[A case of COVID-19 associated ischemic colitis].

Ischemic colitis is a disease in which local tissue in the intestinal wall dies to varying degrees due to insufficient blood supply to the colon. Risk factors include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc. Typical clinical manifestations of the disease are abdominal pain and hematochezia. The most common locations are the watershed areas of splenic flexure and rectosigmoid junction. The lesions are segmental and clearly demarcated from normal mucosa under endoscopy. The digestive tract is a common extra-pulmonary organ affected by the novel coronavirus, which can be directly damaged by the virus or indirectly caused by virus-mediated inflammation and hypercoagulability. The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated intestinal injury can be characterized by malabsorption, malnutrition, intestinal flora shift, etc. CT can show intestinal ischemia, intestinal wall thickening, intestinal wall cystoid gas, intestinal obstruction, ascites, intussusception and other signs. In this study, we reported a case of ischemic colitis in a moderate COVID-19 patient. The affected area was atypical and the endoscope showed diffuse lesions from the cecum to the rectosigmoid junction. No signs of intestinal ischemia were found on imaging and clear thrombosis in small interstitial vessels was found in pathological tissue. Combined with the fact that the patient had no special risk factors in his past history, the laboratory tests indicated elevated ferritin and D-dimer, while the autoantibodies and fecal etiology results were negative, we speculated that the hypercoagulability caused by novel coronavirus infection was involved in the occurrence and development of the disease in this patient. After prolonged infusion support and prophylactic anti-infection therapy, the patient slowly resumed diet and eventually went into remission. Finally, we hoped to attract clinical attention with the help of this case of moderate COVID-19 complicated with ischemic colitis which had a wide range of lesions and a slow reco-very. For patients with abdominal pain and blood in the stool after being diagnosed as COVID-19, even if they are not severe COVID-19, they should be alert to the possibility of ischemic colitis, so as not to be mistaken for gastrointestinal reactions related to COVID-19.

Colonic mucosa barrier defects in collagenous and ischemic colitis.

AIMS: The subepithelial myofibroblasts (SEMFs) and the subepithelial band of macrophages (SEBM) are major components of the colonic mucosa barrier. Although their role in homeostasis is widely recognized, their contribution to disease states is largely unknown. Our aim was to explore histological characteristics of SEMFs and SEBM in collagenous and ischemic colitis in order to identify specific changes in distinct mucosa backgrounds lacking significant inflammation. METHODS: SEMFs, SEBM and lamina propria (LP) macrophages were identified immunohistochemically by alpha smooth muscle Actin and Cluster of Differentiation 68 respectively in 38 colonic biopsies [14 collagenous colitis (CC), 14 ischemic colitis (IC), 10 normal mucosa]. RESULTS: In CC, SEMFs were rarely detectable in the collagenous band while aSMA-negative pericryptal fibroblast-like cells appeared. In lower LP interconnecting SEMFs processes were formed. SEBM was preserved in areas with a collagenous layer up to 20 µm. In thicker layers, it was fragmented and gradually disappeared in parallel with engulfment of enlarged macrophages. LP macrophages were usually increased. In IC, slight SEMFs changes preceded discernible epithelial alterations. Rounding, disintegration and extinction of SEMFs constituted successive alterations coinciding with crypt shrinkage and denudation. SEBM displayed total or almost total abolishment in areas with crypt damage but also in sites with minimal changes and in adjacent normal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence of impairment of both mucosa barrier constituents in CC and IC. In CC, histological alterations are closely related to the collagenous layer which seems to affect SEMFs differentiation and migration as well as SEBM integrity. The early extinction of SEBM in IC is indicative of its high sensitivity to hypoxia and hypoperfusion.

Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins: A systematic review and individual patient data regression analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins (IMHMV) is an uncommon cause of colonic ischemia for which surgical treatment is typically curative. We describe clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic findings in IMHMV patients to provide clinicians with a framework for pre-surgical identification of this rare disease. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of seven databases for IMHMV cases and identified additional cases from Yale New Haven Hospital records. To identify features specifically associated with colonic ischemia due to IMHMV, we performed multivariate logistic regression analysis incorporating data from a large cohort of patients with biopsy-proven ischemic colitis. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients with IMHMV were identified (80% male, mean age 53 years, 56% Caucasian). Presenting symptoms were most commonly abdominal pain (86%) and diarrhea (68%). The most affected areas were the sigmoid colon (91%) and rectum (61%). Complications associated with diagnostic delay occurred in 29% of patients. Radiologic vascular abnormalities including non-opacification of the inferior mesenteric vein were observed in 35% of patients. Of the patients, 97% underwent curative surgical resection. Compared with non-IMHMV colonic ischemia, IMHMV was significantly associated with younger age, male sex, absence of rectal bleeding on presentation, rectal involvement, and mucosal ulcerations on endoscopy. CONCLUSION: IMHMV is a rare, underreported cause of colonic ischemia that predominantly involves the rectosigmoid. Our findings suggest younger age, rectal involvement, and absence of rectal bleeding as clinical features to help identify select patients presenting with colonic ischemia as having higher likelihood of IMHMV and therefore consideration of upfront surgical management.

Idiopathic Myointimal Hyperplasia of the Mesenteric Veins: A Rare Imitator of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins (IMHMV) is a rare cause of chronic colonic ischemia characterized by intimal smooth muscle proliferation and luminal narrowing of the small to medium sized mesenteric veins. It predominantly affects the rectosigmoid colon in otherwise healthy, middle-aged males. Definitive diagnosis and treatment are surgical; however, patients are frequently misdiagnosed, which often results in a protracted clinical course. We describe a case of IMHMV presenting as left hemicolitis in a 53-year-old male, as well as the endoscopic, histopathologic, and radiographic findings that established the diagnosis.

Colonoscopy induced ischemic colitis: An endoscopic and histological assay.

Colonoscopy is a safe and effective diagnostic modality for various ileo-colonic diseases. Though the procedure itself is a rare cause of ischaemic colitis. Fewer than 30 cases of ischaemic colitis caused by colonoscopy procedure have been reported in the literature to date. The colon is susceptible to ischemia due to its minor blood flow compared to other organs in the abdomen. The etiology of colon ischemia after colonoscopy is multifactorial. Endoscopists must be aware of this condition and its risk factors for risk minimization, early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Radiological and clinical findings of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins (IMHMV) is an uncommon cause of ischemic bowel disease resulting from the proliferation of smooth muscles in the venous intima. Delayed diagnosis could only be made following the surgical resection due to lack of imaging data, which may lead to bowel severe bleeding, perforation, necrosis, infection, or shock. In previous reports, few cases have provided the detailed pre-operative radiological characteristics of IMHMV. Herein, we are the first to provide the complete clinical course and comprehensive pre-operative radiological data of a 21-year-old female diagnosed with IMHMV. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 21-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed tenderness localized to the left lower abdomen. The patient had no prior history of similar symptoms. A computed tomography scan was performed and showed diffuse wall thickening from the rectum to sigmoid colon with poor mural enhancement, multiple ulcers, fat stranding, and free fluid. The arterial phase images demonstrated many tortuous pericolic arteries and submucosal pseudoaneurysm. INTERVENTION: Conservative treatment including empirical antibiotics, Mesalazine, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate were administrated to relief the symptoms. However, the diarrhea and abdominal pain worsened. An emergency surgery was arranged and total proctocolectomy with ileal pouchanal anastomosis with ileostomy was performed. DIAGNOSIS: Macroscopic and histopathological examinations of the excised specimen showed ischemic colitis. Elastica van Gieson staining revealed extensive myointimal hyperplasia and confirmed the diagnosis of IMHMV. OUTCOMES: During the 2-year follow-up period, no additional medical management was needed. The patient was well and surveillance colonoscopy showed normal colon and anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative computed tomography with imaging features including pronounced continuous concentric thickening colonic wall with poor enhancement and enlarged tortuous pericolic arteries could specifically facilitate the speedy diagnosis of IMHMV.

Clinicopathological findings in patients with COVID-19-associated ischaemic enterocolitis.

