Adjunctive Use of Wide-Area Transepithelial Sampling-3D in Patients With Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Increases Detection of Barrett's Esophagus and Dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) symptoms undergoing screening upper endoscopy for Barrett's esophagus (BE) frequently demonstrate columnar-lined epithelium, with forceps biopsies (FBs) failing to yield intestinal metaplasia (IM). Repeat endoscopy is then often necessary to confirm a BE diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the yield of IM leading to a diagnosis of BE by the addition of wide-area transepithelial sampling (WATS-3D) to FB in the screening of patients with GERD. METHODS: We performed a prospective registry study of patients with GERD undergoing screening upper endoscopy. Patients had both WATS-3D and FB. Patients were classified by their Z line appearance: regular, irregular (<1 cm columnar-lined epithelium), possible short-segment BE (1 to <3 cm), and possible long-segment BE (≥3 cm). Demographics, IM yield, and dysplasia yield were calculated. Adjunctive yield was defined as cases identified by WATS-3D not detected by FB, divided by cases detected by FB. Clinicians were asked if WATS-3D results affected patient management. RESULTS: Of 23,933 patients, 6,829 (28.5%) met endoscopic criteria for BE. Of these, 2,878 (42.1%) had IM identified by either FB or WATS-3D. Among patients fulfilling endoscopic criteria for BE, the adjunctive yield of WATS-3D was 76.5% and absolute yield was 18.1%. One thousand three hundred seventeen patients (19.3%) who fulfilled endoscopic BE criteria had IM detected solely by WATS-3D. Of 240 patients with dysplasia, 107 (44.6%) were found solely by WATS-3D. Among patients with positive WATS-3D but negative FB, the care plan changed in 90.7%. DISCUSSION: The addition of WATS-3D to FB in patients with GERD being screened for BE resulted in confirmation of BE in an additional one-fifth of patients. Furthermore, dysplasia diagnoses approximately doubled.

A Delphi Method for Development of a Barrett's Esophagus Question Prompt List as a Communication Tool for Optimal Patient-physician Communication.

BACKGROUND METHODS: The question prompt list content was derived through a modified Delphi process consisting of 3 rounds. In round 1, experts provided 5 answers to the prompts "What general questions should patients ask when given a new diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus" and "What questions do I not hear patients asking, but given my expertise, I believe they should be asking?" Questions were reviewed and categorized into themes. In round 2, experts rated questions on a 5-point Likert scale. In round 3, experts rerated questions modified or reduced after the previous rounds. Only questions rated as "essential" or "important" were included in Barrett's esophagus question prompt list (BE-QPL). To improve usability, questions were reduced to minimize redundancy and simplified to use language at an eighth-grade level (Fig. 1). RESULTS: Twenty-one esophageal medical and surgical experts participated in both rounds (91% males; median age 52 years). The expert panel comprised of 33% esophagologists, 24% foregut surgeons, and 24% advanced endoscopists, with a median of 15 years in clinical practice. Most (81%), worked in an academic tertiary referral hospital. In this 3-round Delphi technique, 220 questions were proposed in round 1, 122 (55.5%) were accepted into the BE-QPL and reduced down to 76 questions (round 2), and 67 questions (round 3). These 67 questions reached a Flesch Reading Ease of 68.8, interpreted as easily understood by 13 to 15 years olds. CONCLUSIONS: With multidisciplinary input, we have developed a physician-derived BE-QPL to optimize patient-physician communication. Future directions will seek patient feedback to distill the questions further to a smaller number and then assess their usability.

Digital Rectal Exams Are Infrequently Performed Prior to Anorectal Manometry.

BACKGROUND: Digital rectal examination should be performed prior to anorectal manometry; however, real-world data is lacking. AIMS: Characterize real world rates of digital rectal and their sensitivity for detecting dyssynergia compared to anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was conducted to examine all patients who underwent anorectal manometry for chronic constipation between 2021 and 2022 at one tertiary center with motility expertise. Primary outcomes consisted of the rate of digital rectal exam prior to anorectal manometry; and secondary outcomes included the sensitivity of digital rectal exam for dyssynergic defecation. RESULTS: Only 42.3% of 142 patients had digital rectal examinations prior to anorectal manometry. Overall sensitivity for detecting dyssynergic defecation was 46.4%, but significantly higher for gastroenterology providers (p = .004), and highest for gastroenterology attendings (82.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Digital rectal examination is infrequently performed when indicated for chronic constipation. Sensitivity for detecting dyssynergic defecation may be impacted by discipline and level of training.

