Unveiling the hidden pathologies: preoperative endoscopic findings in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is closely associated with upper gastrointestinal disorders. The recommendations for routine preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) before bariatric surgery remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to describe the pathological endoscopic findings in individuals qualified for bariatric surgery. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on preoperative gastroscopy reports of patients who underwent bariatric surgery at our hospital between October 2022 and October 2023. RESULTS: A total of 405 patients were included in the study. The two most prevalent endoscopic findings during EGD in this patient cohort were chronic superficial gastritis (326/405, 80.5%) and reflux esophagitis (82/405, 20.2%). Some patients exhibited two or more abnormalities. Patients with reflux esophagitis were older, had a higher proportion of men, higher BMI, higher rates of smoking and drinking compared to those without it (P = 0.033, P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.001, and P = 0.003, respectively). Morbid obesity (P = 0.037), smoking habits (P = 0.012), and H. pylori infection (P = 0.023) were significant risk factors for reflux esophagitis in male patients, while age (P = 0.007) was the sole risk factor in female patients. No statistically significant differences were observed in surgical procedures between LA-A and B groups (P = 0.382), but statistically significant differences were noted between the nondiabetic and diabetic groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative EGD can unveil a broad spectrum of pathologies in patients with obesity, suggesting the need for routine examination before bariatric surgery. The findings of this study can guide bariatric surgeons in developing tailored treatments and procedures, thus significantly enhancing prognosis. Gastroscopy should be performed routinely in Chinese patients planning to undergo bariatric surgery.

[Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastritis with perigastric lymphadenopathy accompanied by infectious mononucleosis:a case report].

A 28-year-old female patient with no particular medical history had a sore throat seven days before admission. Subsequently, she developed malaise, right abdominal pain, and a fever of 38°C and visited our hospital. A blood test revealed a mild inflammatory response and elevated liver enzymes, and she was admitted to the hospital for detailed examination and acute liver injury treatment. Various viral tests and autoantibody measurements revealed elevated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) immunoglobulin M and negative EB nuclear antigen antibodies. Therefore, she was diagnosed with primary infectious mononucleosis-associated EB viral hepatitis. Abdominal computed tomography upon admission revealed swollen lymph nodes around the stomach;thus, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed. A histopathological examination revealed severe lymphocytic infiltration, and EB encoding region in situ hybridization demonstrated that 10-20% of the lymphocytes were EBV-infected. Drip and rest treatment improved the patient's liver enzymes, and her symptoms resolved. Repeat EGD after two months revealed improved gastric erosions. Here, we report a case of EBV-associated gastritis that was discovered due to perigastric lymphadenopathy accompanied by infectious mononucleosis. This report includes a review of the literature because a few studies reported EBV-associated gastritis.

Endoscopic and histopathological assessment of individuals undergoing one anastomosis gastric bypass: a 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There is much debate over the occurrence of biliary reflux to the gastric pouch after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and its potential risks. OBJECTIVE: To assess endoscopic and histopathological findings following a standardized protocol of biopsy collection two years after OAGB. METHODS: A historical cohort study was conducted, based on a prospectively collected database, which involved 39 participants who underwent OAGB. Participants underwent clinical evaluation and esophagogastroduodenoscopy at the time of surgery and 24 months afterward. Post-operatively, biopsy specimens in esophagogastric junction, pouch, and anastomosis were systematically collected. RESULTS: 92.3% of the participants were female and the mean age was 37 ± 8.5 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased from 37.6 ± 5.7 kg/m2 to 27 ± 4.1 kg/m2 after 2 years (p < 0.001). The mean %TWL was 27.2 ± 10.5%. The prevalence of non-erosive gastritis significantly increased from 25.6 to 51.3% (p = 0.02). Erosive gastritis significantly decreased from 28.2 to 10.3% (p = 0.04). Four cases of marginal ulcers were identified (10.3%). The commonest histopathological finding was mild inflammation in 74.3% (esophagogastric junction), 58.9% (pouch), and 71.8% (anastomosis). There was one case of focal intestinal metaplasia in each site of interest and no cases of dysplasia or severe inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Using a standardized protocol of post-operative biopsy collection, low rates of severe endoscopic and histopathological abnormalities were observed two years after OAGB. Nevertheless, as most patients have histologically proven inflammation, bile in the gastric pouch, and endoscopic gastritis, long-term surveillance is essential because of the uncertain risk of these abnormalities.

