Diagnostic sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasonography in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis / Az endoszkópos ultrahangvizsgálat diagnosztikus érzékenysége epeúti kövesség gyanúja esetén.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Az epeúti kövesség meglétének valószínusége különbözo klinikai prediktorok alapján megbecsülheto, e faktorok szenzitivitása és specificitása azonban nem kielégíto. Az endoszkópos ultrahangvizsgálat az epeúti kövesség diagnosztizálásának szemiinvazív precíz eszköze. Célkituzés: Célunk az endoszkópos ultrahangvizsgálat diagnosztikus érzékenységének vizsgálata gyanított epeúti kövesség esetén. Módszer: A prospektív vizsgálat során a betegeket az Amerikai Emésztoszervi Endoszkópos Társaság (ASGE) ajánlása szerint meghatározott prediktorok alapján közepes és magas valószínuségi csoportokba osztottuk, és endoszkópos ultrahangvizsgálatot, valamint amennyiben szükséges volt, endoszkópos retrográd kolangiopankreatográfiát (ERCP) végeztünk. Eredmények: Összesen 95 beteget vizsgáltunk. Az endoszkópos ultrahangvizsgálat 53 (56%) beteg esetében írt le epeúti kövességet: 55%-ban (39/71) a közepes valószínuségi és 58%-ban (14/24) a magas valószínuségi csoportban. Az ERCP mindegyik choledocholithiasisos esetet megerosítette. A két valószínuségi csoport között nem volt szignifikáns különbség (p = 0,56) az ERCP által igazolt epeúti kövesség tekintetében. Az ERCP csupán 1 esetben detektált epeúti kövességet a negatív endoszkópos ultrahangvizsgálat ellenére. Az endoszkópos ultrahangvizsgálat specificitása 100%, szenzitivitása 98%, míg pozitív és negatív prediktív értéke 100%, valamint 98% volt. Megbeszélés: Az epeúti kövesség meglétének becslése különbözo klinikai prediktorok alapján kihívást jelenthet. Következtetés: Az endoszkópos ultrahangvizsgálat szenzitív és pontos diagnosztikus eszköz a choledocholithiasis kimutatására és értékelésére, olyan esetekben is, amelyeknél az elozetes képalkotók nem találtak kövességet. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(10): 400-406. INTRODUCTION: The likelihood of common bile duct stones can be prognosticated by various clinical predictors, however, the sensitivity and specificity of these factors are moderate. Endoscopic ultrasonography has been shown to be a semi-invasive precise test for the detection of common bile duct stones. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. METHOD: Patients of this prospective study were categorized and divided into intermediate likelihood and high likelihood groups according to the clinical predictors defined by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines and referred for linear endosonography. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed if needed. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients were assessed. Common bile duct stones were detected by endoscopic ultrasonography overall in 53 (56%) patients: 55% (39/71) in the intermediate likelihood and 58% (14/24) in the high likelihood group of patients. The detected common bile duct stones in all patients were confirmed by ERCP. There was no significant difference (p = 0.56) in the detection of stones by ERCP between the two likelihood groups. ERCP confirmed choledocholithiasis only in one patient whose preceding endosonography did not detect stone. The specificity and sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasonography were 100% and 98%, the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100% and 98%, respectively. DISCUSSION: Estimating the likelihood of choledocholithiasis based on various clinical predictors might be challenging. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasonography is a highly sensitive and accurate diagnostic tool for the detection and evaluation of common bile duct stones also in patients with previous normal imaging findings. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(10): 400-406.

