Location, morphology and invasiveness of lateral spreading tumors in the colorectum differ between two large cohorts from an eastern and western country.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Data from Japanese series show that surface morphology of laterally spreading tumors (LST) in the colon identifies lesions with different incidence and pattern of submucosal invasion. Such data from western countries are scarce. We compared clinical and histological features of LST in a western country and an eastern country, with special interest on mucosal invasiveness of LST, and investigated the effect of clinical factors on invasiveness in both countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with LST lesions ≥20mm were included from a multicenter prospective registry in Spain and from a retrospective registry from the National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan. The primary outcome was the presence of submucosal invasion in LST. The secondary outcome was the presence of high-risk histology, defined as high-grade dysplasia or submucosal invasion. RESULTS: We evaluated 1102 patients in Spain and 663 in Japan. Morphological and histological characteristics differed. The prevalence of submucosal invasion in Japan was six-fold the prevalence in Spain (Prevalence Ratio PR=5.66; 95%CI: 3.96, 8.08), and the prevalence of high-risk histology was 1.5 higher (PR=1.44; 95%CI: 1.31, 1.58). Compared to the granular homogeneous type and adjusted by clinical features, granular mixed, flat elevated, and pseudo-depressed types were associated with higher odds of submucosal invasion in Japan, whereas only the pseudo-depressed type showed higher risk in Spain. Regarding high-risk histology, both granular mixed and pseudo-depressed were associated with higher odds in Japan, compared with only the granular mixed type in Spain. CONCLUSION: This study reveals differences in location, morphology and invasiveness of LST in an eastern and a western cohort.

High incidence of advanced colorectal neoplasia during endoscopic surveillance in serrated polyposis syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Accordingly, intensive surveillance with annual colonoscopy is advised. The aim of this multicenter study was to describe the risk of advanced lesions in SPS patients undergoing surveillance, and to identify risk factors that could guide the prevention strategy. METHODS: From March 2013 to April 2015, 296 patients who fulfilled criteria I and/or III for SPS were retrospectively recruited at 18 centers. We selected patients in whom successful clearing colonoscopy had been performed and who underwent subsequent endoscopic surveillance. Advanced neoplasia was defined as CRC, advanced adenoma, or advanced serrated lesion that were ≥ 10 mm and/or with dysplasia. Cumulative incidence of advanced neoplasia was calculated and independent predictors of advanced neoplasia development were identified. RESULTS: In 152 SPS patients a total of 315 surveillance colonoscopies were performed (median 2, range 1 - 7). The 3-year cumulative incidence of CRC and advanced neoplasia were 3.1 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0 - 6.9) and 42.0 % (95 %CI 32.4 - 51.7), respectively. Fulfilling both I + III criteria and the presence of advanced serrated lesions at baseline colonoscopy were independent predictors of advanced neoplasia development (odds ratio [OR] 1.85, 95 %CI 1.03 - 3.33, P  = 0.04 and OR 2.62, 95 %CI 1.18 - 5.81, P  = 0.02, respectively). During follow-up, nine patients (5.9 %) were referred for surgery for invasive CRC (n = 4, 2.6 %) or because of polyp burden (n = 5, 3.3 %). After total colectomy, 17.9 % patients developed advanced neoplasia in the retained rectum. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SPS have a substantial risk of developing advanced neoplasia under endoscopic surveillance, whereas CRC incidence is low. Personalized endoscopic surveillance based on polyp burden and advanced serrated histology could help to optimize prevention in patients with SPS.