AIMS: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been recognised as a predominantly respiratory tract infection, but some patients manifest severe systemic symptoms/coagulation abnormalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of severe COVID-19 infection on the gastrointestinal tract. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined clinicopathological findings in 28 resected ischaemic bowels from 22 patients with severe COVID-19. Most patients required intubation preoperatively and presented with acute decompensation shortly before surgery. D-dimer levels were markedly elevated in all measured cases (mean, 5394 ng/ml). Histologically, 25 cases (19 patients) showed evidence of acute ischaemia with necrosis. In this group, the most characteristic finding was the presence of small vessel fibrin thrombi (24 of 25 cases, 96%), which were numerous in 64% of cases. Patients with COVID-19 were significantly more likely than a control cohort of 35 non-COVID-19-associated acute ischaemic bowels to show isolated small intestine involvement (32% versus 6%, P < 0.001), small vessel fibrin thrombi (100% versus 43%, P < 0.001), submucosal vessels with fibrinous degeneration and perivascular neutrophils (90% versus 54%, P < 0.001), fibrin strands within submucosal vessels (58% versus 20%, P = 0.007), and histological evidence of pneumatosis (74% versus 34%, P = 0.010). Three cases in this cohort had histopathological findings normally seen in the setting of chronic ischaemia, notably prominent fibroblastic proliferation affecting the outer layer of the muscularis propria. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we describe the histopathological findings in COVID-19-associated ischaemic bowels and postulate a relationship with the hypercoagulable state seen in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Additional experience with these cases may further elucidate specific features or mechanisms of COVID-19-associated ischaemic enterocolitis.

A Novel Multiparameter Scoring Model for Noninvasive Early Prediction of Ischemic Colitis: A Multicenter, Retrospective, and Real-World Study.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic colitis (IC) is a common gastrointestinal ischemic disease caused by hypoperfusion or reperfusion injury. However, there are few studies on risk factors associated with poor prognoses of the disease. This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor prognoses in patients with IC and establish a prognostic scoring method with good internal and external validity for identifying severe cases in an early stage. METHODS: We established a prognosis model by conducting a multicenter, retrospective study of patients hospitalized with IC between November 2008 and May 2020. Predictive power was tested using 5-fold internal cross-validation and external validation. RESULTS: The following 6 factors were included in the prognostic model: neutrophil count, D-dimer level, ischemia of the distal ileum, ischemia of the hepatic flexure, ulceration, and luminal stenosis. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for internal cross-validation of the prediction model was 86%, and that for external validation was 95%. During internal validation, our model correctly identified 88.08% of the patients. It was further found that patients younger than 65 years with a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and higher heart rate had poor prognoses. Patients aged 65 years and older with ischemia of terminal ileum, hepatic flexure, splenic flexure, and intestinal stenosis had poor prognoses. DISCUSSION: Patients with ischemia in the hepatic flexure and the distal ileum, endoscopic evidence of ulcer or stenosis, higher neutrophil counts, and higher D-dimer levels have worse prognoses. This information could aid in the selection of timely and appropriate treatment.

Gastrointestinal Pathology in Samples From Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Positive Patients.

CONTEXT.­: Although primarily considered a respiratory illness, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause gastrointestinal manifestations. OBJECTIVE.­: To evaluate histopathology and in situ hybridization for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in gastrointestinal samples from patients with recent and remote COVID-19. DESIGN.­: Patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal tests and a gastrointestinal tissue specimen were included. SARS-CoV-2 in situ hybridization (ISH) was performed on each sample. A subset had SARS-CoV-2 next-generation sequencing (NGS) performed. RESULTS.­: Twenty-five patients met inclusion criteria. Five had positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal tests within 7 days of their gastrointestinal procedure. Two were ulcerative colitis patients on steroid therapy who lacked typical COVID-19 symptoms. Their colectomies showed severe ulcerative colitis; one demonstrated SARS-CoV-2 by NGS but a negative ISH. Another had an ischemic colon resected as a complication of the COVID-19 course; however, both ISH and NGS were negative. A fourth had a normal-appearing terminal ileum but positive ISH and NGS. The fifth patient had ileal ulcers with SARS-CoV-2 negativity by both modalities. The remaining 20 patients had positive nasopharyngeal tests an average of 53 days prior to procedure. None of their samples demonstrated SARS-CoV-2 ISH positivity, but one was positive on NGS despite a negative nasopharyngeal test. CONCLUSIONS.­: Gastrointestinal findings from SARS-CoV-2-infected patients ranged from normal with virus detected by ISH and NGS to bowel ischemia secondary to systemic viral effects without evidence of virus in the tissue. No distinct histologic finding was identified in those with gastrointestinal tissue specimens demonstrating SARS-CoV-2 positivity in this cohort.

