Computed tomography for prediction of esophageal variceal bleeding

This letter to the editor relates to the study entitled“The role of computed tomography for the prediction of esophageal variceal bleeding:Current status and future perspectives”.Esophageal variceal bleeding(EVB)is one of the most common and severe complications related to portal hypertension(PH).Despite marked advances in its management during the last three decades,EVB is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The risk of first EVB is related to the severity of both PH and liver disease,and to the size and endoscopic appearance of esophageal varices.Indeed,hepatic venous pressure gradient(HVPG)and esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)are currently recognized as the“gold standard”and the diagnostic reference standard for the prediction of EVB,respectively.However,HVPG is an invasive,expensive,and technically complex procedure,not widely available in clinical practice,whereas EGD is mainly limited by its invasive nature.In this scenario,computed tomography(CT)has been recently proposed as a promising modality for the non-invasive prediction of EVB.While CT serves solely as a diagnostic tool and cannot replace EGD or HVPG for delivering therapeutic and physiological information,it has the potential to enhance the prediction of EVB more effectively when combined with liver disease scores,HVPG,and EGD.However,to date,evidence concerning the role of CT in this setting is still lacking,therefore we aim to summarize and discuss the current evidence concerning the role of CT in predicting the risk of EVB.

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.

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.

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.

Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is a common disease with a prevalence as high as 10%-20% in the western world. The disease can manifest in various symptoms which can be grouped into typical,atypi-cal and extra-esophageal symptoms. Those with the highest specificity for GERD are acid regurgitation and heartburn. In the absence of alarm symptoms,these symptoms can allow one to make a presumptive diagnosis and initiate empiric therapy. In certain situations,further diagnostic testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis as well as to assess for complications or alternate causes for the symptoms. GERD complications include erosive esophagitis,peptic stricture,Barrett's esophagus,esophageal adenocarcinoma and pulmonary disease. Management of GERD may involve lifestyle modification,medical therapy and surgical therapy. Life-style modifications including weight loss and/or head of bed elevation have been shown to improve esophageal pH and/or GERD symptoms. Medical therapy involves acid suppression which can be achieved with antacids,histamine-receptor antagonists or proton-pump inhibitors. Whereas most patients can be effectively managed with medical therapy,others may go on to require anti-reflux surgery after undergoing a proper pre-operative evaluation. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current approach to the diagnosis and treatment of gas-troesophageal reflux disease.

Update on endoscopic diagnosis, management and surveillance strategies of esophageal diseases

In the last few decades, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has become the most complementary test for investigation of esophageal diseases. Its accessibility and safety guarantee wide clinical utilization in patients with suspected benign and malignant diseases of the esophagus. Recent technological advances in endoscopic imaging and tissue analysis obtained from the esophagus have been useful to better understand and manage highly relevant diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal cancer. Using endoscopy to elucidate esophageal disorders in children has been another field of intensive and challenging research. This editorial highlights the latest advances in the endoscopic management of esophageal diseases, and focuses on Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, eosinophilic esophagitis, as well as esophageal disorders in the pediatric population.