Benefit of adjunctive wide-area transepithelial sampling with 3-dimensional computer-assisted analysis plus forceps biopsy based on Barrett's esophagus segment length.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Wide-area transepithelial sampling with 3-dimensional computer-assisted analysis (WATS-3D) has been shown to increase the diagnostic yield of intestinal metaplasia (IM) and dysplasia within a segment of suspected or known Barrett's esophagus (BE) when used as an adjunct to forceps biopsies. Few data are available regarding how segment length affects WATS-3D yield. The purpose of this study was to evaluate adjunctive WATS-3D use in patients with varying lengths of BE. METHODS: A total of 8471 patients (52.5% male; mean age, 63 years) enrolled in 2 registry studies were included in this study. All patients were being screened or surveyed for BE with both forceps biopsies and WATS-3D. The adjunctive and absolute yield of WATS-3D was calculated according to the length of the patient's BE segment. RESULTS: The overall adjunctive and absolute increased diagnostic yields with WATS-3D were 47.6% and 17.5%, respectively, for detection of IM, and 139% and 2.4% for detection of dysplasia. IM and dysplasia detection both increased with the use of WATS-3D regardless of segment length. Increase in IM diagnostic yield was significantly higher in short- versus long-segment cases but higher in long-segment cases for dysplasia detection. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that when WATS-3D is added as an adjunct to forceps biopsies, it is effective at increasing the diagnostic yield of both BE and associated dysplasia in patients with both short and long segments of esophageal columnar-lined epithelium.

Esophageal Inlet Patch: Association with Barrett's Esophagus.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal inlet patch (IP) with heterotopic gastric mucosa is an incidental finding on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Although IP is thought to be embryologic in nature, IP has been associated with Barrett's esophagus (BE). AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare prevalence, symptoms, demographic factors, and esophageal testing in patients with IP and BE. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed endoscopic findings of EGDs, high-resolution esophageal manometry and esophageal pH impedance studies from January 2010 to January 2021 at a single academic medical center. Patients were grouped by presence or absence of IP and BE. RESULTS: Of 27,498 patients evaluated, 1.3% had endoscopic evidence of IP and 4.9% had BE. Of 362 patients with IP, 17.1% had BE; of 1356 patients with BE, 4.6% had IP. Both IP and BE patients presented primarily with heartburn and/or regurgitation. Patients with BE and/or IP were older and had higher BMI than those without (p < 0.001). Mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was lower and mean acid exposure time (AET) was higher in patients with IP and/or BE than those without (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study reports an IP prevalence of 1.3%, with 17.1% patients having concomitant BE; and a BE prevalence of 4.9%, with 4.6% also having IP. Patients with IP alone presented with similar symptoms to patients with concomitant BE. Esophageal function testing showed that patients with either IP or BE had decreased LES pressures and increased esophageal AET. During endoscopy, patients found to have one of these findings should be carefully examined for the other.