Prophylactic stents in the prevention of pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography / Profilaktikus sztentek alkalmazása az endoszkópos retrográd cholangiopancreatographiát követo pancreatitis megelozésében.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Az endoszkópos retrográd cholangiopancreatographiát (ERCP) követo pancreatitis (PEP) incidenciája a magas kockázatú betegcsoportban 14,7%. Célkituzés: A munkacsoportunk által szerzett tapasztalatok elemzése. Módszerek: A profilaktikus pancreassztentes (PPS), magas kockázatú betegek adatait tartalmazó prospektív adatbázisunkat elemeztük retrospektív módon. Az adatokat a PEP-incidencia és a súlyosság tekintetében összehasonlítottuk a korábbi, hasonlóan magas kockázatú, sztent nélküli beteganyagunkkal, illetve a sztenteléssel kapcsolatos szövodményeket és a különbözo sztenttípusokat is elemeztük. A Cotton-kritériumok szerint értékeltük a PEP-t. Eredmények: A 317, magas kockázatú betegbol 288 esetben (90,9%) volt sikeres a PPS-implantáció. A sztent nélküli kontrollcsoportba 121, magas kockázatú beteget választottunk be. A sikeresen sztentelt betegekben a PEP incidenciája 10,0% volt. Ez és a PEP súlyossága (enyhe: 8,3%, középsúlyos: 1,4%, súlyos: 0,3%) is szignifikánsan alacsonyabb volt a PPS nélküli beteganyaghoz (PEP: 31,4%, enyhe: 15,7%, középsúlyos: 10,7%, súlyos: 5,0%) és a sikertelenül sztentelt betegekhez (PEP: 41,3%, enyhe: 24,1%, középsúlyos: 13,8%, súlyos: 3,4%) képest. Az utóbbi két csoport közötti különbség nem volt szignifikáns. A sztenttel kapcsolatos szövodmények közül a leggyakrabban a korai sztentkicsúszást (5/288 beteg, 1,74%) és a proximalis sztentmigrációt (3/288 beteg, 1,04%) észleltük. A sztenttípusok közül a legkedvezobb mellékhatás-profilúnak a Freeman-típusú, belso füllel és külso "pigtail" véggel ellátott sztenteket találtuk. Következtetés: A profilaktikus pancreassztentelés hatékonyan csökkenti a PEP incidenciáját, és a súlyosságát az enyhébb esetek felé tolja el. Alkalmazása viszonylag egyszeru, azonban ismerni kell használatának megfelelo technikáját, idoben történo eltávolításának és a szövodmények felismerésének fontosságát. Eredményeink és a nemzetközi ajánlások alapján magas PEP-rizikójú betegekben a PPS rutinszeru alkalmazása minden ERCP-laborban ajánlott. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(1): 31-38. INTRODUCTION: The most frequent complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Its incidence in the high-risk patient population is 14.7%. OBJECTIVE: To analyze 10 years experiences of our working group. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our prospective database of high-risk patients treated with prophylactic pancreatic stents (PPS) including the period between 2009 and 2014. We compared PEP incidence and severity findings with our historical data of pre-PPS period of similarly high-risk patients (no-stent group), furthermore analyzed the complications of PPS insertion and different stent types. PEP was defined and categorized according to the Cotton criteria. RESULTS: In 317 high-risk patients, PPS implantation was successful in 288 cases (90.9%). The no-stent group comprised of 121 patients. Incidence and the severity of PEP in the successfully stented group (all: 10.0%; mild: 8.3%, moderate: 1.4%, severe: 0.3%) were significantly lower compared to the no-stent group (all: 31.4%; mild: 15.7%, moderate: 10.7%, severe: 5.0%) and the unsuccessfully stented group (all: 41.3%; mild: 24.1%, moderate: 13.8%, severe: 3.4%). The difference between the latter two groups was not significant. Only early dislodgment (5/288 patients, 1.74%) and proximal migration (3/288 patients, 1.04%) were observed as stent-related complications. Freeman type (single inner flange, outer pigtail end) stent was the best based on the complication profile. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic pancreatic stenting effectively lowers the incidence and severity of PEP. We should recognize the proper technic of its application and the importance of proper timing of its extraction and identification of complications. Utilization of PPSs in high-risk patients is strongly recommended in every ERCP center. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(1): 31-38.

Endoscopic treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia in real-life settings: Argon plasma coagulation or endoscopic band ligation?

