Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma Presenting as a Necrotic Duodenocolic Fistulizing Mass.

A 79-year-old female was referred for endoscopic evaluation after a positive fecal occult blood test. There was a long-standing history of iron deficiency anemia, weight loss with intermittent touts of intractable vomiting, and nausea. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a secondary lumen between the duodenum and transverse colon with necrotic mucosa and a blind opening. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed similar necrotic mucosa at the transverse colon and fistula formation with communication into the duodenum. Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) was evident in histologic analysis. SRCC carries a poorer prognosis than other variants of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Proposed mechanisms of increased mucin production can lead to mucosal wall destruction and have profound manifestations, such as in our patient with duodenocolic fistula.

The Black Esophagus.

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), commonly referred to as black esophagus, is a rare clinical condition resulting from a combination of ischemic insult and thromboembolic injury to the esophagus. It is characterized by the circumferential black appearance of the esophagus. The risk factors for the development of AEN include coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, malignancy, and alcohol use disorder. The treatment is directed at correcting the underlying medical conditions, supportive measures, and gastric acid suppression. We present the case of a 60-year-old female with multiple medical comorbidities who was detected to have a black esophagus during the evaluation of anemia.

Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage From Esophageal Dissecans Superficialis After the Initiation of a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor.

Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS) is described as the peeling of squamous mucosa of the esophagus with regurgitation of esophageal casts. It is a rare endoscopic finding associated with chemical irritants, autoimmune disorders, or medications. Most patients are asymptomatic but clinical manifestations can include dysphagia, heartburn, bleeding, or vomiting. In this report, we present a case of a 70-year-old man with a previous history of small cell lung and hepatocellular carcinoma for which he had undergone chemoradiation and immunotherapy. He had presented with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage manifested as coffee ground emesis. Endoscopic findings were consistent with EDS. No recurrence of his gastrointestinal hemorrhage was observed after acid-suppressive therapy. With our case report, we aim to increase awareness for EDS as a differential diagnosis for gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Meckel's diverticulum in an adult with iron deficiency.

Meckel's diverticulum is a true diverticulum caused by the incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct during gestation. It is the most common congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract. Meckel's diverticulum is a rare presentation in adults, especially because symptomatic patients present in early childhood. We present a 57-year-old woman with symptomatic iron deficiency after recent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use. After normal upper and lower endoscopy, a capsule endoscopy showed an oozing polyp in the distal ileum. The small bowel was surgically resected, and histopathology confirmed Meckel's diverticulum as the cause of her small bowel bleeding. Rare causes such as Meckel's diverticulum should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis for patients with suspected small bowel bleeding.

Glycogenic Hepatopathy Masquerading as Acute Pancreatitis.

Glycogenic hepatopathy (GH), defined histologically by hepatocytic glycogen accumulation without fatty change or fibrosis, is a benign reversible condition. It presents clinically as hepatomegaly with elevated liver enzymes in young diabetic (type 1) patients with poor glycemic control. We report a case of a 20-year-old female with a history of poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and prior pancreatitis who presented with sharp epigastric pain and hepatomegaly. She was found to have diabetic ketoacidosis with elevated lipase and amylase. Though at first her symptoms were erroneously attributed to pancreatitis, a liver biopsy showing glycogenated nuclei led to a diagnosis of GH.

Liver Cirrhosis Secondary to Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Patient with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin ZZ Phenotype: A "Double Hit" Phenomenon.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency has been known to cause pulmonary and hepatic diseases. Cirrhosis in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, especially in a homozygotes ZZ phenotype, has been described to occur exclusively as a congenital disease. We present the case of a young 28-year-old female who was initially followed for thrombocytopenia and was found to have cirrhosis of the liver with autoimmune histological features suggesting the possibility that another "second hit" can contribute to a more rapid progression of liver disease.

Duodenal bulb obstruction caused by a gallstone (Bouveret syndrome) successfully treated with endoscopic measures.

