Endoscopy after acute myocardial infarction: an evaluation of safety.

OBJECTIVES: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (MI) has substantial morbidity and mortality. Several studies have been performed on the safety of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) after MI; however, these studies vary in definitions and results. We evaluated the safety and effect of EGD in patients with acute MI in a tertiary center. METHODS: A retrospective, single tertiary-care center study was undertaken of 87 patients who underwent EGD within 30 days of an acute MI between January 2001 and March 2012. Type of MI (ST segment elevation MI [STEMI] and non-ST segment elevation MI [NSTEMI]), peak troponin I, time from MI to EGD, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score at EGD, cardiac catheterization before EGD, and medical complications within 24 hours of EGD were noted. Medical complications were defined as major complications (death, life-threatening arrhythmias) and minor complications (chest pain, abnormal vital signs, or minor arrhythmias). RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients underwent EGD within 30 days of having an MI. No major complications were observed. Minor complications occurred in 27 of 87 patients (31.0%), including mild hypotension, mild bradycardia, or increased chest pain. Patients with STEMI demonstrated statistically significant quicker endoscopy (P = 0.01) and were more likely to undergo cardiac catheterization in advance of EGD (P < 0.01) than those with NSTEMI. No statistically significant differences were noted for peak troponin I (P = 0.21), APACHE II score at EGD (P = 0.55), or minor complications (P = 0.08) among patients with STEMI versus NSTEMI. Cardiac catheterization before EGD did not seem to affect results. Patients with APACHE II scores >16 experienced more minor complications (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: EGD appears relatively safe for the diagnosis and management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with acute MI.

Bowel preparation with split-dose polyethylene glycol before colonoscopy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a commonly used bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Unfortunately, the standard large-volume solution may reduce patient compliance. Split-dosing of PEG has been studied in various randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). However, results have been conflicting. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the role of split-dose PEG versus full-dose PEG for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. DESIGN: Multiple databases were searched (January 2011). RCTs on adults comparing full-dose and split-dose of PEG for bowel preparation before colonoscopy were included and analyzed by calculating pooled estimates of quality of bowel preparation, preparation compliance, willingness to repeat the same preparation, and side effects by using odds ratio (OR) by fixed and random-effects models. SETTING: Literature search. PATIENTS: Per RCTs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Satisfactory bowel preparation, willingness to repeat same bowel preparation, patient compliance, and side effects. RESULTS: Five trials met inclusion criteria (N = 1232). Split-dose PEG significantly increased the number of satisfactory bowel preparations (OR 3.70; 95% CI, 2.79-4.91; P < .01) and willingness to repeat the same preparation (OR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.06-2.91; P = .03) compared with full-dose PEG. Split-dose PEG also significantly decreased the number of preparation discontinuations (OR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.28-0.98; P = .04) and nausea (OR 0.55; 95% CI, 0.38-0.79; P < .01) compared with full-dose PEG. LIMITATIONS: Limited number of studies. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a split-dose PEG for bowel preparation before colonoscopy significantly improved the number of satisfactory bowel preparations, increased patient compliance, and decreased nausea compared with the full-dose PEG.

Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Carcinoid Tumor and Incidental Capsule Retention.

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a sensitive modality for examining the small bowel and is commonly employed to identify a variety of small bowel pathologies. We report a case of capsule retention leading to diagnosis of a chronic condition. A 60-year-old female presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss for 3 years. Physical exam revealed a mildly tender abdomen with hypoactive bowel sounds. Laboratory was normal. Abdominal radiographs showed a partial small bowel obstruction with retained capsule. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a retained capsule in the mid-portion of the jejunum, dilated small bowel, and terminal ileal mass. She underwent exploratory laparotomy showing an ileal mass with hepatic metastasis. A right hemicolectomy, reanastomosis, and removal of the retained capsule were performed. Pathology showed well-differentiated carcinoid tumor. She was discharged home for further treatment with oncology. Carcinoid tumors of the small bowel usually present with abdominal pain or small bowel obstruction. Our patient had intermittent small bowel obstruction due to a carcinoid tumor and retained capsule causing her symptoms. CE is a valuable tool but requires extensive consideration and possible patency capsule prior to use in patients presenting with symptoms consistent with Crohn's disease or small bowel tumor.