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of argon plasma coagulation (APC) on gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) may be impaired over time and depends greatly on the application settings. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) may be an alternative, but study on its efficacy is limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of APC and EBL in treating GAVE. METHODS: Changes in the need for blood transfusion, number of treatment sessions and hospitalizations were retrospectively assessed in 63 transfusion-dependent patients with GAVE (mean age: 67.1 y, 54.0% female) treated with either APC or EBL (45 and 18 patients, respectively) in four tertiary endoscopic centers. RESULTS: Both methods substantially increased hemoglobin levels and decreased patients' need for a transfusion (22.0 ± 4.0 g/L and -5.62 ± 2.30 units of packed red blood cells [RBC] with APC, and 27.4 ± 6.1 g/L and -4.79 ± 2.46 units of packed RBC with EBL), without a significant statistical difference between the methods. However, fewer EBL sessions were required both for the cessation of need for a transfusion compared with those for the resolution of GAVE lesions (0.90 ± 0.10 vs 1.69 ± 0.31, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Both APC and EBL are effective in GAVE treatment. EBL may be superior in terms of number of treatment sessions, but not in its influence on hemoglobin level and need for transfusion. Further prospective studies with large, homogeneous sample size and standardized APC settings are needed.

Management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Multidisciplinary guideline proposal. / Heveny gastrointestinalis vérzések ellátása. Multidiszciplináris útmutató javaslat.

Gastrointestinal bleeding has a profound impact on public health due to its high prevalence and severity. With the elderly population taking more anticoagulants/antiaggregants/non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, the digestive bleeding will certainly raise more and more challenges in quantity as well as in severity for the public healthcare system. The emergency medicine specialists and gastroenterologists have a central role in the management of patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding. In certain cases, radiologists, invasive radiologists, intensive care specialists and surgeons should also be involved in the decision making process and management of patients. Therefore, Hungarian experts felt the need to elaborate a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, practical local guideline reflecting the frequently arisen aspects based on current international guidelines. This guideline proposal covers topics of basic requirements, initial assessment of patients, risk evaluation, laboratory tests, hemodynamic resuscitation in the case of gastrointestinal bleeding followed by its consecutive steps of diagnosis and therapy sorted by location of the source of the hemorrhage. The authors give practical instructions for unsuccessful hemostasis or rebleeding. Finally, the role of surgery is also summarized in the management of gastrointestinal bleeding. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(30): 1231-1242.

Risk factors of post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients despite prevention with prophylactic pancreatic stents.

Objectives: To analyze risk factors of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) in high risk patients in whom prophylactic pancreatic stents (PPSs) were intended to use to prevent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP)-related complications.Patients and methods: Three hundred and seventeen high-risk patients for developing PEP were considered for preventive pancreatic stent placement in our endoscopy unit over 5 years. 5 Fr, 3-5 cm long PPSs were used. All data were collected in a predefined database. Development of PEP despite PPS placement was analyzed.Results: PEP occurred in 29 of 288 successfully stented patients (10.07%; 24 mild, four moderate, one severe). PPS was protective against all risks factors except for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD). PPS related complication rate was 2.78% (n = 8). Unsuccessful stenting occurred in 29 patients (9.15%), PEP developed in 41.38% (n = 12; seven mild, four moderate, one severe). Those patients who had more patient related risk factors were more likely to develop PEP despite preventive measures with PPS. On the contrary, PPS placement was less successful in patients who had more procedure related risk factors.Conclusions: PPS is protective against all risks factors of PEP except for SOD in high-risk patients. More vulnerable patients who have more patient-related risk factors are more likely to develop PEP despite PPS is used, while more complex procedures predispose to unsuccessful PPS placement in patients with more procedure-related risk factors. PPS insertion in high-risk patients is effective and safe preventive method and the procedure related complication rate is reasonably low.

