Upper esophageal sphincter abnormalities on high-resolution esophageal manometry and treatment response of type Ⅱ achalasia

BACKGROUND Little is known about the clinical significance of upper esophageal sphincter(UES)motility disorders and their association with the treatment response of typeⅡachalasia.None of the three versions of the Chicago Classification of Esophageal Motility Disorders has defined UES abnormality metrics or their function.UES abnormalities exist in some patients and indicate a clinically significant problem in patients with achalasia.AIM To demonstrate the manometric differentiation on high-resolution esophageal manometry between subjects with abnormal UES and normal UES,and the association between UES type and the treatment response of typeⅡachalasia.METHODS In total,498 consecutive patients referred for high-resolution esophageal manometry were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into two groups,those with normal and abnormal UES function.UES parameters were analyzed after determining lower esophageal sphincter(LES)function.Patients with typeⅡachalasia underwent pneumatic dilation for treatment.Using mixed model analyses,correlations between abnormal UES and treatment response were calculated among subjects with typeⅡachalasia.RESULTS Of the 498 consecutive patients,246(49.40%)were found to have UES abnormalities.Impaired relaxation alone was the most common UES abnormality(52.85%,n=130).The incidence rate of typeⅡachalasia was significantly higher in subjects with abnormal UES than those with normal UES(9.77%vs 2.58%,P=0.01).After pneumatic dilation,LES resting pressure,LES integrated relaxation pressure,and UES residual pressure were significantly decreased(41.91±9.20 vs 26.18±13.08,38.94±10.28 vs 16.71±5.65,and 11.18±7.93 vs 5.35±4.77,respectively,P<0.05).According to the Eckardt score,subjects with typeⅡachalasia and abnormal UES presented a significantly poorer treatment response than those with normal UES(83.33%vs 0.00%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Impaired relaxation alone is the most common UES abnormality.The incidence of typeⅡachalasia is associated with abnormal UES.TypeⅡachalasia with abnormal UES has a poorer treatment response,which is a potentially prognostic indicator of treatment for this disease.

Upper esophageal sphincter abnormalities are strongly predictive of treatment response in patients with achalasia

AIM: To investigate the relationship between upper esophageal sphincter abnormalities achalasia treatment METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 41 consecutive patients referred for high resolution esophageal manometry with a final manometric diagnosis of achalasia. Patients were sub-divided by presence or absence of Upper esophageal sphincter(UES) abnormality, and clinical and manometric profiles were compared.Correlation between UES abnormality and sub-type(i.e.,hypertensive, hypotensive or impaired relaxation) and a number of variables, including qualitative treatment response, achalasia sub-type, co-morbid medical illness,psychiatric illness, surgical history, dominant presentingsymptom, treatment type, age and gender were also evaluated.RESULTS: Among all 41 patients, 24(58.54%) had a UES abnormality present. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender or any other clinical or demographic profiles. Among those with UES abnormalities, the majority were either hypertensive(41.67%) or had impaired relaxation(37.5%) as compared to hypotensive(20.83%), although this did not reach statistical significance(P = 0.42). There was no specific association between treatment response and treatment type received; however, there was a significant association between UES abnormalities and treatment response. In patients with achalasia and concomitant UES abnormalities, 87.5% had poor treatment response, while only 12.5% had favorable response. In contrast, in patients with achalasia and no UES abnormalities, the majority(78.57%) had good treatment response, as compared to 21.43% with poor treatment response(P = 0.0001). After controlling for achalasia sub-type, those with UES abnormality had 26 times greater odds of poor treatment response than those with no UES abnormality(P = 0.009). Similarly, after controlling for treatment type, those with UES abnormality had 13.9 times greater odds of poor treatment response compared to those with no UES abnormality(P = 0.017).CONCLUSION: The presence of UES abnormalities in patients with achalasia significantly predicted poorer treatment response as compared to those with normal UES function.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Bangladeshi children:Analysis of 100 cases