Bouveret syndrome is the rarest variant of gallstone ileus, with a high morbidity and mortality rate as well as life-threatening complications. We present a case of an 86-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain and was diagnosed with acute cholecystitis. After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, her symptoms did not improve. She then underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and was found to have a stone causing duodenal bulb obstruction. The stone was removed using a snare, and her symptoms improved greatly. This rare case of Bouveret syndrome with no apparent fistula was successfully treated using endoscopic measures.

Bridging the Divisum: A Rare Case of Pancreaticopleural Fistula in the Setting of Complete Pancreatic Divisum Treated Endoscopically.

A pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis that occurs either due to a pancreatic duct disruption or a pseudocyst extension. A pancreatic divisum, on the other hand, is a common anatomic variant of the pancreas that is rarely symptomatic. We describe a case of recurrent pleural effusion in a patient with a history of chronic pancreatitis. Investigations revealed the presence of a PPF and a concomitant complete pancreatic divisum. There was resolution of the pleural effusion on endoscopic therapy. This is the fourth reported case of a PPF in the setting of complete pancreatic divisum and the first reported case in a middle-aged female.

Necrobiotic Pulmonary Nodules in Ulcerative Colitis: Not Just a "Crohnic" Phenomenon.

Necrobiotic pulmonary nodules are an exceptionally rare extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease. Recognition is imperative because it may mimic other autoimmune pathologies such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis or sarcoidosis. We describe a 19-year-old man with a known history of ulcerative colitis who was found to possess bilateral pulmonary nodules on computed tomography imaging. Investigations that included an extensive autoimmune and infectious workup were inconclusive. Biopsy of the nodules revealed fibrinous exudate and palisading histiocytes that confirmed the diagnosis. He was started on prednisone therapy. A follow-up computed tomography a month later revealed near complete resolution.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment Methods.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder affecting millions of individuals throughout the United States. It refers to a condition in which there is an excess and imbalance of small intestinal bacteria. Despite its prevalence, it remains underdiagnosed due to the invasive nature of diagnostic testing. Symptoms observed in SIBO, including abdominal distension, bloating, diarrhea, and gas formation, are nonspecific and can overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders. Frequently cited predisposing factors include gastric acid suppression, dysmotility, gastric bypass, and opioids. The diagnostic gold standard remains small bowel aspirate and culture. However, due to its invasive nature, it remains an unpopular method among patients and clinicians alike. Glucose and lactulose breath testing have become the go-to diagnostic method in clinical practice due to its noninvasive nature and low cost. Treatment is guided towards the eradication of bacteria in the small bowel and usually consists of a prolonged course of oral antibiotics. Due to recent advances in our understanding of the human microbiome, we are surely poised for a transformation in our approach to diagnosing and treating this condition.

Helicobacter pylori-Negative MALT Lymphoma Presenting as a Massive Recurrent Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

Primary gastric lymphoma is rare, representing 5% of all primary gastric neoplasms. The presenting complaints of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma are usually nonspecific. However, life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding from the stomach is unusual and sparsely reported. While studies reveal an indolent course, we present a case that presented with massive and recurrent hematemesis leading to hypovolemic shock secondary to endoscopically confirmed MALT lymphoma, which was treated with radiotherapy to achieve remission. She had no autoimmune diseases and tested negative for Helicobacter pylori. Our case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and timely intensive radiotherapy of a localized but aggressive gastric MALT lymphoma.

Lemmel's Syndrome: Usual Presentation of an Unusual Diagnosis.

Lemmel's syndrome causes obstructive jaundice in the absence of stones or tumors. The most common cause is the presence of periampullary diverticula which arise within 2-3 cm from the ampulla of Vater. Diverticula may be extramural or intramural. Despite current practice of obtaining imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard diagnostic test. Lemmel's syndrome should be considered when pancreaticobiliary disease is suspected. We present a case in which our patient presented with abdominal pain, fever, and transaminitis who underwent ERCP which was successful in diagnosis of Lemmel's syndrome and its treatment. Although rare, it is imperative for physicians to recognize this syndrome in order to deliver prompt care.

