Drug-induced mucosal alterations observed during esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Several features of drug-induced mucosal alterations have been observed in the upper gastrointestinal tract,i.e.,the esophagus,stomach,and duodenum.These include pill-induced esophagitis,desquamative esophagitis,worsening of gastroesophageal reflux,chemotherapy-induced esophagitis,proton pump inhibitor-induced gastric mucosal changes,medication-induced gastric erosions and ulcers,pseudomelanosis of the stomach,olmesartan-related gastric mucosal inflammation,lanthanum deposition in the stomach,zinc acetate hydrate tabletinduced gastric ulcer,immune-related adverse event gastritis,olmesartan-associated sprue-like enteropathy,pseudomelanosis of the duodenum,and lanthanum deposition in the duodenum.For endoscopists,acquiring accurate knowledge regarding these diverse drug-induced mucosal alterations is crucial not only for the correct diagnosis of these lesions but also for differential diag-nosis of other conditions.This minireview aims to provide essential information on druginduced mucosal alterations observed on esophagogastroduodenoscopy,along with representative endoscopic images.

Clinical features of gastroesophageal reflux disease and erosive esophagitis:Insights from patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy in resource-limited Ethiopia

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a common disease worldwide with varying clinical presentations and risk factors.Prevalence data for Africa is lacking,but an increasing trend is expected due to demographic and epidemiological transitions.Although endoscopic studies for general gastrointestinal disorders have shown some patients with erosive esophagitis(EE),no studies in Ethiopia have investigated the clinical characteristics,risk factors,and severity of GERD using esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD).AIM To assess the clinical features of GERD in Ethiopian patients who underwent EGD and determine the severity and risk factors of EE.METHODS We conducted a multicenter,retrospective cross-sectional study of 221 patients diagnosed with GERD and endoscopic findings of EE at Trauma Associated Severe Hemorrhage and Amniotic Membrane Stem Cell between January 2019 and August 2022.Data were collected from electronic medical records and phone call interviews.We used descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis with SPSS version 26 to identify the association between variables with a statistical significance set at P value<0.05.RESULTS The mean±SD age of the patients was 44.8(±15.9)years,with a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1.The most commonly reported symptom was epigastric pain(80.5%),followed by heartburn(43%).Los Angeles(LA)-A EE was diagnosed in 71.1%of patients,followed by LA-B(14.9%),LA-C(7.7%),and LA-D(5.9%).Multivariate analysis showed that age 50 or above,presence of bleeding,and endoscopic findings of duodenitis/duodenopathy were significantly associated with severe EE(P<0.05).Stricture and Barrett’s esophagus were observed in 4.5%and 1.36%of patients with EE,respectively.CONCLUSION Most of the patients had milder EE with fewer complications.However,severe EE was more prevalent in older patients and those with duodenitis/duodenopathy.

Review of oral and pharyngolaryngeal benign lesions detected during esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Recent advancements in endoscopy equipment have facilitated endoscopists’detection of neoplasms in the oral cavity and pharyngolaryngeal regions.In particular,image-enhanced endoscopy using narrow band imaging or blue laser imaging play an integral role in the endoscopic diagnosis of oral and pharyngolaryngeal cancers.Despite these advancements,limited studies have focused on benign lesions that can be observed during esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the oral and pharyngolaryngeal regions.Therefore,this mini-review aimed to provide essential information on such benign lesions,along with representative endoscopic images of dental caries,cleft palate,palatal torus,bifid uvula,compression by cervical osteophytes,tonsil hyperplasia,black hairy tongue,oral candidiasis,oral and pharyngolaryngeal ulcers,pharyngeal melanosis,oral tattoos associated with dental alloys,retention cysts,papilloma,radiation-induced changes,skin flaps,vocal cord paresis,and vocal fold leukoplakia.Whilst it is imperative to seek consultation from otolaryngologists or dentists in instances where the diagnosis cannot be definitively ascertained by endoscopists,the merits of attaining foundational expertise pertaining to oral and pharyngolaryngeal lesions are unequivocal.This article will be a valuable resource for endoscopists seeking to enhance their understanding of oral and pharyngolaryngeal lesions.

