Clinical characteristics and treatment of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease in Colombia: Results of a multicentric registry. / Características clínicas y tratamiento de la enfermedad de Crohn perianal fistulizante en Colombia: resultados de un registro multicéntrico.

INTRODUCTION: Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD) is a phenotype with a poor prognosis. There are no studies in our country. Our objective is to determine the clinical, sociodemographic and treatment characteristics of perianal fistulizing CD in a Colombian multicenter registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter observational study was carried out, with prospective data collection, in the main reference centers for inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD) in the country. Continuous variables were expressed as medians and interquartile ranges. The categorical outcome variables were compared by the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with perianal fistulizing CD were documented, with a median age of appearance of perianal fistula of 31.0 years (range: 24-42), predominantly in men (61.5%; H:M ratio: 1.4:1). Complex perianal fistulas were more frequent than simple ones (75.35 vs. 24.6%). Regarding medical treatment, 66.2% of the patients received antibiotics, 64.6% steroids, 78.5% biological therapy, 47.7% non-cutting setons, and 46.2% required surgical management, other than seton placement. Only 29.2% achieved complete remission of the fistula, and 9.2% of the patients ended up in a definitive colostomy. CD patients with complex fistulas received more biological therapy, compared to CD patients with simple fistulas (84.8 vs. 56.3%; P: 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Perianal fistulizing CD has a poor prognosis in our setting, only 3 out of 10 patients achieve complete remission despite treatment. A multidisciplinary management is essential for the comprehensive management of this difficult pathology.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation for the management of a symptomatic pancreatic insulinoma.

INTRODUCTION: pancreatic insulinoma is a sporadic, usually benign, frequently solitary tumor that is smaller than 20 mm. When it is functioning, patients present with symptoms of hypoglycemia secondary to insulin hypersecretion. The diagnosis is clinical, with biochemical and radiological confirmation. Surgery is the management of choice, although endoscopic ultrasound-guided ablation is currently being developed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we present a prospective case series of pancreatic insulinoma patients with symptoms of severe hypoglycemia, who were treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation as an alternative to surgical management. RESULTS: technical and clinical success was achieved in all cases and there were no complications associated with the procedure. CONCLUSION: the treatment of symptomatic insulinoma by endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation could be a safe and effective alternative to surgical management in non-surgical patients or those who refuse surgery.

Obliteration of gastric varices guided by eco-endoscopy with coils insertion coated with expandable hydrogel polymers.

INTRODUCTION: gastric varices hemorrhage is a severe complication of portal hypertension, with high mortality rates and few management alternatives, especially when there is a contraindication to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). The usual therapeutic options are the injection of cyanoacrylate, the insertion of coils or both. Hydrocoils are special coils coated with different types of expandable hydrogel polymers conventionally used in neurovascular interventionism. They allow rapid occlusion of vessel, forming a mesh that favors the local formation of thrombus and the development of a neointima on the gel cover. We consider the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided hydrocoil insertion in gastric varices, without using cyanoacrylate. OBJECTIVE: this study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectivity of the application of EUS-guided hydrocoils in patients with gastric varices hemorrhage with TIPS contraindication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: this was a retrospective case series of four patients with TIPS contraindication after interventional radiologist evaluation. Linear echoendoscopes, fluoroscopy, 19G needles and hydrocoils (Azur®, Terumo) and Progreat® 3 Fr microcatheters were used. An interventional radiologist expert advised the procedures and endoscopic ultrasound confirmed the varix obliteration. RESULTS: technical and clinical success occurred in all patients involved in this study. There were no adverse effects related to the procedure or endoscopic equipment damage. CONCLUSIONS: the application of EUS-guided hydrocoils can be a safe and effective method in the short term for gastric varices bleeding in patients who are not candidates for TIPS. Besides, a complete obliteration of the vascular lumen could occur and thus, dispense with the use of cyanoacrylate. Further studies are needed to corroborate these preliminary results.

