Gastrointestinal Behçet's disease: Manifestations, diagnosis, and management.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare, inflammatory vascular disorder with recurrent oral and genital aphthous ulcers, along with ocular and cutaneous manifestations. Gastrointestinal (GI) BD may involve any portion of the GI tract. However, it is commonly described in the terminal ileum, followed by the ileocecal region. Diagnosis is challenging given lack of pathognomonic tests; therefore, it is based on clinical criteria. Management of intestinal BD includes different classes of medications including corticosteroids, 5-aminosalicylic acid, immunomodulators, and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody agents. In this review, we aim to focus on intestinal BD and provide details of clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapeutic options of intestinal BD from gastroenterology viewpoint.

Cervical Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Arising From Gastric Inlet Patch: A Benign Lesion With Malignant Potential.

Proximal esophageal adenocarcinoma is extremely rare. A gastric inlet patch is a lesion of ectopic gastric mucosa usually found in the cervical esophagus and is considered an incidental finding, but there is a risk for malignant transformation. We report the case of a 50-year-old male with gastroesophageal reflux disease with a 6-month history of progressive dysphagia and 20-pound weight loss. Upper endoscopy showed a malignant stricture with adjacent gastric inlet patch. Biopsies obtained from endoscopic ultrasonography showed adenocarcinoma. This case re-emphasizes careful examination of ectopic gastric mucosa and to consider biopsy if there is suspicion for malignant transformation.

Small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis: A discrete variant or a bridge to large duct disease, a practical review.

The natural history, associations with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and long-term outcomes of large duct primary sclerosing cholangitis (ldPSC) have been well documented. Small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis (sdPSC) is a much less common and relatively more benign variant. The natural history of sdPSC has been difficult to characterize given the limited number of studies in the literature especially with regards to the subset of patients who progress to large duct involvement. It has been unclear whether sdPSC represented a subset of ldPSC, an earlier staging of ldPSC, or a completely separate and distinct entity of its own. Strong associations between sdPSC and IBD have been established with suspicion that concurrent sdPSC-IBD may be a key prognostic factor in determining which patients are at risk of progression to ldPSC. Little is known regarding the discrete circumstances that predisposes some patients with sdPSC to progress to ldPSC. It has been suspected that progression to large biliary duct involvement subjects this subset of patients to potentially developing life-threatening complications. Here the authors conducted a thorough review of the published sdPSC literature using Pubmed searches and cross-referencing to compile all accessible studies regarding cohorts of sdPSC patients in order better characterize the subset of sdPSC patients who progress to ldPSC and the associated outcomes.

Restarting elective endoscopy safely amidst an evolving pandemic and the impact of patient perception.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions in elective and outpatient procedures. Guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provided a framework for gradual reopening of outpatient clinical operations. As the infrastructure to restart endoscopy has been more clearly described, patient concerns regarding viral transmission during the procedure have been identified. Moreover, the efficacy of the measures in preventing transmission have not been clearly delineated. METHODS: We identified patients with pandemic-related procedure cancellations from 3/16/2020 to 4/20/2020. Patients were stratified into tier groups (1-4) by urgency. Procedures were performed using our hospital risk mitigation strategies to minimize transmission risk. Patients who subsequently developed symptoms or tested for COVID-19 were recorded. RESULTS: Among patients requiring emergent procedures, 57.14% could be scheduled at their originally intended interval. COVID-19 concerns represented the most common rescheduling barrier. No patients who underwent post-procedure testing were positive for COVID-19. No cases of endoscopy staff transmission were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Non-COVID-19 related patient care during the pandemic is a challenging process that evolved with the spread of infection, requiring dynamic monitoring and protocol optimization. We describe our successful model for reopening endoscopy suites using a tier-based system for safe reintroduction of elective procedures while minimizing transmission to patients and staff. Important barriers included financial and transmission concerns that need to be addressed to enable the return to pre-pandemic utilization of elective endoscopic procedures.

Pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is not associated with post sphincterotomy bleeding after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Endoscopic sphincterotomy is considered high risk for post-procedure bleeding. Sphincterotomy in patients on therapeutic anticoagulation is avoided given increased bleeding risk. There is minimal data on the risk of post-sphincterotomy bleeding (PSB) among those on prophylactic anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case control study of all inpatient endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) with a sphincterotomy at our institution between July 2016 to February 2020. Cases were divided into two groups based on administration of peri­procedural pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis. The outcomes were the rates of PSB and VTE within 30-days of the ERCP. RESULTS: A total of 369 inpatient ERCPs with a sphincterotomy were identified. 151 cases received peri­procedural pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis and 218 did not. The mean Padua score and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification were significantly greater in the prophylaxis group. PSB was statistically similar between both groups (3.3% vs. 5.5%, p=.32). VTE was statistically similar (0.7% vs. 0.5%, p=.79). Multivariate analysis did not reveal an association between PSB and peri­procedural pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Peri-procedural pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis is not associated with increased rates of PSB. These findings suggest that pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis can be safely continued in those undergoing an endoscopic sphincterotomy.

An international study of interobserver variability of "string sign" of pancreatic cysts among experienced endosonographers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: No single optimal test reliably determines the pancreatic cyst subtype. Following EUS-FNA, the "string sign" test can differentiate mucinous from nonmucinous cysts. However, the interobserver variability of string sign results has not been studied. METHODS: An experienced endosonographer performed EUS-FNA of pancreatic cysts on different patients and was recorded on video performing the string sign test for each. The videos were shared internationally with 14 experienced endosonographers, with a survey for each video: "Is the string sign positive?" and "If the string sign is positive, what is the length of the formed string?" Also asked "What is the cutoff length for string sign to be considered positive?" Interobserver variability was assessed using the kappa statistic (κ). RESULTS: A total of 112 observations were collected from 14 endosonographers. Regarding string sign test positivity, κ was 0.6 among 14 observers indicating good interrater agreement (P < 0.001) while κ was 0.38 when observers were compared to the index endosonographer demonstrating marginal agreement (P < 0.001). Among observations of the length of the string in positive samples, 89.8% showed >5 mm of variability (P < 0.001), indicating marked variability. There was poor agreement on the cutoff length for a string to be considered positive. CONCLUSION: String sign of pancreatic cysts has a good interobserver agreement regarding its positivity that can help in differentiating mucinous from nonmucinous pancreatic cysts. However, the agreement is poor on the measured length of the string and the cutoff length of the formed string to be considered a positive string sign.

Nonvariceal upper GI hemorrhage after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction: a national analysis over 11 months.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nonvariceal upper GI hemorrhage (NVUGIH) is a feared adverse event after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We aimed to determine the incidence of NVUGIH after PCI for AMI and its impact on mortality, morbidity, and health care resource utilization over 11 months. METHODS: We used the Nationwide Readmission Database 2014. Inclusion criteria were (1) a principal diagnosis of ST or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, (2) in-hospital PCI, and (3) admission in January. Exclusion criteria were age less than 18 years and elective admission. The primary outcome was the 11-month incidence of NVUGIH. Secondary outcomes were 11-month mortality rate, prolonged mechanical ventilation, shock, upper endoscopy, length of stay, and total hospitalization costs and charges. Independent risk factors for NVUGIH were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 22,669 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 63.8 years (range, 63.4-64.1 years), and 31.7% of patients were female. The 11-month incidence of NVUGIH was 1.6%. The onset of NVUGIH was associated with an increase in the 11-month mortality rate (adjusted odds ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.72; P =.04). The upper endoscopy, shock, and prolonged mechanical ventilation rates were 72%, 6.2%, and 1.9%, respectively. In total, 26,532 days were associated with NVUGIH, with a total health care in-hospital economic burden of U.S.$17.6 million. Independent predictors of NVUGIH were female gender, Charlson comorbidity score, and length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: The 11-month incidence of NVUGIH among patients who undergo PCI for AMI is 1.6%. NVUGIH has a substantial impact on mortality, morbidity, and in-hospital health care resource utilization.