Two case reports of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding from duodenal ulcers after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: Endoscopic diagnosis and therapy by single balloon or push enteroscopy after missed diagnosis by standard esophagogastroduodenoscopy

The diagnosis and opportunity for endoscopic therapy of gastric or duodenal lesions may be missed at esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) because of technical difficulty in intubating at EGD the postoperatively excluded stomach and proximal duodenum in patients status post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(RYGB). Two cases are reported of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding 10 or 11 years status postRYGB, performed for morbid obesity, in which the EGD was non-diagnostic due to failure to intubate the excluded stomach and proximal duodenum, whereas subsequent push enteroscopy or single balloon enteroscopy were diagnostic and revealed 4-cm-wide or 5-mm-wide bulbar ulcers and even permitted application of endoscopic therapy. These case reports suggest consideration of push enteroscopy, or single balloon enteroscopy, where available, in the endoscopic evaluation of acute UGI bleeding in patients status post RYGB surgery when the EGD was non-diagnostic because of failure to intubate these excluded segments.

Usefulness of applying lidocaine in esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed under sedation with propofol

AIM:To determine whether topical lidocaine benefits esophagogastroduoduenoscopy(EGD) by decreasing propofol dose necessary for sedation or procedurerelated complications.METHODS:The study was designed as a prospective,single centre,double blind,randomised clinical trial and was conducted in 2012 between January and May(NCT01489891).Consecutive patients undergoing EGD were randomly assigned to receive supplemental topical lidocaine(L;50 mg in an excipient solution which was applied as a spray to the oropharynx) or placebo(P;taste excipients solution without active substance,similarly delivered) prior to the standard propofol sedation procedure.The propofol was administered as a bolus intravenous(iv) dose,with patients in the L and P groups receiving initial doses based on the patient’s American Society of Anaesthesiologists(ASA) classification(ASAⅠ-Ⅱ:0.50-0.60 mg/kg;ASA Ⅲ-Ⅳ:0.25-0.35 mg/kg),followed by 10-20 mg iv dose every 30-60 s at the anaesthetist’s discretion.Vital signs,anthropometric measurements,amount of propofol administered,sedation level reached,examination time,and the subjective assessments of the endoscopist’s and anaesthetist’s satisfaction(based upon a four point Likert scale) were recorded.All statistical tests were performed by the Stata statistical software suite(Release 11,2009;StataCorp,LP,College Station,TX,United States).RESULTS:No significant differences were found between the groups treated with lidocaine or placebo in terms of total propofol dose(310.7 ± 139.2 mg/kg per minute vs 280.1 ± 87.7 mg/kg per minute,P = 0.15) or intraprocedural propofol dose(135.3 ± 151.7 mg/kg per minute vs 122.7 ± 96.5 mg/kg per minute,P = 0.58).Only when the L and P groups were analysed with the particular subgroups of female,【 65-year-old,and lower anaesthetic risk level(ASA Ⅰ-Ⅱ) was a statistically significant difference found(L:336.5 ± 141.2 mg/kg per minute vs P:284.6 ± 91.2 mg/kg per minute,P = 0.03) for greater total propofol requirements).The total incidence of complications was also similar between the two groups,with the L group showing a complication rate of 32.2%(95%CI:21.6-45.0) and the P group showing a complication rate of 26.7%(95%CI:17.0-39.0).In addition,the use of lidocaine had no effect on the anaesthetist’s or endoscopist’s satisfaction with the procedure.Thus,the endoscopist’s satisfaction Likert assessments were equally distributed among the L and P groups:unsatisfactory,[L:6.8%(95%CI:2.2-15.5) vs P:0%(95%CI:0-4.8);neutral,L:10.1%(95%CI:4.2-19.9) vs P:15%(95%CI:7.6-25.7)];satisfactory,[L:25.4%(95%CI:10-29.6) vs P:18.3%(95%CI:15.5-37.6);and very satisfactory,L:57.6%(95%CI:54-77.7) vs P:66.6%(95%CI:44.8-69.7)].Likewise,the anaesthetist’s satisfaction Likert assessments regarding the ease of maintaining a patient at an optimum sedation level without agitation or modification of the projected sedation protocol were not affected by the application of lidocaine,as evidenced by the lack of significant differences between the scores for the placebo group:unsatisfactory,L:5.8%(95%CI:1.3-13.2) vs P:0%(95%CI:0-4.8);neutral,L:16.9%(95%CI:8.9-28.4) vs P:16.7%(95%CI:8.8-27.7);satisfactory,L:15.2%(95%CI:7.7-26.1) vs P:20.3%(95%CI:11.3-31.6);and very satisfactory,L:62.7%(95%CI:49.9-74.3) vs P:63.3%(95%CI:50.6-74.7).CONCLUSION:Topical pharyngeal anaesthesia is safe in EGD but does not reduce the necessary dose of propofol or improve the anaesthetist’s or endoscopist’s satisfaction with the procedure.