Progression of Barrett's esophagus, crypt dysplasia, and low-grade dysplasia diagnosed by wide-area transepithelial sampling with 3-dimensional computer-assisted analysis: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Wide-area transepithelial sampling with 3-dimensional computer-assisted analysis (WATS3D) is used as an adjunct to forceps biopsy sampling in Barrett's esophagus (BE). BE-associated crypt dysplasia (CD), which can be detected by WATS3D, involves crypts but not surface epithelium. The risk of neoplastic progression of CD has never been evaluated. The prognosis of WATS3D-diagnosed nondysplastic BE (NDBE) and low-grade dysplasia (LGD) is also unknown. We assessed the risk of progression of WATS3D-reported NDBE, CD, and LGD with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). METHODS: We analyzed patients who underwent WATS3D in routine care. Eligible patients had 2 WATS3D ≥12 months apart. Patients were categorized by the initial WATS3D finding as NDBE, CD, or LGD. Patient-years of observation were calculated by multiplying the mean follow-up by the number of patients. Progression, defined as a subsequent finding of HGD/EAC on forceps biopsy sampling, was assessed. The crude progression rate was calculated, and Kaplan-Meier analysis compared progression rates stratified by baseline histology. Bivariate analysis identified progression risk factors. RESULTS: Of 151,224 WATS3D cases, 43,145 (29%) had BE. Of these, 4545 patients had 2 WATS3D separated by ≥12 months. The mean follow-up was 1.97 years (range, 1.0-6.42). In patients with baseline NDBE, progression was .08% per patient-year (95% confidence interval [CI], .02%-.14%). Progression of baseline CD was significantly higher, at 1.42% per patient-year (95% CI, 0%-3.01%). For baseline LGD, progression was 5.79% per patient-year (95% CI, 1.02%-10.55%). Other risk factors for progression were increasing age and BE segment length. CONCLUSIONS: NDBE found on WATS3D has a very low risk of progression. CD reported on WATS3D appears to be a neoplastic precursor lesion, with a risk of progression in this study significantly higher than NDBE but lower than LGD. The clinical utility of CD requires further investigation.

Hiatal hernias associated with acid reflux: size larger than 2 cm matters.

Hiatal hernia (HH) is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); the effect of HH size on GERD is not well defined. To evaluate the relationship between HH size as measured by high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) and reflux parameters on esophageal pH-impedance testing (multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH [MII-pH]) to define HH sizes associated with GERD. HREM and MII-pH studies were reviewed. The relationship of HH size to other parameters was analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. Correlation coefficients were determined using Spearman and Pearson's tests. A total of 897 patients underwent both HREM and MII-pH. There were 529 (58.9%) patients with HH size <1 cm, 203 (22.6%) with HH 1.0-1.9 cm, and 165 (18.4%) with HH ≥2 cm. Larger HH size was associated with lower esophageal sphincter (LES) basal and residual pressures (r = -0.43 and r = -0.48, p < 0.01), higher acid exposure time (AET) (r = 0.17, p < 0.01), number of acidic refluxes (r = 0.16, p < 0.05), and number of reflux episodes detected by impedance (total r = 0.22, p < 0.01). HH ≥ 2 cm compared with smaller size HH was associated with higher proximal AET%, acidic refluxes, and reflux episodes detected by impedance (p < 0.05). Increasing HH size was associated with older age, higher AET, and number of reflux episodes. HH ≥2 cm was associated with multiple worsened GERD parameters. Low LES pressure was weakly associated with an increase in the number of reflux episodes. Larger HHs, particularly >2 cm, are associated with more severe GERD parameters.

Survey Finds Gender Disparities Impact Both Women Mentors and Mentees in Gastroenterology.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroenterologists at all levels of practice benefit from formal mentoring. Much of the current literature on mentoring in gastroenterology is based on expert opinion rather than data. In this study, we aimed to identify gender-related barriers to successful mentoring relationships from the mentor and mentee perspectives. METHODS: A voluntary, web-based survey was distributed to physicians at 20 academic institutions across the United States. Overall, 796 gastroenterology fellows and faculty received the survey link, with 334 physicians responding to the survey (42% response rate), of whom 299 (90%; 129 women and 170 men) completed mentorship questions and were included in analysis. RESULTS: Responses of women and men were compared. Compared with men, more women preferred a mentor of the same gender (38.6% women vs 4.2% men, P < 0.0001) but less often had one (45.5% vs 70.2%, P < 0.0001). Women also reported having more difficulty finding a mentor (44.4% vs 16.0%, P < 0.0001) and more often cited inability to identify a mentor of the same gender as a contributing factor (12.8% vs 0.9%, P = 0.0004). More women mentors felt comfortable advising women mentees about work-life balance (88.3% vs 63.8%, P = 0.0005). Nonetheless, fewer women considered themselves effective mentors (33.3% vs 52.6%, P = 0.03). More women reported feeling pressured to mentor because of their gender (39.5% vs 0.9% of men, P < 0.0001). Despite no gender differences, one-third of respondents reported negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their ability to mentor and be mentored. DISCUSSION: Inequities exist in the experiences of women mentees and mentors in gastroenterology, which may affect career advancement and job satisfaction.