Trends in treatment and overall survival among patients with proximal esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND The management of proximal esophageal cancer differs from that of tumors located in the mid and lower part of the esophagus due to the close vicinity of vital structures.Non-surgical treatment options like radiotherapy and definitive chemoradiation(CRT)have been implemented.The trends in(non-)surgical treatment and its impact on overall survival(OS)in patients with proximal esophageal cancer are unclear,related to its rare disease status.To optimize treatment strategies and counseling of patients with proximal esophageal cancer,it is therefore essential to gain more insight through real-life studies.AIM To establish trends in treatment and OS in patients with proximal esophageal cancer.METHODS In this population-based study,patients with proximal esophageal cancer diagnosed between 1989 and 2014 were identified in the Netherlands Cancer Registry.The proximal esophagus consists of the cervical esophagus and the upper thoracic section,extending to 24 cm from the incisors.Trends in radiotherapy,chemotherapy,and surgery,and OS were assessed.Analyses were stratified by presence of distant metastasis.Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses was performed to assess the effect of period of diagnosis on OS,adjusted for patient,tumor,and treatment characteristics.RESULTS In total,2783 patients were included.Over the study period,the use of radiotherapy,resection,and CRT in non-metastatic disease changed from 53%,23%,and 1%in 1989-1994 to 21%,9%,and 49%in 2010-2014,respectively.In metastatic disease,the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy increased over time.Median OS of the total population increased from 7.3 mo[95%confidence interval(CI):6.4-8.1]in 1989-1994 to 9.5 mo(95%CI:8.1-10.8)in 2010-2014(logrank P<0.001).In non-metastatic disease,5-year OS rates improved from 5%(95%CI:3%-7%)in 1989-1994 to 13%(95%CI:9%-17%)in 2010-2014(logrank P<0.001).Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated a significant treatment effect over time on survival.In metastatic disease,median OS was 3.8 mo(95%CI:2.5-5.1)in 1989-1994,and 5.1 mo(95%CI:4.3-5.9)in 2010-2014(logrank P=0.26).CONCLUSION OS significantly improved in non-metastatic proximal esophageal cancer,likely to be associated with an increased use of CRT.Patterns in metastatic disease did not change significantly over time.

Successful endoscopic extraction of a proximal esophageal foreign body following accurate localization using endoscopic ultrasound: A case report

BACKGROUND It is rare to find fish bones completely embedded in the wall of the esophagus with endoscopic findings similar to those of submucosal tumors.Most of the patients had the foreign body removed by thoracotomy or thoracoscopy in the past,which resulted in great trauma.CASE SUMMARY We report a 58-year-old woman who experienced dysphagia for 6 d after eating fish.Cervical computed tomography(CT)and endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)indicated a fish bone completely embedded in the wall of the esophagus with endoscopic findings similar to those of submucosal tumors.The results of CT reconstruction and EUS suggested that the fish bone was parallel to the longitudinal axis of the esophagus.We performed a longitudinal mucosal incision from the highest point of the uplift by using an Olympus dual knife to find the fish bone.Unfortunately,no fish bone was found,so we extended the incision and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)technique was used to detect and remove the fish bone entirety.CONCLUSION The extraction of fish bone via ESD immediately after the injection of methylene blue into the submucous membrane under EUS guidance to obtain accurate localization of the foreign body may be the best treatment for such patients.

Barrett's esophagus with high grade dysplasia is associated with non-esophageal cancer

AIM To study factors associated with esophageal and nonesophageal cancer morbidity among Barrett's esophagus(BE) patients. METHODS A cohort study within a single tertiary center included 386 consecutive patients with biopsy proven BE, who were recruited between 2004-2014. Endoscopic and histologic data were prospectively recorded. Cancer morbidity was obtained from the national cancer registry. Main outcomes were BE related(defined as esophagus and cardia) and non-BE related cancers(all other cancers). Cancer incidence and all-causemortality were compared between patients with highgrade dysplasia(HGD) and with low-grade or no dysplasia(non-HGD) using Kaplan-Meier curves and cox regression models.RESULTS Of the 386 patients, 12 had HGD, 7 had a BE related cancer. There were 75(19.4%) patients with 86 cases of lifetime cancers, 76 of these cases were non-BE cancers. Seven(1.8%) and 18(4.7%) patients had BE and non-BE incident cancers, respectively. Twelve(3.1%) patients had HGD as worst histologic result. Two(16.7%) and 16(4.4%) incident non-BE cancers occurred in the HGD and non-HGD group, respectively. Ten-year any cancer and non-BE cancer free survival was 63% and 82% in the HGD group compared to 93% and 95% at the non-HGD group, respectively. Log-rank test for patients with more than one endoscopy, assuring longer follow up, showed a significant difference(P < 0.001 and P = 0.017 respectively). All-cause mortality was not significantly associated with BE HGD.CONCLUSION Patients with BE and HGD, may have a higher risk for all-cause cancer morbidity. The implications on cancer prevention recommendations should be further studied.

