Cinnamaldehyde Increases the Survival of Mice Submitted to Sepsis Induced by Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli.

Several natural products have been investigated for their bactericidal potential, among these, cinnamaldehyde. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the activity of cinnamaldehyde in the treatment of animals with sepsis induced by extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli. Initially, the E. coli F5 was incubated with cinnamaldehyde to evaluate the minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration. Animal survival was monitored for five days, and a subset of mice were euthanized after 10 h to evaluate histological, hematological, and immunological parameters, as well as the presence of bacteria in the organs. On the one hand, inoculation of bacterium caused the death of 100% of the animals within 24 h after infection. On the other hand, cinnamaldehyde (60 mg/kg) was able to keep 40% of mice alive after infection. The treatment significantly reduced the levels of cytokines in serum and peritoneum and increased the production of cells in both bone marrow and spleen, as well as lymphocytes at the infection site. Cinnamaldehyde was able to reduce tissue damage by decreasing the deleterious effects for the organism and contributed to the control of the sepsis and survival of animals; therefore, it is a promising candidate for the development of new drugs.

EUS-Guided Intragastric Injection of Botulinum Toxin A in the Preoperative Treatment of Super-Obese Patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a disease that is highly prevalent in Brazil, and the associated comorbidities represent a major global public health challenge. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a potent neurotoxin and inhibitor of gastric smooth muscle activity. In theory, BTX-A administration should promote early satiety and weight loss because it delays gastric emptying by inhibiting acetylcholine-mediated peristalsis, which is primarily responsible for gastric motility. Because results in the literature are discrepant, the efficacy of intragastric injections of BTX-A as a primary treatment for obesity remains unknown. The objective of this prospective, double-blind, single-center randomized study was to evaluate the effects of endoscopic ultrasound-guided intragastric BTX-A injections, as a bridge to bariatric surgery, in super-obese patients. METHODS: Thirty-two super-obese patients were randomized to one of two groups: BTX-A, in which 200 units of BTX-A were injected into the gastric antrum and body; and control, in which the same injections were performed with 0.9% saline. Weight, body mass index (BMI), and loss of excess weight were measured monthly over a 6-month period. Gastric emptying scintigraphy was performed before and after the procedure. RESULTS: The patients in both groups showed significant weight loss over the course of the study (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding weight loss, excess weight, total loss of excess weight, total weight loss, or change in BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Intragastric injection of BTX-A does not appear to be an effective method of achieving preoperative weight loss in super-obese patients.

Multicenter study on endoscopic ultrasound-guided expandable biliary metal stent placement: choice of access route, direction of stent insertion, and drainage route.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) using expandable biliary metal stents has emerged as an acceptable alternative in patients with failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for malignant biliary obstruction. However, there is no consensus over the preferred access route (transhepatic or extrahepatic), direction of stent insertion (antegrade or retrograde) or drainage route (transluminal or transpapillary) in patients potentially suitable for multiple methods. The present study compares success and complication rates in patients undergoing EUS-BD via different methods. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective analysis. Records of patients who underwent EUS-BD for malignant obstructive jaundice at four centers were entered in a standard database. Success and complications were compared for different techniques. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were analyzed. EUS-BD was successful in 65 patients (95.6%). There was no significant difference in the success rates of different techniques. Complications were seen in 14 patients (20.6%) and mortality in three patients (4.4%). Complications were significantly higher for the transhepatic route compared to the transduodenal route (30.5% vs 9.3%, P=0.03). There was no significant difference in complication rates among transluminal and transpapillary stent placements, or direct and rendezvous stenting. Logistic regression analysis showed transhepatic access to be the only independent risk factor for complications (P=0.031, t=2.2). CONCLUSION: EUS-BD can be carried out with high success rates regardless of the choice of access route, stent direction or drainage route. However, complications are significantly higher with transhepatic access. The transduodenal route should be chosen for EUS-guided and rendezvous stent placements, when both routes are available.

Endoscopic Detection of Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patients with Achalasia: Narrow-Band Imaging versus Lugol's Staining.