Prospective development and validation of a volumetric laser endomicroscopy computer algorithm for detection of Barrett's neoplasia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) is an advanced imaging modality used to detect Barrett's esophagus (BE) dysplasia. However, real-time interpretation of VLE scans is complex and time-consuming. Computer-aided detection (CAD) may help in the process of VLE image interpretation. Our aim was to train and validate a CAD algorithm for VLE-based detection of BE neoplasia. METHODS: The multicenter, VLE PREDICT study, prospectively enrolled 47 patients with BE. In total, 229 nondysplastic BE and 89 neoplastic (high-grade dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma) targets were laser marked under VLE guidance and subsequently underwent a biopsy for histologic diagnosis. Deep convolutional neural networks were used to construct a CAD algorithm for differentiation between nondysplastic and neoplastic BE tissue. The CAD algorithm was trained on a set consisting of the first 22 patients (134 nondysplastic BE and 38 neoplastic targets) and validated on a separate test set from patients 23 to 47 (95 nondysplastic BE and 51 neoplastic targets). The performance of the algorithm was benchmarked against the performance of 10 VLE experts. RESULTS: Using the training set to construct the algorithm resulted in an accuracy of 92%, sensitivity of 95%, and specificity of 92%. When performance was assessed on the test set, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 85%, 91%, and 82%, respectively. The algorithm outperformed all 10 VLE experts, who demonstrated an overall accuracy of 77%, sensitivity of 70%, and specificity of 81%. CONCLUSIONS: We developed, validated, and benchmarked a VLE CAD algorithm for detection of BE neoplasia using prospectively collected and biopsy-correlated VLE targets. The algorithm detected neoplasia with high accuracy and outperformed 10 VLE experts. (The Netherlands National Trials Registry (NTR) number: NTR 6728.).

Wide Area Transepithelial Sampling with Computer-Assisted Analysis (WATS3D) Is Cost-Effective in Barrett's Esophagus Screening.

BACKGROUND: Wide area transepithelial sampling with three-dimensional computer-assisted analysis (WATS3D) is an adjunct to the standard random 4-quadrant forceps biopsies (FB, "Seattle protocol") that significantly increases the detection of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and associated neoplasia in patients undergoing screening or surveillance. AIMS: To examine the cost-effectiveness of adding WATS3D to the Seattle protocol in screening patients for BE. METHODS: A decision analytic model was used to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two alternative BE screening strategies in chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease patients: FB with and without WATS3D. The reference case was a 60-year-old white male with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Effectiveness was measured by the number needed to screen to avert one cancer and one cancer-related death, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Cost was measured in 2019 US$, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was measured in $/QALY using thresholds for cost-effectiveness of $100,000/QALY and $150,000/QALY. Cost was measured in 2019 US$. Cost and QALYs were discounted at 3% per year. RESULTS: Between 320 and 337 people would need to be screened with WATS3D in addition to FB to avert one additional cancer, and 328-367 people to avert one cancer-related death. Screening with WATS3D costs an additional $1219 and produced an additional 0.017 QALYs, for an ICER of $71,395/QALY. All one-way sensitivity analyses resulted in ICERs under $84,000/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for BE in 60-year-old white male GERD patients is more cost-effective when WATS3D is used adjunctively to the Seattle protocol than with the Seattle protocol alone.