Effectiveness of outpatient percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy replacement using esophagogastroduodenoscopy and propofol sedation

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of outpatient percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) replacement using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and propofol sedation. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the outcome and complications of consecutive patients referred for PEG replacement which was performed using EGD under propofol sedation in the outpatient setting. The success rate, the mean dose of propofol, procedure time, EGD findings, discharge time from endoscopy unit, respiratory depression, and complications within 72 h of the procedure were evaluated. In a subset of these patients, the blood concentrations of propofol were measured. RESULTS: All 221 patients underwent successful PEG replacement. The mean dose of propofol was 34 mg (range, 20-60 mg) with a mean procedure time of 5.9 min (range, 3-8 min). Reflux esophagitis (12 patients), gastric ulcer (5), gastric neoplasm (2), and duodenal ulcer (1) were newly diagnosed at replacement. Discharge from endoscopy unit was possible in 100% of patients 45 min after the procedure. Only 3.6% (8) required transient supplemental oxygen. No complications occurred within 72 h of the procedure. During EGD the level of sedation and propofol blood concentrations after administration of propofol (30 mg) in these PEG patients corresponded to those of propofol (60 mg) in middle aged subjects (control). CONCLUSION: PEG replacement using EGD and propofol sedationin the outpatient setting was safe and practical.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with conscious sedation does not interfere with catheter-based 24-h pH monitoring

AIM:To investigate the impact of esophagogastroduodenoscopy with conscious sedation on the subsequent 24-h catheter-based pH monitoring.METHODS:Fifty patients with extra-esophageal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease undergoing ambulatory dual-probe 24-h pH monitoring were enrolled from March 2010 to August 2011.All of the data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.Thirty-six patients(72%,group A) underwent pH monitoring shortly after esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) with conscious sedation,and 14 patients(28%,group B) underwent pH monitoring without conscious sedation.The 24-h pH data from two time periods were analyzed:the first 4 h(Period Ⅰ) and the remaining time of the study(Period Ⅱ).RESULTS:The mean age of the patients was 49.6 ± 12.5 years;20 patients(40%) were men.The baseline data,including age,sex,body mass index,reflux esophagitis,the Reflux Symptom Index,and the Reflux Findings Score,were comparable between the two groups.The percentage of total time with a pH < 4 and the frequency of acid reflux during Period Ⅰ were not significantly different between the two groups,as measured using both pharyngeal(0.03% ± 0.10% vs 0.07% ± 0.16%,P = 0.32;and 0.07 ± 0.23 episodes/h vs 0.18 ± 0.47 episodes/h,P = 0.33,respectively) and esophageal probes(0.96% ± 1.89% vs 0.42% ± 0.81%,P = 0.59;and 0.74 ± 1.51 episodes/h vs 0.63 ± 0.97 episodes/h,P = 0.49,respectively).The percentage of total time with a pH < 4 and the frequency of acid reflux were also not significantly different between Periods I and Ⅱ in group A patients,as measured using both pharyngeal(0.03% ± 0.10% vs 0.23% ± 0.85%,P = 0.21;and 0.07 ± 0.23 episodes/h vs 0.29 ± 0.98 episodes/h,P = 0.22,respectively) and esophageal probes(0.96% ± 1.89% vs 1.11% ± 2.57%,P = 0.55;and 0.74 ± 1.51 episodes/h vs 0.81 ± 1.76 episodes/h,P = 0.55,respectively).CONCLUSION:EGD with conscious sedation does not interfere with the results of subsequent 24-h pH monitoring in patients with extra-esophageal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Ultrathin endoscope flexibility can predict discomfort associated with unsedated transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy

AIM: To evaluate the effects of choice of insertion route and ultrathin endoscope types. METHODS: This prospective study (January-June 2012) included 882 consecutive patients who underwent annual health checkups. Transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed in 503 patients and transoral EGD in 235 patients using six types of ultrathin endoscopes. Patients were given a choice of insertion route, either transoral or transnasal, prior to EGD examination. For transoral insertion, the endo-scope was equipped with a thin-type mouthpiece and tongue depressor. Conscious sedation was not used for any patient. EGD-associated discomfort was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS; no discomfort 0maximum discomfort 10). RESULTS: Rates of preference for transnasal insertion were significantly higher in male (male/female 299/204 vs 118/117) and younger patients (56.8 ± 11.2 years vs 61.3 ± 13.0 years), although no significant difference was found in VAS scores between transoral and transnasal insertion (3.9 ± 2.3 vs 4.1 ± 2.5). Multivariate analysis revealed that gender, age, operator, and endoscope were independent significant predictors of VAS for transnasal insertion, although gender, age, and endoscope were those for transoral insertion. Further analysis revealed only the endoscopic flexibility index (EFI) as an independent significant predictor of VAS for transnasal insertion. Both EFI and tip diameter were independent significant predictors of VAS for transoral insertion. CONCLUSION: Flexibility of ultrathin endoscopes can be a predictor of EGD-associated discomfort, especially in transnasal insertion.

Usefulness of continuous suction mouthpiece during esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A single-center, prospective,randomized study

AIM: To develop a new continuous suction mouthpiece(CSM) and evaluate its usefulness for screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD).METHODS: A total of 196 patients who were scheduled to undergo screening EGD were assigned to one of two groups: a group using the CSM and a group using a conventional mouthpiece. Extent of salivary flow,frequency of saliva suction, number of choking episodesduring the examination, and incidence of aspiration pneumonia after the examination were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Adverse events during and after EGD were also examined. In addition, the oral cavity was meticulously examined after the EGD.RESULTS: The same number of patients was randomly allocated to each group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in sex, age,biopsy procedure, duration of procedure and depth of sedation. Aspiration pneumonia and other significant adverse events were not observed in either group. The grade of extent of salivary flow was significantly lower in patients with the CSM than in patients with the conventional mouthpiece(P < 0.001). Although there was no significant difference, less frequent suctioning and fewer choking episodes were observed in patients with the CSM than in patients with the conventional mouthpiece(P = 0.082 and P = 0.084, respectively). In addition, there were no patients in the CSM group who required saliva suctioning during the procedure.CONCLUSION: Use of the CSM during screening EGD can reduce the extent of salivary flow. The device is expected to reduce complications and contamination with saliva.

