Endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection for massive bleeding from a ruptured pseudocyst.

Arterial bleeding is a dreadful late complication of acute pancreatitis that usually mandates emergent endovascular embolization or surgery. We present the case of a massive arterial bleeding resulting from fistulization of a pseudocyst to the stomach, which was successfully managed by endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate.

COVID-19-associated secondary sclerosing cholangitis - A case series of 4 patients.

We report a case series of four patients diagnosed with COVID-19-associated secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC), a recently described rare late complication of severe COVID-19. Following prolonged stays in the intensive care unit, these patients developed marked sustained cholestasis and jaundice despite clinical improvement. Cholangiography showed beaded appearance of intra-hepatic bile ducts and bile casts were removed in one patient. None of the patients reached normalization of liver enzymes and at least one progressed to liver cirrhosis (follow-up time of 11 to 16 months). COVID-19-associated SSC has a dismal prognosis with rapid progression to advanced chronic liver disease.

Factors Influencing Performance of Cholangioscopy-Guided Lithotripsy Including Available Different Technologies: A Prospective Multicenter Study with 94 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Peroral cholangioscopy (POC)-guided lithotripsy is an effective treatment for difficult biliary stones. A clear definition of factors associated with the efficacy of POC-guided lithotripsy in one session and the performance of electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) and laser lithotripsy (LL) have not clearly emerged. METHODS: This was a non-randomized prospective multicenter study of all consecutive patients who underwent POC lithotripsy (using EHL and/or LL) for difficult biliary stones. The primary endpoint of the study was the number of sessions needed to achieve complete ductal clearance and the factors associated with this outcome. Secondary endpoints included the evaluated efficacies of LL and EHL. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients underwent 113 procedures of EHL or LL. Complete ductal clearance was obtained in 93/94 patients (98.94%). In total, 80/94 patients (85.11%) achieved stone clearance in a single session. In the multivariate analysis, stone size was independently associated with the need for multiple sessions to achieve complete ductal clearance (odds ratio = 1.146, 95% confidence interval: 1.055-1.244; p = 0.001). Using ROC curves and the Youden index, 22 mm was found to be the optimal cutoff for stone size (95% confidence interval: 15.71-28.28; p < 0.001). The majority of the patients (62.8%) underwent LL in the first session. Six patients failed the first session with EHL after using two probes and therefore were crossed over to LL, obtaining ductal clearance in a single additional session with a single LL fiber. EHL was significantly associated with a larger number of probes (2.0 vs. 1.02) to achieve ductal clearance (p < 0.01). The mean procedural time was significantly longer for EHL than for LL [72.1 (SD 16.3 min) versus 51.1 (SD 10.5 min)] (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: POC is highly effective for difficult biliary stones. Most patients achieved complete ductal clearance in one session, which was significantly more likely for stones < 22 mm. EHL was significantly associated with the need for more probes and a longer procedural time to achieve ductal clearance.

Artificial intelligence application in diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy - Deus ex machina?

The close relationship of medicine with technology and the particular interest in this symbiosis in recent years has led to the development of several computed artificial intelligence (AI) systems aimed at various areas of medicine. A number of studies have demonstrated that those systems allow accurate diagnoses with histological precision, thus facilitating decision-making by clinicians in real time. In the field of gastroenterology, AI has been applied in the diagnosis of pathologies of the entire digestive tract and their attached glands, and are increasingly accepted for the detection of colorectal polyps and confirming their histological classification. Studies have shown high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in relation to expert endoscopists, and mainly in relation to those with less experience. Other applications that are increasingly studied and with very promising results are the investigation of dysplasia in patients with Barrett's esophagus and the endoscopic and histological assessment of colon inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis. In some cases AI is thus better than or at least equal to human abilities. However, additional studies are needed to reinforce the existing data, and mainly to determine the applicability of this technology in other indications. This review summarizes the state of the art of AI in gastroenterological pathology.