Characterization and prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations in a cohort of patients with inflammatory intestinal disease in Medellin, Colombia. / Caracterización y prevalencia de manifestaciones extraintestinales en una cohorte de pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en Medellín (Colombia).

INTRODUCTION: Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) are frequent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our objective is to characterize and determine the prevalence of MEIs in our cohort of patients with IBD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in adult patients with IBD at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín. Colombia. Articular MEIs, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), both ophthalmological and dermatological, were considered. Absolute and relative frequencies were used. The Chi square test of independence was used to compare 2proportions and the odds ratio (OR) was estimated. RESULTS: Our registry has 759 patients with IBD, 544 present UC (71.6%), 200 CD (26.3%) and 15 unclassifiable IBD (1.9%); 177 patients with IBD (23.3%) presented EIMs, 123 of 544 (22.6%) with UC and 53 of 200 (26.5%) with CD (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.55-1.17, P=0.31). Regarding the type of EIMs, the articular ones were the most frequent (13.5%), more in CD than in UC (20.0 vs. 11.3%, OR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.25-3.00, P=0.0037). Patients with IBD and EIMs used more antibodies against tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNFs), compared to those without EIMs (43.5 vs. 18.5%, OR 3.38, 95% CI: 2.31-4.90, P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of EIMs in our cohort is high (23.3%) and the most frequent type is joint. Anti-TNFs are most used when IBD and EIMs coexist. Our study provides valuable information on the association of EIMs and IBD in Latin America.

Clinical utility of the small bowel capsule endoscopy in the study of small bowel diseases in Colombia: Results of a national registry. / Utilidad clínica de la videocápsula endoscópica en el estudio de patologías de intestino delgado en Colombia: resultados de un registro nacional.

INTRODUCTION: The small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) has revolutionised the study of small bowel diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the indications, findings and diagnostic yield of SBCE in a national registry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational, analytical cross-sectional study was carried out, analysing the SBCE records at seven centres in the country, where different variables were collected. RESULTS: 1,883 SBCEs were evaluated. The average age was 55.4 years (5.6-94.2). The most frequent indications were suspicion of small bowel bleeding (SBB) (64.4%), study of Crohn's disease (15.2%) and chronic diarrhoea (11.2%). 54.3% were prepared with laxatives. The most frequent lesions found were erosions/ulcers (31.6%), angioectasias (25.7%) and parasitosis (2.7%). The diagnostic yield (P1+P2, Saurin classification) of SBCE in SBB was 60.6%, being higher in overt SBB (66.0%) compared to occult SBB (56.0%) (P=.003). The studies with better preparation showed higher detection of lesions (93.8% vs. 89.4%) (OR=1.8, CI: 95%: 1.2-2.6; P=.004). The SBCE complication rate was 3.1%, with complete SB visualisation at 96.6% and SB retention rate of 0.7%. 81.5% of SBCEs were performed on an outpatient basis, and presented a greater complete SB visualisation than hospital ones (97.1% vs. 94.3%) (OR=2.1, CI: 95%, 1.2-3.5; P=.008). CONCLUSIONS: The indications, findings and diagnostic performance of SBCEs in Colombia are similar to those reported in the literature, with a high percentage of complete studies and a low rate of complications.

[Ingestion of multiple magnets in pediatrics: endoscopic or surgical emergency?] / Ingestión de múltiples imanes en pediatría: ¿emergencia endoscópica o quirúrgica?

Ingestion of foreign bodies is common in the pediatric population. Most foreign bodies have a benign behavior and are usually eliminated without generating greater morbidity and mortality. In relation to the intake of magnets, its frequency has increased to the point that it currently represents a public health problem in the pediatric population. The ingestion of a single magnet does not generate any risk, but the ingestion of 2 or more of these, or even of magnets and metals in succession is considered an emergency since they can attract each other and can cause serious symptoms of intestinal obstruction, bleeding, fistulas, perforation and even intestinal necrosis. We present 2 pediatric patients, who ingested multiple magnets, in these cases we highlight the variety in the clinical presentation, as well as the complications presented in relation to a late diagnosis.

