Kyoto classification of gastritis,virtual chromoendoscopy and artificial intelligence:Where are we going?What do we need?

Chronic gastritis(CG)is a widespread and frequent disease,mainly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection,which is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer.Virtual chromoendoscopy improves the endoscopic diagnostic efficacy,which is essential to establish the most appropriate therapy and to enable cancer prevention.Artificial intelligence provides algorithms for the diagnosis of gastritis and,in particular,early gastric cancer,but it is not yet used in practice.Thus,technological innovation,through image resolution and processing,optimizes the diagnosis and management of CG and gastric cancer.The endoscopic Kyoto classification of gastritis improves the diagnosis and management of this disease,but through the analysis of the most recent literature,new algorithms can be proposed.

Validation of Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy with high definition endoscopes in colonoscopy

AIM:To validate high definition endoscopes with Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy(FICE) in colonoscopy.METHODS:The image quality of normal white light endoscopy(WLE),that of the 10 available FICE filters and that of a gold standard(0.2% indigo carmine dye) were compared.RESULTS:FICE-filter 4 [red,green,and blue(RGB) wavelengths of 520,500,and 405 nm,respectively] provided the best images for evaluating the vascular pattern compared to white light.The mucosal surface was best assessed using filter 4.However,the views obtained were not rated significantly better than those observed with white light.The "gold standard",indigo carmine(IC) dye,was found to be superior to both white light and filter 4.Filter 6(RGB wavelengths of 580,520,and 460 nm,respectively) allowed for exploration of the IC-stained mucosa.When assessing mucosal polyps,both FICE with magnification,and magnification following dye spraying were superior to the same techniques without magnification and to white light imaging.In the presence of suboptimal bowel preparation,observation with the FICE mode was possible,and endoscopists considered it to be superior to observation with white light.CONCLUSION:FICE-filter 4 with magnification improves the image quality of the colonic vascular patterns obtained with WLE.

Histopathological validation of magnifying endoscopy for diagnosis of mixed-histological-type early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The undifferentiated-type(UDT)component profoundly affects the clinical course of early gastric cancers(EGCs).However,an accurate preoperative diagnosis of the histological types is unsatisfactory.To date,few studies have investigated whether the UDT component within mixed-histological-type(MT)EGCs can be recognized preoperatively.AIM To clarify the histopathological characteristics of the endoscopically-resected MT EGCs for investigating whether the UDT component could be recognized preoperatively.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study.First,we attempted to clarify the histopathological characteristics of the endoscopically-resected MT EGCs with emphasis on the UDT component.Histopathological examination investigated each lesion’s UDT component:(1)Whole mucosal layer occupation of the UDT component;(2)UDT component exposure to the surface of the mucosa;and(3)existence of a clear border between the differentiated-type and UDT components.Then,preoperative endoscopic images with magnifying endoscopy with narrowband imaging(ME-NBI)were examined to identify whether the endoscopic UDT component finding was recognizable within the area where it was present in the histopathological examination.The preoperative biopsy results and comparative relationships between endoscopic and histopathological findings were also examined.RESULTS In the histopathological examination,the whole mucosal layer occupation of the UDT component and exposure of the UDT component to the mucosal surface were observed in 67.3%(33/49)and 79.6%(39/49)of samples,respectively.A clear distinction of the border between the differentiated-type and UDT components could not be drawn in 65.3%(32/49)of MT lesions.In the endoscopic examination,the preoperative endoscopic images showed that only 24.5%(12/49)of MT EGCs revealed the UDT component within the area where it was present histopathologically.Histopathological UDT predominance was the single significant factor associated with the presence of the endoscopic UDT component finding(61.5%vs 11.1%,P=0.0009).Only 26.5%(13/49)of the lesions were diagnosed from the pretreatment biopsy as having a UDT component.Combined results of the pretreatment biopsy and ME-NBI showed the preoperative presence of the UDT component in 40.8%(20/49)of MT EGCs.CONCLUSION Recognition of a UDT component within MT EGCs is difficult even when pretreatment biopsy and ME-NBI are combined.Endoscopic resection plays a significant role in both treatment and diagnosis.