Causative factors of discomfort in esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A large-scale cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND It is important to reduce patient discomfort in esophagogastroduodenoscopy.Remedial measures can be taken to alleviate discomfort if the causative factors are determined;however,all the factors have not been elucidated yet.AIM To clearly determine the factors influencing discomfort in transoral esophagogastroduodenoscopy using a large-size cross-sectional study with readily available data.METHODS Consecutive patients who underwent screening transoral esophagogastroduodenoscopy consecutively between August 2017 and October 2017 at a health check-up center were included.Discomfort was evaluated using a face scale between 0 and 10 with a 6-level questionnaire.Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate the factors related to the discomfort in esophagogastroduodenoscopy.Univariate analysis was performed in both the unsedated and sedated study groups.Age,sex,height,body mass index,smoking status,alcohol intake,hiatal hernia,history of gastrectomy,biopsy during examination,Lugol’s solution usage,administration of butylscopolamine with/without a sedative(pethidine,midazolam,or both),endoscope model,history of endoscopy,and endoscopists were considered as possible factors of discomfort.RESULTS Finally,1715 patients were enrolled in this study.Overall,the median discomfort score was 2 and the interquartile range was 2-4.High discomfort(score≥6)was recorded in 18%of the participants.According to univariate analysis,in the unsedated group,young age(P<0.001),female sex(P<0.001),and no history of endoscopy(P<0.001)were factors associated with increased discomfort.Significant differences were also noted for height(P=0.007),smoking status(P=0.003),and endoscopists(P<0.001).In the sedation group,young age(P<0.001),female sex(P<0.001),and no history of endoscopy(P=0.004)were associated with increased discomfort;additionally,significant differences were found in smoking status(P<0.001),type of sedation(P<0.001),and endoscopists(P=0.027).There was also a marginal difference due to alcohol intake(P=0.055).Based on multiple regression analysis,young age,female sex,less height,current smoking status,and presence of hiatal hernia[regression coefficients of 0.08,P<0.001(for-1 years);0.45,P=0.013;0.02,P=0.024(for-1 cm);0.35,P=0.036;and 0.34,P=0.003,respectively]were factors that significantly increased discomfort in esophagogastroduodenoscopy.Alternatively,sedation significantly reduced discomfort and pethidine(regression coefficient:-1.47,P<0.001)and midazolam(regression coefficient:-1.63,P=0.001)significantly reduced the discomfort both individually and in combination(regression coefficient:-2.92,P<0.001).A difference in the endoscopist performing the procedure was also associated with discomfort.CONCLUSION Young age,female sex,and smoking are associated with esophagogastroduodenoscopy discomfort.Additionally,heavy alcohol consumption diminished the effects of sedation.These factors are easily obtained and are thus useful.

Evaluation of preferable insertion routes for esophagogastroduodenoscopy using ultrathin endoscopes

AIM: To evaluate the discomfort associated with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) using an ultrathin endoscope through different insertion routes.

Detachable string magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy for the noninvasive diagnosis of esophageal diseases:A prospective,blind clinical study

BACKGROUND Traditional esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD),an invasive examination method,can cause discomfort and pain in patients.In contrast,magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy(MCE),a noninvasive method,is being applied for the detection of stomach and small intestinal diseases,but its application in treating esophageal diseases is not widespread.AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of detachable string MCE(ds-MCE)for the diagnosis of esophageal diseases.METHODS Fifty patients who had been diagnosed with esophageal diseases were pros-pectively recruited for this clinical study and underwent ds-MCE and conven-tional EGD.The primary endpoints included the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,and diagnostic accuracy of ds-MCE for patients with esophageal diseases.The secondary endpoints consisted of visualizing the esophageal and dentate lines,as well as the subjects'tolerance of the procedure.RESULTS Using EGD as the gold standard,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,and diagnostic accuracy of ds-MCE for esophageal disease detection were 85.71%,86.21%,81.82%,89.29%,and 86%,respectively.ds-MCE was more comfortable and convenient than EGD was,with 80%of patients feeling that ds-MCE examination was very comfortable or comfortable and 50%of patients believing that detachable string v examination was very convenient.CONCLUSION This study revealed that ds-MCE has the same diagnostic effects as traditional EGD for esophageal diseases and is more comfortable and convenient than EGD,providing a novel noninvasive method for treating esophageal diseases.

Foregut tuberculosis:Too close but miles apart

The worldwide burden of tuberculosis(TB)has increased and it can involve virtually any organ of the body.Intestinal TB accounts for about 2%of the cases of TB worldwide.The ileocecal region is the most commonly affected site,and the foregut is rarely involved.The reported incidence is approximately 0.5%.Esophageal TB presents with dysphagia,weight loss,and hematemesis in rare cases.Gastroduodenal TB usually manifests with symptoms such as nausea,vomiting,weight loss,and sometimes with gastric outlet obstruction.Gastroscopy may reveal shallow ulcers in stomach and duodenal deformity when underlying TB is suspected,therefore histopathology plays pivotal role.On computed tomography,duodenal TB typically manifests as duodenal strictures predominantly,accompanied by extrinsic compression,and occasionally as intraluminal mass.But their diagnosis can easily be missed if proper biopsies are not taken and samples are not sent for GeneXpert testing,TB polymerase chain reaction investigation and histopathological analysis.Despite being in close proximity to the lungs,the esophagus and stomach are rare sites of TB.The reasons could be low gastric pH and acidity which does not let mycobacterium grow.But there are various case reports of TB involving the foregut.We have summarized the rare cases of foregut TB in different sections and highlighted the importance of esophagogastroduodenoscopy,histopathology and advanced techniques like endoscopic ultrasound in establishing the diagnosis.