Thirty-Day Readmission After Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage and its Impact on Outcomes in the United States.

AIMS: The authors sought to determine the 30-day readmission rate of patients with esophageal variceal hemorrhage (EVH) and its impact on mortality, morbidity, and health care utilization. BACKGROUND: EVH is a common complication of cirrhosis and leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. STUDY: The 2014 National Readmission Database was used to examine adult patients with urgent/emergent admissions and a principal diagnosis of EVH. The primary outcome was 30-day readmission. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital and 30-day mortality rate, most common reasons for readmission, readmission mortality rate, morbidity, and resource utilization. Independent risk factors for readmission were identified using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2003 patients with EVH were included. The mean age was 57 years and 29% of patients were female individuals. The all-cause 30-day readmission rate was 16.6%. EVH was the cause of readmission in only 5% of readmissions. Independent predictors of readmission were age and insurance type. The in-hospital and 30-day mortality rate for index admissions were 7.3% and 8.2%, respectively. For readmitted patients, the mortality rate was 3.9%. Although morbidity was lower during readmissions (prolonged mechanical ventilation: 0.4% vs. 3.5%, P<0.01 and shock: 1.8% vs. 9.9%, P<0.01), the cumulative additional length of stay was substantial at 2054 days with additional total hospitalization charges of US$20 million. CONCLUSIONS: The all-cause 30-day readmission rate after EVH is 16.6%, with most patients being readmitted for diagnoses unrelated to EVH. Readmission was associated with a substantial increase in in-hospital mortality and resource utilization. Risk factors for readmission were identified, which can potentially be used to decrease readmission rates.

Predictors of 30-Day Readmission After Inpatient Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The 30-day hospital readmission rate is a nationally recognized quality measure. Nearly one-fifth of medicare beneficiaries are hospitalized within 30 days of discharge, resulting in a cost of over $26 billion dollars annually. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remains the endoscopic procedure with the highest risk of morbidity and mortality. We set out to analyze the clinical characteristics predictive of 30-day readmission after an inpatient ERCP. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all inpatient ERCPs performed at our institution between 12/1/2014 and 9/30/2018. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients were compared to determine predictors of 30-day readmission. RESULTS: A total of 497 inpatient ERCP procedures done for biliary or pancreatic indications, constituting 483 patients, were identified. There were 52 readmissions that occurred among 48 patients within 30 days of discharge. Basic demographic characteristics were similar between both groups. Comorbidities were significantly higher in those who were readmitted. Multivariate analysis revealed significantly greater odds of readmission with prior liver transplantation (OR = 4.15), cirrhosis (OR = 3.20), and pancreatic duct stent placement (OR = 2.56). Subgroup analysis for biliary indications revealed cholecystectomy before discharge and early ERCP to be protective against readmission. CONCLUSION: A history of liver transplantation and cirrhosis are predictive of increased 30-day readmission rates after an inpatient ERCP. Pancreatic duct stent placement is associated with readmission; however, this phenomenon is likely related to stenting for pancreatic endotherapy. Cholecystectomy before discharge and early ERCP are predictive of decreased need for readmission in procedures done for biliary indications.

Barrett's esophagus: What do we need to know?

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is characterized by a change in the mucosal lining of the distal esophagus whereby the squamous epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by the metaplastic columnar epithelium. It is a pre-malignant lesion associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease who have additional risk factors (Caucasian race, male gender, age > 50 years, tobacco use, and central obesity) should undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy to screen for Barrett's esophagus. Patients with Barrett's esophagus should undergo endoscopic surveillance every 3-5 years if no dysplasia is found. Patients with Barrett's esophagus who are found to have dysplasia should be treated endoscopically. We present a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, surveillance and management of Barrett's esophagus.