Chromoendoscopy with Lugol's staining remains the gold standard technique for detecting superficial SCC. An alternative technique, such as narrow-band imaging (NBI), for "optical staining" would be desirable, since NBI is a simpler technique and has no known complications. In this study, we compare NBI without magnification and chromoendoscopy with Lugol's staining for detecting high-grade dysplasia and intramucosal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in patients with achalasia. This was a prospective observational study of 43 patients with achalasia referred to the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit of the Hospital of Clinics, São Paulo, University Medical School, Brazil, from October 2006 to February 2007. Conventional examinations with white light, NBI, and Lugol staining were consecutively performed, and the suspected lesions were mapped, recorded, and sent for biopsy. The results of the three methods were compared regarding sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood value, and negative likelihood value. Of the 43 patients, one was diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and it was detected by all of the methods. NBI technology without magnification has high sensitivity and negative predictive value for detecting superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and it has comparable results with those obtained with Lugol's staining.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy and duodenal stenting in patients with unresectable periampullary cancer: one-step procedure by using linear echoendoscope.

OBJECTIVE: Describe a case series of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CD) associated with duodenal self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) placement using solely the linear echoendoscope in seven patients with obstructive jaundice and duodenal obstruction due to unresectable periampullary cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: EUS-CD in the first portion of the duodenum, associated with duodenal SEMS placement was performed in seven patients with unresectable periampullary cancer with obstructive jaundice and invasive duodenal obstruction. Laboratory tests and clinical follow-up were performed until patient's death. The procedure was performed by an experienced endoscopist under conscious sedation. The puncture position was chosen based on EUS evaluation, at the common bile duct (CBD) above the tumor, through the distal part of the duodenal bulb. After that, the needle was withdrawn and a wire-guided needle knife was used to enlarge the site puncture in the duodenal wall. Then, a partially covered SEMS was passed over the guide, through the choledochoduodenal fistula. Duodenal SEMS placement was performed during the same endoscopic procedure. RESULTS: The procedure was performed in seven patients, ranging between 34 and 86 years. Technical success of EUS-CD, by the stent placement, occurred in 100% of the cases. There were no early complications. Duodenal SEMS placement was effective in 100% of the cases that remained alive after a follow-up of 7 and 30 days. CONCLUSION: The results suggest therapeutic EUS one-step procedure drainage as an alternative for these patients, with good clinical success, feasible technique and safety.

[A novel endoscopic treatment of pancreas divisum]. / A novel endoscopic treatment of pancreas divisum.

Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital malformation of the pancreas that results from the non-fusion or incomplete fusion of the ventral and dorsal portions of the embryonic pancreas. It is found in 7% of autopsy studies (range 1-14%) and is generally asymptomatic. 5% of the patients have symptoms, which are basically cases of abdominal pain and recurrent pancreatitis. We report the case of a woman of 51 y, postcholecystectomy with 2 episodes of pancreatitis with imaging from magnetic resonance of pancreatic divisum with communication between the dorsal and ventral pancreas. We proceeded by endoscopy (ERCP) to dilate the major duct, and then made a minor duct papillotomy and made a hydropneumatic ball dilatation with the catheter balloon up the waist portion. The procedure was successful with 9 months of follow up.

EUS-Guided access to dorsal pancreatic duct in a patient with pancreas divisum

Se reporta un caso de acceso del conducto pancreatico dorsal por medio de ayuda de ultrasonografía endoscópica en un paciente con cuadro de Páncreas divisum que producía sintomas dolorosos; y que no fué posible su abordaje por PCRE.

Case report of pancreas divisum dorsal pancreatic duct access with endoscopic ultrasonography help to relief pain in a patient with not possible access by PCRE.

Endoscopic aspects of gastric syphilis.

Introduction. Considered as a rare event, gastric syphilis (GS) is reported as an organic form of involvement. Low incidence of GS emphasizes the importance of histopathological analysis. Objective. We aim to characterize GS endoscopic aspects in an immunocompetent patient. Case Report. A 23-year-old man presented with epigastric pain associated with nausea, anorexia, generalized malaise and 11 kg weight loss that started 1 month prior to his clinical consultation. Physical examination was normal except for mild abdominal tenderness in epigastrium. Endoscopy observed diminished gastric expandability and diffuse mucosal lesions, from cardia to pylorus. Gastric mucosa was thickened, friable, with nodular aspect, and associated with ulcers lesions. Gastric biopsies were performed, and histopathological analysis resulted in dense inflammatory infiltration rich in plasmocytes. Syphilis serologies were positive for VDRL and Treponema pallidum reagents. Immunohistochemical tests were positive for Treponema pallidum and CD138. The patient was treated with penicillin, leading to resolution of his clinical complaints and endoscopic findings. Conclusion. Diagnosis suspicion of GS is important in view of its nonspecific presentation. Patients with gastric symptoms that mimic neoplastic disease should be investigated thoroughly based on the fact that clinical, endoscopic, and histological findings can easily be mistaken for lymphoma or plastic linitis.