Importance of risk assessment,endoscopic hemostasis,and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)is a common medical emergency in clinical practice.While the incidence has significantly reduced,the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades,thus presenting a significant challenge.This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis.Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population,the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes.A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly.Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality.Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC(age,blood tests,co-morbidities)score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions.While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches,novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives,particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities.By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities,clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.

Comprehensive review on the diagnostic strategies for esophageal tuberculosis:the role of endoscopic ultrasonography

Esophageal tuberculosis(ET)is a relatively rare clinical condition,characterized by often atypical clinical features.The lack of specificity in diagnostic methods,such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy and various imaging techniques,frequently leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments.Compared to esophagogastroduodenoscopy,endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)offers a more comprehensive examination of esophageal tuberculosis lesions,including the extent of wall layer involvement and the internal structure characteristics of the lesions.Furthermore,when necessary,endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration can be employed to acquire deeper pathological tissue,significantly aiding diagnosis.When combined with the patient’s clinical presentation,endoscopic findings,and pathological features,EUS plays a crucial role in the definitive diagnosis of ET and in the differential diagnosis process.This article meticulously reviews both national and international literature to summarize the relevant features of ET,with a focus on its appearance under EUS,and to highlight the clinical value of EUS in enhancing the diagnosis of ET and in distinguishing it from other conditions.The aim is to offer guidance for the accurate diagnosis of ET.

Review of lymphoma in the duodenum: An update of diagnosis and management

The presentation,subtype,and macroscopic images of lymphoma vary depending on the site of the tumor within the gastrointestinal tract.We searched PubMed for publications between January 1,2012 and October 10,2022,and retrieved 130 articles relating to duodenal lymphoma.A further 22 articles were added based on the manual screening of relevant articles,yielding 152 articles for full-text review.The most predominant primary duodenal lymphoma was follicular lymphoma.In this review,we provide an update of the diagnosis and management of representative lymphoma subtypes occurring in the duodenum:Follicular lymphoma,diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue,mantle cell lymphoma,and Tcell lymphomas.

Relationships of hospitalization outcomes and timing to endoscopy in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A nationwide analysis

BACKGROUND The optimal timing of esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)and the impact of clinico-demographic factors on hospitalization outcomes in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB)remains an area of active research.AIM To identify independent predictors of outcomes in patients with NVUGIB,with a particular focus on EGD timing,anticoagulation(AC)status,and demographic features.METHODS A retrospective analysis of adult patients with NVUGIB from 2009 to 2014 was performed using validated ICD-9 codes from the National Inpatient Sample database.Patients were stratified by EGD timing relative to hospital admission(≤24 h,24-48 h,48-72 h,and>72 h)and then by AC status(yes/no).The primary outcome was all-cause inpatient mortality.Secondary outcomes included healthcare usage.RESULTS Of the 1082516 patients admitted for NVUGIB,553186(51.1%)underwent EGD.The mean time to EGD was 52.8 h.Early(<24 h from admission)EGD was associated with significantly decreased mortality,less frequent intensive care unit admission,shorter length of hospital stays,lower hospital costs,and an increased likelihood of discharge to home(all with P<0.001).AC status was not associated with mortality among patients who underwent early EGD(aOR 0.88,P=0.193).Male sex(OR 1.30)and Hispanic(OR 1.10)or Asian(aOR 1.38)race were also independent predictors of adverse hospitalization outcomes in NVUGIB.CONCLUSION Based on this large,nationwide study,early EGD in NVUGIB is associated with lower mortality and decreased healthcare usage,irrespective of AC status.These findings may help guide clinical management and would benefit from prospective validation.