A Multicenter, International Cohort Analysis of 1435 Cases to Support Clinical Trial Design in Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein level (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) have been variably used in clinical trials on acute pancreatitis (AP). We assessed their potential role. METHODS: First, we investigated studies which have used CRP or WBC, to describe their current role in trials on AP. Second, we extracted the data of 1435 episodes of AP from our registry. CRP and WBC on admission, within 24 h from the onset of pain and their highest values were analyzed. Descriptive statistical tools as Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Levene's F tests, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and AUC (Area Under the Curve) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were performed. RESULTS: Our literature review showed extreme variability of CRP used as an inclusion criterion or as a primary outcome or both in past and current trials on AP. In our cohort, CRP levels on admission poorly predicted mortality and severe cases of AP; AUC: 0.669 (CI:0.569-0.770); AUC:0.681 (CI: 0.601-0.761), respectively. CRP levels measured within 24 h from the onset of pain failed to predict mortality or severity; AUC: 0.741 (CI:0.627-0.854); AUC:0.690 (CI:0.586-0.793), respectively. The highest CRP during hospitalization had equally poor predictive accuracy for mortality and severity AUC:0.656 (CI:0.544-0.768); AUC:0.705 (CI:0.640-0.769) respectively. CRP within 24 h from the onset of pain used as an inclusion criterion markedly increased the combined event rate of mortality and severe AP (13% for CRP > 25 mg/l and 28% for CRP > 200 mg/l). CONCLUSION: CRP within 24 h from the onset of pain as an inclusion criterion elevates event rates and reduces the number of patients required in trials on AP.

Antibiotic therapy in acute pancreatitis: From global overuse to evidence based recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Unwarranted administration of antibiotics in acute pancreatitis presents a global challenge. The clinical reasoning behind the misuse is poorly understood. Our aim was to investigate current clinical practices and develop recommendations that guide clinicians in prescribing antibiotic treatment in acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Four methods were used. 1) Systematic data collection was performed to summarize current evidence; 2) a retrospective questionnaire was developed to understand the current global clinical practice; 3) five years of prospectively collected data were analysed to identify the clinical parameters used by medical teams in the decision making process, and finally; 4) the UpToDate Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was applied to provide evidence based recommendations for healthcare professionals. RESULTS: The systematic literature search revealed no consensus on the start of AB therapy in patients with no bacterial culture test. Retrospective data collection on 9728 patients from 22 countries indicated a wide range (31-82%) of antibiotic use frequency in AP. Analysis of 56 variables from 962 patients showed that clinicians initiate antibiotic therapy based on increased WBC and/or elevated CRP, lipase and amylase levels. The above mentioned four laboratory parameters showed no association with infection in the early phase of acute pancreatitis. Instead, procalcitonin levels proved to be a better biomarker of early infection. Patients with suspected infection because of fever had no benefit from antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The authors formulated four consensus statements to urge reduction of unjustified antibiotic treatment in acute pancreatitis and to use procalcitonin rather than WBC or CRP as biomarkers to guide decision-making.

Outcomes and timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for acute biliary pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Indication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) is challenging. AIMS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed real-world data to understand the ERCP practice in ABP in Hungarian centers. METHODS: Clinical data on ABP patients (2013-2015) were extracted from our large multicentric database. Outcomes, quality indicators and the role of early timing of ERCP (<24 h from admission) were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 356 patients with ABP. ERCP was performed in 267 (75%). Performance indicators of ERCP proved to be suboptimal with a biliary cannulation rate of 84%. Successful vs unsuccessful cannulation of naïve papilla resulted in lower rates of local [22.9% vs 40.9%, (P = 0.012)] and systemic [4.9% vs 13.6%, (P = 0.042)] complications. Successful vs unsuccessful clearance resulted in lower rates of local complications [22.5% vs 40.8%, (P = 0.008)]. Successful cannulation and drainage correlated with less severe course of ABP [3.6% vs 15.9%, (P = 0.001) and 4.1% vs 12.2%, (P = 0.033)] respectively. A tendency of an increased rate of local complications was observed if ERCP was performed later [<24 h: 21.1% (35/166); between 24-48 h: 23.4% (11/47); >48h: 37.2% (16/43) (P = 0.088)]. CONCLUSION: Optimization of ERCP indication in ABP patients is critical as suboptimal ERCP practices in ABP without definitive stone detection are associated with poorer clinical outcomes.

Endoscopic management of massive mercury ingestion: A case report.