Vitamin D Deficiency in a Portuguese Cohort of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Prevalence and Relation to Disease Activity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vitamin D deficiency is more common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients than in the general population. However, there are conflicting data about predictive factors of vitamin D deficiency and its potential association with disease activity. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and predictive factors of vitamin D deficiency and to evaluate a possible association with disease activity. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted, including patients with IBD from January to July 2016. The Endocrine Society guidelines were considered for defining levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) as follows: deficient (< 20 ng/mL, < 10 ng/mL being severe deficiency), insufficient (21-29 ng/mL), and adequate (> 30 ng/mL). RESULTS: A total of 152 patients (52% men; 47.2 ± 17.3 years) were included, of whom 70% had Crohn's disease (CD). Thirty-seven percent of patients were on immunosuppressors and 17% were on biologics. The majority were outpatients (88.2%). Mean 25-OH-D levels were 17.1 ± 8 ng/mL (CD: 16.7 ± 8 ng/mL vs. ulcerative colitis: 17.6 ± 7 ng/mL, p = 0.1). Inadequate levels were present in 90.8% of patients (deficiency: 68.4%; insufficiency: 22.4%). A significant negative correlation between 25-OH-D levels and age (r = -0.2, p = 0.04), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (r = -0.22, p = 0.004), and Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBi) (r = -0.32, p = 0.001) was found. Patients with severe deficiency showed a higher CRP (0.6 vs. 1.4 mg/dL, p = 0.03), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (22 vs. 31 mm/h, p = 0.03), and HBi (2 vs. 5, p < 0.001) and lower hemoglobin (13.6 vs. 12.7 g/dL, p = 0.02). There was no association between vitamin D deficiency and gender, type, extent, and duration of disease, surgery, and other measures of disease activity, such as ESR, hemoglobin (these 2 items except for severe deficiency), fecal calprotectin, or Truelove and Witts classification. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of inadequate levels of vitamin D in IBD patients, particularly deficiency (68.4%). There seems to exist an association between lower levels of vitamin D and higher disease activity, especially in CD.

INTRODUÇÃO: A deficiáncia de vitamina D é mais comum na doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) que na população geral. Contudo, existem dados controversos sobre fatores preditivos da deficiáncia de vitamina D e a potencial associação com a atividade da doença. Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar a prevaláncia e fatores preditivos da deficiáncia de vitamina D e aferir possível associação à atividade da doença. MÉTODOS: Desenhou-se um estudo observacional prospetivo incluindo doentes com DII entre janeiro e julho/2016. Foram consideradas as orientações da The Endocrine Society para definir níveis de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25-OH-D) sérica como: deficientes (< 20 ng/mL, sendo <10 ng/mL deficiáncia grave [DG]), insuficientes (21­29 ng/ mL) e adequados (> 30 ng/mL). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 152 doentes (52% homens; 47.2 ± 17.3 anos), dos quais 70% com Doença de Crohn (DC). Do total, 37% estavam medicados com immunossupressores e 17% com biológicos. A maioria (88.2%) estava em ambulatório. O nível sérico de 25-OH-D foi 17.1 ± 8 ng/mL (DC: 16.7 ± 8 ng/mL vs. Colite ulcerosa: 17.6 ± 7 ng/mL, p = 0.1). Verificaram-se níveis inadequados em 90.8% (deficiáncia: 68.4%; insuficiáncia: 22.4%). Registou-se correlação negativa significativa entre níveis de 25-OH-D e idade (r = −0.2, p = 0.04), proteína C-reativa (PCR) (r = −0.22, p = 0.004) e índice Harvey-Bradshaw (iHB) (r = −0.32, p = 0.001). Doentes com DG apresentaram níveis mais elevados de PCR (0.6 vs. 1.4 mg/dL, p = 0.03), velocidade de sedimentação (VS) (22 vs. 31 mm/h, p = 0.03) e iHB (2 vs. 5, p < 0.001), e mais baixos de hemoglobina (13.6 vs. 12.7 g/dL, p = 0.02). Não se verificou associação entre deficiáncia de vitamina D e sexo, tipo, extensão e duração da doença, cirurgia, e outras medidas de atividade da doença como VS, hemoglobina (estas duas exceto para DG), calprotectina fecal ou classificação Truelove e Witts. CONCLUSÕES: Registou-se prevaláncia alta de níveis inadequados de vitamina D na DII, particularmente de deficiáncia (68.4%). Parece existir associação entre níveis mais baixos de vitamina D e maior atividade da doença, nomeadamente na DC.

Recurrent Gastrointestinal Bleeding from Dieulafoy's Lesions in a Patient with Type 1 von Willebrand Disease: A Rare Association.