A Therapeutic Approach to Cecal Varices.

Ectopic varices account for 1%-5% of all variceal bleeding episodes. The most common presentation of cecal varices is an acute episode of a massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. However, cecal varices can be found incidentally and can be silent for a prolonged period of time before presenting with a massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Through this case of a 63-year-old woman, we would like to highlight the paucity of literature in the treatment of nonbleeding cecal varices.

Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Based on Time to Endoscopy: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a major burden on the health care system. The timing of endoscopy has been an ongoing debate and data on the association of early endoscopy with a better or worse clinical outcome are conflicting. In our study, we aimed to identify the benefits versus the risks of performing an urgent endoscopy in regards to the number of endoscopic interventions, length of hospital stay, number of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused, and mortality.  Methodology This is a retrospective record-based study. A total of 806 charts were reviewed and 251 patients with the signs and symptoms of UGIB on presentation were included in the study. Patients with variceal bleeding, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, insignificant bleeds with no drop in H/H, GI bleed not being the presenting complaint on admission, and patients on anticoagulation were excluded. Results Out of the patients who underwent an urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), 26.2% needed a second-look EGD 48 hours after the first EGD when compared to 4% and 2% in the early (12-24 hours) and late (>24 hours) endoscopy groups, respectively. In patients who underwent urgent EGD, 23% had active bleeding and it was statistically significant when compared to the other groups. The active bleeding limited the visualization during the endoscopy, which led to a repeat EGD in the urgent EGD group. If an endoscopic intervention was received, patients having EGD >24 hours received a smaller number of interventions. There was no statistical difference in the Blatchford scores between the three groups, indicating that the groups were similar in morbidity. No difference in mortality, hospital length of stay, or number of blood transfusions received, surgical or interventional radiology-guided interventions was found between the three groups. Conclusion Patients who underwent urgent endoscopy had more procedures, with no difference in mortality, number of units of blood transfused, or length of hospitalization when compared to the early or late endoscopy groups.

Renal cell carcinoma with metastases to the rectum and gastric body.

Our case highlights renal cell carcinoma with metastases to the gastric body and rectum presenting as melena and dyspnea. Renal cell carcinoma frequently metastasizes to the lungs, lymph nodes, bones, and liver; gastrointestinal metastasis is rare.

Isolated Intestinal Ganglioneuroma Mimicking Small Bowel Crohn's Disease.

Ganglioneuromas (GNs) are hamartomatous tumors derived from the autonomic nervous system. GNs are frequently associated with neurofibromatosis-1 and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2b and commonly present with constipation, abdominal pain, weight loss, obstruction, and gastrointestinal bleeding. We report a 40-year-old man with symptoms of chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea for 1 year. Imaging was suggestive of thickening of ileal wall with a stricture, and subsequent biopsy revealed intestinal GN. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of an isolated intestinal GN masquerading as Crohn's disease.

Pancreatitis with normal lipase and amylase in setting of end-stage renal disease.

Pancreatitis with normal lipase and amylase level is a rare phenomenon. This is especially true in patient with end-stage renal disease as lipase and amylase are renally excreted. Literature review reveals previous case report of pancreatitis with normal lipase and amylase level, however, none of them occurred in the setting of end-stage renal disease. Our case is the first such reported case of pancreatitis in such setting. Here we report a 30year old male with past medical history of end-stage renal disease who presented in emergency department with acute abdominal pain. Laboratory work up revealed normal lipase and amylase level. However, radiological work up was consistent with pancreatitis. This case report highlight the importance of taking the overall clinical picture rather than laboratory work up to rule in or rule out the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Furthermore, this should also serve an important reminder for clinicians to further investigate where clinical suspicion for pancreatitis is high.