Gastrointestinal mucosal damage in patients with COVID-19 undergoing endoscopy: an international multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Although evidence suggests frequent gastrointestinal (GI) involvement during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), endoscopic findings are scarcely reported. AIMS: We aimed at registering endoscopic abnormalities and potentially associated risk factors among patients with COVID-19. METHODS: All consecutive patients with COVID-19 undergoing endoscopy in 16 institutions from high-prevalence regions were enrolled. Mann-Whitney U, χ2 or Fisher's exact test were used to compare patients with major abnormalities to those with negative procedures, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors. RESULTS: Between February and May 2020, during the first pandemic outbreak with severely restricted endoscopy activity, 114 endoscopies on 106 patients with COVID-19 were performed in 16 institutions (men=70.8%, median age=68 (58-74); 33% admitted in intensive care unit; 44.4% reporting GI symptoms). 66.7% endoscopies were urgent, mainly for overt GI bleeding. 52 (45.6%) patients had major abnormalities, whereas 13 bled from previous conditions. The most prevalent upper GI abnormalities were ulcers (25.3%), erosive/ulcerative gastro-duodenopathy (16.1%) and petechial/haemorrhagic gastropathy (9.2%). Among lower GI endoscopies, 33.3% showed an ischaemic-like colitis.Receiver operating curve analysis identified D-dimers >1850 ng/mL as predicting major abnormalities. Only D-dimers >1850 ng/mL (OR=12.12 (1.69-86.87)) and presence of GI symptoms (OR=6.17 (1.13-33.67)) were independently associated with major abnormalities at multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In this highly selected cohort of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 requiring endoscopy, almost half showed acute mucosal injuries and more than one-third of lower GI endoscopies had features of ischaemic colitis. Among the hospitalisation-related and patient-related variables evaluated in this study, D-dimers above 1850 ng/mL was the most useful at predicting major mucosal abnormalities at endoscopy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrial.gov (ID: NCT04318366).

Development and Validation of a Risk Scoring Model for Early Prediction of Severe Colon Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Colon ischemia (CI) is injury to the intestines secondary to insufficient blood flow. Its clinical severity can range from mild to life-threatening. AIMS: To investigate predictive risk factors for CI and propose a scoring model for severe outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients admitted to Chungnam National University Hospital from January 2010 to December 2018. CI was defined as severe when patients required surgery immediately or after initial conservative management, death occurred after hospitalization, or symptoms persisted after 2 weeks. By controlling for possible confounders from the logistic regression analysis, we obtained a new risk scoring model for the early prediction of severe CI. Furthermore, using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC), we assessed the accuracy of the model. RESULTS: A total of 274 patients endoscopically diagnosed with CI were included, of whom 181 had severe CI. In the multivariate analysis, tachycardia, elevated C-reactive protein, Favier endoscopic classification stage ≥ 2, and history of hypertension were independently and significantly associated with severe CI. The AUROC of the model was 0.749. CONCLUSIONS: This risk scoring model based on the presence of tachycardia, elevated C-reactive protein level, unfavorable endoscopic findings by Favier's classification, and the history of hypertension could be used to predict severe CI outcomes at an early stage.

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis associated with use of Chinese herbal medicine: Two case reports.

RATIONALE: Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is a rare form of ischemic colitis. It is more common in the Asian population people with Asian ancestry. Disease pathogenesis and etiology are not fully elucidated but may be associated with the long-term intake of toxins and other substances, including Chinese herbs. The disease has typical radiological and endoscopic features. Radiologic examination combined with endoscopy can lead to a conclusive diagnosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: We present 2 cases of IMP: in male patients aged 66 and 79 years. The first patient presented with diarrhea and abdominal pain, and the second patient presented with numbness of limbs and abdominal discomfort. These patients had a history of long-term use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). DIAGNOSIS: Both patients were diagnosed with IMP by endoscopy and radiology, and the diagnosis confirmed by biopsy in the first patient. INTERVENTIONS: The first patient was advised to stop using CHM. Both patients were given conservative treatment and were followed up regularly. OUTCOMES: Symptoms improved after conservative treatment. The patients had no obvious discomfort during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: We suspect that the disease is induced by the long-term use of CHM, and dosage and duration of use may determine disease severity.