2021 year in review: Spotlight on eosinophils.

This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of eosinophils and eosinophilic diseases, particularly eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases during the last year. The increasing incidence of diseases marked by eosinophilia has been documented and highlighted the need to understand eosinophil biology and eosinophilic contributions to disease. Significant insight into the nature of eosinophilic diseases has been achieved using next-generation sequencing technologies, proteomic analysis, and machine learning to analyze tissue biopsies. These technologies have elucidated mechanistic underpinnings of eosinophilic inflammation, delineated patient endotypes, and identified patient responses to therapeutic intervention. Importantly, recent clinical studies using mAbs that interfere with type 2 cytokine signaling or deplete eosinophils point to multiple and complex roles of eosinophils in tissues. Several studies identified distinct activation features of eosinophils in different tissues and disease states. The confluence of these studies supports a new paradigm of tissue-resident eosinophils that have pro- and anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory roles in allergic disease. Improved understanding of unique eosinophil activation states is now poised to identify novel therapeutic targets for eosinophilic diseases.

Gastritis Cystica Profunda: A Rare Disease, a Challenging Diagnosis, and an Uncertain Malignant Potential: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) has been defined as a rare submucosal benign gastric lesion with cystic gland growth. Due to its unclear etiopathogenesis, this lesion is often misdiagnosed and mistaken for other gastric masses. Currently, a standardized treatment for GCP lesions is still missing. Here, we illustrate a case of a patient admitted to our general surgery department for melena and general discomfort. No history of peptic ulcer or gastric surgery was present. Upper GI endoscopy was performed, showing a distal gastric lesion with a small ulceration on the top. CT-scan and endoscopic ultrasound confirmed the presence of the lesion, compatible with a gastric stromal tumor, without showing any eventual metastasis. Surgical gastric resection was performed. Histological findings were diagnostic for GCP, with cistically ectasic submucosal glands, chronic inflammation, eosinophilic infiltration and foveal hyperplasia. GCP is a very exceptional cause of upper-GI bleeding with specific histological features. Its diagnosis as well as its therapy are challenging, resulting in several pitfalls. Even though it is a rare entity, GCP should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric submucosal lesions.

Interleukin 33 Triggers Early Eosinophil-Dependent Events Leading to Metaplasia in a Chronic Model of Gastritis-Prone Mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Interleukin (IL)33/IL1F11 is an important mediator for the development of type 2 T-helper cell (Th2)-driven inflammatory disorders and has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal (GI)-related cancers, including gastric carcinoma. We therefore sought to mechanistically determine IL33's potential role as a critical factor linking chronic inflammation and gastric carcinogenesis using gastritis-prone SAMP1/YitFc (SAMP) mice. METHODS: SAMP and (parental control) AKR mice were assessed for baseline gastritis and progression to metaplasia. Expression/localization of IL33 and its receptor, ST2/IL1R4, were characterized in corpus tissues, and activation and neutralization studies were both performed targeting the IL33/ST2 axis. Dissection of immune pathways leading to metaplasia was evaluated, including eosinophil depletion studies using anti-IL5/anti-CCR3 treatment. RESULTS: Progressive gastritis and, ultimately, intestinalized spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) was detected in SAMP stomachs, which was absent in AKR but could be moderately induced with exogenous, recombinant IL33. Robust peripheral (bone marrow) expansion of eosinophils and local recruitment of both eosinophils and IL33-expressing M2 macrophages into corpus tissues were evident in SAMP. Interestingly, IL33 blockade did not affect bone marrow-derived expansion and local infiltration of eosinophils, but markedly decreased M2 macrophages and SPEM features, while eosinophil depletion caused a significant reduction in both local IL33-producing M2 macrophages and SPEM in SAMP. CONCLUSIONS: IL33 promotes metaplasia and the sequelae of eosinophil-dependent downstream infiltration of IL33-producing M2 macrophages leading to intestinalized SPEM in SAMP, suggesting that IL33 represents a critical link between chronic gastritis and intestinalizing metaplasia that may serve as a potential therapeutic target for preneoplastic conditions of the GI tract.