Reply: "Percutaneously guided or ultrasound-guided splenic punctures are safe procedures with a high diagnostic performance".

We appreciate the interest shown in our article "Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for splenomegaly and focal splenic lesion: is it safe, effective and necessary?", as well as the academic discussion raised by gastroenterology-ultrasound experts in the letter to the editor. In the discussion of our article, we mention that EUS-FNA is necessary and/or the first option in splenomegaly and/or small focal splenic lesions where percutaneous biopsy are limited, when difficulty accessing the focal splenic lesions, in obese patients and in those with ascites, recent abdominal surgery or a poor acoustic window.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for splenomegaly and focal splenic lesion: is it safe, effective and necessary?

INTRODUCTION: splenomegaly and/or focal splenic lesions (FSL) have limited histopathologic studies due to the risk posed by splenic punctures. Percutaneous biopsies with a fine needle are difficult, especially due to interposition of gases, ascites, obesity or a history of abdominal surgery. On the other hand, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) takes advantage of the proximity of the gastric wall to the spleen in order to puncture and visualize the needle and its movements in real time. OBJECTIVE: to describe the initial experience and results obtained with EUS-FNA in patients with splenomegaly or FSL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: this was a descriptive observational study. EUS-FNA of the spleen was performed with a slow-pull technique, which avoided fanning with an average of 3 needle passes. Biopsies were sent in Cytorich RedTM solution for analysis by cytology and cell block. RESULTS: punctures were performed in 15 patients (9 females) and the median age was 67 years (range 44-86). Patients studied due to an enlarged spleen or splenic FSL, in the context of fever of an unknown origin, adenopathies and abnormal weight loss were included. A conclusive diagnosis was achieved by EUS-FNA in 10 patients (66.7 %), 4 were large cell type B non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and one Hodgkin's lymphoma. There were no immediate or delayed complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided splenic punctures appear to be safe, effective and may be necessary in some clinical settings in order to complete the etiologic filiation of splenomegaly of an uncertain origin or FSL and to rule out malignancy.

Endoscopic sump syndrome secondary to EUS-guided choledocho-duodenostomy with a lumen-apposing metal stent.

Sump syndrome (SS) is associated with choledocho-duodenostomy (CDD) dysfunction, which occurs due to accumulation of detritus, biliary mud and food remains in the suprapapillary distal common bile duct. The prevalence is low after CDD. Currently, biliary drainage endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided with a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is a new minimally invasive alternative for biliary stenosis for patients in whom endoscopy retrograde cholangial-pancreatography (ERCP) is not feasible. CDD via EUS-guided LAMS is increasing. Thus, SS has become a potential associated complication that was previously unreported in the literature.

Endoscopic closure of tracheoesophageal fistula for tuberculosis with an over-the-scope-clip.

Surgical management has been the main approach for enteral fistulae. This approach is usually complex due to comorbidities, a wasted nutritional state and anatomical difficulties related to prior multiple interventions. Therefore, endoscopic methods such as clips, self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) and recently, the over scope clip (OTSC®) are increasing in popularity and use. Herein, we present the case of a patient with a HIV infection who was admitted due to respiratory symptoms. Radiological and microbiological studies documented a tracheoesophageal fistula due to tuberculosis (TB) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Therefore, an esophageal fully-covered stent was placed, which migrated into the stomach. The thoracic surgeons considered an esophagectomy with gastric ascent and muscle patch in the trachea. However, due to his poor nutritional status and comorbidity, an OTSC was placed to treat the fistulae. The patient also received medical treatment with anti-tuberculotics and anti-retrovirals.

Treatment of gastric GIST using endoscopic techniques combined with the application of endoloop and intralesional cyanoacrylate in a non-surgical patient.