Tolerability of magnifying narrow band imaging endoscopy for esophageal cancer screening

AIM:To compare the tolerability of magnifying narrow band imaging endoscopy for esophageal cancer screening with that of lugol chromoendoscopy.METHODS:We prospectively enrolled and analyzed 51 patients who were at high risk for esophageal cancer.All patients were divided into two groups:a magnifying narrow band imaging group,and a lugol chromoendoscopy group,for comparison of adverse symptoms.Esophageal cancer screening was performed on withdrawal of the endoscope.The primary endpoint was a score on a visual analogue scale for heartburn after the examination.The secondary endpoints were scale scores for retrosternal pain and dyspnea after the examinations,change in vital signs,total procedure time,and esophageal observation time.RESULTS:The scores for heartburn and retrosternal pain in the magnifying narrow band imaging group were significantly better than those in the lugol chromoendoscopy group(P =0.004,0.024,respectively,ANOVA for repeated measures).The increase in heart rate after the procedure was significantly greater in the lugol chromoendoscopy group.There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to othervital sign.The total procedure time and esophageal observation time in the magnifying narrow band imaging group were significantly shorter than those in the lugol chromoendoscopy group(450 ± 116 vs 565 ± 174,P =0.004,44 ± 26 vs 151 ± 72,P < 0.001,respectively).CONCLUSION:Magnifying narrow band imaging endoscopy reduced the adverse symptoms compared with lugol chromoendoscopy.Narrow band imaging endoscopy is useful and suitable for esophageal cancer screening periodically.

Complementary roles of interventional radiology and therapeutic endoscopy in gastroenterology

Acute upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, enteral feeding, cecostomy tubes and luminal strictures are some of the common reasons for gastroenterology service. While surgery was initially considered the main treatment modality, the advent of both therapeutic endoscopy and interventional radiology have resulted in the paradigm shift in the management of these conditions. In this paper, we discuss the patient's work up, indications, and complementary roles of endoscopic and angiographic management in the settings of gastrointestinal bleeding, enteral feeding, cecostomy tube placement and luminal strictures. These conditions often require multidisciplinary approaches involving a team of interventional radiologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons. Further, the authors also aim to describe how the fields of interventional radiology and gastrointestinal endoscopy are overlapping and complementary in the management of these complex conditions.

Gastric cancer incidence based on endoscopic Kyoto classification of gastritis

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)incidence based on the endoscopic Kyoto classification of gastritis has not been systematically investigated using time-to-event analysis.AIM To examine GC incidence in an endoscopic surveillance cohort.METHODS This study was retrospectively conducted at the Toyoshima Endoscopy Clinic.Patients who underwent two or more esophagogastroduodenoscopies were enrolled.GC incidence was based on Kyoto classification scores,such as atrophy,intestinal metaplasia(IM),enlarged folds(EFs),nodularity,diffuse redness(DR),and total Kyoto scores.Hazard ratios(HRs)adjusted for age and sex were calculated using a Cox hazard model.RESULTS A total of 6718 patients were enrolled(median age 54.0 years;men 44.2%).During the follow-up period(max 5.02 years;median 2.56 years),GC developed in 34 patients.The average frequency of GCs per year was 0.19%.Kyoto atrophy scores 1[HR with score 0 as reference:3.66,95%confidence interval(CI):1.06 to 12.61],2(11.60,3.82-35.27),IM score 2(9.92,4.37-22.54),EF score 1(4.03,1.63-9.96),DR scores 1(6.22,2.65-14.56),and 2(10.01,3.73-26.86)were associated with GC incidence,whereas nodularity scores were not.The total Kyoto scores of 4(HR with total Kyoto scores 0-1 as reference:6.23,95%CI:1.93 to 20.13,P=0.002)and 5-8(16.45,6.29-43.03,P<0.001)were more likely to develop GC,whereas the total Kyoto scores 2-3 were not.The HR of the total Kyoto score for developing GC per 1 rank was 1.75(95%CI:1.46 to 2.09,P<0.001).CONCLUSION A high total Kyoto score(≥4)was associated with GC incidence.The endoscopy-based diagnosis of gastritis can stratify GC risk.