Optimal Reconstruction After Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: Although laparoscopic distal gastrectomy has been widely used for distal gastric cancer, the best functional reconstruction type has not yet been established. Based on previous experience, we propose a modified uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of different intracorporeal anastomoses after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. METHODS: From April 2015 to August 2020, the data of 215 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy was collected. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the digestive tract reconstruction method, Billroth-I, Billroth-II, Roux-en-Y, and the modified uncut Roux-en-Y. Clinicopathologic characteristics, surgery details, short-term outcomes, and postoperative nutritional status were analyzed. RESULTS: The operation time of Billroth-I anastomosis was significantly shorter (216.2 ± 25.8 min, P < .001) than that of other methods. There was no difference in postoperative complications and OS among the 4 reconstruction methods. The incidences of esophagitis, gastritis, and bile reflux were significantly lower in the Roux-en-Y and uncut Roux-en-Y group (P < .001) 1 year after surgery. And the postoperative albumin and PNI levels in uncut Roux-en-Y group were higher than those in other groups(P < .05). On multivariate analysis, age and reconstruction type were independently related to esophagitis, gastritis, and bile reflux. Serum albumin and the prognostic nutritional index were significantly higher in the uncut Roux-en-Y group than other groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: All 4 reconstruction techniques are feasible and safe. The Roux-en-Y and uncut Roux-en-Y are superior to Billroth-Ⅰ and Billroth-Ⅱ+Braun in terms of reflux esophagitis, gastritis, and bile reflux. Uncut Roux-en-Y may result in better PNI than the others.

A 3-year follow-up study of uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction: clinical results and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to identify the clinical outcomes of uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction in patients who underwent totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) over 3-year follow-up. METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2017, 269 patients who underwent TLDG were enrolled in the study and analyzed retrospectively. They were classified into two groups according to the reconstruction method: uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction (uncut RY) (n = 154) and Billroth II with Braun anastomosis (B-II/Braun) (n = 115). Postoperative endoscopic findings (residual food, bile reflux, gastritis, and esophagitis) and nutritional status (body weight, serum hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin levels) were assessed every 6 months for 3 years. RESULTS: Residual food was less frequent in the uncut RY group in the 6th month after TLDG (p = 0.022), but there were no differences between the two groups for the rest of the study period. The incidence of bile reflux and gastritis was low in the uncut RY group during all postoperative periods (all p < 0.001). In the B-II/Braun group, the frequency of reflux esophagitis was high in the 30th and 36th months after TLDG (both p < 0.001), and there were no differences between the two groups during the preceding periods. No significant differences were found with respect to nutritional status, such as body weight, serum hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin levels during all postoperative periods. CONCLUSIONS: Three-year follow-up outcomes showed that uncut RY can effectively reduce the incidence of bile reflux and gastritis in the remnant stomach compared to B-II/Braun after TLDG.