Surgical and endoscopic management options for patients with GERD based on proton pump inhibitor symptom response: recommendations from an expert U.S. panel.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The objective of this study was to examine expert opinion and agreement on the treatment of distinct GERD profiles from surgical and therapeutic endoscopy perspectives. METHODS: We used the RAND/University of California, Los Angeles Appropriateness Method over 6 months (July 2018 to January 2019) to assess the appropriateness of antireflux interventions among foregut surgeons and therapeutic gastroenterologists. Patients with primary atypical or extraesophageal symptoms were not considered. Patient scenarios were grouped according to their symptom response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. The primary outcome was appropriateness of an intervention. RESULTS: Antireflux surgery with laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) and magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) were ranked as appropriate for all complete and partial PPI responder scenarios. Transoral incisionless fundoplication was ranked as appropriate in complete and partial PPI responders without a hiatal hernia. Radiofrequency energy was not ranked as appropriate for complete or partial responders. There was lack of agreement between surgery and interventional gastroenterology groups on the appropriateness of LF and MSA for PPI nonresponders. Rankings for PPI nonresponders were similar when results from impedance-pH testing on PPI therapy were available, except that LF and MSA were not ranked as appropriate for PPI nonresponders if the impedance-pH study was negative. CONCLUSIONS: This work highlights areas of agreement for invasive therapeutic approaches for GERD and provides impetus for further interdisciplinary collaboration and trials to compare and generate novel and effective treatment approaches and care pathways, including the role of impedance-pH testing in PPI nonresponders.

Clinical utility of wide-area transepithelial sampling with three-dimensional computer-assisted analysis (WATS3D) in identifying Barrett's esophagus and associated neoplasia.

Sampling error during screening and surveillance endoscopy is a well-recognized problem. Wide-area transepithelial sampling with three-dimensional computer-assisted analysis (WATS3D), used adjunctively to forceps biopsy (FB), has been shown to increase the detection of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and BE-associated neoplasia. We evaluated the clinical utility of WATS3D and its impact on the management of patients with BE and dysplasia. Between 2013 and 2018, 432 consecutive patients who had a WATS3D positive and an accompanying FB negative result were identified. Physicians were contacted to determine if the WATS3D result impacted their decision to enroll patients in surveillance or increase the frequency of surveillance, recommend ablation, and/or initiate or increase the dose of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). WATS3D directly impacted the management of 97.8% of 317 BE patients; 96.2% were enrolled in surveillance and 60.2% were started on PPIs or their dose was increased. WATS3D impacted the management of 94.9% and 94.1% of the 98 low-grade dysplasia and 17 high-grade dysplasia patients, respectively. As a result of WATS3D, 33.7% of low-grade dysplasia and 70.6% of high-grade dysplasia patients underwent endoscopic therapy. More than 37% of all dysplasia patients were enrolled in a surveillance program, and nearly 30% were scheduled to be surveilled more frequently. PPIs were either initiated, or the dose was increased in more than 54% of all dysplasia patients. We demonstrate that WATS3D has high clinical utility. By prompting physicians to change their clinical management in patients with negative FB results, WATS3D, used adjunctively to FB, directly impacts patient management, and improves patient outcomes.

Increased detection of Barrett's esophagus-associated neoplasia using wide-area trans-epithelial sampling: a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Wide-area transepithelial sampling (WATS) with computer-assisted 3-dimensional analysis is a sampling technique that combines abrasive brushing of the Barrett's esophagus (BE) mucosa followed by neural network analysis to highlight abnormal-appearing cells. METHODS: We performed a randomized trial of referred BE patients undergoing surveillance at 16 medical centers. Subjects received either biopsy sampling followed by WATS or WATS followed by biopsy sampling. The primary outcome was rate of detection of high-grade dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma (HGD/EAC) using WATS in conjunction with biopsy sampling compared with biopsy sampling alone using standard histopathologic criteria. Secondary aims included evaluating neoplasia detection rates based on the procedure order (WATS vs biopsy sampling first), of each procedure separately, and the additional time required for WATS. RESULTS: One hundred sixty patients (mean age, 63.4 years; 76% men; 95% white) completed the trial. The median circumferential and maximal BE extents were 1.0 cm (interquartile range: .0-5.0) and 4.0 cm (interquartile range, 2.0-8.0), respectively. The diagnostic yield for biopsy sampling alone was as follows: HGD/EAC, 7 (4.4%); low-grade dysplasia (LGD), 28 (17.5%); nondysplastic BE (NDBE), 106 (66.25%); and no BE, 19 (11.9%). The addition of WATS to biopsy sampling yielded an additional 23 cases of HGD/EAC (absolute increase, 14.4%; 95% confidence interval, 7.5%-21.2%). Among these 23 patients, 11 were classified by biopsy sampling as NDBE and 12 as LGD/indefinite for dysplasia (IND); 14 received biopsy sampling first and 9 WATS first (not significant) and most (n = 21; 91.7%) had a prior dysplasia history. WATS added an average of 4.5 minutes to the procedure. CONCLUSION: Results of this multicenter, prospective, randomized trial demonstrate that the use of WATS in a referral BE population increases the detection of HGD/EAC. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03008980.).