Decreased levels of plasma adiponectin associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer

AIM:To investigate the association between adiponectin levels and risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer (early and advanced).METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a cohort of hospital-based patients was conducted between January 2004 and March 2006 at Yamagata University Hospital. Male subjects, who had colorectal tumors detected by endoscopic examination, were enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Based on the T factor of the TNM system, intraepithelial carcinoma and submucosally invasive carcinoma were def ined as early cancer, and invasion into the muscularis propria or deeper was defined as advanced cancer. The plasma levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, insulin like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF binding protein-3, adiponectin, leptin, and resistin were measured. Each factor level was designated low or high, and the risk of adenoma or cancer was estimated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: We enrolled 124 male subjects (47 with adenoma, 34 with early cancer, 17 with advanced cancer, and 26 without tumors as controls). In patients with adenoma, high triglyceride and low adiponectin were associated with a significant increase in the odds ratio (OR) by univariate analysis. Only a low adiponectin level was related to increased adenoma risk, with an adjusted OR for low level (<11 μg/mL) to high (≥11 μg/mL) of 5.762 (95% confidence interval (CI):1.683-19.739, P=0.005). In the patients with early cancer, high body mass index, high triglyceride, and low adiponectin were associated with a significant increase in OR in univariate analysis. Imultivariate analysis, only low adiponectin was significantly associated with early cancer, with an adjusted OR of 4.495 (95% CI:1.090-18.528, P=0.038). However, in patients with advanced cancer, low adiponectin was not recognized as a significant risk factor for advanced cancer.CONCLUSION: A decreased level of adiponectin is strongly associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenoma and early cancer. These data call for further investigation, including a controlled prospective study.

Diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP) is a distinct form of chronic pancreatitis that is increasingly being reported. The presentation and clinical image findings of AIP sometimes resemble those of several pancreatic malignancies, but the therapeutic strategy differs appreciably. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is necessary for cases of AIP. To date, AIP is classified into two distinct subtypes from the viewpoints of etiology, serum markers, histology, other organ involvements, and frequency of relapse: type 1 is related to Ig G4(lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis) and type 2 is related to a granulocytic epithelial lesion(idiopathic duct-centric chronic pancreatitis). Both types of AIP are characterized by focal or diffuse pancreatic enlargement accompanied with a narrowing of the main pancreatic duct, and both show dramatic responses to corticosteroid. Unlike type 2, type 1 is characteristically associated with increasing levels of serum Ig G4 and positive serum autoantibodies, abundant infiltration of Ig G4-positive plasmacytes, frequent extrapancreatic lesions, and relapse. These findings have led several countries to propose diagnostic criteria for AIP, which consist of essentially similar diagnostic items; however, several differences exist for each country, mainly due to differences in the definition of AIP and the modalities used to diagnose this disease. An attempt to unite the diagnostic criteria worldwide was made with the publication in 2011 of the international consensus diagnostic criteria for AIP, established at the 2010 Congress of the International Association of Pancreatology(IAP).

Endoscopic ultrasonography guided-fine needle aspirationfor the diagnosis of solid pancreaticobiliary lesions:Clinicalaspects to improve the diagnosis

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) has been applied to pancreaticobiliary lesions since the 1990 s and is in widespread use throughout the world today. We used this method to confirm the pathological evidence of the pancreaticobiliary lesions and to perform suitable therapies. Complications of EUS-FNA are quite rare, but some of them are severe. Operators should master conventional EUS observation and experience a minimum of 20-30 cases of supervised EUS-FNA on non-pancreatic and pancreatic lesions before attempting solo EUSFNA. Studies conducted on pancreaticobiliary EUSFNA have focused on selection of suitable instruments(e.g., needle selection) and sampling techniques(e.g., fanning method, suction level, with or without a stylet, optimum number of passes). Today, the diagnostic ability of EUS-FNA is still improving; the detection of pancreatic cancer(PC) currently has a sensitivity of 90%-95% and specificity of 95%-100%. In addition to PC, a variety of rare pancreatic tumors can be discriminated by conducting immunohistochemistry on the FNA materials. A flexible, large caliber needle has been used to obtain a large piece of tissue, which can provide sufficient histological information to be helpful in classifying benign pancreatic lesions. EUSFNA can supply high diagnostic yields even for biliary lesions or peri-pancreaticobiliary lymph nodes. This review focuses on the clinical aspects of EUS-FNA in the pancreaticobiliary field, with the aim of providing information that can enable more accurate and efficient diagnosis.

