Choledococele as a cause of recurrent abdominal pain and biliary sepsis.

We report the case of a 91-year-old female with acute cholangitis and long-standing symptoms of recurrent colic- related abdominal pain after cholecystectomy. She was diagnosed by abdominal CT of saccular dilation of the intramural bile duct in the duodenum suggesting choledococele. ERCP was performed in which the presumptive diagnosis was confirmed, and choledochotomy and choledochoplasty were done with excellent subsequent progress. Choledococele is the least common type of biliary cyst. It consists of a cystic dilation of the intramural portion of the common bile duct that protrudes into the duodenal lumen and causes symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain and biliary events. ERCP is a key test in both diagnosis and treatment except when they cannot be approached by this technique or malignancy is suspected.

Endoscopia urgente frente a endoscopia precoz: ¿tiene algún papel la endoscopia urgente en la hemorragia digestiva alta aguda no varicosa? / Urgent endoscopy versus early endoscopy: Does urgent endoscopy play a role in acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Introducción: Las principales guías de práctica clínica recomiendan la realización de endoscopia dentro de las 24horas posteriores a la admisión en urgencias en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta no variceal. Sin embargo, es un margen de tiempo muy amplio y el papel de la endoscopia urgente (<6horas) es controvertido. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo observacional realizado en Hospital Universitario La Paz, donde son seleccionados todos los pacientes, desde el 1 de enero de 2015 hasta el 30 de abril de 2020, que acudieron a urgencias y fueron sometidos a endoscopia por sospecha de hemorragia digestiva alta. Se establecieron dos grupos de pacientes: endoscopia urgente (<6horas) y precoz (6-24horas). El objetivo primario del estudio fue la mortalidad a los 30días. Resultados: Un total de 1.096 pacientes fueron incluidos, de los cuales 682 fueron sometidos a endoscopia urgente. La mortalidad a los 30 días fue del 6% (5% vs 7,7%, p=0,064) y del resangrado fue del 9,6%. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la mortalidad, resangrado, necesidad de tratamiento endoscópico, cirugía y/o embolización, pero sí en la necesidad de transfusión (57,5% vs 68,4%, p<0,001) y el número de concentrados de hematíes transfundidos (2,85±4,01 vs 3,51±4,09, p=0,008). Conclusión: La endoscopia urgente, en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta aguda, también el subgrupo de alto riesgo (GBS ≥ 12), no se asoció con una mortalidad menor a los 30 días que la endoscopia precoz. Sin embargo, en los pacientes con lesiones endoscópicas de alto riesgo (Forrest I-IIB), fue un predictor significativo de menor mortalidad. Por lo tanto, se requieren más estudios para la identificación correcta de pacientes, que se beneficien de esta actitud médica (endoscopia urgente). (AU)

Introduction: The main clinical practice guidelines recommend endoscopy within 24hours after admission to the Emergency Department in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. However, it is a wide time frame and the role of urgent endoscopy (<6hours) is controversial. Material and methods: Prospective observational study carried out at La Paz University Hospital, where all patients were selected, from January 1, 2015 to April 30, 2020, who attended the Emergency Room and underwent endoscopy for suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Two groups of patients were established: urgent endoscopy (<6hours) and early endoscopy (6-24hours). The primary endpoint of the study was 30-day mortality. Results: A total of 1096 were included, of whom 682 underwent urgent endoscopy. Mortality at 30days was 6% (5% vs 7.7%, P=.064) and rebleeding was 9.6%. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality, rebleeding, need for endoscopic treatment, surgery and/or embolization, but there were differences in the necessity for transfusion(57.5% vs 68.4%, P<.001) and the number of concentrates of transfused red blood cells (2.85±4.01 vs 3.51±4.09, P=.008). Conclusion: Urgent endoscopy, in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as the high-risk subgroup (GBS ≥12), was not associated with lower 30-day mortality than early endoscopy. However, urgent endoscopy in patients with high-risk endoscopic lesions (ForrestI-IIB), was a significant predictor of lower mortality. Therefore, more studies are required for the correct identification of patients who benefit from this medical approach (urgent endoscopy). (AU)

Urgent endoscopy versus early endoscopy: Does urgent endoscopy play a role in acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding? / Endoscopia urgente frente a endoscopia precoz: ¿tiene algún papel la endoscopia urgente en la hemorragia digestiva alta aguda no varicosa?