A novel endoscopic treatment of pancreas divisum (un tratamiento endoscópico nuevo para el páncreas divisum)

El páncreas divisum es la malformación congénita más común del páncreas que resulta de la no fusión ó fusión incompleta de las porciones ventral y dorsal del páncreas embrionario. Se encuentra en 7% de los estudios de autopsias (rango 1-14%), siendo generalmente asintomática. Un 5% de estos pacientes presentan síntomas, que son básicamente dolor abdominal y casos de pancreatitis recurrente. Se reporta el caso de una paciente mujer de 52 años, con 2 episodios de pancreatitis postcolecistectomía con imagen por colangioresonancia de páncreas divisum con comunicación entre el páncreas dorsal y ventral. Se procedió a dilatar el conducto mayor; y luego se hizo una papilotomia del conducto menor y se pasó un balón hidroneumático hasta más allá de su diámetro mayor. El procedimiento ha tenido éxito en 9 meses de seguimiento.

Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital malformation of the pancreas that results from the non-fusion or incomplete fusion of the ventral and dorsal portionts of the embryonic pancreas. It is found in 7% of autopsy studies (range 1-14%) and is generally asymptomatic. 5% of the patients have symptoms, wich are basically cases of abdominal pain and recurrent pancreatitis. We report the case of a woman of 51y, postcholecystectomy with 2 episodes of pancreatitis with imaging from magnetic resonance of pancreatic divisum with communication between the dorsal and ventral pancreas. We proceeded bye endoscopy (ERCP) to dilate the major duct, and them made a minor duct papillotomy and made a hydropneumatic ball dilatation with the catheter balloon up the waist portion. The procedure was successful with 9 months of follow up.

A prospective randomized study comparing partially covered metal stent versus plastic multistent in the endoscopic management of patients with postoperative benign bile duct strictures: a follow-up above 5 years.

BACKGROUND: Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are often used for biliary drainage due to obstruction of neoplastic etiology, with better results than plastic stents, but seldom for biliary drainage of benign etiology. OBJECTIVE: Primary end point: Verify bile duct patency after placement of self-expandable metal and (multiple) plastic stents in patients with benign strictures resulting from bile duct surgery with follow-up above five years. Secondary end point: Evaluate long-term complication rate in patients with metal self-expandable and plastic stents. RESULTS: Self-expandable stents were placed in 15 patients and multiple plastic stents in 16. Mean age was 45 years with prevalence of female patients in both groups and no statistical difference between groups was observed (SEMS: 66.7%; plastic multistent: 62.5%; p=0.8). Complication rate resulting from stents occurred more often in the metal stent group (40% versus 25%; p=0.37). In the metal stent group, most frequent complications were hemorrhage (n=3; 20%), stent migration (n=2; 13.3%) and perforation (n=1; 6.7%). In plastic multistent group, most frequent complications were perforation (n:2; 12.5%), hemorrhage (n=1; 6.2%) and ulcer (n=1; 6.2%). Long-term patency rate after biliary drainage was higher in the self-expandable metal stent group, SEMS: 81.67% ± 2.56; CI: 76.47-86.54; plastic multistent: 71.88% ± 2.93; CI: 66.08-77.27. CONCLUSION: The temporary passage of partially covered self-expandable metal stents is a feasible option for patients with benign bile duct strictures.

