Next-Generation Multitarget Stool DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening.

BACKGROUND: A next-generation multitarget stool DNA test, including assessments of DNA molecular markers and hemoglobin level, was developed to improve the performance of colorectal cancer screening, primarily with regard to specificity. METHODS: In a prospective study, we evaluated a next-generation multitarget stool DNA test in asymptomatic adults 40 years of age or older who were undergoing screening colonoscopy. The primary outcomes were sensitivity of the test for colorectal cancer and specificity for advanced neoplasia (colorectal cancer or advanced precancerous lesions). Advanced precancerous lesions included one or more adenomas or sessile serrated lesions measuring at least 1 cm in the longest dimension, lesions with villous histologic features, and high-grade dysplasia. Secondary objectives included the quantification of sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions and specificity for nonneoplastic findings or negative colonoscopy and comparison of sensitivities for colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous lesions between the multitarget stool DNA test and a commercially available fecal immunochemical test (FIT). RESULTS: Of 20,176 participants, 98 had colorectal cancer, 2144 had advanced precancerous lesions, 6973 had nonadvanced adenomas, and 10,961 had nonneoplastic findings or negative colonoscopy. With the next-generation test, sensitivity for colorectal cancer was 93.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.1 to 97.7), and specificity for advanced neoplasia was 90.6% (95% CI, 90.1 to 91.0). Sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions was 43.4% (95% CI, 41.3 to 45.6), and specificity for nonneoplastic findings or negative colonoscopy was 92.7% (95% CI, 92.2 to 93.1). With the FIT, sensitivity was 67.3% (95% CI, 57.1 to 76.5) for colorectal cancer and 23.3% (95% CI, 21.5 to 25.2) for advanced precancerous lesions; specificity was 94.8% (95% CI, 94.4 to 95.1) for advanced neoplasia and 95.7% (95% CI, 95.3 to 96.1) for nonneoplastic findings or negative colonoscopy. As compared with FIT, the next-generation test had superior sensitivity for colorectal cancer (P<0.001) and for advanced precancerous lesions (P<0.001) but had lower specificity for advanced neoplasia (P<0.001). No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The next-generation multitarget stool DNA test showed higher sensitivity for colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous lesions than FIT but also showed lower specificity. (Funded by Exact Sciences; BLUE-C ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04144738.).

Colonic leiomyoma mimicking a liver tumor: an unusual diagnosis after en-block robotic resection.

Colonic leiomyomas are rare. Their clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic polyps detected on endoscopy to large symptomatic abdominopelvic masses. Imaging findings are usually non-specific, and percutaneous biopsy might help with differential diagnosis. However, radical surgery with negative margins is ultimately needed to rule out malignancy. We describe an uncommon presentation of a colonic leiomyoma mimicking a right hepatic lobe tumor on preoperative imaging. The robotic approach allowed a precise abdominal exploration with confirmation of colonic and hepatic infiltration and subsequent oncological en-block resection. Surgeons operating on hepatic tumors close to the right colic flexure should be aware of this diagnosis.

Labetalol-Induced Hepatotoxicity during Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Background Drug-induced liver injury is a common cause of transaminitis, occurring in up to 5% of patients who are hospitalized for liver failure. In pregnancy, transaminitis is seen in conditions which may require expedited delivery. Case A 39-year-old G2P0010 at 27 2/7 weeks' gestation with chronic hypertension on labetalol was found to have elevated transaminases. Evaluation for preeclampsia, acute fatty liver, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cholelithiasis, infections, and autoimmune conditions were all negative. Labetalol was then discontinued, and liver biopsy was performed. After discontinuation of labetalol, her hepatitis improved, and she was discharged on hospital day 12 and went on to deliver at term. Conclusion Labetalol-induced hepatitis should be considered in the differential for transaminitis during pregnancy to prevent iatrogenic preterm delivery.

Detecting germline BAP1 mutations in patients with peritoneal mesothelioma: benefits to patient and family members.

Germline mutations in the BRCA-1 associated tumor protein 1 (BAP1) increase susceptibility to mesothelioma and other cancers. We describe a patient with a family history of peritoneal mesothelioma, who developed malignant peritoneal mesothelioma at age 45 in the absence of known asbestos exposure. These findings lead us to hypothesize that the mesothelioma occurred in the setting of germline a BAP1 mutation. This was confirmed by genetic testing. The subsequent therapeutic choices for the patient and testing of at-risk family members highlight the importance of recognizing this genetic syndrome and screening for individuals at high risk.

Managing Malnourishment in Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Little information exists to guide monitoring and treatment of malnourishment during pregnancy after bariatric surgery. Here we present a case with severe deficiencies and recommendations for testing and treatment. CASE: Our patient underwent a duodenal switch procedure resulting in significant weight loss and numerous deficiencies. She then experienced a neonatal demise with multiple congenital abnormalities, including diaphragmatic hernia, possibly related to severe vitamin A deficiency. After high doses of oral and parenteral replacement, pancreatic enzymes, and total parenteral nutrition, she delivered an anatomically normal but growth-restricted neonate in a subsequent pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Bariatric procedures may result in nutritional deficiencies that affect pregnancy outcome. Women with severe deficiencies require pre-pregnancy counselling, monitoring, aggressive treatment, and a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Gastric Outlet Obstruction due to Intramural Duodenal Hematoma after Endoscopic Biopsy: Possible Therapeutic Role of Endoscopic Dilation.

Intramural duodenal hematoma (IDH) is an extremely rare complication after endoscopic biopsy. It typically presents with symptoms due to duodenal obstruction, which include abdominal pain and bilious vomiting. The hematoma may also expand and cause ampullary compression leading to pancreatitis and cholestasis. Computed tomography scan and abdominal ultrasound are the most common diagnostic modalities. Treatment is usually conservative, with bowel rest, nasogastric suctioning and total parenteral nutrition. Refractory cases have been described, requiring endoscopic therapy or surgical drainage. We describe a 28-year-old healthy male who presented with acute abdominal pain a few hours after a routine esophagogastrodudenoscopy with biopsies was performed. Following an otherwise uneventful endoscopy, he developed a gastric outlet obstruction and pancreatitis secondary to an IDH. The patient was managed conservatively. Resolution of his gastric outlet obstruction occurred immediately after gentle passage of the endoscope through the narrowed duodenal lumen.

Sterile Seroma after Drainage of Purulent Muscle Abscess in Crohn's Disease: Two Cases.

Purulent skeletal muscle abscesses can occur in Crohn's disease. We report a case of a sterile seroma complicating percutaneous drainage of a purulent skeletal muscle abscess in Crohn's ileitis. We compare and contrast this case with a similar case we published earlier. We emphasize the importance of recognition and differentiation from a septic purulent abscess.

Clopidogrel-Induced Severe Hepatitis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Clopidogrel is a commonly prescribed antiplatelet agent that carries a rare risk of hepatotoxicity. We describe a case of severe clopidogrel-induced hepatitis with liver biopsy assessment. Prompt recognition and withdrawal of the offending agent are imperative to prevent progression and potentially fatal liver injury.

Antihistamine-Induced Hepatitis: 2 Cases Involving Loratidine.

Antihistamine-induced hepatitis is rare. We present 2 cases of antihistamine-induced hepatitis with autoimmune features, caused by loratidine. One case was confirmed by rechallenge. Identifying and discontinuing the offending agent are essential for treatment.