Outcomes of delayed endoscopic management for esophageal soft food impactions.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Food impactions are a common reason for emergent upper endoscopy. Current guidelines call for urgent upper endoscopy (within 24 hours) for food impactions without complete esophageal obstruction and emergent endoscopy (within 6 hours) for those with complete esophageal obstruction. Multiple adverse events can arise from esophageal foreign bodies. Cases with longer delays from symptom onset to presentation have been associated with higher rates of surgical intervention. However, data on esophageal soft food impactions are scant. We set out to determine differences in outcomes for food impactions undergoing intervention within 12 hours versus over 12 hours of symptom onset. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted to identify patients who presented to our hospital with an esophageal soft food impaction and underwent an EGD between January 2010 and January 2018. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the timing from symptom onset to EGD. An EGD within 12 hours was considered an early intervention and over 12 hours was considered a delayed intervention. Patients who had ingested bones or hard objects were not included. Primary outcomes studied were rates of aspiration, admission, local esophageal adverse events, and 30-day all-cause mortality. RESULTS: We identified 110 patients with a soft food impaction who underwent an EGD. Forty- two patients had an early intervention and 68 a delayed intervention. There were no differences in basic demographics and comorbidities. Additionally, there were no differences in rates of local esophageal adverse events, aspiration, admission, or 30-day mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed endoscopic accessory use was associated with increased odds of local esophageal adverse events (odds ratio, 6.37; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: The overall rates of serious adverse events in esophageal soft food impactions are low. Delayed intervention is not associated with increased adverse events or 30-day mortality compared with early intervention. However, accessory use is associated with higher adverse event rates.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with mesenteric ischemia.

Malignancy can induce a hypercoagulable state and lead to an increased risk of thromboembolic events. The pathogenesis of the prothrombotic state in cancer is complicated but is thought to involve several mechanisms. Thrombosis predominantly affects the venous circulation and infrequently the arteries. Arterial occlusion as an initial manifestation of acute leukemia is unusual. This is a case of a 44-year-old male admitted with complete thrombotic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery and treated with emergent thrombectomy. Hematologic work-up was consistent with a diagnosis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. To our knowledge, this is the first case of complete occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery presenting as the initial manifestation of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Rising Prevalence of Opioid Use Disorder and Predictors for Opioid Use Disorder Among Hospitalized Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, impact, and predictors of opioid use disorder (OUD) in hospitalized chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2005 to 2014. Patients with a primary diagnosis of CP and OUD were included. The primary outcome was evaluating the prevalence and trend of OUD in patients hospitalized with CP. Secondary outcomes were to (1) assess the impact of OUD on health care resource utilization and (2) identify predictors of OUD in hospitalized CP patients. RESULTS: A total of 176,857 CP patients were included, and OUD was present in 3.8% of patients. The prevalence of OUD in CP doubled between 2005 and 2014. Patients with CP who had OUD were found to have higher mean length of stay (adjusted mean difference, 1.2 days; P < 0.001) and hospitalization costs (adjusted mean difference, US $1936; P < 0.001). Independent predictors of OUD in CP patients were obesity, presence of depression, and increased severity of illness. CONCLUSIONS: Opioid use disorder-related diagnoses are increasing among CP patients and are associated with increased health care resource utilization. Our study identifies patients at high-risk for OUD whose pain should be carefully managed.

Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound in esophageal cancer staging.

Since its advent in the 1980s endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has played an important role in the diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic management of various gastrointestinal malignancies. EUS has emerged as a vital tool in the evaluation of esophageal cancer as it provides a detailed view of the layers of the esophageal wall and surrounding tissues. This permits determination of tumor invasion depth and local lymph node metastases. It is the most sensitive and specific method available for locoregional staging of esophageal cancer. The information obtained via EUS is vital in determining the appropriate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. Thus, this article aims to present a review of the accuracy and utilization of EUS in the staging of esophageal cancer.