Clinicopathological features of phlebosclerotic colitis.

Phlebosclerotic colitis (PC) is a rare chronic ischemic colitis caused by venous reflux disorder. It is also called idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) due to unknown etiology. The disease is characterized by sclerosis of mesenteric vein and its branches as well as fibrosis, hyaline degeneration, calcification, thickening of colon wall. CT images show linear calcification in the colon mucosa as well as mesenteric vein and its branches. Endoscopy shows purple-blue mucosa with multiple erosion and ulceration. Microscopically, the colon mucosa shows fibrosis, hyaline degeneration and extensive thickening. The most characteristic lesion is fibrosis and calcification of the vessels especially the veins. Arteries in all layers of colon are also involved, but the injury is significant mild and less. We collected 10 confirmed patients from 2012 to 2019 in our hospital, studied their clinical histories in detail, summarized typical changes of CT images, endoscopic images and pathological sections, and made a detail follow-up. In addition to typical pathological changes, we also found that gardenia or its metabolites may be the pathogenic factor. Probablely, geniposide which is metabolized to genipin by ß-glucosidase of colon flora in proximal colon, results in venous sclerosis. PC is occult onset and irreversible without special symptoms in the early stage, but it will also be stable after removing the pathogenic ingredient. Most of patients may be "cured" by appropriate conservative medication and stopping drinking. Contrary, inappropriate surgery may "trigger" the acute ischemia which results in obstruction rapidly. We hope our colleagues pay attention to the unique lesion and make early diagnosis and treatment.

Myxedema ascites complicated by ischemic colitis.

Myxedema Ascites is a rare finding of primary hypothyroidism, thereby leading to delayed diagnosis. However, prompt treatment with levothyroxine leads to complete resolution of the condition. We present a rare case of myxedema ascites in an elderly female and highlight the importance of early diagnosis and management. We also present ischemic colitis in the same patient, which has not been reported thus far in literature as a complication of myxedema ascites.

The Pathophysiology, Presentation and Management of Ischaemic Colitis: A Systematic Review.

There are currently no guidelines on the long-term management of patients after an episode of acute ischaemic colitis. Our aim was to review the literature on the pattern of presentation and the pathophysiology of this condition and to understand the current status of the acute and long-term management of ischaemic colitis. Furthermore, we aim to provide recommendations for the clinicians in regard to the acute and long-term management of ischaemic colitis. A review of the English literature over the last 15 years was performed using Embase and Medline. Search terms were ischaemic OR ischemic, colitis OR colon. Two reviewers screened the papers against pre-determined eligibility criteria. A senior consultant surgeon performed a final overview. Three hundred sixty-eight papers were identified on the initial search; 318 were irrelevant and 17 were conference abstracts; both were excluded. Thirty-three full articles were assessed for suitability; nine were further excluded. Twenty-four articles were included in the final analysis and cross-referenced against those listed in the systematic reviews. There is a large clinical heterogeneity in inclusion criteria (histological, radiological, endoscopic, surgical specimen). Twelve out of 24 articles included patients only based on histological diagnosis. The definition of right and left (or nonright) ischaemic colitis was variable based on whether hepatic or splenic flexure was used as the cut-off point. Five retrospective case series highlighted that patients with isolated right-sided ischaemic colitis had a worse prognosis than those with left-sided colitis (higher mortality, need for surgery, length of hospital stay). The overall recurrence was 9%. There is a need for a higher-level evidence to guide clinicians on the long-term management of patients following an episode of acute colonic ischaemia. Further evidence is required to determine whether right colonic ischaemia should be managed differently from left.

Hepatic portal venous gas. Should it be considered as an ominous radiologic sign?

Portal pneumatosis is considered as an ominous radiologic sign if it is associated to intestinal ischemia. If sepsis is present, mortality reaches 80-90%. However, in inflammatory disease or infections survival rates are close to 70%. With the aim to reconsider the poor prognosis associated with portal pneumatosis, we would like to present the case of a 63-years-old male who went to the emergency room with abdominal pain and peritoneal irritation. Urgent surgery was indicated, findings were: an area of transmural necrosis located in the antimesenteric sigma's face, and patchy necrosis of the colonic mucose. A Hartmann`s procedure was performed. Nowadays, the pacient underwent surgery for restoration of the continuity of the GI.