Post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy:A systematic review

BACKGROUND The recent and still ongoing pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)entailed various long-term complications,including post-infectious cholangiopathy.AIM To identify the available studies concerning post-coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)cholangiopathy.METHODS An extensive bibliographical search was carried out in PubMed and in Cochrane Library to identify the articles(retrospective and prospective studies,cohort studies,case series and case reports)published between January 1,2020 and August 22,2022,using both MeSH terms and free-language keywords:cholangiopathy;COVID-19;post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy;SARS-CoV-2.RESULTS Thirteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria,which included 64 patients suffering from this condition.The patients were male in 82.8%of cases.Liver transplant was executed in 6 patients and scheduled in 7 patients,while 2 patients refused the surgical approach.Therefore in 23.4%of the cases,performing this procedure appeared to be necessary.CONCLUSION This review has revealed that generally the involvement of the liver in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection is mild and transient,inducing cholestasis of cholangiocytes but can also be severe enough to cause organ failure in some cases.

Extraintestinal manifestations in a large series of Italian inflammatory bowel disease patients

AIM: To investigate prevalence, type and time of onset of extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in a series of Italian inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Biological therapy for dermatological manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two forms of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). The advent of biological drugs has significantly changed the management of these conditions. Skin manifestations are not uncommon in IBD. Among the reactive lesions(immunemediated extraintestinal manifestations), erythema nodosum(EN) and pyoderma gangrenosum(PG) are the two major cutaneous ills associated with IBD, while psoriasis is the dermatological comorbidity disease observed more often. In particular, in the last few years, anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α agents have been successfully used to treat psoriasis, especially these kinds of lesions that may occur during the treatment with biological therapies. The entity of the paradoxical manifestations has been relatively under reported as most lesions are limited and a causal relationship with the treatment is often poorly understood. The reason for this apparent side-effect of the therapy still remains unclear. Although side effects may occur, their clinical benefits are undoubted. This article reviews the therapeutic effects of the two most widely used anti-TNF-α molecules, infliximab(a fusion protein dimer of the human TNF-α receptor) and adalimumab(a fully human monoclonal antibody to TNF-α), for the treatment of the major cutaneous manifestations associated with IBD(EN, PG and psoriasis).

Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for diffi cult common bile duct stones:Our experience

AIM: To evaluate the eff icacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation(EBD) performed for common bile duct(CBD) stones.METHODS: From a computer database, we retrospectively analyzed the data relating to EBD performed in patients at the gastrointestinal unit of the Sandro Pertini Hospital of Rome(small center with low case volume) who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) for CBD from January 1, 2010 to February 29, 2012. All patients had a proven diagnosis of CBD stones studied with echography, RMN cholangiography and, when necessary, with computed tomography of the abdomen(for example, in cases with pace-makers). Prophylactic therapies, with gabexate mesilate 24 h before the procedure and with an antibiotic(ceftriaxone 2 g) 1 h before, were administered in all patients. The duodenum was intubated with a side-viewing endoscope under deep sedation with intravenous midazolam and propofol. The patients were placed in the supine position in almost all cases. EBDof the ampulla was performed under endoscopic and f luoroscopic guidance with a balloon through the scope(Hercules, wireguided balloon, Cook Ireland Ltd. and CRE, Microvasive, Boston Scientific Co., Natick, MA, United States). RESULTS: A total of 14 patients(9 female, 5 male; mean age of 73 years; range 57-82 years) were enrolled in the study, in whom a total of 15 EBDs were performed. All patients underwent minor endoscopic sphincterotomy(ES) prior to the EBD. The size of balloon insuff lation depended on stone size and CBD dilation and this was performed until it reached 16 mm in diameter. EBD was performed under endoscopic and f luoroscopic guidance. The balloon was gradually f illed with diluted contrast agent and was maintained inf lated in position for 45 to 60 s before def lation and removal. The need for precutting the major papilla was 21.4%. In one patient(an 81-year-old), EBD was performed in a Billroth Ⅱ. Periampullary diverticula were found only in a 74-year-old female. The adverse event related to the procedures(ERCP + ES) was only an intra procedural bleeding(6.6%) that occurred after ES and was treated immediately with adrenaline sclerotherapy. No postoperative complications were reported.CONCLUSION: With the current endoscopic techniques, very few patients with choledocholithiasis require surgery. EBD is an eff icacious and safe procedure.