Application of an artificial intelligence system for endoscopic diagnosis of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is critical for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)detection;however,endoscopists require long-term training to avoid missing superficial lesions.AIM To develop a deep learning computer-assisted diagnosis(CAD)system for endoscopic detection of superficial ESCC and investigate its application value.METHODS We configured the CAD system for white-light and narrow-band imaging modes based on the YOLO v5 algorithm.A total of 4447 images from 837 patients and 1695 images from 323 patients were included in the training and testing datasets,respectively.Two experts and two non-expert endoscopists reviewed the testing dataset independently and with computer assistance.The diagnostic performance was evaluated in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve,accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity.RESULTS The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve,accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity of the CAD system were 0.982[95%confidence interval(CI):0.969-0.994],92.9%(95%CI:89.5%-95.2%),91.9%(95%CI:87.4%-94.9%),and 94.7%(95%CI:89.0%-97.6%),respectively.The accuracy of CAD was significantly higher than that of non-expert endoscopists(78.3%,P<0.001 compared with CAD)and comparable to that of expert endoscopists(91.0%,P=0.129 compared with CAD).After referring to the CAD results,the accuracy of the non-expert endoscopists significantly improved(88.2%vs 78.3%,P<0.001).Lesions with Paris classification type 0-IIb were more likely to be inaccurately identified by the CAD system.CONCLUSION The diagnostic performance of the CAD system is promising and may assist in improving detectability,particularly for inexperienced endoscopists.

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.

The role of computed tomography for the prediction of esophageal variceal bleeding:Current status and future perspectives

Esophageal variceal bleeding(EVB)is one of the most common and severe complications related to portal hypertension(PH).Despite marked advances in its management during the last three decades,EVB is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The risk of first EVB is related to the severity of both PH and liver disease,and to the size and endoscopic appearance of esophageal varices.Indeed,hepatic venous pressure gradient(HVPG)and esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)are currently recognized as the“gold standard”and the diagnostic reference standard for the prediction of EVB,respectively.However,HVPG is an invasive,expensive,and technically complex procedure,not widely available in clinical practice,whereas EGD is mainly limited by its invasive nature.In this scenario,computed tomography(CT)has been recently proposed as a promising modality for the non-invasive prediction of EVB.Although CT is only a diagnostic modality,thus being not capable of supplanting EGD or HVPG in providing therapeutic and physiological data,it could potentially assist liver disease scores,HVPG,and EGD in a more effective prediction of EVB.However,to date,evidence concerning the role of CT in this setting is still lacking.Our review aimed to summarize and discuss the current evidence concerning the role of CT in predicting the risk of EVB.

Non-invasive model for predicting high-risk esophageal varices based on liver and spleen stiffness

BACKGROUND Acute bleeding due to esophageal varices(EVs)is a life-threatening complication in patients with cirrhosis.The diagnosis of EVs is mainly through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy,but the discomfort,contraindications and complications of gastrointestinal endoscopic screening reduce patient compliance.According to the bleeding risk of EVs,the Baveno VI consensus divides varices into high bleeding risk EVs(HEVs)and low bleeding risk EVs(LEVs).We sought to identify a non-invasive prediction model based on spleen stiffness measurement(SSM)and liver stiffness measurement(LSM)as an alternative to EVs screening.AIM To develop a safe,simple and non-invasive model to predict HEVs in patients with viral cirrhosis and identify patients who can be exempted from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.METHODS Data from 200 patients with viral cirrhosis were included in this study,with 140 patients as the modelling group and 60 patients as the external validation group,and the EVs types of patients were determined by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the Baveno Ⅵ consensus.Those patients were divided into the HEVs group(66 patients)and the LEVs group(74 patients).The effect of each parameter on HEVs was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses,and a noninvasive prediction model was established.Finally,the discrimination ability,calibration ability and clinical efficacy of the new model were verified in the modelling group and the external validation group.RESULTS Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that SSM and LSM were associated with the occurrence of HEVs in patients with viral cirrhosis.On this basis,logistic regression analysis was used to construct a prediction model:Ln[P/(1-P)]=-8.184-0.228×SSM+0.642×LSM.The area under the curve of the new model was 0.965.When the cut-off value was 0.27,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the model for predicting HEVs were 100.00%,82.43%,83.52%,and 100%,respectively.Compared with the four prediction models of liver stiffness-spleen diameter to platelet ratio score,variceal risk index,aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio,and Baveno VI,the established model can better predict HEVs in patients with viral cirrhosis.CONCLUSION Based on the SSM and LSM measured by transient elastography,we established a non-invasive prediction model for HEVs.The new model is reliable in predicting HEVs and can be used as an alternative to routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy screening,which is helpful for clinical decision making.