Learning curve and competence for volumetric laser endomicroscopy in Barrett's esophagus using cumulative sum analysis.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Little is known about the learning curve for image interpretation in volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) in Barrett's esophagus (BE). The goal of this study was to calculate the learning curve, competence of image interpretation, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of VLE among novice users. METHODS: 31 novice users viewed 96 VLE images electronically at three academic institutions after a brief training session. There were 24 images of each histologic type: normal gastric cardia, normal esophageal squamous epithelium, non-neoplastic BE, and neoplastic BE. The users were asked to identify the correct tissue type and level of confidence. The cumulative summation (CUSUM) technique was used to construct a learning curve. RESULTS: 22 (71 %) of the physicians achieved VLE interpretation competency during their 96-slide review. Half of the physicians achieved competency at 65 images (95 % confidence interval [CI] 45 - 85). There was a statistically significant association between confidence in diagnosis and selecting the correct histologic tissue type (P < 0.001). The median accuracy for esophageal squamous epithelium, normal gastric cardia, non-neoplastic BE, and neoplastic BE was 96 % (95 %CI 95 % - 96 %), 95 % (95 %CI 94 % - 96 %), 90 % (95 %CI 88 % - 91 %), 96 % (95 %CI 95 % - 96 %). The overall accuracy was 95 % (95 %CI 93 % - 95 %). CONCLUSION: The majority of novice users achieved competence in image interpretation of VLE for BE, using a pre-selected image set, with a favorable learning curve after a brief training session. An electronic review of VLE images, prior to real-time use of VLE, is encouraged.

Consensus Statement- Prehospital Care of Exertional Heat Stroke.

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is one of the most common causes of sudden death in athletes. It also represents a unique medical challenge to the prehospital healthcare provider due to the time sensitive nature of treatment. In cases of EHS, when cooling is delayed, there is a significant increase in organ damage, morbidity, and mortality after 30 minutes, faster than the average EMS transport and ED evaluation window. The purpose of this document is to present a paradigm for prehospital healthcare systems to minimize the risk of morbidity and mortality for EHS patients. With proper planning, EHS can be managed successfully by the prehospital healthcare provider.

Volumetric laser endomicroscopy in Barrett's esophagus: interobserver agreement for interpretation of Barrett's esophagus and associated neoplasia among high-frequency users.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Targeting neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus (BE) is challenging. Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) is a new imaging technique that allows for real time cross-sectional microstructure imaging that can detect BE neoplasia. The interobserver agreement among users in practice is unknown. METHODS: Eight high-volume users of VLE from different academic centers in the United States evaluated 120 stored VLE images blinded to the endoscopic and clinical findings. There were 30 images for each tissue type: gastric cardia, esophageal squamous mucosa, nonneoplastic BE, and neoplastic BE. Each image with BE had corresponding histology confirming the tissue diagnosis. Each normal esophagus and gastric cardia had matching endoscopic images confirming normal mucosa. These were considered the criterion standard. Respondents were asked to classify the images into 1 of each category. Agreement among the users was measured. RESULTS: The overall agreement among users was almost perfect (kappa = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.83). For esophageal squamous and gastric cardia, the agreement was almost perfect (kappa 0.95 and 0.86, respectively [95% CI, 0.92-0.98 and 0.83-0.89]). For nonneoplastic BE and neoplastic BE, the agreement was strong (kappa 0.66 [95% CI, 0.63-0.69] and 0.79 [95% CI, 0.75-0.82], respectively). When compared with the criterion standard, the median accuracy for identifying normal squamous mucosa, normal gastric mucosa, nonneoplastic BE, neoplastic BE, and all tissue types was 99% (95% CI, 98%-100%), 97% (95% CI, 95%-99%), 93% (95% CI, 88%-98%), 95% (95% CI, 91%-99%), and 96% (95% CI, 94%-99%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: VLE has a high level of agreement and accuracy among high-volume users.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) prior to peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) reduces procedural time and bleeding: a multicenter international collaborative study.