Mesenteric adenitis caused by Yersinia pseudotubercolosis in a patient subsequently diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the terminal ileum

Although the association between inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal infections has been suggested, the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn＇s disease （CD） are still undetermined. We report the case of a man, who presented with mesenteric adenitis initially due to a Yersinia pseudotubercolosis infection, who was later diagnosed with Crohn＇s disease. This case is in keeping with recent evidence in the literature which suggests that CD is a disease linked to abnormal immune responses to enteric bacteria in genetically susceptible individuals.

Hypertransaminasemia in the course of infection with SARS-CoV-2:Incidence and pathogenetic hypothesis

In patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,the respiratory symptoms,such as fever,cough and dyspnea,are the most frequent clinical manifestations.These patients may also present with less well-defined symptoms like diarrhea,nausea,vomiting and/or abdominal discomfort both at the time of diagnosis and during the clinical course.In a few cases,these symptoms may also present before the appearance of respiratory symptoms.To penetrate the body,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 uses ACE2 receptors,which are present not only in respiratory epithelium but also in gastrointestinal mucosa and liver cholangiocytes.In several cases,viral RNA is detectable in the stool of patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).The liver damage seems to show a multifactorial origin.About 2%-11%of patients with COVID-19 have known underlying hepatic pathologies.In 14%-53%of COVID-19 cases,there is an alteration of the indices of liver cytolysis and is more frequently observed in severe forms of COVID-19,especially during hospitalization.

Paradoxical relationship between proton pump inhibitors and COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The proton pump inhibitors(PPIs),used to reduce gastric acid secretion,represent one of the most widely used pharmaceutical classes in the world.Their consumption as a risk factor for the evolution of severe forms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection has been investigated as well as the mortality of these patients.These risks also appear to be linked to the duration and the dosage.On the other hand,several studies have emerged with regard to the protective or therapeutic effects of these drugs.More and more evidence underlines the immunomodulatory and anti-fibrotic role of PPIs.In addition,their ability to alkalize the contents of endosomes and lysosomes serves as an obstacle to the entry of the virus into the host cells.AIM To identify studies on the relationship between the intake of PPIs and coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection,with the main objective of evaluating the outcomes related to severity and mortality.METHODS A literature review was performed in November 2020.The MEDLINE/PubMed,Cochrane Library,EMBASE and Google Scholar databases were searched for all relevant articles published in English on this topic.The search terms were identified by means of controlled vocabularies,such as the National Library of Medicine’s MESH(Medical Subject Headings)and keywords.The MESH terms and keywords used were as follows:“COVID-19”,“proton pump inhibitors”,“PPIs”,“SARS-CoV-2”,“outcomes”,“severity”and“mortality”.The inclusion criteria regarding the studies considered in our analysis were:meta-analysis,casecontrol,hospital-based case-control,population-based case-control,retrospective studies,online survey,as well as cohort-studies,while articles not published as full reports,such as conference abstracts,case reports and editorials were excluded.We tried to summarize and pool all the data if available.RESULTS A total of 9 studies were found that described the use of PPIs,of which only 5 clearly reported the severity and mortality data in SARS-CoV-2 patients.Our pooled incidence analysis of severe events did not differ between patients with and without PPIs(odds ratio 1.65,95%confidence interval:0.62-4.35)(P=0.314),or for mortality(odds ratio 1.77,95%confidence interval:0.62-5.03)(P=0.286).CONCLUSION Detailed and larger case studies are needed to accurately understand the role of PPIs in this viral infection.