Comparison of gastrointestinal symptoms and findings in renal replacement therapy modalities.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects gastrointestinal system (GIS) and causes histological, functional and mucosal changes. There are scarce data investigating GIS symptoms and findings in patients with CKD stage III-V, receiving hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and findings and compare between renal replacement therapies. METHOD: A total of 290 patients (97 in CKD stage III-V, 92 PD, 101 HD) were included in this study. Gastrointestinal complaints, diseases, background characteristics of patients and drugs they used were questioned by interviews, forms were filled and examinations of patients were performed. Results of upper GIS endoscopy, colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography and tomography of patients were evaluated. RESULTS: The most common signs were dyspepsia (50%), nausea (45%) and epigastric pain (44%) among all patients, generally. Gastrointestinal disorders like gastritis (62%) and gastroesophageal reflux (39%) were frequent in patients. Prevalence of patients with weight loss was 20% in predialysis and 8% in PD and the ratio was higher in predialysis group statistically significantly (p = 0,016). The prevalence of gastritis was 70% in PD, 55% in HD and the prevalence of hemorrhoids was 24% in PD and 12% in HD. The prevalence of gastritis and hemorrhoids was higher in the PD group than in the HD group statistically significantly (p = 0.043, p = 0.028), otherwise, there wasn't a difference between the PD and predialysis groups, statistically significantly. CONCLUSION: This study showed that; gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders were very common in CKD, besides this; while gastritis and hemorrhoids were more frequent in the PD, esophagitis and hiatal hernia were more frequent in the HD.

Clinical Presentation of Cases with Upper Gastro - Intestinal Bleeding.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common emergency and can be a serious condition that requires hospitalization, rapid evaluation and management. The usual presentation is hematemesis (vomiting of blood or coffee ground-like material) and/or melena (black, tarry stools) 1. UGIB occurs more commonly in men and older subjects. PUD is the most common cause of UGIB in the US accounting for about 50% of the cases, whereas in tropical country like India, esophageal varices attribute to half the cases. Esophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy [EGD] is a primary diagnostic and therapeutic modality in the setting of UGIB. MATERIAL: Prospective study. Forty patients who have presented with frank blood or coffee ground color vomitus and/or melena were considered for this study. All patients greater than 18 years of age were included. Their clinical presentation, hemogram and endoscopic findings were analyzed. Descriptive statistical analysis has been applied. OBSERVATION: In our study, the age distribution was between 23 and 87 years. There is a male preponderance with 65 % males and 35%females. Among 40 patients,42.5%had varices, 17.5% had Peptic Ulcer Disease and12.5% had Erosive Gastritis. The other causes of UGIB include Pangastritis(10%), Mallory Weiss Tear(7.5%), Polyp(5%), Esophagitis(2.5%), Coagulopathy induced bleed(2.5%) and Carcinoma stomach(2.5%). Of the 40 cases admitted, only 3 patients (7.5%) had massive Upper GI Bleed.10 patients (25%) had moderate bleed and 27 patients (67.5%) had mild bleed. Amongst the patients with massive bleed, an important cause is esophageal varices(66.7%). A total of 21 (52.5%) patients have recovered. There was one death(2.5%) amongst the cases which was not attributed to UGIB. 14 patients(45%) has residual disease of which 42.5% were of variceal bleed. Patients with variceal bleed have undergone banding and have been asked to regularly follow up for check endoscopy and banding till their eradication. There was 1 patient of residual disease with Carcinoma stomach(2.5%) who has been initiated on chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Hematemesis is much commoner than melena in the presentation of upper GI bleed. EGD has a diagnostic as well as therapeutic role in UGIB .In this study endoscopy provided diagnosis in 97.5% of patients. In this cross sectional study, the most common cause of upper GI bleed was esophageal varices, with alcoholic cirrhosis being the main cause of portal hypertension. Varices remain to be the most common cause of UGIB in both males and females, however, the percentage is more in males as compared to females. Varices are an important cause of massive variceal bleed.

Pattern-based approach to gastritis and gastropathy.

Histological investigation of non-neoplastic endoscopic biopsies of gastric mucosa is one of the most common tasks most pathologists have to face on daily basis. Although the most common clinical question is still being whether Helicobacter organisms are found, pathologists have to bear in mind the whole spectrum of causes and associated morphological patterns of gastritides and gastropathies, governed by characteristic combinations of various types of inflammatory infiltrate, alterative and reactive changes of epithelial component, vascular response, and variability of stromal composition. The association of histopathologic pattern with supposed etiology can be sometimes proved by direct detection of the cause of morphologic changes in the investigated endoscopic sample.

Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Abnormal Findings in Routine Upper Digestive Endoscopy Before Bariatric Surgery.

Background: The role of preoperative upper digestive endoscopy has been discussed with controversy in bariatric surgery. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of endoscopic findings in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and their clinical impact. Methods: A retrospective observational study of all patients who performed upper endoscopy before bariatric surgery between January 2019 and December 2021 was performed. A total of 612 patients were identified, mostly females (79.2%), with a mean age of 43.9 years. Abnormal endoscopic findings were identified in 474 (77.5%) patients, including erythematous gastropathy (59.2%), reflux esophagitis (13.6%), erosive gastritis (10.6%), and hiatal hernia (8.0%). Importantly, Barrettâ??s esophagus was also identified in four patients and gastric adenocarcinoma in one. All performed gastric biopsies that revealed H. pylori gastritis in 368 (60.1%). Taken together, abnormal endoscopic and histological findings influenced perioperative management of 403 (65.8%) patients, including preoperative medical therapy in 378 (61.8%), endoscopic treatment of mucosal lesions in 47 (7.7%), direct influence in surgical strategy in 27 (7.8%) and contraindication to bariatric surgery in 1 (0.2%). Conclusion: Preoperative upper endoscopy identifies a wide range of abnormal findings in obese patients, which often influence peri-operative management. Therefore, it must be considered in all patients prior to bariatric surgery.

Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis along the progression of gastric marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type.

Extra-nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBL) of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue is an indolent lymphoma mostly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The lymphoma initially has small-cell morphology (SC-MZBL) and often arises in the background of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis. In some cases, a clonal malignant progression to large-cell morphology (LC-MZBL) is observed. Here, we studied the DNA methylation profile of 30 gastric MZBLs along their progression. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling, identified 7698 significantly differentially methylated loci during gastric MZBL progression (σ/σmax ≥0·4, q ≤ 0·001). LC-MZBL showed hypermethylation in comparison to SC-MZBL with an enrichment of regions involved in transcriptional regulation. In conclusion, our present data show that the morphological distinction between SC- and LC-MZBL is reflected by characteristic DNA methylation profiles.

Loss of NFKB1 Results in Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor and Activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 to Promote Gastric Tumorigenesis in Mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Activity of nuclear factor κB transcription factors and signaling via signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) are frequently altered in gastric cancer cells. Mice lacking NFKB1 (Nfkb1-/- mice) develop invasive gastric cancer, and their gastric tissues have increased levels of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL) 6, IL22, IL11, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as well as increased activation of STAT1. We investigated whether these cytokines were required for STAT1 activation in gastric tissues of mice and critical for gastric tumorigenesis. METHODS: We crossed Nfkb1-/- mice with Il6-/-, Il22-/-, Il11Rα-/-, and Tnf-/- mice. Stomach tissues from compound mutant mice were analyzed by histology, immunoblotting, and RNA sequencing. Lymphoid, myeloid, and epithelial cells were isolated from stomachs, and the levels of cytokines were determined by flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: Nfkb1-/- mice developed gastritis, oxyntic atrophy, gastric dysplasia, and invasive tumors, whereas Nfkb1-/-Stat1-/- mice did not, even when followed for as long as 2 years. The levels of Il6, Il11, Il22, and Tnf messenger RNA were increased in the body and antrum of the stomachs from Nfkb1-/- mice, from 3-6 months of age. However, Nfkb1-/-Il6-/-, Nfkb1-/-Il22-/-, and Nfkb1-/-Il11Rα-/- mice still developed gastric tumors, although the absence of IL11 receptor (IL11R) significantly reduced development of invasive gastric tumors. Stomachs from Nfkb1-/-Tnf-/- mice exhibited significantly less gastritis and oxyntic atrophy and fewer tumors than Nfkb1-/- mice. This correlated with reduced activation of STAT1 and STAT3 and fewer numbers of T cells and B cells infiltrating the gastric body. Loss of STAT1 or TNF significantly reduced expression of PD-L1 on epithelial and myeloid (CD11b+) cells in the gastric mucosa of Nfkb1-/- mice-indeed, to the levels observed on the corresponding cells from wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS: In studies of gastric tumor development in knockout mice, we found that loss of NFKB1 causes increased expression of TNF in the stomach and thereby drives activation of STAT1, resulting in an inflammatory immune response and the development of gastric cancer. IL11R appears to be required for the progression of gastric tumors to the invasive stage. These findings suggest that inhibitors of TNF, and possibly also inhibitors of IL11/IL11Rα, might be useful in the treatment of gastric cancer.