BACKGROUND Upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB)is defined as bleeding that occurs proximal to the ligament of Treitz and can sometimes lead to potentially serious and life-threatening clinical situations in children.Globally,the cause of UGIB differs significantly depending on the geographic location,patient population and presence of comorbid conditions.AIM To observe endoscopic findings of UGIB in children at a tertiary care center of Bangladesh.METHODS This retrospective study was carried out in the department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition of Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University,a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh,between January 2017 and January 2019.Data collected from hospital records of 100 children who were 16 years of age or younger,came with hematemesis,melena or both hematemesis and melena.All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy(Olympus CV 1000 upper gastrointestinal video endoscope)after initial stabilization.Necessary investigations to diagnose portal hypertension and chronic liver disease with underlying causes for management purposes were also done.RESULTS A total of 100 patients were studied.UGIB was common in the age group 5-10 years(42%),followed by above 10 years(37%).Hematemesis was the most common presenting symptom(75%)followed by both hematemesis and melena(25%).UGIB from ruptured esophageal varices was the most common cause(65%)on UGI endoscopy followed by gastric erosion(5%)and prolapsed gastropathy(2%).We observed that 23%of children were normal after endoscopic examination.CONCLUSION Ruptured esophageal varices were the most common cause of UGIB in children in Bangladesh.Other causes included gastric erosions and prolapsed gastropathy syndrome.

Factors influencing lower esophageal sphincter relaxation after deglutition

AIM:To study the relationship between upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation,peristaltic pressure and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation following deglutition in non-dysphagic subjects.METHODS:Ten non-dysphagic adult subjects had a high-resolution manometry probe passed transnasally and positioned to cover the UES,the esophageal body and the LES.Ten water swallows in each subject were analyzed for time lag between UES relaxation and LES relaxation,LES pressure at time of UES relaxation,duration of LES relaxation,the distance between the transition level (TL) and the LES,time in seconds that the peristaltic wave was before (negative value) or after the TL when the LES became relaxed,and the maximal peristaltic pressure in the body of the esophagus.RESULTS:Relaxation of the LES occurred on average 3.5 s after the bolus had passed the UES and in most cases when the peristaltic wave front had reached the TL.The LES remained relaxed until the peristaltic wave faded away above the LES.CONCLUSION:LES relaxation seemed to be caused by the peristaltic wave pushing the bolus from behind against the LES gate.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by esophageal right bronchial artery fistula:A case report

BACKGROUND Fistula between the esophagus and bronchial artery is an extremely rare and potentially life-threatening cause of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Here,we report a case of fistula formation between the esophagus and a nonaneurysmal right bronchial artery(RBA).CASE SUMMARY An 80-year-old woman with previous left pneumonectomy and recent placement of an uncovered self-expandable metallic stent for esophageal adenocarcinoma was admitted due to hematemesis.Emergent computed tomography showed indirect signs of fistulization between the esophagus and a nonaneurysmal RBA,in the absence of active bleeding.Endoscopy revealed the esophageal stent correctly placed and a moderate amount of red blood within the stomach,in the absence of active bleeding or tumor ingrowth/overgrowth.After prompt multidisciplinary evaluation,a step-up approach was planned.The bleeding was successfully controlled by esophageal restenting followed by RBA embolization.No signs of rebleeding were observed and the patient was discharged home with stable hemoglobin level on postoperative day 7.CONCLUSION This was a previously unreported case of an esophageal RBA fistula successfully managed by esophageal restenting followed by RBA embolization.

Effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture at PC6 on frequency of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in cats

AIM: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at neiguan (PC6) on gastric distention-induced transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) and discuss the mechanisms of this treatment. METHODS: ProtocolⅠ: Twelve healthy cats underwent gastric distention for 60 min on the first day. Electrical acupoint stimulation was applied at the neiguan or a sham point on the hip in randomized order before gastric distention, on the third day and fifth day. Those cats that underwent EA at neiguan on the fifth day were named "Neiguan Group" and the cats that underwent EA at a sham acupoint on the fifth day were named "Sham Group" (control group). During the experiment the frequency of TLESRs and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure were observed by a perfused sleeve assembly. Plasma levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were determined by radioimmunoassay. Nitrite/nitrate concentration in plasma and tissues were measured by Griess reagent. The nuclei in the brain stem were observed by immunohistochemistry method of c-Fos and NADPH-d dyeing. Protocol Ⅱ: Thirty six healthy cats were divided into 6 groups randomly. We gave saline (2 mL iv. control group), phaclofen (5 mg/kg iv. GABA-B antagonist), cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) (1 μg/kg per hour iv.), L-Arginine (200 mg/kg iv.), naloxone (2.5 μmol/kg iv.) and tacrine (5.6 mg/kg ip. cholinesterase inhibitor) respectively before EA at Neiguan and gastric distention. And the frequencies of TLESRs in experimental groups were compared with the control group.RESULTS: ProtocolⅠ: Not only the frequency of gastric distention-induced TLESR in 60 min but also the rate of common cavity during TLESRs were significantlydecreased by EA at neiguan compared to that of sham acupoint stimulation. C-Fos immunoreactivity and NOS reactivity in the solitarius (NTS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) were significantly decreased by EA at neiguan compared to that of the sham group. However, the positive nuclei of C-Fos and NOS in reticular formation of the medulla (RFM) were increased by EA at neiguan. Protocol Ⅱ: The inhibited effect of EA at neiguan on TLESR’s frequency was completely restored by pretreatment with CCK (23.5/h vs 4.5/h, P < 0.05), L-arginine (17.5/h vs 4.5/h, P < 0.05) and naloxone(12/h vs 4.5/h, P < 0.05). On the contrary, phaclofen (6/h vs 4.5/h, P > 0.05) and tacrine (9.5/h vs 4.5/h, P > 0.05) did not influence it. CONCLUSION: Electric acupoint stimulation at Neiguan significantly inhibits the frequency of TLESR and the rate of common cavity during TLESR in cats. This effect appears to act on the brain stem, and may be mediated through nitric oxide (NO), CCK-A receptor and mu-opioid receptors. But the GABAB receptor and acetylcholine may not be involved in it.

Colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis after ultralow anterior resection with upper sphincter excision for low-lying rectal cancer

AIM:There is some evidence of functional superiority of colonic J-pouch over straight coloanal anastomosis (CM) in ultralow anterior resection (ULAR) or intersphincteric resection. On the assumption that colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis is superior to straight CM in ULAR with upper sphincter excision (USE: excision of the upper part of the internal sphincter) for low-lying rectal cancer, we compare functional outcome of colonic J-pouch vsthe straight CM. METHODS: Fifty patients of one hundred and thirty-three rectal cancer patients in whom lower margin of the tumors were located between 3 and 5 cm from the anal verge received ULAR including USE from September 1998 to January 2002. Patients were randomized for reconstruction using either a straight (n = 26) or a colonic J-pouch anastomosis (n = 24) with a temporary diverting-loop ileostomy. All patients were followed-up prospectively by a standardized questionnaire [Fecal Inco-ntinence Severity Index (FISI) scores and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) scales]. RESULTS: We found that, compared to straight anastomosis patients, the frequency of defecation was significantly lower in J-pouch anastomosis patients for 10 mo after ileostomy takedown. The FISI scores and FIQL scales were significantly better in J-pouch patients than in straight patients at both 3 and 12 mo after ileostomy takedown. Furthermore, we found that FISI scores highly correlated with FIQL scales. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis decreases the severity of fecal incontinence and improves the quality of life for 10 mo after ileostomy takedown in patients undergoing ULAR with USE for low-lying rectal cancer.