RATIONALE: Ingestion of a massive amount of metallic mercury was thought to be harmless until the last century. After that, in a number of cases, mercury ingestion has been associated with appendicitis, impaired liver function, memory deficits, aspiration leading to pneumonitis and acute renal failure. Treatment includes gastric lavage, giving laxatives and chelating agents, but rapid removal of metallic mercury with gastroscopy has not been used. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 18-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department after drinking 1000 g of metallic mercury as a suicide attempt. DIAGNOSIS: Except from mild umbilical tenderness, he had no other symptoms. Radiography showed a metallic density in the area of the stomach. INTERVENTION: Gastroscopy was performed to remove the mercury. One large pool and several small droplets of mercury were removed from the stomach. OUTCOMES: Blood and urine mercury levels of the patient remained low during hospitalization. No symptoms of mercury intoxication developed during the follow-up period. LESSONS: Massive mercury ingestion may cause several symptoms, which can be prevented with prompt treatment. We used endoscopy to remove the mercury, which shortened the exposure time and minimized the risk of aspiration. This is the first case where endoscopy was used for the management of mercury ingestion.

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography: When should we do it?

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) is an accurate imaging modality in the diagnosis of pancreatobiliary diseases. However, its use has been substantially reduced due to the invasiveness of procedure, the risk of complications and the widespread availability of non-invasive cross-section imaging techniques (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound). Since the introduction of endoscopic sphincterotomy, ERP has transformed from diagnostic method to an almost exclusively therapeutic procedure. Pancreatic duct injection substantially increased the risk of post-ERP pancreatitis (1.6%-15.7%); therefore, according to international guidelines ERP is recommended only in cases where biliary intervention is required. However, the role of ERP in the management of pancreatic diseases is currently not clearly defined, but in some cases the filling of pancreatic duct may provide essential information complementing the results of non-invasive imaging techniques. The aim of this publication is to systematically summarize the literature dealing with the diagnostic yield of ERP. We would like to define the precise indications of ERP and overview a diagnostic protocol of pancreatic diseases depending on international guidelines and the opinion of Hungarian experts, because it may improve the diagnostic accuracy, minimize of burden of patients and reduce the risk of procedure related complications.

Genetic analysis of the bicarbonate secreting anion exchanger SLC26A6 in chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal HCO3(-) secretion is critically dependent on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel (CFTR) and the solute-linked carrier 26 member 6 anion transporter (SLC26A6). Deterioration of HCO3(-) secretion is observed in chronic pancreatitis (CP), and CFTR mutations increase CP risk. Therefore, SLC26A6 is a reasonable candidate for a CP susceptibility gene, which has not been investigated in CP patients so far. METHODS: As a first screening cohort, 106 subjects with CP and 99 control subjects with no pancreatic disease were recruited from the Hungarian National Pancreas Registry. In 60 non-alcoholic CP cases the entire SLC26A6 coding region was sequenced. In the Hungarian cohort variants c.616G > A (p.V206M) and c.1191C > A (p.P397=) were further genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. In a German replication cohort all exons were sequenced in 40 non-alcoholic CP cases and variant c.616G > A (p.V206M) was further analyzed by sequencing in 321 CP cases and 171 controls. RESULTS: Sequencing of the entire coding region revealed four common variants: intronic variants c.23 + 78_110del, c.183-4C > A, c.1134 + 32C > A, and missense variant c.616G > A (p.V206M) which were found in linkage disequilibrium indicating a conserved haplotype. The distribution of the haplotype did not show a significant difference between patients and controls in the two cohorts. A synonymous variant c.1191C > A (p.P397=) and two intronic variants c.1248 + 9_20del and c.-10C > T were detected in single cases. CONCLUSION: Our data show that SLC26A6 variants do not alter the risk for the development of CP.