BACKGROUND: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as an endoscopic treatment of achalasia. There are no pre-procedural imaging modalities to predict the safest and the most efficacious approach. AIM: To evaluate the use of optimal coherence tomography (OCT) in providing a pre-procedural esophageal assessment. METHODS: Patients undergoing POEM from July 2013 to November 2015 were captured in a multicenter, international registry. Patients who underwent OCT pre-POEM ("OCT arm") were compared to patients without pre-POEM OCT ("control arm"). OCT images were assessed for the degree of vascularity and the thickness of the circular muscular layer, and an approach was determined. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were captured in the registry. Fifty-one patients underwent pre-POEM OCT. Using OCT as a guide, 24 (47 %) of patients underwent anterior POEM while 27 (53 %) underwent posterior POEM. Technical success was achieved in 96 % of patients. Significantly less bleeding occurred in the OCT arm when compared to the control group [4 (8 %) vs. 14 (43 %), p = 0.0001]. As a result, procedural time was significantly lower in the OCT group as compared to the control group (85.8 vs. 121.7 min, p = 0.000097). CONCLUSION: Pre-POEM OCT results in a reduction in procedural bleeding which contributes to a reduction in overall procedural time. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01438385.

Intracranial arteriovenous malformation in a college football player and return-to-play considerations.

: The reported prevalence rates of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the general population range from 0.001% to 0.50%. The following case describes the initial presentation of hemorrhage from an intracranial AVM in an 18-year-old college football player. It also discusses treatment of the AVM with stereotactic radiosurgery and successful return to football 17 months after radiosurgery (18.5 months after initial presentation). It is the first published description of return to contact sports after stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial AVM.

Preoperative Virtual Reality to Expose Patients With Breast Cancer to the Operating Room Environment: Feasibility and Pilot Case Series Study.

BACKGROUND: Clinically elevated preoperative distress and anxiety are common among patients undergoing cancer surgery. Preoperative interventions have been developed to mitigate this distress and anxiety but are inconsistent in efficacy and feasibility for broad implementation. OBJECTIVE: This preliminary pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and utility of a newly developed virtual reality (VR) intervention to expose patients awaiting breast cancer surgery to the operating room environment and a simulation of anesthetic induction. METHODS: Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery (N=7) were assigned to the VR intervention or control (treatment as usual) group and completed self-report measures of distress and anxiety before surgery, on the day of surgery, and after surgery (5 and 30 d postoperatively). Those in the intervention group trialed the VR simulation 1 to 2 weeks preoperatively and provided qualitative and quantitative feedback. We assessed the feasibility of recruitment capability and study design and evaluated participants' impressions of the intervention using self-report rating scales and open-ended questions. We also descriptively examined distress and anxiety levels throughout the duration of the study. RESULTS: Recruitment occurred between December 2021 and December 2022 and progressed slowly (rate: 1 participant/7 wk on average; some hesitancy because of stress and being overwhelmed). All participants who consented to participate completed the entire study. All participants were female and aged 56 (SD 10.56) years on average. In total, 57% (4/7) of the participants were assigned to the intervention group. On average, intervention participants spent 12 minutes engaged in the VR simulation. In general, the intervention was rated favorably (eg, clear information, enjoyable, and attractive presentation; mean% agreement 95.00-96.25, SD 4.79-10.00) and as helpful (mean% agreement 87.50, SD 25.00). Participants described the intervention as realistic (eg, "It was realistic to my past surgical experiences"), impacting their degree of preparedness and expectations for surgery (eg, "The sounds and sights and procedures give you a test run; they prepare you for the actual day"), and having a calming or relaxing effect (eg, "You feel more relaxed for the surgery"). CONCLUSIONS: This preoperative VR intervention demonstrated preliminary feasibility among a sample of patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Results and participant feedback will inform modifications to the VR intervention and the study design of a large-scale randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of this intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04544618; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04544618.