INTRODUCTION: The main clinical practice guidelines recommend endoscopy within 24hours after admission to the Emergency Department in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. However, it is a wide time frame and the role of urgent endoscopy (<6hours) is controversial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study carried out at La Paz University Hospital, where all patients were selected, from January 1, 2015 to April 30, 2020, who attended the Emergency Room and underwent endoscopy for suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Two groups of patients were established: urgent endoscopy (<6hours) and early endoscopy (6-24hours). The primary endpoint of the study was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1096 were included, of whom 682 underwent urgent endoscopy. Mortality at 30days was 6% (5% vs 7.7%, P=.064) and rebleeding was 9.6%. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality, rebleeding, need for endoscopic treatment, surgery and/or embolization, but there were differences in the necessity for transfusion(57.5% vs 68.4%, P<.001) and the number of concentrates of transfused red blood cells (2.85±4.01 vs 3.51±4.09, P=.008). CONCLUSION: Urgent endoscopy, in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as the high-risk subgroup (GBS ≥12), was not associated with lower 30-day mortality than early endoscopy. However, urgent endoscopy in patients with high-risk endoscopic lesions (ForrestI-IIB), was a significant predictor of lower mortality. Therefore, more studies are required for the correct identification of patients who benefit from this medical approach (urgent endoscopy).

Correlación entre la endoscopia y la ecografía intestinal para la evaluación de la recurrencia posquirúrgica de la enfermedad de Crohn / Correlation between endoscopy and intestinal ultrasound for the evaluation of postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease

Objetivo: La ecografía intestinal se considera una alternativa para la evaluación de la recurrencia posquirúrgica (RPQ) de la enfermedad de Crohn. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la correlación entre los hallazgos ecográficos y endoscópicos.Métodos: Se recogieron de forma retrospectiva los datos de pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn y resección ileocecal en los que se había realizado una colonoscopia y una ecografía intestinal para la detección de RPQ. La RPQ se evaluó empleando el índice de Rutgeerts (IR). Los hallazgos ecográficos analizados fueron el grosor de la pared intestinal, la hiperemia parietal por Doppler, la desestructuración del patrón de capas y la proliferación fibrograsa.Resultados: Se incluyó a un total de 31 pacientes, 15 (48,4%) sin recurrencia (IR? mm vs. 5,68mm; p?<0,001). La hiperemia también se asoció de forma significativa con la recurrencia endoscópica (p?=?0,03). Para el grosor parietal se obtuvo un área bajo la curva ROC (AUC) del 92,9% y, con punto de corte en 3,4mm, la sensibilidad fue del 100% y la especificidad del 86,6%. Al comparar con los biomarcadores principales (calprotectina fecal y PCR sérica) se obtuvo un AUC superior para el grosor (72,3% y 72,3% vs. 92,9%).Conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia, la ecografía tiene una alta rentabilidad diagnóstica para la detección de RPQ y puede considerarse en muchas ocasiones como una alternativa válida y no invasiva a la ileocolonoscopia.

Objective: Intestinal ultrasound is considered to be a valid alternative for the evaluation of post-operative recurrence (POR) of Crohn's disease. The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between ultrasound and endoscopic findings.Methods: Patients with Crohn's disease were retrospectively recruited who had undergone ileocecal resection, and for whom a colonoscopy and intestinal ultrasound had been performed for the detection of POR. Recurrence was assessed using the Rutgeerts score (RS). The ultrasound findings analysed were bowel wall thickness (BWT), parietal hyperaemia using power Doppler, loss of layer pattern and mesenteric fat hypertrophy.Results: A total of 31 patients were included, of which 15 (48.4%) had no POR (RS<2b) and 16 (51.6%) had POR (RS≥2b). A statistically significant association was identified between BWT and the presence of endoscopic recurrence (a mean of 2.75mm vs. 5.68mm, P>0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference in hyperaemia between the 2groups (P=0.03). For wall thickness, an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 92.9% was obtained, and with a cut-off point of 3.4mm, a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86.6%. When comparing with the most frequent biomarkers (fecal calprotectin and serum CRP), a higher AUC was obtained for wall thickness (72.3% and 72.3% vs. 92.9%).Conclusions: In our experience, ultrasound has high diagnostic efficacy in the detection of POR and can be considered a valid non-invasive alternative to endoscopy.

Correlation between endoscopy and intestinal ultrasound for the evaluation of postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease. / Correlación entre la endoscopia y la ecografía intestinal para la evaluación de la recurrencia posquirúrgica de la enfermedad de Crohn.

