Double layered self-expanding metal stents for malignant esophageal obstruction, especially across the gastroesophageal junction

AIM: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of double-layered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for treatment of malignant esophageal obstruction according to whether SEMS crosses the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). METHODS: Forty eight patients who underwent the SEMS insertion for malignant esophageal obstruction were enrolled. Patients were classified as GEJ group (SEMS across GEJ, 18 patients) and non-GEJ group (SEMS above GEJ, 30 patients) according to SEMS position. Double layered (outer uncovered and inner covered stent) esophageal stents were placed. RESULTS: The SEMS insertion and the clinical improvement were achieved in all patients in both groups. Stent malfunction occurred in seven patients in the GEJ group and nine patients in the non-GEJ group. Tumor overgrowth occurred in five and eight patients, respectively, food impaction occurred in one patient in each group, and stent migration occurred in one and no patient, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Reflux esophagitis occurred more frequently in the GEJ group (eight vs five patients, P = 0.036) and was controlled by proton pump inhibitor. Aspiration pneumonia occurred in zero and five patients, respectively, and tracheoesophageal fistula occurred in zero and two patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Double-layered SEMS are a feasible and effective treatment when placed across the GEJ for malignant esophageal obstruction. Double-layered SEMS provide acceptable complications, especially migration, although reflux esophagitis is more common in the GEJ group.

Chorioretinal response to intravitreal aflibercept injection in acute central serous chorioretinopathy

AIM: To evaluate chorioretinal responses to intravitreal aflibercept injection(IAI) in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC). METHODS: Seventy-one eyes from 71 patients with symptomatic CSC for less than six months were included. Thirty-five eyes received a single IAI and 36 eyes were observed without treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central subfield foveal thickness(CSFT), and subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT) were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 mo. RESULTS: The mean SFCT in the IAI group decreased at 1 mo, rebounded at 2 mo and remained stable at 3 mo compared to the baseline, while significant change was not noted in the observation group. The mean CSFT decreased significantly during the 3-month study period in both groups, and was significantly lower in the IAI group at 1 mo(P<0.001). A rebound of CSFT between 1 and 2 mo was noted in 14 eyes(40.0%) in the IAI group and in 1 eye(2.8%) in the observation group(P<0.001). The significant visual improvement was achieved from 1 mo in the IAI group, and from 2 mo in the observation group. The rate of complete absorption of subretinal fluid at 3 mo did not differ between the two groups.(45.7% vs 41.7%, P=0.813). CONCLUSION: A single IAI for acute CSC induce a transient decrease in SFCT and CSFT, which implies that IAI may have a pharmacological effect on the underlying hyperpermeable choroid in acute CSC.