Neuro-regulation of lower esophageal sphincter function as treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease

The junction between the esophagus and the stomach is a specialized region, composed of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and its adjacent anatomical structures, the gastric sling and crural diaphragm. Together these structures work in a coordinated manner to allow ingested food into the stomach while preventing reflux of gastric contents across the esophago-gastric junction (EGJ) into the esophagus. The same zone also permits retrograde passage of air and gastric contents into esophagus during belching and vomiting. The precise coordination required to execute such a complicated task is achieved by a finely-regulated high-pressure zone. This zone keeps the junction between esophagus and stomach continuously closed, but is still able to relax briefly via input from inhibitory neurons that are responsible for its innervation. Alterations of the structure and function of the EGJ and the LES may predispose to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Investigation of cholecystokinin receptors in the human lower esophageal sphincter

AIM: To compare the binding of cholecystokinin (CCK)-8 to CCK receptors in sling and clasp fibers of the human lower esophageal sphincter.

In vitro effect of pantoprazole on lower esophageal sphincter tone in rats

AIM:To investigate the in vitro effects of pantoprazole on rat lower esophageal sphincter(LES)tone.METHODS:Rats weighing 250-300 g,provided by the Yeditepe University Experimental Research Center(Yü-DETAM),were used throughout the study.They were anesthetized before decapitation.LES tissues whose mucosal lining were removed were placed in a stan-dard 30-mL organ bath with a modif ied Krebs solution and continuously aerated with 95% oxygen-5% carbon dioxide gas mixture and kept at room temperature.The tissues were allowed to stabilize for 60 min.Sub-sequently,the contractile response to 10-6 mol/L carba-chol was obtained.Different concentrations of freshly prepared pantoprazole were added directly to the tis-sue bath to generate cumulative concentrations of 5×10-6 mol/L,5×10-5 mol/L,and 1.5×10-4 mol/L.Activi-ties were recorded on an online computer via a 4-channeltransducer data acquisition system using the software BSL PRO v 3.7,which also analyzed the data.RESULTS:Pantoprazole at 5×10-6 mol/L caused a small,but statistically insignif icant,relaxation in the car-bachol-contracted LES(2.23% vs 3.95%).The 5×10-5 mol/L concentration,however,caused a signif icant relax-ation of 10.47% compared with the control.1.5×10-4 mol/L concentration of pantoprazol caused a 19.89% relaxation in the carbachol contracted LES(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:This is the fi rst study to demonstrate that pantoprazole has a relaxing effect in isolated LESs.These results might have signif icant clinical implications for the subset of patients using proton pump inhibitors who do not receive full symptomatic alleviation from gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Lower esophageal sphincter relaxation is impaired in older patients with dysphagia

AIM: To characterize the effects of age on the mechanisms underlying the common condition of esophageal dysphagia in older patients, using detailed manometric analysis. METHODS: A retrospective case-control audit was performed on 19 patients aged ≥ 80 years (mean age 85 ± 0.7 year) who underwent a manometric study for dysphagia (2004-2009). Data were compared with 19 younger dysphagic patients (32 ± 1.7 years). Detailed manometric analysis performed prospectively included basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure (BLESP), pre-swallow and nadir LESP, esophageal body pressures and peristaltic duration, during water swallows (5 mL) in right lateral (RL) and upright (UR) postures and with solids. Data are mean ± SE; a P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Elderly dysphagic patients had higher BLESP than younger patients (23.4 ± 3.8 vs 14.9 ± 1.2 mmHg; P < 0.05). Pre-swallow LESP was elevated in the elderly in both postures (RL: 1 and 4 s P = 0.019 and P = 0.05; UR: P < 0.05 and P = 0.05) and solids (P < 0.01). In older patients, LES nadir pressure was higher with liquids (RL: 2.3 ± 0.6 mmHg vs 0.7 ± 0.6 mmHg, P < 0.05; UR: 3.5 ± 0.9 mmHg vs 1.6 ± 0.5 mmHg, P = 0.01) with shorter relaxation after solids (7.9 ± 1.5 s vs 9.7 ± 0.4 s, P = 0.05). No age-related differences were seen in esophageal body pressures or peristalsis duration. CONCLUSION: Basal LES pressure is elevated and swallow-induced relaxation impaired in elderly dysphagic patients. Its contribution to dysphagia and the effects of healthy ageing require further investigation.