OBJECTIVE: Intestinal ultrasound is considered to be a valid alternative for the evaluation of post-operative recurrence (POR) of Crohn's disease. The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between ultrasound and endoscopic findings. METHODS: Patients with Crohn's disease were retrospectively recruited who had undergone ileocecal resection, and for whom a colonoscopy and intestinal ultrasound had been performed for the detection of POR. Recurrence was assessed using the Rutgeerts score (RS). The ultrasound findings analysed were bowel wall thickness (BWT), parietal hyperaemia using power Doppler, loss of layer pattern and mesenteric fat hypertrophy. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were included, of which 15 (48.4%) had no POR (RS<2b) and 16 (51.6%) had POR (RS≥2b). A statistically significant association was identified between BWT and the presence of endoscopic recurrence (a mean of 2.75mm vs. 5.68mm, P>0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference in hyperaemia between the 2groups (P=0.03). For wall thickness, an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 92.9% was obtained, and with a cut-off point of 3.4mm, a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86.6%. When comparing with the most frequent biomarkers (fecal calprotectin and serum CRP), a higher AUC was obtained for wall thickness (72.3% and 72.3% vs. 92.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, ultrasound has high diagnostic efficacy in the detection of POR and can be considered a valid non-invasive alternative to endoscopy.

Optimization of azathioprine dose in combined treatment with anti-TNF-alpha in inflammatory bowel disease / Optimización de la dosis de azatioprina en tratamiento combinado con fármacos anti-TNF en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal

Introduction: The dose of thiopurine drugs in combined treatments with anti-TNF in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been clearly established. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the dose of azathioprine influences clinical and biochemical response/remission rates, and anti-TNF drug levels/antibody formation. Material and methods: Patients with IBD on combined maintenance treatment with azathioprine and infliximab or adalimumab were selected. Based on the dose of azathioprine, two groups were defined (standard: 2–2.5mg/kg/day; and decreased: less than 2mg/kg/day). Results: In the IFX group, there were no statistically significant differences (p=0.204) in the rates of remission (39% vs 41.3%), response (10% vs 21.7%) or failure (51.5% vs 37%) depending on the dose of thiopurine drugs. No differences were found between AZA-dose dependent IFX levels (2.46 vs 3.21μg/mL; p=0.211). In the adalimumab group, there were no statistically significant differences (p=0.83) in the rates of remission (66% vs 56%), response without remission (15.38% vs 25%) or failure (18% vs 18%) depending on the dose of thiopurines. With respect to ADA-levels, no differences were found in both groups (7.69 vs 8.23μg/mL; p=0.37). Conclusion: In our experience, no statistically significant differences were found in either anti-TNF levels or clinical-biological response/remission rates based on doses of azathioprine.(AU)

Introducción: La dosis adecuada de los fármacos tiopurínicos en tratamientos combinados con anti-TNF en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) no ha sido establecida con claridad. El propósito de este estudio es evaluar si la dosis de azatioprina influye en las tasas de respuesta/remisión clínica y bioquímica y en los niveles de fármaco anti-TNF/formación de anticuerpos. Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron pacientes con EII en tratamiento combinado de mantenimiento con azatioprina (AZA) e infliximab (IFX) o adalimumab (ADA). En función de la dosis de AZA, se definieron dos grupos (estándar: 2-2,5 mg/kg/día o disminuida: menos de 2 mg/kg/día). Resultados: En el grupo IFX no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p = 0,204) en las tasas de remisión (39 vs. 41,3%), respuesta (10 vs. 21,7%) o fracaso (51,5 vs. 37%), dependiendo de la dosis de fármacos tiopurínicos. No se encontraron diferencias entre los niveles de IFX dependientes de la dosis de AZA (2,46 vs. 3,21 μg/mL; p = 0,211). En el grupo de ADA no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p = 0,83) en las tasas de remisión (66 vs. 56%), respuesta sin remisión (15,38 vs. 25%) o fallo (18 vs. 18%), dependiendo de la dosis de tiopurinas. Con respecto a los niveles de ADA, no se encontraron diferencias en ambos grupos (7,69 vs. 8,23 μg/mL; p = 0,37). Conclusión: En nuestra experiencia, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas ni en los niveles de anti-TNF ni en las tasas de respuesta/remisión clínico-biológica basadas en las dosis de azatioprina.(AU)

Optimization of azathioprine dose in combined treatment with anti-TNF-alpha in inflammatory bowel disease.