Preventive pancreatic stents in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis (PREPAST trial): pre-study protocol for a multicenter, prospective, randomized, interventional, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of the most common biliary form of acute pancreatitis has not changed even with the better described indications for early endoscopic intervention. It may be due to the fact that this intrevention theoretically can cause further pancreatic injury or cannot always relieve the pancreatic duct obstruction. We hypothesize that maintaining the outflow of the pancreatic duct with preventive pancreatic stents at the early ERCP improves the outcome of acute biliary pancreatitis. METHODS/DESIGN: PREPAST is a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter trial. Patients with acute biliary pancreatitis with coexisting cholangitis are randomized to undergo urgent endoscopic intervention with or without pancreatic stenting within 48 h from the onset of pain, and in addition patients without signs of cholangitis but cholestasis are randomly allocated to recieve conservative treatment or early endoscopic intervention with or without pancreatic stenting within 48 h from the onset of pain. Patients without acute cholangitis and signs of cholestasis recieve conservative treatment. 230 patients are planned to be enrolled during a 48 months period from different centers. The primary endpoint is the outcome of acute biliary pancreatitis as described by the latest guidelines. Secondary endpoints include mortality data, and other variables not analyzed as a primary endpoint but related to the pancreatitis or the pancreatic stenting. DISCUSSION: The PREPAST trial is designed to show whether early endoscopic intervention with the usage of preventive pancreatic stenting improves the outcome of acute biliary pancreatitis. The study has been registered at the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) Register (trial ID: ISRCTN13517695).

[The role of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal disorders]. / Az endoszkópos ultrahang alkalmazása a gastrointestinalis betegségek diagnosztikájában és terápiájában.

Endoscopic ultrasound is one of those diagnostic methods in gastrointestinal endoscopy which has developed rapidly in the last decade and has became exceedingly available to visualize the walls of the internal organs in details corresponding to histological layers, or analyze the adjacent structures. Fine needles and other endoscopic accessories can be introduced into the neighbouring tissues under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound, and diagnostic and minimally invasive therapeutic interventions can be performed. The endoscopic ultrasound became more widely available in Hungary in recent years. This review focuses on the indications, benefits and complications of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound. We recommend this article to gastroenterologists, surgeons, internists, pulmonologists, and to specialists in oncology and radiology. This recommendation was based on the consensus of the Board members of the Endoscopic Ultrasound Section of the Hungarian Gastroenterological Society.

[The effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy on the motility of the gallbladder and of the sphincter of Oddi in patients with acalculous biliary pain syndrome]. / Endoszkópos sphincterotomia hatása az epehólyag és az Oddi-sphincter motilitására, valamint az epeürülés dinamikájára acalculosus biliaris fájdalom szindrómás betegekben.

INTRODUCTION: Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction usually occurs after cholecystectomy, but it can sometimes be detected in patients with intact gallbladder too. The diagnostic value of the non-invasive functional tests is not established in this group of patients and the effects of sphincterotomy on transpapillary bile outflow and gallbladder motility are unknown. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy on the gallbladder ejection fraction, transpapillary bile outflow and the clinical symptoms of patients with acalculous biliary pain syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 36 patients with acalculous biliary pain syndrome underwent quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy, and all of them had decreased cholecytokinin-induced gallbladder ejection fraction. The endoscopic manometry of the sphincter of Oddi showed abnormal sphincter function in 26 patients who were enrolled the study. Before and after endoscopic sphincterotomy all patients had ultrasonographic measurement of cholecystokinin-induced gallbladder ejection fraction with and without nitroglycerin pretreatment and scintigraphy was repeated as well. The effects of sphincterotomy on gallbladder ejection fraction and transpapillary biliary outflow were evaluated. In addition, changes in biliary pain score with a previously validated questionnaire were also determined. RESULTS: All 26 patients had decreased gallbladder ejection fraction before sphincterotomy measured with scintigraphy (19+18%) and ultrasound (16+9.7%), which was improved after nitroglycerin pretreatment (48.2+17%; p<0.005). Detected with both methods, the ejection fraction was in the normal range after sphincterotomy (52+37% and 40.8+16.5%), but nitroglycerin pretreatment failed to produce further improvement (48.67+22.2%, NS). Based on scintigraphic examination sphincterotomy significantly improved transpapillary biliary outflow (common bile duct half time 63±33 min vs. 37±17 min; p<0.05). According to results obtained from questionneries, 22 of the 26 patients gave an account of significant symptom improvement after sphincterotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy improves cholecystokinin-induced gallbladder ejection fraction, transpapillary biliary outflow as well as biliary symptoms in patients with acalculous biliary pain syndrome and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Cholecystokinin-induced gallbladder ejection fraction with nitroglycerin pretreatment, measured with ultrasonography can be useful to select a subgroup of patients who can benefit from sphincterotomy.

[Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology in the mediastinum]. / Endoszkópos ultrahang vezérelte finomtu-aspirációs citológia a mediastinumban.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in the posterior mediastinum is technically a relatively simple and safe procedure, and it can provide important information for the further management of patients. AIM: To analyze and compare the results of mediastinal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration with the data available in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed their prospective database on mediastinal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of 49 patients referred to their endoscopy centre between 1 November 2009 and 1 November 2012. For the fine needle aspiration 22 and 25 G needles were used. Two to six needle passes were performed in each patient. All slides were prepared at the endoscopy unit and analyzed at the cytology laboratory. RESULTS: The authors performed mediastinal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for enlarged lymph nodes or suspected mediastinal malignancy in all but 4 patients (2 suspected oesophageal cancers, 1 suspected benign oesophageal stenosis with wall thickening and 1 cardia tumour, all with non-diagnostic endoscopic biopsies). Five patients were excluded from the analysis since fine needle aspiration was not performed in them. Benign lesions were suspected based on the endoscopic ultrasound morphology in 7, and malignant disease in 37 patients. In 3 cases samples obtained by biopsy were not informative for cytological analysis. Cytology confirmed all benign lesions and showed malignancy in 28 cases. Cytology failed to reveal malignancy in 6 patients, although it was suspected based upon endoscopic ultrasound finding. Furthermore, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration provided the diagnosis in 15 of the 17 patients when bronchoscopy was non-diagnostic. The diagnostic accuracy of the EUS-FNA was the following: sensitivity 82%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 1.0, negative predictive value 0.54. Only one infectious complication was encountered after fine needle aspiration despite antibiotic prophylaxis. DISCUSSION: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of mediastinal pathology is an accurate, safe and technically relatively easy procedure, however it requires practice and skills in mediastinal anatomy. It has an excellent positive predictive value, a very good sensitivity, but slightly poor negative predictive value. The results of this study are concordant with the literature data. The authors suggest that at least 4 needle passes in the absence of on-site pathologist should be performed in order to minimize the number of false-negative results.

[Endoscopic submucosal dissection in our practice -- new possibilities in the endoscopic treatment of neoplastic changes in the alimentary canal]. / Endoszkópos submucosus dissectio saját gyakorlatunkban -- új lehetoség a tápcsatorna korai neoplasztikus elváltozásainak endoszkópos kezelésében.

UNLABELLED: Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a promising new endoscopic technique for en block resection of early, superficial, flat, and laterally spreading gastrointestinal neoplasms. The primary aims of this prospective study were to summarize the first Hungarian experience with endoscopic submucosal dissection, and to compare the experimental in vivo procedures in pigs with the human application of this technique in two academic centers. METHODS: The ex vivo Erlangen pig model was used until initial competence was achieved. Thereafter 15 endoscopic submucosal dissection procedures were performed in up to 5 sessions in living pigs under general anesthesia. After submucosal injection with saline Fujinone ball tip, a Flush knife was used with a transparent hood for circumferential incision and submucosal dissection. The following variables were analyzed: specimen size, complete and en bloc resection rate, total duration of the procedure, and complications. Furthermore, between 2009 and 2012, 14 endoscopic submucosal dissections were carried out in humans; 1 duodenal, 3 gastric and 10 colorectal interventions were performed due to large laterally spreading intramucosal neoplasms. The specimen size, en bloc resection rate, total duration of the procedure and complications were next analyzed. RESULTS: 87% complete resection rate, 29.4 ± 19.5 cm2 specimen size and 136.2 ± 26.8 min of procedure duration were achieved in the live pig models. Nontransmural damages of the muscular layer occurred in 3/15 (20%) cases which were successfully closed with hemoclips, except in one pig that died due to fatal esophageal perforation. All bleedings were easily managed with hot biopsy forceps coagulation and hemoclips without hemodynamic instability. In humans, endoscopic submucosal dissection was accomplished with an 11/14 (79%) en block resection rate, with average resected specimen size of 11.56 ± 4.9 cm2 and with 157 ± 55 min of operating time. Two cases of bleeding and 2 cases of perforation occurred (14%), all of which were managed endoscopically. After 1.5 year of average follow up, local recurrence occurred in one case only. In addition, due to the 3 incomplete resections and unsuccessful endoscopic submucosal dissection, surgical intervention was required in 4 cases altogether. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the first Hungarian experience with endoscopic submucosal dissection. Training in live pig models could help endoscopists to overcome the learning curve and minimize the risk of complications before starting the procedure in humans. Reduction in the resection time and low risk of complications, especially bleeding, could be achieved by the application of a flush knife.