Management of gastric and duodenal neuroendocrine tumors

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs) are rare neoplasms, like all NETs. However, the incidence of GI-NETS has been increasing in recent years. Gastric NETs (G-NETs) and duodenal NETs (D-NETs) are the common types of upper GI-NETs based on tumor location. G-NETs are classified into three distinct subgroups: type&#x02005;I, II, and III. Type&#x02005;I&#x02005;G-NETs, which are the most common subtype (70%-80% of all G-NETs), are associated with chronic atrophic gastritis, including autoimmune gastritis and Helicobacter pylori associated atrophic gastritis. Type II G-NETs (5%-6%) are associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (MEN1-ZES). Both type&#x02005;I&#x02005;and II G-NETs are related to hypergastrinemia, are small in size, occur in multiple numbers, and are generally benign. In contrast, type III G-NETs (10%-15%) are not associated with hypergastrinemia, are large-sized single tumors, and are usually malignant. Therefore, surgical resection and chemotherapy are generally necessary for type III G-NETs, while endoscopic resection and follow-up, which are acceptable for the treatment of most type&#x02005;I&#x02005;and II G-NETs, are only acceptable for small and well differentiated type III G-NETs. D-NETs include gastrinomas (50%-60%), somatostatin-producing tumors (15%), nonfunctional serotonin-containing tumors (20%), poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (&#x0003c; 3%), and gangliocytic paragangliomas (&#x0003c; 2%). Most D-NETs are located in the first or second part of the duodenum, with 20% occurring in the periampullary region. Therapy for D-NETs is based on tumor size, location, histological grade, stage, and tumor type. While endoscopic resection may be considered for small nonfunctional D-NETs (G1) located in the higher papilla region, surgical resection is necessary for most other D-NETs. However, there is no consensus regarding the ideal treatment of D-NETs.

Magnifying colonoscopy as a non-biopsy technique for differential diagnosis of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions

AIM： To clarify whether mucosal crypt patterns observed with magnifying colonoscopy are feasible to distinguish non-neoplastic polyps from neoplastic polyps. METHODS： From June 1999 through March 2000, 180 consecutive patients with 210 lesions diagnosed with a magnifying colonoscope （CF-200Z, Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan） were enrolled. Magnification and chromoendoscopy with 0.2% indigo-carmine dye was applied to each lesion for mucosal crypt observation. Lesions showing types Ⅰ and Ⅱ crypt patterns were considered non-neoplastic and examined histologically by biopsy, whereas lesions showing types Ⅲ to Ⅴ crypt patterns were removed endoscopically or surgically. The correlation of endoscopic diagnosis and histologic diagnosis was then investigated. RESULTS： At endoscopy, 24 lesions showed a type Ⅰ or Ⅱ pit pattern, and 186 lesions showed type Ⅲ to Ⅴ pit patterns. With histologic examination, 26 lesions were diagnosed as non-neoplastic polyps, and 184 lesions were diagnosed as neoplastic polyps. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 99.1% （208/210）. The sensitivity and specificity were 92.3% （24/26） and 99.8% （184/186）, respectively. CONCLUSION： Magnifying colonoscopy could be used as a non-biopsy technique for differentiating neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps.

Usefulness of bispectral monitoring of conscious sedation during endoscopic mucosal dissection

AIM: To assess the usefulness of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring in order to carry out endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) safely and with patients' satisfaction. METHODS: Three hundred sixty-six patients with an early-stage neoplasm of the digestive tract were enrolled. The BIS monitor (A-1050: Aspect medical systems/NIHON KOHDEN, Tokyo, Japan) was used. The appropriate sedative condition was set at 55 to 75 BIS levels (BIS value) during the endoscopic procedures. RESULTS: Among 366 cases, 13 were accompanied by adverse events during and/or after ESD. All episodes occurred in cases with BIS value between 56 and 65. Hypotension was observed in four cases, and bradycardia in six. Respiratory distress was observed in two cases with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease. All patients with adverse events were able to leave the hospital without extension of the hospitalization. CONCLUSION: BIS monitoring is useful to safely perform ESD. A BIS value of 70 to 75 is suitable for ESD.