Manejo de los nuevos anticoagulantes orales (NACO) en hemorragia digestiva y procedimientos endoscópicos / Management of new oral anticoagulants in gastrointestinal bleeding and endoscopy

Los nuevos anticoagulantes orales (NACO) inhibidores directos de la trombina o del factor Xa ofrecen ahora alternativas a la antagonista de la vitamina K para la prevención y tratamiento de la enfermedad tromboembólica en distintas condiciones clínicas. Los NACO ofrecen importantes ventajas farmacológicas potenciales sobre los antagonistas de la vitamina k y tienen un perfil de seguridad global favorable ya que reducen el riesgo de hemorragia intracraneal, pero en cambio se asocian a un mayor riesgo de hemorragia digestiva. Además, la experiencia con estos nuevos fármacos es limitada y la reversión de su acción es problemática porque no disponemos de antídotos específicos, por lo que su utilización plantea aún numerosas cuestiones prácticas. En este trabajo revisaremos el riesgo de hemorragia digestiva de estos nuevos fármacos, las estrategias para el abordaje apropiado de la hemorragia digestiva y las recomendaciones para el manejo en pacientes que han de ser sometidos a procedimientos endoscópicos electivos

New oral direct anticoagulants agents are alternatives to warfarin for long-term anticoagulation in a growing number of patients that require long-term anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. These new agents with predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profiles offer a favorable global safety profile, but increased gastrointestinal bleeding compared to the vitamin K antagonists. Many gastroenterologists are unfamiliar and may be wary of these newer drugs, since Clinical experience is limited and no specific antidote is available to reverse their anticoagulant effect. In this article the risk of these new agents and, how to manage these agents in both the presence of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and in patients undergoing endoscopic procedures is reviewed

[Management of new oral anticoagulants in gastrointestinal bleeding and endoscopy]. / Manejo de los nuevos anticoagulantes orales (NACO) en hemorragia digestiva y procedimientos endoscópicos.

New oral direct anticoagulants agents are alternatives to warfarin for long-term anticoagulation in a growing number of patients that require long-term anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. These new agents with predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profiles offer a favorable global safety profile, but increased gastrointestinal bleeding compared to the vitamin K antagonists. Many gastroenterologists are unfamiliar and may be wary of these newer drugs, since Clinical experience is limited and no specific antidote is available to reverse their anticoagulant effect. In this article the risk of these new agents and, how to manage these agents in both the presence of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and in patients undergoing endoscopic procedures is reviewed.

Utilidad de la biopsia endoscópica en el esófago de Barrett / Usefulness of endoscopic biopsy in Barrett's esophagus

Fundamento y objetivo: La endoscopia con obtención de biopsias múltiples es la técnica estándar para el diagnóstico y seguimiento del esófago de Barrett (EB). El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la utilidad de las biopsias endoscópicas en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes con EB. Pacientes y método: Estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes con EB controlados en el Hospital Clínic desde febrero de 2002 hasta marzo de 2010. Resultados: En el período de estudio se realizaron 493 endoscopias a 206 pacientes. Se excluyeron 86 pacientes a los que se les había realizado solo una endoscopia, siendo la muestra final de 117 pacientes (edad media [DE] de 61 [12] años y 73% de varones) con 407 endoscopias y un tiempo medio de seguimiento de 45 (38) meses. Un total de 57 pacientes tenían un EB corto (49%), 28 un EB largo (24%) y en 32 (27%) no se pudo deducir del informe. En 25 casos (21%) no se detectó metaplasia intestinal (MI) en la endoscopia inicial. Durante el seguimiento, las biopsias fueron negativas para MI en algún momento en 45 pacientes (38,4%) y se produjo un cambio en el grado histológico en 100 ocasiones (24,6%). La presencia de un EB corto (43% en EB corto frente a 7% en EB largo; p=0,001) y un menor número de biopsias (media de 3 [1,5] frente a 6,2 [4,5], p=0,005) se asociaron a una mayor frecuencia de biopsias negativas para MI. Conclusión: Las biopsias endoscópicas múltiples no son una buena herramienta para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes con EB (AU)