[Hungarian data on inflammatory bowel diseases: analytical data on ulcerative colistis]. / Magyarországi adatok a gyulladásos bélbetegségrol, analitikai adatok a colitis ulcerosáról.

UNLABELLED: Prospective data collection seems to be essential in evidence-based medicine. Because of the new therapeutic options, the need for standard data collection and testing has significantly increased. In Hungary, a registry for patients with inflammatory bowel disease has already been set up, which makes it possible for clinicians to collect prospective data on their patients. AIM: Basic characteristics of the database of patients with ulcerative colitis are presented in this paper. METHODS: The inflammatory bowel disease registry uses the programme of Microsoft Access database management system. Data are stored in a central server. RESULTS: The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases has been permanently increasing in Hungary; however, its overall prevalence is still low among the European countries. The frequent administration of immunosuppressive medications (azathioprine and corticosteroids) and their increased doses worsen the estimation of the activity. CONCLUSIONS: 1., It would be very useful to gain prospective data from all national centres. This kind of database would be able to give a complete picture regarding the Hungarian therapeutical practice. 2., Medications of patients may alter the clinical value of the laboratory findings in the process of determining the severity of the disease.

Early ERCP and biliary sphincterotomy with or without small-caliber pancreatic stent insertion in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis: better overall outcome with adequate pancreatic drainage.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of pancreatic duct (PD) stenting following endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) compared with EST alone in reducing complication rate and improving overall outcome in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). METHODS: Between 1 January 2009 and 1 July 2010, 141 nonalcoholic patients with clinical, laboratory and imaging evidence of ABP were enrolled. Emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed within 72 h from the onset of pain. Seventy patients underwent successful ERCP, EST, and stone extraction (control group); 71 patients (PD stent group) had EST, stone extraction and small-caliber (5 Fr, 3-5 cm) pancreatic stent insertion. All patients were hospitalized for medical therapy and jejunal feeding and were followed up. RESULTS: The mean age, Glasgow score, symptom to ERCP time, mean amylase and CRP levels at initial presentation were not significantly different in the PD stent group compared to the control group: 60.6 vs. 64.3, 3.21 vs. 3.27, 34.4 vs. 40.2, 2446.9 vs. 2114.3, 121.1 vs. 152.4, respectively. Complications (admission to intensive care unit, pancreatic necrosis with septicemia, large (>6 cm) pseudocyst formation, need for surgical necrosectomy) were less frequent in the PD stent group resulting in a significantly lower overall complication rate (9.86% vs. 31.43%, p < 0.002). Mortality rates (0% vs. 4.28%) were comparable, reasonably low and without any significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary small-caliber PD stent placement may offer sufficient drainage to reverse the process of ABP. Combined with EST the process results in a significantly less complication rate and better clinical outcome compared with EST alone during the early course of ABP.

[Diagnostic endoscopic ultrasonography in the gastrointestinal tract]. / Diagnosztikus endoszkópos ultrahang alkalmazása a tápcsatornában.

Endoscopic ultrasonography is a relatively new technology that combines the use of flexible fiberoptic endoscopes with high-resolution ultrasound technology. It proved to be highly accurate and useful in the staging of gastrointestinal malignancies, as well as in characterizing the nature of subepithelial lesions and disorders of the pancreaticobiliary system. In this overview the variety of current evidence based diagnostic options of endoscopic ultrasonography are discussed.