Effect of electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients refractory to proton pump inhibitors

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of lower esophageal sphincter(LES)-electrical stimulation therapy(EST) in a subgroup of patients that reported only partial response to proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) therapy, compared to a group of patient with complete response.METHODS: Bipolar stitch electrodes were laparoscopically placed in the LES and connected to an implantable pulse generator(EndoS tim BV, the Hague, the Netherlands), placed subcutaneously in the anterior abdominal wall. Stimulation at 20 Hz, 215 μsec, 3-8 m Amp in 30 min sessions was delivered starting on day 1 post-implant. Patients were evaluated using gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)-HRQL, symptom diaries; esophageal p H and esophageal manometry before and up to 24 mo after therapy and results were compared between partial and complete responders.RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with GERD on LESEST were enrolled and received continuous per-protocol stimulation through 12 mo and 21 patients completed 24 mo of therapy. Of the 23 patients, 16(8 male, mean age 52.1 ± 12 years) had incomplete response to PPIs prior to LES-EST, while 7 patients(5 male, mean age 52.7 ± 4.7) had complete response to PPIs. In the sub-group with incomplete response to PPIs, median(IQR) composite GERD-HRQL score improved significantly from 9.5(9.0-10.0) at baseline on-PPI and 24.0(20.8-26.3) at baseline off-PPI to 2.5(0.0-4.0) at 12-mo and 0.0(0.0-2.5) at 24-mo follow-up(P < 0.05 compared to on-and off-PPI at baseline). Median(IQR) % 24-h esophageal pH < 4.0 at baseline in this sub-group improved significantly from 9.8%(7.8-11.5) at baseline to 3.0%(1.9-6.3) at 12 mo(P < 0.001) and 4.6%(2.0-5.8) at 24 mo follow-up(P < 0.01). At their 24-mo follow-up, 9/11 patients in this sub-group were completely free of PPI use. These results were comparable to the sub-group that reported complete response to PPI therapy at baseline. No unanticipated implantation or stimulation-related adverse events, or any untoward sensation due to stimulation were reported in either group and LES-EST was safely tolerated by both groups. CONCLUSION: LES-EST is safe and effective in controlling symptoms and esophageal acid exposure in GERD patients with incomplete response to PPIs. These results were comparable to those observed PPI responders.

Nitric oxide activation of a potassium channel (BK_(Ca)) in feline lower esophageal sphincter

AIM:To assess the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the large conductance potassium channel (BKCa) in isolated circular (CM) and sling (SM) muscle cells and muscle strips from the cat lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to determine its regulation of resting tone and relaxation.METHODS:Freshly enzymatically-digested and isolated circular smooth muscle cells were prepared from each LES region.To study outward K + currents,the perforated patch clamp technique was employed.To assess LES resting tone and relaxation,muscle strips were mounted in perfused organ baths.RESULTS:(1) Electrophysiological recordings from isolated cells:(a) CM was more depolarized than SM (-39.7 ± 0.8mV vs-48.1 ± 1.6 mV,P < 0.001),and maximal outward current was similar (27.1 ± 1.5 pA/pF vs 25.7 ± 2.0 pA/pF,P > 0.05);(b) The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased outward currents only in CM (25.9 ± 1.9 to 46.7 ± 4.2 pA/pF,P < 0.001) but not SM (23.2 ± 3.1 to 27.0 ± 3.4 pA/pF,P > 0.05);(c) SNP added in the presence of the BK Ca antagonist iberiotoxin (IbTX) produced no increase in the outward current in CM (17.0 ± 2.8 vs 13.7 ± 2.2,P > 0.05);and (d) L-NNA caused a small insignificant inhibition of outward K + currents in both muscles;and (2) Muscle strip studies:(a) Blockade of the nerves with tetrodotoxin (TTX),or BK Ca with IbTX had no significant effect on resting tone of either muscle;and (b) SNP reduced tone in both muscles,and was unaffected by the presence of TTX or IbTX.CONCLUSION:Exogenous NO activates BK Ca only in CM of the cat.However,as opposed to other species,exogenous NO-induced relaxation is predominantly by a non-BK Ca mechanism,and endogenous NO has minimal effect on resting tone.

Effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine Receptor in the Lower Esophageal Sphincter Regulation Mechanism

As a neurotransmitter and avascular active substance,the 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT,serotonin)is widely distributed in the central nervous system and surrounding tissues.The 5-HT can play its role by acting on its corresponding 5-HT receptor.Nowadays,the 5-HT receptor can be classified into seven,according to different signal transduction method of receptors,the 5-HT3 receptor belongs to the ligandgated ion channels,while other six 5-HT receptors are involved into the G protein-coupled receptors and play the biological role by binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs)on the surface of the cell membrane.The 5-HT plays an important role in the brain-gut information transmission and studies showed that the physiological stimulations like having meals,and pathological stimulations like ischemia and stress could promote the release of the 5-HT.In the gastrointestinal tract,the 5-HT is closely related to gastrointestinal sensitivity,gastrointestinal movement and secretion regulation,as well as many gastrointestinal dysfunction disorders,such as gastrointestinal power and visceral sensitivity abnormality and abnormalities of brain-gut axis.

Effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine Receptor on the Reaction of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter Under the Electrical Field Stimulation

In the first and second parts of this study,5-hydroxytryptamine(5HT)receptors,including 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 with the highest expression level,were found in clasp and sling fibres of the lower esophageal sphincter(LES).Specific 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptor agonists can induce the contraction effect of clasp and sling fibres of the LES while specific 5-HT7 receptor agonists showed no effects.In the study of this part,the in-vitro muscle tension measurement technology and EFS methods were used to detect the effect of the selective 5-HT receptor antagonist on the clasp and sling fibres of the in-vitro LES under the electrical field stimulation(EFS),and further to ensure the effect of 5-HT receptor in the LES neuroregulatory pathway,and deeply explore the effect of 5-HT receptor in the systolic and diastolic function regulation of the LES.

Multiple primary malignant tumors of upper gastrointestinal tract:A novel role of ^(18)F-FDG PET/CT

AIM: To evaluate the capacity of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) for detecting multiple primary cancer of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract. METHODS: Fifteen patients (12 without cancer histories and 3 with histories of upper GI tract cancer) were investigated due to the suspicion of primary cancer of UGI tract on X-ray barium meal and CT scan. Subsequent whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT scan was carried out for initial staging or restaging. All the patients were fi nally confi rmed by endoscopic biopsy or surgery. The detection rate of multiple primary malignant cancers was calculated based on 18F-FDG PET/CT and endoscopic examinations.RESULTS: 18F-FDG PET/CT scan was positive in 32 suspicious lesions, 30/32 were true positive primary lesions, and 2/32 were false positive. In 15 suspicious lesions with negative 18F-FDG PET/CT scan, 12/15 were true negative and 3/15 were false negative. Among the 15 patients, 12 patients had 29 primary synchronous tumors confirmed by pathology, including 8 cases of esophageal cancers accompanied with gastric cancer and 4 of hypopharynx cancers with esophageal cancer. The other 3 patients had 4 new primary metachronous tumors, which were multiple primary esophageal cancers. PET/CT imaging detected local lymph node metastases in 11 patients. Both local lymph node metastases and distant metastases were detected in 4 patients. On a per-primary lesion basis, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of 18F-FDG PET/CT for detecting multiple primary cancer of UGI tract were 90.9%, 85.7%, 89.4%, 80% and 93.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT may play an important role in evaluating the multiple primary malignant tumors of UGI tract cancer.