Background and objetive: Endoscopy with random biopsies is the standard technique for the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE). We studied the usefulness of endoscopic biopsies in the diagnosis and surveillance of patients with BE.Patients: We reviewed all patients with BE controlled at the Hospital Clínic from February 2002 to March 2010. Results: During the study period, 493 endoscopies were performed in 206 patients. We excluded 86 patients who had undergone one endoscopy only, hence the final sample consisted of 117 patients (mean age 61 [12] years, 73% men) with 407 endoscopies and a mean follow-up of 45 (38) months. Fifty-seven patients had a short-BE (49%), 28 a long-BE (24%) and 32 (27%) could not be inferred from the report. In 25 cases (21%), intestinal metaplasia (IM) was not detected at the endoscopic index. During follow-up, biopsies were negative for IM at some point in 45 patients (38.4%) and there was a change in the histologic grade in 100 cases (24.6%). The presence of a short-BE (43% in short-BE vs 7% in long-BE, P=.001) and few biopsies (3 [1.5] vs 6.2 [4.5]; P=.005) were associated with a higher frequency of negative biopsies for IM. Conclusion: Random endoscopic biopsies are not a good tool for diagnosis and surveillance of patients with BE (AU)

[Usefulness of endoscopic biopsy in Barrett's esophagus]. / Utilidad de la biopsia endoscópica en el esófago de Barrett.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Endoscopy with random biopsies is the standard technique for the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE). We studied the usefulness of endoscopic biopsies in the diagnosis and surveillance of patients with BE. PATIENTS: We reviewed all patients with BE controlled at the Hospital Clínic from February 2002 to March 2010. RESULTS: During the study period, 493 endoscopies were performed in 206 patients. We excluded 86 patients who had undergone one endoscopy only, hence the final sample consisted of 117 patients (mean age 61 [12] years, 73% men) with 407 endoscopies and a mean follow-up of 45 (38) months. Fifty-seven patients had a short-BE (49%), 28 a long-BE (24%) and 32 (27%) could not be inferred from the report. In 25 cases (21%), intestinal metaplasia (IM) was not detected at the endoscopic index. During follow-up, biopsies were negative for IM at some point in 45 patients (38.4%) and there was a change in the histologic grade in 100 cases (24.6%). The presence of a short-BE (43% in short-BE vs 7% in long-BE, P=.001) and few biopsies (3 [1.5] vs 6.2 [4.5]; P=.005) were associated with a higher frequency of negative biopsies for IM. CONCLUSION: Random endoscopic biopsies are not a good tool for diagnosis and surveillance of patients with BE.

Tratamiento endoscópico del seudoquiste de páncreas: aspectos prácticos / Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst. Practical features

El tratamiento inicial de elección en la mayoría de los casos de seudoquiste pancreático (SP) es el endoscópico, reservando la cirugía para los pacientes en que técnicamente no es factible, por ejemplo por reconstrucción en Y de Roux o cuando han fracasado otros procedimientos generalmente de más de 4 semanas de evolución y que se presenta como complicación de una pancreatitis aguda (PA), crónica o postraumática. Este cambio en el manejo terapéutico ha sido posible gracias a los avances en terapéutica endoscópica (como resultado del desarrollo de guías, balones de dilatación, prótesis, técnicas de corte más seguras), así como el mejor conocimiento de la patogenia del SP. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir los procedimientos endoscópicos para el drenaje de SP, en particular los aspectos técnicos claves para una máxima eficacia y seguridad de este procedimiento terapéutico (AU)

The initial treatment of most cases of pancreatic pseudocyst is endoscopic while surgery has been relegated to patients who cannot undergo this procedure for technical reasons, such as roux-en-Y roux reconstruction, or to those in whom other procedures have been unsuccessful. This change in the management of this entity is due to advances in therapeutic endoscopy (as a result of the development of guidelines, dilatation balloons, prostheses, safer techniques) as well as to better knowledge of the pathogenesis of pancreatic pseudocyst. The present study aims to describe endoscopic procedures for the drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts, particularly key technical features to ensure the maximum safety and effectiveness of this therapeutic technique (AU)

[Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst. Practical features]. / Tratamiento endoscópico del seudoquiste de páncreas: aspectos prácticos.

