standard partial regression std ß= 0.2969, P = 0.03363). CONCLUSION: In hepatitis C patients, liver stiffness is higher in treatment-naïve patients than in those showing SVR. SWE may be a predictor of hepatocarcinogenesis in SVR patients.

Two cases of immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis in which transabdominal ultrasonography was useful in diagnosis and follow-up observation.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) represents a group of disorders that share features of inflammation, plasma cell infiltrates, and fibrosis. Sclerosing cholangitis is a disorder involving inflammation, scarring, and destruction of the bile ducts. IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) has been proposed as a bile duct lesion associated with IgG4-RD. This disease entity can be distinguished from other types of sclerosing cholangitis and classified into four types based upon the region of strictures revealed by cholangiography. Here, we present two cases in which the finding of bile duct wall thickening visualized with transabdominal ultrasonography was useful in the diagnosis of patients with IgG4-SC. At present, transabdominal ultrasonography is not included in the diagnostic algorithm for IgG4-SC. We are certain that detailed observation of the bile duct wall with transabdominal ultrasonography can make a significant contribution to the diagnosis of IgG4-SC. Furthermore, we propose that transabdominal ultrasonography may be useful in following clinical improvement in cases where a steroid trial is the best option for treatment. Both cases emphasize the practicality of transabdominal ultrasonography in the diagnosis and follow-up observation of IgG4-SC.