INTRODUCTION: The dose of thiopurine drugs in combined treatments with anti-TNF in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been clearly established. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the dose of azathioprine influences clinical and biochemical response/remission rates, and anti-TNF drug levels/antibody formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with IBD on combined maintenance treatment with azathioprine and infliximab or adalimumab were selected. Based on the dose of azathioprine, two groups were defined (standard: 2-2.5mg/kg/day; and decreased: less than 2mg/kg/day). RESULTS: In the IFX group, there were no statistically significant differences (p=0.204) in the rates of remission (39% vs 41.3%), response (10% vs 21.7%) or failure (51.5% vs 37%) depending on the dose of thiopurine drugs. No differences were found between AZA-dose dependent IFX levels (2.46 vs 3.21µg/mL; p=0.211). In the adalimumab group, there were no statistically significant differences (p=0.83) in the rates of remission (66% vs 56%), response without remission (15.38% vs 25%) or failure (18% vs 18%) depending on the dose of thiopurines. With respect to ADA-levels, no differences were found in both groups (7.69 vs 8.23µg/mL; p=0.37). CONCLUSION: In our experience, no statistically significant differences were found in either anti-TNF levels or clinical-biological response/remission rates based on doses of azathioprine.

Pacientes con hepatitis C perdidos en el sistema: aspectos éticos-legales y resultados de su búsqueda / No disponible

INTRODUCCIÓN: se conoce la existencia de pacientes con hepatitis C perdidos en el sistema, pero se desconocen su prevalencia y características. Además, su identificación colisiona con la barrera de la protección de datos. MÉTODOS: se presentó un protocolo de identificación y contacto al Comité de Ética Asistencial. Se obtendrían las serologías anti-VHC+ de Microbiología entre 2010-18. Se analizaría su situación en la base de datos hospitalaria y regional. Se clasificarían: a) hepatitis C crónica, si última determinación de ARN-VHC+; b) hepatitis C curada, si última determinación de ARN-VHC- tras 12 semanas de tratamiento; c) hepatitis C posible, si anti-VHC+ sin determinación de ARN-VHC. Se considerarían perdidos aquellos con hepatitis C crónica o posible sin seguimiento en Digestivo o Medicina Interna. Se contactaría con ellos mediante correo postal y, posteriormente, por teléfono para ofrecerles tratamiento. RESULTADOS: el Comité de Ética consideró que el protocolo cumplía los principios bioéticos de autonomía, beneficencia, no maleficencia y justicia, y que el contacto era éticamente deseable. Sobre 4.816 serologías anti-VHC+ identificamos 677 pacientes perdidos (14,06 %; IC 95 %: 13,2-15,2): edad 54 años, 61 % hombres, 12 % extranjeros y 95 % monoinfectados. Se consumieron 1,3 minutos en el estudio de cada serología. Un 25 % de las perdidas habían sido solicitadas por Digestivo o Medicina Interna. De los 677 perdidos, 228 (33,7 %) tenían también ARN-VHC+ y 449 (66,3 %) solo tenían solicitada la serología. CONCLUSIÓN: un número importante de pacientes con hepatitis C se encuentran perdidos en el sistema. Su búsqueda y contacto es posible desde el punto de vista ético-legal

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Patients with hepatitis C lost to follow-up: ethical-legal aspects and search results.

INTRODUCTION: data on the prevalence and characteristics of hepatitis C patients lost to follow-up are lacking. In addition, the identification of this population clashes with data protection regulations. METHODS: the identification and contact protocol was submitted to the Health Care Ethics Committee. The protocol was based on anti-HCV serology test results for 2010-2018, which were obtained from the Microbiology Department. In addition, the situation of the patients in the hospital and regional database was analyzed, based on the following classification: a) chronic hepatitis C, if the last HCV RNA determination was positive; b) cured hepatitis C, if the last HCV RNA determination was negative after 12 weeks of treatment; and c) possible hepatitis C, if anti-HCV antibodies were positive with no result for HCV RNA. Lost patients were defined as those with chronic or possible hepatitis C and no follow-up in the Digestive Diseases or Internal Medicine Departments. The patients were contacted by postal mail and then by telephone, so that they could be offered treatment. RESULTS: the Ethics Committee considered that the protocol fulfilled the bioethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice and that contact was ethically desirable. From 4,816 positive anti-HCV serology results, 677 patients were identified who were lost to follow-up (14.06 %; 95 % CI, 13.2-15.2). The mean age was 54 years, 61 % were male, 12 % were foreign born and 95 % were mono-infected. The study of each serology result took 1.3 minutes. One-quarter (25 %) of the losses corresponded to the Digestive Diseases and Internal Medicine Departments. Of the 677 losses, serology testing had only been ordered for 449 patients (66.3 %) and the remaining 228 (33.7 %) also had a positive HCV RNA result. CONCLUSION: a large number of patients with hepatitis C are lost to follow-up. Searching for and contacting these patients is legally and ethically viable.