We present the case of a 79-year-old patient with multiple cardiovascular morbidities, classified as ASA III (American Society of Anesthesiology). An upper digestive endoscopy was performed due to chronic anemia and a subepithelial lesion was identified in the subcardial region of 30 x 25 mm, without other relevant findings.

[Correlation between cholangiopancreatography by magnetic resonance and the endoscopic retrograde colangiopancreatography in hospitalized by biliary lithiasis in the University Hospital San Ignacio (Bogota-Colombia) between 2005 to 2011]. / Concordancia entre los hallazgos por colangiopancreatografía por resonancia magnética y los hallazgos por colangiopancreatografía endoscópica retrograda en pacientes hospitalizados por enfermedad biliar litiásica en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (Bogotá-Colombia) entre los años 2005 a 2011.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the grade of agreement between the colangiopancreatography by magnetic resonance (CPRM) and the endoscopic retrograde colangio pancreatography (ERCP) in hospitalized patients by biliary lithiasis in a period of time in a reference hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Type of study, retrospective evaluation of diagnostic tool, the size of the sample was calculated from the pilot simple and was 320 patients. We recolected 354 patients that urderwent both studies (CPRM and ERCP), to evaluate the correlation between both procedures we used Kappa variation. RESULTS: 354 pacients were included, 226 women (63.8%), men 128 (36.2%), with mean age of 48 years. There was dilatation of the choledocus by CRMN in 60%, sensibility of 96, 7%, especificity of 40%, Kappa index 0,406 (IC 95%: 0, 32-0, 50) that indicates a moderate agreement. For the presence of choledocus calculi with CPRM was 54%, with sensibility of 72.6%, specificity of 68.3%, Kappa index 0.409 (IC 95%: 0.31-0.51), moderate agreement. For caculi in the gallbladder the kappa index was 0.246 weak. We identify 27% de false negatives for CRMN in detecting choledocusd lithiasis. CONCLUSIONS: The CPRM and ERCP had a moderate correlation according to the Kappa index detecting dilatation and choledocus calculi in our patients. The number of false negatives for choledocolithiasis by CPRM leads us to seek in other prospective aleatory studies like endoscopic biliiopancreatic ultrasonopgraphy to compare the CPRM in patients with intermediate probability for choledocolithiasis.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Transgastric Puncture and Drainage of an Adrenal Abscess in an Immunosuppressed Patient.

Adrenal gland infection is a clinical entity of great importance, but it is a largely unrecognized pathology. Immunosuppressed individuals are at a higher risk of presentation. Herein, we describe a young female patient, recently diagnosed with HIV, who presented with severe sepsis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, associated with a left adrenal abscess. She was initially treated with antibiotics; however, due to the persistence of the systemic inflammatory response and bacteremia, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage was performed. This procedure was successful in resolving the clinical situation. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided adrenal gland drainage can be a safe, efficacious, and minimally invasive option for managing antibiotic-refractory adrenal abscesses in immunosuppressed patients.

Cholestatic Jaundice Secondary to Portal Hypertensive Biliopathy Regarding a Case of Cavernous Transformation of the Portal Vein

Portal hypertensive biliopathy comprises the anatomical and functional abnormalities of the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tract, cystic duct, and gallbladder in patients with portal hypertension. The compromise of the bile duct usually occurs in portal obstruction due to the cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). We present a case of a young patient with a recent history of portal hypertension and CTPV who presented with an episode of cholestatic hepatitis. Studies documented an image of nodular appearance with extrinsic compression of the distal bile duct compatible with a tumor-like cavernoma. Effective endoscopic treatment was performed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), sphincterotomy, and biliary stenting.