Molecular confocal laser endomicroscopy:A novel technique for in vivo cellular characterization of gastrointestinal lesions

While flexible endoscopy is essential for macroscopic evaluation,confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)has recently emerged as an endoscopic method enabling visualization at a cellular level.Two systems are currently available,one based on miniprobes that can be inserted via a conventional endoscope or via a needle guided by endoscopic ultrasound.The second system has a confocal microscope integrated into the distal part of an endoscope.By adding molecular probes like fluorescein conjugated antibodies or fluorescent peptides to this procedure(either topically or systemically administered during on-going endoscopy),a novel world of molecular evaluation opens up.The method of molecular CLE could potentially be used for estimating the expression of important receptors in carcinomas,subsequently resulting in immediate individualization of treatment regimens,but also for improving the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic procedures by identifying otherwise invisible mucosal lesions.Furthermore,studies have shown that fluorescein labelled drugs can be used to estimate the affinity of the drug to a target organ,which probably can be correlated to the efficacy of the drug.However,several of the studies in this research field have been conducted in animal facilities or in vitro,while only a limited number of trials have actually been carried out in vivo.Therefore,safety issues still needs further evaluations.This review will present an overview of the implications and pitfalls,as well as future challenges of molecular CLE in gastrointestinal diseases.

Effectiveness of narrow-band imaging magnification for invasion depth in early colorectal cancer

AIM: To evaluate the surface microvascular patterns of early colorectal cancer (ECC) using narrow-band imaging (NBI) with magnification and its effectiveness for invasion depth diagnosis. METHODS: We studied 112 ECC lesions [mucosal/ submucosal superficial (m/sm-s), 69; sm-deep (sm-d), 43] ≥ 10 mm that subsequently underwent endoscopic or surgical treatment at our hospital. We compared microvascular architecture revealed by NBI with magnification to histological findings and then to magnifi- cation colonoscopy pit pattern diagnosis. RESULTS: Univariate analysis indicated vessel density: non-dense (P < 0.0001); vessel regularity: negative (P < 0.0001); caliber regularity: negative (P < 0.0001); vessel length: short (P < 0.0001); and vessel meandering: positive (P = 0.002) occurred significantly more often with sm-d invasion than m/sm-s invasion. Multivariate analysis showed sm-d invasion was independently associated with vessel density: non-dense[odds ratio (OR) = 402.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.4-13 133.1] and vessel regularity: negative (OR = 15.9, 95% CI: 1.2-219.1). Both of these findings when combined were an indicator of sm-d invasion with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 81.4%, 100% and 92.9%, respectively. Pit pattern diagnosis sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, meanwhile, were 86.0%, 98.6% and 93.8%, respectively, thus, the NBI with magnification findings of non-dense vessel density and negative vessel regularity when combined together were comparable to pit pattern diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Non-dense vessel density and/or negative vessel regularity observed by NBI with magnification could be indicators of ECC sm-d invasion.

Non-Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the inferior common bile duct

A carcinoma displaying undifferentiated features with dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration is defined as a lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma(LEC),and some of LEC is associated with Epstein-Barr virus(EBV).All of the 13 previously reported cases of LEC of the biliary system were intrahepatic in location.Herein,we describe the first case of LEC of the inferior common bile duct.A 68-year-old Japanese man,who had been previously treated for hepatocellular carcinoma using microwave coagulation therapy,was found to have tumors of the common bile duct and pancreas head.Histopathological study of the resected tumor showed solid or cohesive nests of large undifferentiated cells with irregular large vesicular nuclei and nucleoli.Around the tumor cell nests,dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration was observed.Focal glandular differentiation(approximately 5%) was also present.These histopathological features corresponded morphologically to LEC.Immunohistochemically,the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin(CK) 7,CK 19 and CA19-9,but negative for CK 20 and Hep Par 1.In situ hybridization for Epstein Barr virus early small RNAs disclosed no nuclear signal in tumor cells.Therefore,a diagnosis of non-EBV-associated LEC of the inferior common bile duct was made.Although the prognosis of the biliary LEC is thought to be better than that of conventional cholangiocarcinoma,the differences in prognosis between EBV-positive and-negative cases have not yet been established.Therefore,additional case studies will be needed to clarify the clinicopathological features of LEC of the biliary tract.