A solitary fibrous tumor: an entity to consider in the diagnosis of liver masses

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A solitary fibrous tumor: an entity to consider in the diagnosis of liver masses.

We report the case of a female admitted for abdominal tenderness and palpable mass identifying in abdominal ultrasound a big hyperechogenic lesion with anechogenic areas inside with a nonspecific contrast behaviour pattern that after removing was diagnosed of hepatic solitary fibrous tumor. Solitary fibrous tumor is an infrequent mesenchymal neoplasm, mostly beningn, with infrequent appearance in liver parenchyma. Clinical diagnosis of this entity is difficult because neither the laboratory data nor the radiological characteristics are specific and they are not well defined either, so anatomopathological and immunohistochemical study are needed, usually in the whole tumor because of its size frequently requires surgical removement.

Ictericia indolora como debut de adenocarcinoma pulmonar / Painless jaundice as an initial presentation of lung adenocarcinoma

La obstrucción maligna de la vía biliar es una entidad habitual en la práctica clínica siendo infrecuente que ocurra por neoplasias no biliopancreáticas. Presentamos el caso de un varón que acude con obstrucción de vía biliar de origen maligno demostrándose tras los numerosos estudios realizados que dicha obstrucción corresponde a la forma de presentación de un adenocarcinoma pulmonar estadio IV. Las neoplasias pulmonares tienen comportamientos variables encontrándose en muchas ocasiones extendidas al diagnóstico especialmente en los subtipos más agresivos como el carcinoma microcítico. No obstante, no es habitual que se manifiesten en forma de ictericia obstructiva y cuando esto sucede suele ser debido a daño hepático y no a metástasis a la región periampular que son extremadamente infrecuentes. En este caso fue fundamental el papel de la anatomía patológica y la inmunohistoquímica para filiar el origen del tumor e iniciar tratamiento ya que la clínica y pruebas de laboratorio e imagen habituales no permitían diferenciarlo de un colangiocarcinoma primario

Malignant bile duct obstruction is a common entity in clinical practice and is infrequently caused by non-biliopancreatic neoplasms. We report the case of a male admitted with malignant obstruction of the biliary tract, showing after numerous studies that this obstruction was the initial presentation of a stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung. Pulmonary neoplasms have variable behaviors being often spread at time of diagnosis, especially in the more aggressive subtypes. However, it is uncommon its manifestation as obstructive jaundice and when this happens it is usually due to liver damage and not to metastases to periampullary region that are extremely infrequent. In this case, the role of pathological anatomy and immunohistochemistry was essential in identifying the origin of the tumor and starting targeted treatment, since the clinical presentation and usual laboratory and image tests did not allow to differentiate it from a primary cholangiocarcinoma

Painless jaundice as an initial presentation of lung adenocarcinoma.

Malignant bile duct obstruction is a common entity in clinical practice and is infrequently caused by non-biliopancreatic neoplasms. We report the case of a male admitted with malignant obstruction of the biliary tract, showing after numerous studies that this obstruction was the initial presentation of a stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung. Pulmonary neoplasms have variable behaviors being often spread at time of diagnosis, especially in the more aggressive subtypes. However, it is uncommon its manifestation as obstructive jaundice and when this happens it is usually due to liver damage and not to metastases to periampullary region that are extremely infrequent. In this case, the role of pathological anatomy and immunohistochemistry was essential in identifying the origin of the tumor and starting targeted treatment, since the clinical presentation and usual laboratory and image tests did not allow to differentiate it from a primary cholangiocarcinoma.

Estudio de masa pancreática: no todo es lo que parece / A study of a pancreatic mass: not all is what it seems

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A study of a pancreatic mass: not all is what it seems.

We report the case of a male with no medical history with acute cholangitis secondary to a pancreatic head´s mass suggestive of neoplasm. An EUS-FNA was performed where no atypical cells were identified but a granulomatous component did. The patient was finally diagnosed of disseminated tuberculosis with pancreatic involvement. Pancreatic tuberculosis is an infrequent entity that requires a high index of suspicion due to the variability of its forms of presentation and the high morbidity and mortality without targeted therapy.