La biliopatía hipertensiva portal comprende las anomalías anatómicas y funcionales del tracto biliar intra- y extrahepático, el conducto cístico y la vesícula biliar en pacientes con hipertensión portal. El compromiso de la vía biliar suele presentarse en obstrucción portal debido a transformación cavernomatosa de la porta. Presentamos un caso de un paciente joven, con historia reciente de hipertensión portal y cavernomatosis de la porta, que presentó un episodio de hepatitis colestásica y en estudios se le documentó una imagen de apariencia nodular con compresión extrínseca de la vía biliar distal compatible con tumor-like cavernoma. En este caso se realizó un tratamiento endoscópico efectivo mediante colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE), esfinterotomía y stent biliar.

Gastrointestinal involvement due to graft-versus-host disease / Compromiso gastrointestinal por enfermedad de injerto contra huésped

Abstract Graft-versus-host disease is a common complication after stem cell transplantation. The digestive tract is affected in many patients who suffer from it, with consequences that can be fatal. The proper approach, which includes endoscopic studies, allows ruling out differential diagnoses and managing the disease early.

Resumen La enfermedad de injerto contra huésped es una complicación frecuente después del trasplante de células madre. El tracto digestivo se afecta en una gran proporción de los pacientes que la sufren, con consecuencias que pueden llegar a ser fatales. El abordaje adecuado, que incluye el uso de estudios endoscópicos, permite descartar diagnósticos diferenciales y brindar un manejo temprano de la enfermedad.

Experiencia inicial con derivación biliar mediante coledocoduodenostomía guiada por ultrasonido endoscópico en la obstrucción biliar maligna en un hospital de referencia en Colombia / Initial experience with endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage via choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) in malignant biliary obstruction in a reference hospital in Colombia

Resumen Introducción: en pacientes con obstrucción biliar distal maligna en quienes la derivación biliar mediante colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) no sea factible o sea fallida, el drenaje biliar guiado por ultrasonido endoscópico mediante coledocoduodenostomía es una opción terapéutica viable, de la que se describen altas tasas de éxito técnico y clínico con una baja morbimortalidad. Adicionalmente, este método podría ser superior en la mejora de la calidad de vida en comparación con el manejo percutáneo o quirúrgico. Objetivo: describir la experiencia inicial con el drenaje biliar guiado por ultrasonido endoscópico en pacientes con obstrucción biliar maligna en un centro de referencia. Métodos: es una serie de casos retrospectiva de 6 pacientes con obstrucción biliar maligna a quienes se les realizó inicialmente una CPRE que fue fallida, por lo cual se procedió a realizar coledocoduodenostomía guiada por ultrasonografía endoscópica. Se describieron las tasas de éxito técnico, éxito clínico, eventos adversos, tasas de disfunción y tiempo de supervivencia de los pacientes. Resultados: se analizaron 6 casos, predominó el sexo femenino, con un promedio de edad de 71,8 ± 19,8 años; las indicaciones fueron adenocarcinoma de páncreas, tumor periampular y colangiocarcinoma distal. Se observó un éxito técnico en el 100 % de los casos y éxito clínico en 83,3 % de los casos. No se registraron eventos adversos graves. En el seguimiento de los casos se observó una supervivencia del 66,7 % a los 30 días. Conclusión: la coledocoduodenostomía es una alternativa terapéutica viable, segura y efectiva en pacientes con obstrucción biliar maligna en quienes la CPRE fue fallida, con una alta tasa de éxito técnico y clínico.