THE DETERMINATION OF ESOPHAGEAL FUNCTION IN 100 HEALTHY ADULTS

Esophageal motility was determined by using SGY-3 manometer in 100 healthy adults to observe the regular pattern of esophageal motility in different sex and age. The normal data was reported in this paper including LESP; UESP; peristaltic amplitude; esophageal conduction velocity and so on. We wish this data can be useful to the diagenosis of the esophageal motor disorder.

Successful management of life-threatening aortoesophageal fistula: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Aortoesophageal fistula(AEF)is a rare but life-threatening cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Only a handful of cases of successful management of AEF caused by esophageal cancer have been reported.The purpose of this study is to report a case of AEF managed by endovascular aortic repair and review the relevant literature.CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old man with upper gastroenterology bleeding presented at the Emergency Department of our hospital complaining of chest pain,fever and hematemesis for 6 h.He had vomited 400 mL of bright-red blood and experienced severe chest pain 6 h prior.He had a past medical history of advanced esophageal cancer.He received chemoradiotherapy but stopped 8 mo prior because of intolerance.A chest contrast computed tomographic scan revealed communication between the esophagus and the descending aorta as well as a descending aortic pseudoaneurysm.According to the symptoms and imaging findings,AEF was our primary consideration.The patient underwent aortic angiography,which indicated AEF and descending aortic pseudoaneurysm.Emergency percutaneous thoracic endovascular aortic repair(TEVAR)of the descending aorta was performed,and bleeding was controlled after TEVAR.He received antibiotics and was discharged after treatment.However,he died 2 mo after the TEVAR due to cancer progression.CONCLUSION Although AEF is a lethal condition,timely diagnosis and TEVAR may successfully control bleeding.

Letter to editor‘Non-invasive model for predicting high-risk esophageal varices based on liver and spleen stiffness’

predicting high-risk esophageal varices based on liver and spleen stiffness".Acute bleeding caused by esophageal varices is a life-threatening complication in patients with liver cirrhosis.Due to the discomfort,contraindications,and associated complications of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy screening,it is crucial to identify an imaging-based non-invasive model for predicting high-risk esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.

Botulinum Toxin A in the Treatment of Oropharyngeal or Esophageal Dysphagia

Objectives: In this retrospective analysis, we explored the effect of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection to treat oropharyngeal dysphagia or esophageal dysfunction caused by diseases of the upper (UES) and lower (LES) esophageal sphincter. Methods: In total, 48 patients (17 patients with UES disorders, and 31 patients with LES dysfunction;mean age 64 years) were treated between 1996 and 2007 in our hospital. Comorbid diseases as well as maintenance medication were documented to evaluate the overall health status of our patients. The mean duration of symptoms, the number of pre-treatments and the specification of dysphagia were considered. Results: One month after injection, the response rates were 73.3% (UES group) and 76.6% (LES group). Most patients in the UES group received 30-40 units BTA (Botox?) whereas most patients in the LES group were treated with 100 units BTA. In cases of re-injection, 50% of patients in the UES group experienced an escalation of dosage (up to 75 units), whereas the other 50% received the same dosage. The dosages in the LES group were mostly kept constant. Conclusion: Comparing the two groups with esophageal dysfunction of fundamentally different etiologies (UES/LES), a discrepancy in the level of symptom relief, onset and a longer cessation of clinical benefit were observed in the LES group. In this analysis, we were able to show that injection of BTA is an effective and safe treatment for disorders of the UES and LES.

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.

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.