Endoscopic and biopsy diagnoses of superficial, nonampullary, duodenal adenocarcinomas

AIM: To investigate the accuracy of endoscopic or biopsy diagnoses of superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors(NADETs).METHODS:Clinicopathological data were reviewed for84 superficial NADETs from 74 patients who underwent surgery or endoscopic resection between September2002 and August 2014 at a single prefectural cancer center.Superficial NADETs were defined as lesions confined to the mucosa or submucosa.Demographic and clinicopathological data were retrieved from charts,endoscopic and pathologic reports.Endoscopic reports included endoscopic diagnosis,location,gross type,diameter,color,and presence or absence of biopsy.Endoscopic diagnoses were made by an endoscopist in charge of the examination before biopsy specimens were obtained.Endoscopic images were obtained using routine,front-view,high-resolution video endoscopy,and chromoendoscopy with indigocarmine was performed for all lesions.Endoscopic images were reviewed by at least two endoscopists to assess endoscopic findings indicative of carcinoma.Preoperative diagnoses based on endoscopy and biopsy findings were compared with histological diagnoses of resected specimens.Sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy were assessed for endoscopic diagnosis and biopsy diagnosis.RESULTS:The majority(81%)of the lesions were located in the second portion of the duodenum.The median lesion diameter was 14.5 mm according to final histology.Surgery was performed for 49 lesions from 39 patients,and 35 lesions from 35 patients were endoscopically resected.Final histology confirmed 65carcinomas,15 adenomas,and 3 hyperplasias.A finaldiagnosis of duodenal carcinoma was made for 91%(52/57)of the lesions diagnosed as carcinoma by endoscopy and 93%(42/45)of the lesions diagnosed as carcinoma by biopsy.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of endoscopic diagnoses were 80%,72%,and 78%,respectively,whereas those of biopsy diagnoses were 72%,80%,and 74%,respectively.Preoperative diagnoses of carcinomas were made in88%(57/65)of the carcinoma lesions via endoscopy or biopsy.Endoscopic findings associated with carcinoma were red color,depression,and mixed-type morphology.CONCLUSION:Preoperative endoscopy and biopsy showed similar accuracies in the diagnosis of carcinoma in patients with superficial NADETs.

Comparative study of therapeutic effects of PPI and H2RA on ulcers during continuous aspirin therapy

AIM:To compare the therapeutic effects of proton pump inhibitors(PPI) and histamine 2 receptor antagonists(H2RA) on gastroduodenal ulcers under continuous use of low-dose aspirin.METHODS:Sixty patients who had a gastroduodenal ulcer on screening endoscopy but required continuous use of low-dose aspirin were randomly assigned to receive PPI(lansoprazole 30 mg,n = 30) or H2RA(famotidine 40 mg or if famotidine had been administered before assignment,ranitidine 300 mg,n = 30).The therapeutic effects were evaluated by endoscopy after 8-wk treatment.The presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) was determined by urea breath test before treatment.Abdominal symptoms were compared with the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale(GSRS) questionnaire before and after treatment.RESULTS:Twenty-six patients in the PPI group and 26 patients in the H2RA group,excluding dropouts,were analyzed.There were no significant differences in median age,sex,underlying disease,smoking status,H.pylori infection,prevalence of ulcers before treatment,and lesion site between the two groups.The therapeutic effects were endoscopically evaluated as healed in 23 patients(88.5%) and not healed in 3 patients in the PPI group and as healed in 22 patients(84.6%) and not healed in 4 patients in the H2RA group.Abdominal symptoms before treatment were uncommon in both groups;the GSRS scores were not significantly reduced after treatment as compared with before treatment.CONCLUSION:The healing rate of gastroduodenal ulcers during continuous use of low-dose aspirin was greater than 80% in both the PPI group and the H2RA group,with no significant difference between the two groups.