Three cases of jejunal tumors detected by standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy:A case series

BACKGROUND In patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding,re-examination with standard upper endoscopes by experienced physicians will identify culprit lesions in a substantial proportion of patients.A common practice is to insert an adult-sized forward-viewing endoscope into the second part of the duodenum.When the endoscope tip enters after the papilla,which is a marker for the descending part of the duodenum,it is difficult to endoscopically judge how far the duodenum has been traversed beyond the second part.CASE SUMMARY We experienced three cases of proximal jejunal masses that were diagnosed by standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and confirmed with surgery.The patients visited the hospital with a history of melena;during the initial upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy,the bleeding site was not confirmed.Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was suspected;thus,according to guidelines,upper endoscopy was performed again.A hemorrhagic mass was discovered in the small intestine.The lesion of the first patient was thought to be located in the duodenum when considering the general insertion depth of a typical upper gastrointestinal endoscope;however,during surgery,it was confirmed that it was in the jejunum.After the first case,lesions in the second and third patients were detected at the jejunum by inserting the standard upper endoscope as deep as possible.CONCLUSION The deep insertion of standard endoscopes is useful for the diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Correlation of Platelet Count with Grading of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients

Background/Aims: Cirrhosis represents a late stage of progressive hepatic fibrosis and is generally considered to be irreversible in its advanced stages. Esophageal varix is a complication of liver cirrhosis and is the consequence of portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the severity of thrombocytopenia and the presenting of esophageal varices (EVs) in cirrhotic patient. Patients and Methods: This study was a retrospective, descriptive, analytic and monocentric study, which was carried out at Gastroenterology Department, Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It was conducted from 1st September 2020 to 31st January 2021. All patients were diagnosed as liver cirrhosis by clinic, biology and ultrasound. Patients’ data were noted in standardized questionnaire with information such as age, sex, address, laboratory result, and the result of endoscopic finding. All data were registered into a data set and then analyzed by SPSS program version 23. Results: 1445 patients were enrolled for gastroscopy. Only 303 patients (21%) were suggested for variceal screening after the exclusions. Male was predominant with sex ratio F/M (1/2.03). Patients’ age varied between 21 and 80 years old, with the mean age of 55 ± 11 years old. 199 patients (66%) were found with EVs, while EVs grade 1 and 2 without red signs were predominated, accounting to 22.8% and 19.5% respectively. The majority of the patients with platelet count between 50 - 99 giga/l had EVs vs platelet count > 150 giga/l had no EVs (p Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a non-invasive parameter with high accuracy for the prediction of EVs in cirrhosis. The severity of thrombocytopenia increased as the grading of EVs increased. Thus, it can assist in triaging cirrhotic patients for endoscopy to identify EVs.

Endoscopic Ruler for varix size measurement:A multicenter pilot study

BACKGROUND We invented Endoscopic Ruler,a new endoscopic device to measure the size of varices in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.AIM To assess the feasibility and safety of Endoscopic Ruler,and evaluate the agreement on identifying large oesophageal varices(OV)between Endoscopic Ruler and the endoscopists,as well as the interobserver agreement on diagnosing large OV using Endoscopic Ruler.METHODS We prospectively and consecutively enrolled patients with cirrhosis from 11 hospitals,all of whom got esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)with Endoscopic Ruler.The primary study outcome was a successful measurement of the size of varices using Endoscopic Ruler.The secondary outcomes included adverse events,operation time,the agreement of identifying large OV between the objective measurement of Endoscopic Ruler and the empirical reading of endoscopists,together with the interobserver agreement on diagnosing large OV by Endoscopic Ruler.RESULTS From November 2020 to April 2022,a total of 120 eligible patients with cirrhosis were recruited and all of them underwent EGD examinations with Endoscopic Ruler successfully without any adverse event.The median operation time of Endoscopic Ruler was 3.00 min[interquartile range(IQR):3.00 min].The kappa value between Endoscopic Ruler and the endoscopists while detecting large OV was 0.52,demonstrating a moderate agreement.The kappa value for diagnosing large OV using Endoscopic Ruler among the six independent observers was 0.77,demonstrating a substantial agreement.CONCLUSION The data demonstrates that Endoscopic Ruler is feasible and safe for measuring the size of varices in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.Endoscopic Ruler is potential to promote the clinical practice of the two-grade classification system of OV.