[A new method for measuring spinal kyphosis using CT images and a study of its relationship with reflux esophagitis].

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the validity and reproducibility of a new quantitative method for measuring spinal kyphosis using computed tomography (CT), and to investigate its relationship with reflux esophagitis. [Method] Using a new method to measure the index of kyphosis in CT images (IKCT), 10 examiners evaluated 10 cases of spinal kyphosis. One examiner measured 47 cases twice and 20 cases were examined to assess the validity with the kyphosis index. A case-control study was conducted on 303 cases of reflux esophagitis, of which 241 were mild and 62 severe. [Results] Regarding IKCT reproducibility, the inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.977. The intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.974. The correlation index with the kyphosis index was 0.731. A greater IKCT value, not contracting serious atrophic gastritis, and severe hiatal hernia were identified as risk factors for severe reflux esophagitis. [Conclusion] IKCT is a simple and useful method for measuring kyphosis. The prevention of kyphosis can help suppress severe reflux esophagitis.

[A case of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome with multiple colon adenomas and early colon cancers].

A 60-year-old man presented with diarrhea and weight loss. Colonoscopy revealed multiple reddish polypoid lesions throughout the gastrointestinal tract and was diagnosed as Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS). Prednisolone therapy caused regression of polyps. Some of them were suspected to be early colon cancers and adenomas. We endoscopically performed mucosal resection for 15 polyps after prednisolone therapy. Histological examination of one of polyps showed invasion of the submucosal layer and colon resection was performed. This case suggests that diagnosis and treatment are important in polyps of CCS.