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most prevalent hereditary bleeding disorder, affecting 0.6-1.3% of the population. While gastrointestinal bleeding from angiodysplasia is a well-known complication of vWD, the same is not true for Dieulafoy's lesions (DLs). We report the case of a 21-year-old black male with type 1 vWD and 2 previous hospital admissions for severe anemia with no visible blood loss. In both episodes, DLs were identified and treated endoscopically, one in the stomach and another in the duodenum. The patient presented to the emergency department in September 2016 with dizziness, fatigue, and again no visible blood loss. He was hemodynamically stable, and laboratory workup showed a hemoglobin level of 3.4 g/dL. After transfusion of packed red blood cells, intravenous iron, and von Willebrand factor/factor VIII concentrate infusions, the patient underwent upper endoscopy and colonoscopy, which were normal. Small-bowel capsule endoscopy showed dark blood and a fresh clot in the proximal jejunum. At this site, push enteroscopy identified a pulsatile vessel with an overlying minimal mucosal defect, consistent with a DL, type 2b of the Yano-Yamamoto classification, which was successfully treated with adrenaline and 2 hemoclips. The patient remains stable after 18 months of follow-up, with a hemoglobin level of 13.2 g/dL. This is a case of recurrent severe occult gastrointestinal bleeding from multiple DL in a young patient with vWD who is otherwise healthy. Three other cases of DL bleeding in the setting of vWD have been reported in the literature, suggesting a possible association between these 2 entities.

A doença de von Willebrand é a perturbação hemorrágica hereditária mais frequente, afetando 0.6 a 1.3% da população. A hemorragia por angiectasias do tubo digestivo é uma complicação bem estabelecida desta doença. Contudo, o mesmo não é verdade para as lesões de Dieulafoy. Apresentamos o caso de um doente de 21 anos, melanodérmico, com doença de von Willebrand tipo 1 e dois internamentos prévios por anemia grave sem perdas hemáticas visíveis. Em ambos os episódios foram identificadas lesões de Dieulafoy que foram tratadas endoscopicamente, uma das quais no estômago e outra no duodeno. O doente foi admitido no serviço de urgáncia em Setembro de 2016 por quadro de tonturas e cansaço, novamente sem perdas visíveis. Apresentava-se hemodinamicamente estável e a avaliação laboratorial mostrou hemoglobina de 3.4 g/dL. Após transfusão de concentrados eritrocitários, terapáutica com ferro endovenoso e concentrados de fator de von Willebrand/fator VIII, foram realizadas endoscopia digestiva alta e colonoscopia, sem alterações. A enteroscopia por cápsula detetou a presença de sangue digerido e um coágulo fresco no jejuno proximal. A enteroscopia de pulsão identificou nessa topografia uma solução de continuidade da mucosa milimétrica sobre lesão vascular pulsátil procidente, compatível com lesão de Dieulafoy tipo 2b da Classificação de Yano-Yamamoto, que foi tratada eficazmente com adrenalina e dois hemoclips. Após 18 meses, o doente mantém-se clinicamente estável e com Hb 13.2 g/dL. Este é um caso particular de hemorragia gastrointestinal oculta recorrente por múltiplas lesões de Dieulafoy num jovem com doença de von Willebrand, sem outras patologias. Há trás casos semelhantes descritos na literatura, sugerindo uma possível associação entre estas duas entidades.

Successful treatment of severe perianal Crohn's disease with infliximab in an HIV-positive patient.

We present the case of a woman infected with the HIV type 1, controlled with highly active antiretroviral therapy. In the meantime, she developed a severe perianal disease, with complex fistulae and chronic anal fissures. After developing a severe chronic diarrhea, a total ileocolonoscopy with biopsies was performed, showing multiple ileal and segmental colonic erosions. Histology favoured a Crohn's disease diagnosis. Despite the limited experience of anti-tumour necrosis factor agents in the HIV-infected population, infliximab was started in this patient, due to her severe and symptomatic Crohn's disease, with a controlled HIV infection. No side effects were reported and her bowel movements and perianal disease improved right after induction regimen with infliximab. 1 year after starting this therapy she is in clinical and endoscopic remission. The CD4+ T-cell count remained stable, the HIV-RNA undetectable and no opportunistic infections were reported during follow-up period. Data concerning the use of anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs is limited in patients with both inflammatory bowel disease and HIV infection. Only three cases of Crohn's disease and concomitant HIV infection treated with infliximab were reported in the literature. This case report might help future decisions in patients with a similar clinical situation.

Endoscopy Timing in Patients with Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The role of very early (≤12 hours) endoscopy in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding is controversial. We aimed to compare results of very early and early (12-24 hours) endoscopy in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding demonstrating low-risk versus high-risk features and nonvariceal versus variceal bleeding. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with nonvariceal and variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The primary outcome was a composite of inpatient death, rebleeding, or need for surgery or intensive care unit admission. Endoscopy timing was defined as very early and early. We performed the analysis in two subgroups: (1) high-risk vs. low-risk patients and (2) variceal vs. nonvariceal bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were included, of whom 59.8% underwent urgent endoscopy. Patients who underwent very early endoscopy received endoscopic therapy more frequently (p=0.001), but there was no improvement in other clinical outcomes. Furthermore, patients at low risk and with nonvariceal bleeding who underwent very early endoscopy had a higher risk of the composite outcome. CONCLUSION: Very early endoscopy does not seem to be associated with improved clinical outcomes and may lead to poorer outcomes in specific populations with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The actual benefit of very early endoscopy remains controversial and should be further clarified.