The significance of focally enhanced gastritis in haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

AIMS: The histological diagnosis of acute gastric graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) in patients with a history of haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is based on the presence of epithelial cell apoptosis and karyorrhectic debris. There is, however, limited information on the histological findings in patients who develop symptoms several months after transplant. Focally enhanced gastritis (FEG), defined by the presence of focal periglandular lymphohistiocytic inflammation with neutrophilic or lymphocytic intra-epithelial infiltration of gastric glands, has been described in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and in HSCT patients. The pattern closely resembles the focal periductal inflammation and lymphocytic exocytosis seen in chronic GVHD of the salivary gland. We sought to evaluate the significance of FEG in HSCT patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Gastric biopsies from 151 HSCT patients who underwent endoscopies for GVHD-like symptoms were identified. Time from transplant to biopsy, presence of extra-gastric GVHD, medications and outcome were noted. Thirty-five biopsies showed FEG and 21 showed aGVHD; the remainder were either normal or showed non-specific changes. Twenty-one (60%) FEG patients had concurrent histologically proven extra-gastric GVHD. The time to biopsy in FEG patients was significantly longer than in aGVHD patients (162 versus 57 days, P < 0.01). Prior or subsequent gastric biopsies of 14 patients in the FEG cohort were also evaluated and, of these, six showed aGVHD while one showed persistent FEG. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that FEG probably represents a form of late-occurring GVHD. This histological pattern should not be overlooked when identified in gastric biopsies from HSCT patients.

Clinicopathological characteristics and aetiological factors of granulomatous gastritis.

AIMS: To examine the clinicopathological characteristics of granulomatous gastritis (GG) among different aetiologies, particularly Crohn disease (CD), and determine the contribution of Helicobacter pylori and the clinical significance of isolated GG. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified 269 GG cases overall (0.19% prevalence): 220 had an underlying granulomatous disease (CD, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis) and only eight of these (3.6%) had H. pylori, fewer than the 10.3% rate among non-GG biopsies (P < 0.001). Conversely, among 49 GG cases without known cause (foreign body, undetermined, idiopathic), 13 (26.5%) had H. pylori more than background (P = 0.001). Most patients (n = 185/68.8%) had CD and these were more probably male (P < 0.001), younger (P < 0.001), white (P < 0.001) and had single (P = 0.010), smaller (P = 0.005) and antral (P = 0.027) granulomas amid inflammation (P = 0.005) compared to non-CD GG cases; younger age was independently associated with CD [P = 0.003; odds ratio (OR) = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.22]. Among CD patients, younger age (P = 0.003; OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.07) and upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (P = 0.017; OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.18-5.43) were associated with new (versus established) diagnosis, whereas multiple gastric granulomas (P = 0.003; OR = 4.67, 95% CI = 1.67-13.04) and lack of upper GI symptoms (P < 0.001; OR = 6.75, 95% CI = 2.94-15.49) were associated with lower GI granulomas. Of 86 isolated GG cases (i.e. no prior diagnosis or lower GI granulomas), 51 (59.3%) were eventually diagnosed with CD, and this was independently associated with younger age (P = 0.014; OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02-1.21) and upper GI symptoms (P = 0.033; OR = 19.27, 95% CI = 1.27-293.31). The positive predictive value of finding isolated GG towards a CD diagnosis in patients aged <30 years was 91%, increasing in males (93%), with single (94%), antral (97%) granulomas or upper GI symptoms (94%). CONCLUSIONS: GG does not correlate with H. pylori in patients with granulomatous disease, but may be associated with the organism when such diagnosis is lacking. In CD patients with GG, younger age and upper GI symptoms are associated with a new CD diagnosis, whereas multiple gastric granulomas and lack of upper GI symptoms correlate with lower GI granulomas. GG, including in isolated cases with no prior clinical history or granuloma, probably signifies CD, particularly in younger, male patients or those with single, antral granulomas or upper GI symptoms.