Evaluation of small bowel blood flow in healthy subjects receiving low-dose aspirin

AIM:To investigate the relationship between low-dose aspirin-induced small bowel mucosal damage and blood flow,and the effect of rebamipide. METHODS:Ten healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study.The subjects were divided into two groups:a placebo group given low-dose aspirin plus placebo and a rebamipide group given low-dose aspirin plus rebamipide for a period of 14 d.Capsule endoscopy and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography were performed before and after administration of drugs.Areas under the curves and peak value of time-intensity curve were calculated. RESULTS:Absolute differences in areas under the curves were-1102.5(95%CI:-1980.3 to-224.7,P=0.0194) in the placebo group and-152.7(95%CI:-1604.2 to 641.6,P=0.8172) in the rebamipide group. Peak values of time intensity curves were-148.0(95% CI:-269.4 to-26.2,P=0.0225) in the placebo group and 28.3(95%CI:-269.0 to 325.6,P=0.8343) in the rebamipide group.Capsule endoscopy showed mucosal breaks only in the placebo group. CONCLUSION:Short-term administration of low-dose aspirin is associated with small bowel injuries and blood flow.

Gender differences of low-dose aspirin-associated gastroduodenal ulcer in Japanese patients

AIM:To clarify the gender differences about the clini-cal features and risk factors of low-dose aspirin (LDA) (81-100 mg daily)-associated peptic ulcer in Japanese patients.METHODS: There were 453 patients under treatment with LDA (298 males, 155 females) who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Hiratsuka City Hospital between January 2003 and December 2007. They had kept taking the LDA or started treatmentduring the study period and kept taking LDA during the whole period of observation. Of these, 119 patients (87 males, 32 females) were diagnosed as having LDA-associated peptic ulcer. We examined the clinical factors associated with LDA-associated peptic ulcer in both sexes.RESULTS: A history of peptic ulcer was found to be the risk factor for LDA-associated peptic ulcer common to both sexes. In female patients, age greater than 70 years (prevalence ORs 8.441, 95% CI: 1.797-33.649, P = 0.0069) was found to be another significant risk fac-tor, and the time to diagnosis as having LDA-associat-ed peptic ulcer by endoscopy was significantly shorter than that in the male patients (P = 0.0050). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated gender differences about the clinical features and risk factors of LDA-asso-ciated peptic ulcer. Special attention should be paid to aged female patients taking LDA.

Diagnostic utility of small-caliber and conventional endoscopes for gastric cancer and analysis of endoscopic false-negative gastric cancers

AIM: To analyze the diagnostic utility of a small-caliber endoscope(SC-E) and clinicopathological features of false-negative gastric cancers(FN-GCs). METHODS: A total of 21638 esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) gastric cancer(GC) screening examinations were analyzed. Secondary endoscopic examinations(n = 3352) were excluded because most secondary examinations tended to be included in the conventional endoscopy(C-E) group. Detection rates of GCs and FN-GCs were compared between SC-E and C-E groups. FN-GC was defined as GC performed with EGD within the past 3 years without GC detection. Macroscopic types, histopathological characteristics and locations of FN-GCs were compared with firstly foundgastric cancers(FF-GCs) in detail. RESULTS: SC-E cases(n = 6657) and C-E cases(n = 11644), a total of 18301 cases, were analyzed. GCs were detected in 16(0.24%) SC-E cases and 40 C-E(0.34%) cases(P = 0.23) and there were 4 FN-GCs(0.06%) in SC-E and 13(0.11%) in C-E(P = 0.27), with no significant difference. FN-GCs/GCs ratio between SC-E and C-E groups was not significantly different(P = 0.75). The comparison of endoscopic macroscopic types of FN-GCs tended to be a less advanced type(P = 0.02). Histopathologically, 70.6% of FN-GCs were differentiated and 29.4% undifferentiated type. On the other hand, 43.0% of FF-GCs were differentiated and 53.8% undifferentiated type, so FN-GCs tended to be more differentiated type(P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic utility of SC-E for the detection of GCs and FN-GCs was not inferior to that of C-E. Careful observation for superficially depressed type lesions in the upper lesser curvature region is needed to decrease FN-GCs.