Un estudio prospectivo y randomizado comparando el uso de stents de metal parcialmente cubiertos de plastico versus multistents en el manejo endoscópico de los pacientes con estenosis benignas postoperatorias del ducto biliar en un seguimiento de más de 5 años / A prospective randomized study comparing partially covered metal stent versus plastic multistent in the endoscopic management of patients with postoperative benign bile duct strictures: a follow-up above 5 years

FUNDAMENTO: Los Stent de metal autoexpandibles se utilizan a menudo para el drenaje biliar en obstrucción de origen neoplásico, con mejores resultados que los stents plásticos, pero son rara vez utilizados en el drenaje biliar en estenosis de etiología benigna. OBJETIVO: El objetivo final primario: Es verificar la permeabilidad de la vía biliar después de la colocación de los stents auto-expandible de metal y (múltiples) prótesis plásticas en pacientes con estenosis benignas derivadas de la cirugía del conducto biliar con un seguimiento superior a cinco años. Punto final secundario: Evaluar a largo plazo la tasa de complicaciones en pacientes con stents metálicos autoexpandibles y plástico. RESULTADOS: Los stents autoexpandibles de metal se colocaron en 15 pacientes y múltiples stents de plástico en 16. La edad media fue de 45 años, con prevalencia de pacientes de sexo femenino en ambos grupos y no hubo diferencia estadística entre los grupos se observó (Stent metálico: 66,7%; plástico multistent: 62,5%, p = 0,8). La tasa de complicaciones resultantes de los stents fueron más frecuentes en el grupo de stent de metal (40% versus 25%, p = 0,37). En el grupo de stent de metal, las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron hemorragia (n = 3; 20%), la migración del stent (n = 2; 13,3%) y perforación (n = 1; 6,7%). En el grupo multistent plástica, las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron la (n: 2, un 12,5%), hemorragia (n = 1; 6,2%) y la úlcera (n = 1; 6,2%). A largo plazo la tasa de permeabilidad tras el drenaje biliar fue mayor en el grupo de metal autoexpandible, SEMS: 81,67% ± 2,56, IC: 76,47-86,54; plástico multistent: 71,88% ± 2,93, IC: 66.08-77.27. CONCLUSIÓN: El paso temporal de los stents metálicos cubiertos parcialmente auto-expandible es una opción viable para los pacientes con estenosis benignas del conducto biliar.

BACKGROUND: Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are often used for biliary drainage due to obstruction of neoplastic etiology, with better results than plastic stents, but seldom for biliary drainage of benign etiology. OBJECTIVE: Primary end point: Verify bile duct patency after placement of self-expandable metal and (multiple) plastic stents in patients with benign strictures resulting from bile duct surgery with follow-up above five years. Secondary end point: Evaluate long-term complication rate in patients with metal self-expandable and plastic stents. RESULTS: Self-expandable stents were placed in 15 patients and multiple plastic stents in 16. Mean age was 45 years with prevalence of female patients in both groups and no statistical difference between groups was observed (SEMS: 66.7%; plastic multistent: 62.5%; p=0.8). Complication rate resulting from stents occurred more often in the metal stent group (40% versus 25%; p=0.37). In the metal stent group, most frequent complications were hemorrhage (n=3; 20%), stent migration (n=2; 13.3%) and perforation (n=1; 6.7%). In plastic multistent group, most frequent complications were perforation (n: 2; 12.5%), hemorrhage (n=1; 6.2%) and ulcer (n=1; 6.2%). Long-term patency rate after biliary drainage was higher in the self-expandable metal stent group, SEMS: 81.67% ± 2.56; CI: 76.47-86.54; plastic multistent: 71.88% ± 2.93; CI: 66.08-77.27. CONCLUSION: The temporary passage of partially covered self-expandable metal stents is a feasible option for patients with benign bile duct strictures.

Esophagectomy for a traumatic esophageal perforation with delayed diagnosis.

Esophageal perforations are rare, and traumatic perforations are even more infrequent. Due to the rarity of this condition and its nonspecific presentation, the diagnosis and treatment of this type of perforation are delayed in more than 50% of patients, which leads to a high mortality rate. An 18-year-old male patient was brought to the emergency room with a penetrating neck injury, caused by a gunshot wound. He was taken to the operating room and underwent surgical exploration of the neck and a chest tube was inserted to treat the hemo- and pneumothorax. During the procedure, a 2 cm lesion was detected in the esophagus, and the patient underwent a primary repair. A contrast leakage into his right hemithorax was noticed on the 4th postoperative day; he was submitted to new surgery, and a subtotal esophagectomy and jejunostomy were performed. He was discharged from the hospital in good condition 20 d after the last procedure. The discussion around this topic focuses on the importance of the timing of diagnosis and the subsequent treatment. In early diagnosed patients, more conservative therapeutics should be performed, such as primary repair, while in those with delayed diagnosis, the patient should be submitted to more aggressive and definitive treatment.