Rare case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in achalasia

Achalasia is a prototypic esophageal motility disorder with complications including aspiration-pneumonia, esophagitis, esophageal-tracheal fistula, spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, and squamous cell carcinoma. However, achalasia is rarely associated with esophageal stones and ulcer formation that lead to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Here, we report the case of a 61-year-old woman who was admitted to our department aftervomiting blood for six hours. Physical examination revealed that the patient had severe anemia and mild palpitation in the upper abdomen. CT revealed lower esophageal dilatation and esophageal wall thickening, and an emergency upper endoscopy showed that the esophagus was substantially expanded by a dark round stone, with multiple ulcers on the esophageal wall and a slit in the cardiac mucosa with a large clot attached. The patient's history included ingestion of 1 kg hawthorn three days prior. The acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding was caused by Mallory-Weiss syndrome associated with achalasia and an esophageal stone. For patients with achalasia, preventing excessive ingestion of tannins is crucial to avoid complications such as bleeding and rupture.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A stitch on time saves nine

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is common and often needs timely intervention for optimal outcomes.Esophageal bleeding may occur due to local advancement of malignancy or bleeding from an arterio-oesophageal fistula.We discuss the management options available for such cases.

Etiology of Upper GI Bleeding on Endoscopy

Background: Several circumstances and conditions lead to UGIB. The commonest among them peptic ulcer to an approximation of 50% in cases. The second major cause may be esoghageal varices and third is mallory-weis tears. There are also other causes, which may include erosins, tumors and other malformations like arteriovenous. Methods: This was an observational retrospective study of all patients referred to endoscopy. The study exclusion criteria include all patients who had repeat endoscopies within one month of the previous endoscopy whereas all the patients with UGIB were included in this study. Results: We retrieved data of total 150 patients who had experienced upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during the selected time period covered in the study, March 2015 to February 2016. The mean age of the patients was 43.3 ± 13.80. 80 (53.3%) of the patients were male and 70 (46.7%) were females. Exploring more into UGIB causes the majority of patients were with esophageal varices 68 (45.3%) with male to female share was 2:1. The second most cause was esophagitis (n = 22, (14.67%)), the distribution of the cause was similar in male to female. Conclusion: We may conclude from our findings that the most common cause of UGIB is esophageal varices in our population.

Validity of Upper Gastro-Intestinal Endoscopic Screening in HCV Cirrhotic Patients Awaiting Antiviral Therapy

Background and Aim: The Egyptian Ministry of Health initiated a nationwide HCV treatment program with the newly developed oral antiviral therapies and formulated national guidelines for treatment allocation which gave favor for patients with advanced fibrosis and early cirrhosis. One of the recommendations for treatment was upper Gastro-intestinal (GIT) endoscopy. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of varices among those patients and judging the validity of this national recommendation. Methods: This study was carried out at gastrointestinal endoscopy units, Zagazig University Hospitals through the year 2014. The epidemiologic, clinical features and endoscopic findings of patients undergoing preparation for HCV therapy were analyzed. Endoscopic classifications of esophageal and gastric varices were carried out after the Italian liver cirrhosis project and Sarin’s classification respectively. Results: Totally 1143 patients performed upper GIT endoscopy as preparation for HCV treatment. This comprised 22% of all patients undergoing upper GIT endoscopy over that year. There was a fourfold rise in percentage of patients undergoing endoscopy for sofosbuvir-based therapy in this year (22%) when compared to assessment for Interferon/Ribavirin combination therapy (5%) in the previous year. A total of 361 patients had no esophageal or gastric varices. Small sized (grade I), medium sized (grade II) and large sized (grade III) varices were reported in 301, 188 and 293 patients respectively. Thirty patients (2.6%) had gastric varices. The prevalence of varices was higher in Child B in comparison to Child A (statistically not significant, p = 0.243). Conclusion: Screening endoscopy for early cirrhotic patients awaiting oral anti-HCV therapy is valid.