Super selective arterial embolization to treat radiation-induced hemorrhagic gastritis: a case report and review of the literature.

Radiation-induced hemorrhagic gastritis (RIHG) is a rare but potentially fatal event following radiotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer; the treatment of this condition is not standardized. Only few cases of RIHG have been reported, treated with different therapeutic approaches. Here we report the case of a 79-year-old patient who underwent subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, followed by adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. Approximately 3 months after the end of the treatment, she developed recurrent diffuse bleeding originating from the entire mucosa of the gastric pouch and from a marginal ulcer. As the bleeding was refractory to several endoscopic treatments and surgery was not indicated, the patient underwent two sessions of transcatheter selective arterial embolization, with resolution of bleeding. Arterial embolization has already been reported for the treatment of hemorrhagic cystitis, developing after irradiation of the pelvis for prostate, bladder, rectum, and cervix cancer. However, to our knowledge, it has never been reported as a treatment for hemorrhagic gastritis. Based on this case, we suggest arterial embolization as an option in the management of RIHG, when standard endoscopic treatment fails.

More than just gastritis: An unusual presentation of strangulated transmesenteric hernia in a pediatric patient.

Internal hernias are a rare occurrence, reported in only 0.2-0.9% of the general population, and predominantly occur in adult patients as postsurgical complications. However, internal hernias can occur in pediatric patients, typically due to herniation of bowel through congenital mesenteric defects, and are associated with high rates of strangulation or volvulus (up to 30-40%) in this population. These can be especially difficult to detect due to nonspecific symptoms and rarity, but carry a steep mortality rate of 45% if treated and virtually 100% if missed. We present a case report that describes a 3 year old patient who presented to the emergency department with less than 12 h of nonbloody, nonbilious emesis and associated abdominal pain with preserved ability to tolerate oral intake. She ultimately went on to have ultrasound and then CT imaging that revealed a high grade bowel obstruction due to an internal hernia from a mesenteric defect for which she required emergent resection of 119 cm of necrotic bowel. Ultimately this case illustrates a fairly benign presentation of a rare etiology of pediatric vomiting and abdominal pain that if left undetected could prove fatal, and is therefore essential for the emergency clinician to consider on the differential for vomiting and nonspecific abdominal pain in the pediatric patient.

Future therapies for eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To review novel therapeutics in development for treatment of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs). DATA SOURCES: Clinical trial data (clinicaltrials.gov) and literature search on PubMed. STUDY SELECTIONS: Studies on treatment and clinical trials in EGIDs were included in this review. RESULTS: During the past decade, significant progress has been made in understanding disease mechanisms in EGIDs. As a result, a variety of novel therapeutics have been developed for treatment of these disorders. Several monoclonal antibodies against targets, including interleukin (IL) 4, IL-5, IL-13, integrins, and siglec-8, have shown promise in early trials. Novel formulations of corticosteroids are also in development. CONCLUSION: The field of EGID research has advanced rapidly, and disease-modifying therapeutics are closer to clinical application.

Necrotizing Hemorrhagic Gastritis following Acute Myeloid Leukemia Induction with Midostaurin: An Unexpected Complication.

Midostaurin is a tyrosine multikinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with mutated Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3. We describe a case report of a 49-year-old AML patient treated with an intensive chemotherapy regimen followed by midostaurin. After achieving complete remission with blood count recovery, he suffered from a serious, rare complication of necrotizing hemorrhagic gastritis with no evidence of infection or malignant infiltration, possibly associated with midostaurin therapy.