Schwannoma of the rectum:A case report and literature review

Schwannoma is a tumor originating from the Schwann cells. Gastrointestinal schwannomas are uncommon stromal tumors of the intestinal tract and, in particular, rectal schwannomas are extremely rare. In fact, it is well established that schwannomas appear more frequently in the stomach and in the small intestine, while location in the colon or in the rectum is uncommon. Reading the literature, only few cases of rectal schwannoma have been reported. Their diagnosis is confirmed by the immunohisto chemical panel(S-100 protein). When these tumors are located in the colon and in the rectum, radical excision with wide margins is mandatory, due to their tendency to recur locally or become malignant, if left untreated. In the present study, we describe a case of a rectal schwannoma occured in a 72-year-old man, presented as a small polypoid lesion, which was successfully removed in toto by hot-biopsy, during the same endoscopy, due to the dimensons. No recurrence of the lesion was observed after 6 mo of follow-up.

Infliximab for the treatment of pouchitis

Pouchitis is not a rare complication that develops after an ileal-pouch anastomosis, performed after colectomy in patients refractory to treatment or with complicated ulcerative colitis. This condition may become chronic and unresponsive to medical therapies, including corticosteroids, antibiotics and probiotics. The advent of biological therapies(tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors) has changed the course of these complications. In particular, in these cases, infliximab(IFX) may represent a safe and effective therapy in order to avoid the subsequent operation for a permanent ileostomy. This article reviews the therapeutic effects of one of the most widely used anti-tumor necrosis factor-α molecules, IFX, for the treatment of complicated pouchitis(refractory to conventional treatment and/or fistulizing).

New device to implement the adenoma detection rate

It is well-known that colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer prevention.Although performed by experienced endoscopists,the matter remains of polyps missed during this examination.The reasons may include the size,shape and location of the lesions.Many colorectal cancer screening programs have been proposed to increase the adenoma detection rate.The substantial difference between these methods is whether the improvement in vision,particularly the detection of irregularities of the mucosa,is inside the endoscope electronic components(magnification,wideangle vision,narrow band imaging,flexible spectral imaging colour enhancement,i-Scan) or outside the same,by the use of specific caps(EndoC uff,EndoV ision,Endo Rings).Endocuff is a plastic device mounted at the end of the scope with a constant vision field of the entire colon.The aim of this study is to explore the potential clinical and technical benefits of Endocuff.

Evaluation of the risk factors for severe complications and surgery of intestinal foreign bodies in adults:a single-center experience with 180 cases

Background Foreign bodies(FBs)lodged in the intestine or causing intestinal complications are uncommon in clinical practice but may pose diagnostic difficulties and prove life-threatening.This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for severe complications and surgery to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and management of intestinal FBs.Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients in whom FBs were lodged in the intestine or caused complications from 2010 to 2020 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University(Zhejiang,China).The characteristics of the patients and FBs,symptoms,imaging findings,diagnostics,treatment strategies,and clinical outcomes were analysed.Furthermore,the risk factors for complications and surgery were investigated.Results In total,180 patients were included in our study.Most patients(76.1%)were unable to provide a history of ingestion.Bezoars were the most common FBs(35.6%).The FBs were mainly located in the duodenum(32.8%)and the ileum(27.8%).Surgical removal of FBs was successful in 89(49.4%)patients and endoscopic removal in 54(30.0%)patients.Eleven with perforations were treated conservatively.FBs located in the jejunum or ileum were more likely to cause severe complications than those located in the duodenum.FBs located in the jejunum,ileum,or sigmoid colon were more likely to undergo surgery,and severe complications were an independent risk factor for surgery.Conclusion Intestinal FBs,often localized in angulation,are likely to be misdiagnosed because most patients do not provide a history of FB ingestion.Surgery and endoscopic therapy are the most commonly used treatment modalities.Surgery is not mandatory in clinically stable patients with small and contained perforations.FBs located in the jejunum or ileum are risk factors for both complications and surgery.