The initial treatment of most cases of pancreatic pseudocyst is endoscopic while surgery has been relegated to patients who cannot undergo this procedure for technical reasons, such as roux-en-Y roux reconstruction, or to those in whom other procedures have been unsuccessful. This change in the management of this entity is due to advances in therapeutic endoscopy (as a result of the development of guidelines, dilatation balloons, prostheses, safer techniques) as well as to better knowledge of the pathogenesis of pancreatic pseudocyst. The present study aims to describe endoscopic procedures for the drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts, particularly key technical features to ensure the maximum safety and effectiveness of this therapeutic technique.

Risk factors for recurrence of acute gastrointestinal bleeding from angiodysplasia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recurrent bleeding from gastrointestinal (GI) angiodysplasia remains a therapeutic challenge. Identification of factors predicting poor outcome of haemorrhage from angiodysplasia would help us to select the patients who may likely benefit from further therapy. Thus, we analysed risk factors for recurrence of acute GI haemorrhage from angiodysplasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 62 patients admitted consecutively with acute GI bleeding from angiodysplasia, between June 2002 and June 2006, were included. Bivariate, multivariate and survival analysis were performed to identify risk factors for recurrence of bleeding after hospital discharge. RESULTS: Recurrence of acute haemorrhage after hospital discharge occurred in 17 of 57 (30%) patients (38 men; mean age: 74+/-6 years), after a mean follow-up (33+/-40 months). On Cox analysis, earlier history of bleeding with a high bleeding rate, over anticoagulation and the presence of multiple lesions were predictive factors of recurrence in a multivariate analysis. In contrast, endoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) therapy was not associated with lower rates of recurrent bleeding. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute GI haemorrhage from angiodysplasia, earlier bleeding with a high bleeding rate, over anticoagulation and multiple angiodisplasic lesions predict an increased risk of recurrent bleeding. Although there is a trend towards better management with endoscopic APC therapy for the prevention of recurrence of bleeding, endoscopic APC therapy is not predictive of a lower rate of recurrence.

Capsule endoscopy versus computed tomographic or standard angiography for the diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is superior to push enteroscopy and small bowel barium radiography in detecting the source of obscure GI bleeding. We now compared whether CE has a superior diagnostic yield than CT angiography (CTA) or standard mesenteric angiography (ANGIO) in patients with obscure GI bleeding. METHODS: From June 2004 to October 2005, consecutive patients admitted for OGIB underwent both CTA and ANGIO, followed by CE, performed blindly by independent examiners within the next 7 days. The primary end point of the study was the diagnostic yield for each technique, defined as the frequency of detection of lesions with a high probability of bleeding. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (16 men and 12 women, mean age 74 +/- 2 yr) with OGIB (overt bleeding in 20 cases and chronic occult in 8) were prospectively evaluated. CTA or standard angiography could be performed in 25 of 28 patients (applicability 86%), because of contrast allergy (1 patient) and chronic renal failure (2 patients). A source of bleeding was detected by CE in a greater proportion of patients, 72% (18 of 25, 95% CI 50.6-87.9%), than CTA, 24% (6 of 25, 95% CI 9.4-45.1%, P= 0.005 vs CE), or ANGIO, 56% (14 of 25, 95% CI 34.9-75.6%, P= NS). Similarly, CE was able to diagnose 100% of patients diagnosed by CTA and 86% of patients diagnosed by ANGIO. Moreover, CE was positive in 12 of 19 (63%) negative cases on CTA and in 6 of 11 (55%) negative cases on ANGIO. As a result of the CE findings, therapeutic intervention was undertaken in 9 of 19 (47%) patients with positive results. CONCLUSION: CE detects more lesions than CTA or standard mesenteric angiography in patients with obscure GI bleeding and has a therapeutic impact in almost half of the patients with positive findings.