Abstract Introduction: Patients with malignant biliary distal obstruction who cannot be treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or who had a failed ERCP, can find alternative treatment in endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage via choledochoduodenostomy. EUS-CDS performs with high rates of technical and clinical success and with low rates of morbimortality. Moreover, this method could have the potential to improve the patient's quality of life, compared with percutaneous or surgical means. Objective: This study aims to describe the initial experience with endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage in patients with malignant biliary distal obstruction in a reference center. Methods: Retrospective case review of six patients with malignant biliary obstruction and prior ERCP-placed and failed. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage via choledochoduodenostomy was performed as an alternative method. Technical and clinical success rates, adverse event rates, dysfunction rates, and patient survival time were described. Results: 6 cases were analyzed with a higher proportion of female patients, with a mean age of 71,8 ± 19,8 years. The symptoms were related to pancreas adenocarcinoma, periampullary tumor, and distal cholangiocarcinoma. The procedure was technically successful in 100% of cases and clinically successful in 83% of cases. Serious adverse events were nor reported. After 30 days, a survival rate of 66,7 % was observed. Conclusion: Choledochoduodenostomy is a viable, safe, and effective method in patients with malignant biliary obstruction who had a failed ERCP, and it has high rates of technical and clinical success.

Enfermedad de Crohn con compromiso extenso y manifestaciones extradigestivas inusuales: a propósito de un caso / Crohn's disease with extensive involvement and rare extraintestinal manifestations: A case report

Resumen La enfermedad de Crohn (EC) es considerada una entidad inmunológicamente mediada que compromete el tracto digestivo. Su compromiso suele ser transmural y puede afectar cualquier parte del tubo digestivo, desde la cavidad oral hasta el ano. Aunque se sabe que su extensión es variable, es poco habitual ver un compromiso extenso y multiorgánico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente joven, quien debutó con síntomas pulmonares asociados con la EC y años más tarde se presentaron los síntomas digestivos y de la vía biliar. El tratamiento se basó en la terapia con anticuerpos contra el factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), con lo cual se obtuvo una respuesta clínica satisfactoria. La relevancia clínica de este caso es la forma de presentación clínica tan florida, tanto por el compromiso gastrointestinal extenso como por las manifestaciones extradigestivas tan infrecuentes.

Abstract Crohn's disease (CD) is considered an immunologically mediated entity that involves the digestive tract. It is characterized by transmural inflammation and can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the oral cavity to the anus. Although it is recognized that its severity varies, extensive and multiple organ failure is unusual. We present the case of a young patient, who initially presented with pulmonary symptoms associated with CD. Years later, digestive and bile duct symptoms appeared. Treatment was based on anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibody therapy, resulting in a satisfactory clinical response. The clinical relevance of this case is its full-blown presentation, which includes extensive gastrointestinal involvement and rare extraintestinal manifestations.

Ingestión de múltiples imanes en pediatría: ¿emergencia endoscópica o quirúrgica?

La ingesta de cuerpos extraños es común en población pediátrica. La mayoría de cuerpos extraños tienen un comportamiento benigno y suelen ser eliminados sin generar mayor morbimortalidad. En relación a la ingesta de imanes, se ha incrementado su frecuencia, a tal punto que en la actualidad representa un problema de salud pública en población pediátrica. La ingesta de un solo imán no genera ningún riesgo, pero la ingestión de 2 o más de estos, o incluso de imanes y metales de forma sucesiva se considera una emergencia ya que estos pueden atraerse entre sí pudiendo provocar cuadros graves de obstrucción intestinal, sangrado, fístulas, perforación e incluso necrosis intestinal. Presentamos 2 pacientes en edad pediátrica, que ingirieron múltiples imanes, en estos casos resaltamos la variedad en la presentación clínica, así como las complicaciones presentadas en relación a un diagnóstico tardío.

Ingestion of foreign bodies is common in the pediatric population. Most foreign bodies have a benign behavior and are usually eliminated without generating greater morbidity and mortality. In relation to the intake of magnets, its frequency has increased to the point that it currently represents a public health problem in the pediatric population. The ingestion of a single magnet does not generate any risk, but the ingestion of 2 or more of these, or even of magnets and metals in succession is considered an emergency since they can attract each other and can cause serious symptoms of intestinal obstruction, bleeding, fistulas, perforation and even intestinal necrosis. We present 2 pediatric patients, who ingested multiple magnets, in these cases we highlight the variety in the clinical presentation, as well as the complications presented in relation to a late diagnosis.