A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain in a Patient with Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Walled-off necrosis (WON) is a potentially lethal late complication of acute pancreatitis (AP) and occurs in less than 10% of AP cases. It can be located in or outside the pancreas. When infected, the mortality rate increases and can reach 100% if the collection is not drained. Its treatment is complex and includes, at the beginning, intravenous antibiotics, which permit sepsis control and a delay in the therapeutic intervention, like drainage. Nowadays, a minimally invasive approach is advised. Depending on the location of the collection, computed tomography (CT)-guided drainage or endoscopic necrosectomy are the primary options, then complemented by surgical necrosectomy if needed. Infected WON of the abdominal wall has been rarely described in the literature and there is no report of any infection with Citrobacter freundii. CASE: We present the case of a 61-year-old man with necrotizing AP complicated by WON of the left abdominal wall, infected with Citrobacter freundii that was successfully treated with CT-guided percutaneous drainage and intravenous antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Infected WON accounts for considerable mortality and its location in the abdominal wall is rare; it can be treated with antibiotics and CT-guided drainage with no need for further intervention.

INTRODUÇÃO: A necrose pancreática coletada (NPC) é uma complicação potencialmente fatal da pancreatite aguda (PA) e ocorre em menos de 10% dos casos. Pode estar localizada dentro ou fora do pâncreas. Quando infetada, a mortalidade aumenta, podendo atingir os 100% se a coleção não for drenada. O seu tratamento é complexo e inclui, de início, antibioterapia intravenosa que permite o controlo da sepsis e um atraso na terapêutica de intervenção, como a drenagem. Atualmente é aconselhada uma abordagem minimamente invasiva. Dependendo da localização da coleção, a drenagem guiada por tomografia computorizada (TC) ou a necrosectomia endoscópica são as opções de primeira linha, posteriormente complementadas por necrosectomia cirúrgica, caso seja necessário. A NPC infetada na parede abdominal foi raramente descrita na literatura e não existe até ao momento nenhum caso de uma NPC infetada por Citrobacter freundii. CASO: Apresentamos o caso de um doente do sexo masculino de 61 anos com uma PA necrotizante complicada por NPC da parede abdominal esquerda, infetada por Citrobacter freundii, que foi tratada com sucesso através de drenagem percutânea guiada por TC e antibioterapia intravenosa. CONCLUSÃO: A NPC infetada condiciona mortalidade considerável e a sua localização na parede abdominal é rara; pode ser tratada através de antibioterapia e drenagem percutânea guiada por TC, sem necessidade de intervenção posterior.

Endometriosis: A Rare Cause of Large Bowel Obstruction.

Large bowel obstruction can result in significant morbidity and mortality, especially in cases of acute complete obstruction. There are many possible causes, the most common in adults being colorectal cancer. Endometriosis is a benign disease, and the most affected extragenital location is the bowel, especially the rectosigmoid junction. However, transmural involvement and acute occlusion are very rare events. We report an exceptional case of acute large bowel obstruction as the initial presentation of endometriosis. The differential diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma may be challenging, and this case emphasizes the need to consider intestinal endometriosis in females at a fertile age presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and an intestinal mass causing complete large bowel obstruction.

A obstrução do cólon pode causar morbilidade e mortalidade significativas, especialmente em casos de obstrução aguda completa. Existem diversas causas, sendo a mais comum em adultos o cancro colorretal. A endometriose é uma doença benigna e o intestino é a localização extragenital mais afectada pela doença, sobretudo ao nível da transição rectossigmoideia. Contudo, o envolvimento transmural e oclusão aguda são situações extretamente raras. O diagnóstico diferencial com cancro colorretal pode ser desafiante e este caso enfatiza a necessidade de considerar a endometriose intestinal em mulheres em idade fértil com sintomas gastrointestinais e a presença de uma massa intestinal a causar obstrução completa do cólon.

Hepatocellular carcinoma presenting with Budd-Chiari syndrome, right atrial thrombus and pulmonary emboli

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Endoscopic Full-thickness Resection (EFTR) for Gastrointestinal Subepithelial Tumors.

There has been booming interest in the endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) technique since it was first described. With the advent of improved and more secure endoscopic closure techniques and devices, such as endoscopic suturing devices, endoscopists are empowered to perform more aggressive procedures than ever. This article focuses on the procedural technique and clinical outcomes of EFTR for gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors.