Therapeutic endoscopy plays a major role in the management of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasia. Its indications can be generalized into four broad categories; to remove or obliterate neoplastic lesion, to palliate mali...Therapeutic endoscopy plays a major role in the management of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasia. Its indications can be generalized into four broad categories; to remove or obliterate neoplastic lesion, to palliate malignant obstruction, or to treat bleeding. Only endoscopic resection allows complete histological staging of the cancer, which is critical as it allows stratification and refinement for further treatment. Although other endoscopic techniques, such as ablation therapy, may also cure early GI cancer, they can not provide a definitive pathological specimen. Early stage lesions reveal low frequency of lymph node metastasis which allows for less invasive treatments and thereby improving the quality of life when compared to surgery. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are now accepted worldwide as treatment modalities for early cancers of the GI tract.展开更多
AIM: To investigate our clinical experience with combined laparo-endoscopic Rendezvous (RV) for the treatment of patients affected by gallstones and common bile duct (CBD) stones and especially to study the never eval...AIM: To investigate our clinical experience with combined laparo-endoscopic Rendezvous (RV) for the treatment of patients affected by gallstones and common bile duct (CBD) stones and especially to study the never evaluated opinion of the endoscopist concerning the difficulty of the intraoperative endoscopic procedure during the RV in comparison with standard endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Eighty consecutive patients affected by cholecystolithiasis and diagnosed or suspected CBD stones were treated with a standardized "tailored" RV. The relevant technical features, the feasibility, the effectiveness in stone clearance, the safety but also the simple evaluation of difficulty and agreement of the endoscopist were analyzed with a questionnaire. RESULTS: The feasibility was 97.5% and the effectiveness 100% concerning CBD clearance and solution of coexisting problems at the papilla. Minor morbidity was 3.3%, the operating time was prolonged by a mean of 14 min, the mean hospital stay was 3.8 d and only one stone’s recurrence occurred. The endoscopist evaluated the procedure to be simpler than standard ERCP-ES in 81.2% of the cases.CONCLUSION: Simultaneous RV carries higheffectiveness and safety at least comparable to those reported for other options. The endoscopist is very often satisfied with this approach because of the minimization of some steps of the endoscopic procedure and avoidance of relevant iatrogenic risk factors. If the mandatory collaboration between surgeons and endoscopists is guaranteed, this approach can often be preferable for the patient, the surgeon, the endoscopist and the hospital.展开更多
AIM: To study the long-term effects of endoscopic sphincterotomy on biliary epithelium. METHODS: This is a prospective case-control study. A total of 25 patients with a median age of 71 years (range 49-89 years) and p...AIM: To study the long-term effects of endoscopic sphincterotomy on biliary epithelium. METHODS: This is a prospective case-control study. A total of 25 patients with a median age of 71 years (range 49-89 years) and prior endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) for benign disease formed the fi rst group. The median time from ES was 42 mo (range 8-144 mo). Another 25 patients with a median age of 76 years (range 44-94 mo) and similar characteristics who underwent current endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) and ES for benign disease formed the second group (control group). Brush cytology of the biliary tree with p53 immunocytology was performed in all patients of both groups. ERCPs and recruitment were conducted at the Endoscopic Unit of Aretaieion University Hospital and Tzaneio Hospital, Athens, from October 2006 to June 2010. RESULTS: No cases were positive or suspicious for malignancy. Epithelial atypia was higher in the first group (32% vs 8% in the second group, P = 0.034). Acute cholangitis and previous biliary operation rates were also higher in the fi rst group (acute cholangitis, 60% vs 24% in the second group, P = 0.01; previous biliary operation, 76% vs 24% in the second group, P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that previous ES was the main causal factor for atypia, which was not related to the time interval from the ES (P = 0.407). Two patients (8%) with atypia in the fi rst group were p53-positive. CONCLUSION: ES causes biliary epithelial atypia that represents mostly reactive/proliferative rather than premalignant changes. The role of p53 immunoreactivity in biliary atypia needs to be further studied.展开更多
Colonic perforation during endoscopic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures,represents an uncommon occurrence even if,together with haemorrhage,it is still the most common complication of colonoscopy,with an incidence ...Colonic perforation during endoscopic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures,represents an uncommon occurrence even if,together with haemorrhage,it is still the most common complication of colonoscopy,with an incidence ranging between 0.1% and 2% of all colonoscopic procedures. The ideal treatment in these cases remains elusive as the endoscopist and the surgeon have to make a choice case by case,depending on many factors such as how promptly the rupture is identified,the condition of the patient,the degree of contamination and the evidence of peritoneal irritation. Surgical interventions both laparotomic and laparoscopic,and other medical non-operative solutions are described in the literature. Only three cases have been reported in the literature in which the endoscopic apposition of endoclips was used to repair a colonic perforation during colonoscopy. Ours is the first case that the perforation itself was caused by the improper functioning of a therapeutic device.展开更多
BACKGROUND Benign oesophageal strictures secondary to caustic ingestion are rare and difficult to manage. They often present with symptoms such as chest pain,dysphagia and vomiting. Surgical resection is often not jus...BACKGROUND Benign oesophageal strictures secondary to caustic ingestion are rare and difficult to manage. They often present with symptoms such as chest pain,dysphagia and vomiting. Surgical resection is often not justified in majority of these cases who later presents with recurrent benign stricture.CASE SUMMARY We present a unique case of a patient who presented with post-oesophagectomy gastric conduit outlet obstruction(POGO) secondary to caustic ingestion. Our patient had already undergone two stage oesophagectomy with pyloroplasty for operable oesophageal cancer with curative intent 5 years prior. This is a distinctive case,where a successful deployment of a SX-ELLA biodegradable(BD) stent(019-10 A-28/23/28-080) after failed dilatations. We have briefly reviewed literature with regards to the role BD stents in patients with recurrent benign stricture and discussed management dilemma.CONCLUSION We recommend the attending gastroenterologist should bear the usefulness of BD stents in the management of refractory POGO after oesophagectomy.展开更多
Due to the advent of the screening programs for colorectal cancer and the era of quality assurance colonoscopy the number the polyps that can be considered difficult,including large(>20 mm)laterally spreading tumor...Due to the advent of the screening programs for colorectal cancer and the era of quality assurance colonoscopy the number the polyps that can be considered difficult,including large(>20 mm)laterally spreading tumors(LSTs),has increased in the last decade.All LSTs should be assessed carefully,looking for suspicious areas of submucosal invasion(SMI),such as nodules or depressed areas,describing the morphology according to the Paris classification,the pit pattern,and vascular pattern.The simplest,most appropriate and safest endoscopic treatment with curative intent should be selected.For LST-granular homogeneous type,piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection should be the first option due to its biological low risk of SMI.LST-nongranular pseudodepressed type has an increased risk of SMI,and en bloc resection should be mandatory.Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection is useful in situations where submucosal injection alters the operative field,e.g.,for the resection of scar lesions,with no lifting,adjacent tattoo,incomplete resection attempts,lesions into a colonic diverticulum,in ileocecal valve and lesions with intra-appendicular involvement.Endoscopic full thickness resection is very useful for the treatment of difficult to resect lesions of less than 20 up to 25 mm.Among the indications,we highlight the treatment of polyps with suspected malignancy because the acquired tissue allows an exact histologic risk stratification to assign patients individually to the best treatment and avoid surgery for low-risk lesions.Endoscopic submucosal dissection is the only endoscopic procedure that allows completes en bloc resection regardless of the size of the lesion.It should therefore be indicated in the treatment of lesions with risk of SMI.展开更多
BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation(EUS-RFA)is emerging as a complementary therapeutic approach for pancreatic solid masses.However,results of published data are difficult to interpret beca...BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation(EUS-RFA)is emerging as a complementary therapeutic approach for pancreatic solid masses.However,results of published data are difficult to interpret because of a retrospective design and small sample size.AIM To systematically review data on EUS-RFA for solid lesions and to pool the results of the different experiences in order to provide more consistent evidence in terms of safety and efficacy.METHODS A comprehensive systematic literature search on the main databases was performed to identify articles in which patients with pancreatic solid lesions underwent EUS-RFA.The primary outcomes were procedure-related adverse events(AEs)and mortality.Secondary outcomes were the technical success rate and the effects on primary tumor growth.Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 14.0.RESULTS In total,14 studies were included,with 120 patients undergoing 153 ablations of 129 solid pancreatic lesions.The STARmed technology was used in seven studies,the Habib system in six studies,and the HybridTherm probe in one study.The pooled technical success rate was 99.0%(I2:25.82%).The pooled overall AE rate was 8.0%(I2:11.46%).Excluding mild AEs,the pooled rates of serious AEs was 1.0%(I2:0%).No mortality related to the procedure was reported.CONCLUSION The present pooled analysis confirms the safety and feasibility of EUS-RFA.展开更多
Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection as the major cause of gastroduodenal disorders three decades ago,H.pylori has been the focus of active research and debate in the scientific community.Its ...Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection as the major cause of gastroduodenal disorders three decades ago,H.pylori has been the focus of active research and debate in the scientific community.Its linkage to several diseases,such as peptic ulcer disease,gastritis and gastric malignancy is incontestable.In particular,it has been noticed that,as the aged population is increasing worldwide,older people are at increased risk of developing several gastroduodenal diseases and related complications.At the same time,gastric cancer is definitely more frequent in elderly than in adult and young people.In addition,it has been showed that peptic ulcer and related complications occur much more commonly in aged individuals than in young people,resulting in a significantly higher mortality.Although this infection plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal disorders affecting all age groups and in particular older people,only a few studies have been published regarding the latter.This article presents an overview of the epidemiology,diagnosis,clinical manifestations and therapy of H.pylori infection in elderly people.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the clinical impact of capsule endoscopy(CE) after an obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) episode, focusing on diagnostic work-up, followup and predictive factors of rebleeding. METHODS: Patien...AIM: To investigate the clinical impact of capsule endoscopy(CE) after an obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) episode, focusing on diagnostic work-up, followup and predictive factors of rebleeding. METHODS: Patients who were referred to Hospital del Mar(Barcelona, Spain) between 2007 and 2009 for OGIB who underwent a CE were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, current treatment with non-steroid antiinflammtory drugs or anticoagulant drugs, hemoglobin levels, transfusion requirements, previous diagnostic tests for the bleeding episode, as well as CE findings(significant or non-significant), work-up and patient out-comes were analyzed from electronic charts. Variables were compared by χ 2 analysis and Student t test. Risk factors of rebleeding were assessed by Log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression model. RESULTS: There were 105 patients [45.7% women, median age of 72 years old(interquartile range 56-79)] and a median follow-up of 326 d(interquartile range 123-641) included in this study. The overall diagnostic yield of CE was 58.1%(55.2% and 63.2%, for patients with occult OGIB and overt OGIB, respectively). In 73 patients(69.5%), OGIB was resolved. Multivariate analysis showed that hemoglobin levels lower than 8 g/dL at diagnosis [hazard ratios(HR) = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.9-6.3], patients aged 70 years and above(HR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-6.1) and significant findings in CE(HR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.1-5.8) were independent predictors of rebleeding. CONCLUSION: One third of the patients presented with rebleeding after CE; risk factors were hemoglobin levels < 8 g/dL, age ≥ 70 years or the presence of significant lesions.展开更多
AIM: To search the pathophysiological mechanism of diarrhea based on daily stool weights, fecal electrolytes,osmotic gap and pH.METHODS: Seventy-six patients were included: 51 with microscopic colitis (MC) [40 with ly...AIM: To search the pathophysiological mechanism of diarrhea based on daily stool weights, fecal electrolytes,osmotic gap and pH.METHODS: Seventy-six patients were included: 51 with microscopic colitis (MC) [40 with lymphocytic colitis (LC);11 with collagenous colitis (CC)]; 7 with MC without diarrhea and 18 as a control group (CG). They collected stool for 3 d. Sodium and potassium concentration were determined by flame photometry and chloride concentration by titration method of Schales. Fecal osmotic gap was calculated from the difference of osmolarity of fecal fluid and double sum of sodium and potassium concentration.RESULTS: Fecal fluid sodium concentration was significantly increased in LC 58.11±5.38 mmol/L (P<0.01)and CC 54.14±8.42 mmol/L (P<0.05) than in CG 34.28±2.98 mmol/L. Potassium concentration in LC 74.65±5.29 mmol/L (P<0.01) and CC 75.53±8.78 mmol/L (P<0.05) was significantly less compared to CG 92.67±2.99 mmol/L.Chloride concentration in CC 36.07±7.29 mmol/L was significantly higher than in CG 24.11±2.05 mmol/L (P<0.05).Forty-four (86.7%) patients had a secretory diarrhea compared to fecal osmotic gap. Seven (13.3%) patients had osmotic diarrhea.CONCLUSION: Diarrhea in MC mostly belongs to the secretory type. The major pathophysiological mechanism in LC could be explained by a decrease of active sodium absorption. In CC, decreased Cl/HCO3 exchange rate and increased chloride secretion are coexistent pathways.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatic lymphangioma,a malformation of the liver lymphatic system,is a rare benign neoplasm and usually coexists with other visceral lymphangiomas.Solitary hepatic lymphangioma is much more rarely seen and ...BACKGROUND Hepatic lymphangioma,a malformation of the liver lymphatic system,is a rare benign neoplasm and usually coexists with other visceral lymphangiomas.Solitary hepatic lymphangioma is much more rarely seen and could cause a clinical misinterpretation as malignancy.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old woman with a liver mass of approximately 3.5 cm was initially diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma given the risk factors for liver cancer that she presented with,including Schistosome japonicum infection and jaundice,and also together with imaging results,which showed the mass enhanced quickly in the arterial phase and faded fast in the venous phase.The patient did not have the surgery first but received three rounds of transarterial chemoembolization because of her anxiety and fears for operation.Finally,the patient underwent laparoscopic liver segment 4b resection and cholecystectomy and was discharged from the hospital only 10 d after the operation.The pathological examination indicated the mass as hepatic lymphangioma.The patient has been followed up for 30 mo without recurrence.To raise the awareness of this misdiagnosed case and to better diagnose and treat this rare disease in future,we reviewed the published literature of solitary hepatic lymphangioma for its clinical symptoms,imaging presentation,operative techniques,histology features and prognosis.CONCLUSION Solitary hepatic lymphangioma mimicking malignancy makes diagnosis difficult.Complete surgical resection is the first choice to treat solitary hepatic lymphangioma.展开更多
AIM: To investigate gastrointestinal complications associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAIDs) use in children.METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted between January 2005 and Januar...AIM: To investigate gastrointestinal complications associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAIDs) use in children.METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted between January 2005 and January 2013, with the participation of 8 Italian pediatric gastroenterology centers. We collected all the cases of patients who refer to emergency room for suspected gastrointestinal bleeding following NSAIDs consumption, and underwent endoscopic evaluation. Previous medical history, associated risk factors, symptoms and signs at presentation, diagnostic procedures, severity of bleeding and management of gastrointestinal bleeding were collected. In addition, data regarding type of drug used, indication, dose, duration of treatment and prescriber(physician or selfmedication) were examined. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients, including 34 males, were enrolled(median age: 7.8 years). Ibuprofen was the most used NSAID [35/51 patients(68.6%)]. Pain was the most frequent indication for NSAIDs use [29/51 patients(56.9%)]. Seven patients had positive family history of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection or peptic ulcer, and 12 had associated comorbidities. Twenty-four(47%) out of 51 patients used medication inappropriately. Hematemesis was the most frequent symptom(33.3%). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed gastric lesions in 32/51(62%) patients, duodenal lesions in 17(33%) and esophageal lesions in 8(15%). In 10/51(19.6%) patients, a diagnosis of H. pylori gastritis was made. Forty-eight(94%) patients underwent medical therapy, with spontaneous bleeding resolution, while in 3/51(6%) patients, an endoscopic hemostasis was needed.CONCLUSION: The data collected in this study confirms that adverse events with the involvement of the gastrointestinal tract secondary to NSAID use are also common in展开更多
AIM: To investigate whether the predominant emphysema type is associated with the high resolution computed tomography(HRCT) pattern of fibrosis in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema(CPFE).METHODS: Fifty-three s...AIM: To investigate whether the predominant emphysema type is associated with the high resolution computed tomography(HRCT) pattern of fibrosis in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema(CPFE).METHODS: Fifty-three smokers with upper lobe emphysema and lower lobe pulmonary fibrosis on- HRCT-were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to the predominant type of emphysema: Centrilobular(CLE), paraseptal(PSE), CLE = PSE. Patients were also stratified into 3 other groups according to the predominant type of fibrosis on HRCT: Typical usual interstitial pneumonia(UIP), probable UIP and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia(NSIP). HRCTs were scored at 5 predetermined levels for the coarseness of fibrosis(Coarseness), extent of emphysema(emphysema), extent of interstitial lung disease(Tot Ext ILD), extent of reticular pattern not otherwise specified(Ret NOS), extent of ground glass opacity with traction bronchiectasis(extG GOBx), extent of pure ground glass opacity and extent of honeycombing. HRCT mean scores, pulmonary function tests, diffusion capacity(DLCO) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure were compared among the groups.RESULTS: The predominant type of emphysema was strongly correlated with the predominant type of fibrosis. The centrilobular emphysema group exhibited a significantly higher extent of emphysema(P < 0.001) and a lower extent of interstitial lung disease(P < 0.002), reticular pattern not otherwise specified(P < 0.023), extent of ground glass opacity with traction bronchiectasis(P < 0.002), extent of honeycombing(P < 0.001) and coarseness of fibrosis(P < 0.001) than the paraseptal group. The NSIP group exhibited a significantly higher extent of emphysema(P < 0.05), total lung capacity(P < 0.01) and diffusion capacity(DLCO)(P < 0.05) than the typical UIP group. The typical UIP group exhibited a significantly higher extent of interstitial lung disease, extent of reticular pattern not otherwise specified, extent of ground glass opacity with traction bronchiectasis, extent of honeycombing and coarseness of fibrosis(0.039 > P > 0.000). Although the pulmonary arterial pressure was higher in typical UIP group relative to the NSIP group, the difference was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION: In CPFE patients, paraseptal emphysema is associated more with UIP-HRCT pattern and higher extent of fibrosis than centrilobular emphysema.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acute recurrent pancreatitis(ARP)is characterized by episodes of acute pancreatitis in an otherwise normal gland.When no cause of ARP is identifiable,the diagnosis of"idiopathic"ARP is given.Mutat...BACKGROUND Acute recurrent pancreatitis(ARP)is characterized by episodes of acute pancreatitis in an otherwise normal gland.When no cause of ARP is identifiable,the diagnosis of"idiopathic"ARP is given.Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR)gene increase the risk of ARP by 3-to 4-times compared to the general population,while cystic fibrosis(CF)patients present with a 40-to 80-times higher risk of developing pancreatitis.CASE SUMMARY In non-classical CF or CFTR-related disorders,CFTR functional tests can help to ensure a proper diagnosis.We applied an individualized combination of standardized and new CFTR functional bioassays for a patient referred to the Verona CF Center for evaluation after several episodes of acute pancreatitis.The CFTR genotype was G542X+/-with IVS8Tn:T7/9 polymorphism.The sweat(Cl-)values were borderline.Intestinal current measurements were performed according to the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Standardized Operating Procedure.Recent nasal surgery for deviated septum did not allow for nasal potential difference measurements.Lung function and sputum cultures were normal;azoospermia was excluded.Pancreas divisum was excluded by imaging but hypoplasia of the left hepatic lobe was detected.Innovative tests applied in this case include sweat rate measurement by image analysis,CFTR function in monocytes evaluated using a membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent probe,and the intestinal organoids forskolin-induced swelling assay.CONCLUSION Combination of innovative CFTR functional assays might support a controversial diagnosis when CFTR-related disorders and/or non-classical CF are suspected.展开更多
Angiogenesis has a critical role in primary tumor growth and the development of metastases.Several angiogenesis inhibitors were recently developed,being a very attractive target for digestive tumor therapy.However,ind...Angiogenesis has a critical role in primary tumor growth and the development of metastases.Several angiogenesis inhibitors were recently developed,being a very attractive target for digestive tumor therapy.However,individualized therapy should not only be based on the pre-treatment imaging evaluation,but also on sensitive monitoring of microvascular changes during treatment.State-of-theart imaging techniques have the potential to visualize and characterize angiogenesis,although the technology and methodologies employed are recent and need further validation.The aim of this series of reviews was to analyze and enhance current knowledge and future perspectives about the real-time assessment of angiogenesis in digestive cancers,used for the longitudinal monitoring of the effects of chemo-radiotherapy(including anti-angiogenic therapies),as well as for the precise targeting of drugs through molecular-based drug-delivery systems.展开更多
We described the case of a peripancreatic paraganglioma(PGL)misdiagnosed as pancreatic lesion.Surgical exploration revealed an unremarkable pancreas and a large well-defined cystic mass originating at the mesocolon ro...We described the case of a peripancreatic paraganglioma(PGL)misdiagnosed as pancreatic lesion.Surgical exploration revealed an unremarkable pancreas and a large well-defined cystic mass originating at the mesocolon root.Radical enucleation of the mass was performed,preserving the pancreatic tail.Histologically,a diagnosis of PGL was rendered.Interestingly,two previously unreported mutations,one affecting the KDR gene in exon 7 and another on the JAK3 gene in exon 4 were detected.Both mutations are known to be pathogenetic.Imaging and cytologic findings were blindly reviewed by an expert panel of clinicians,radiologists,and pathologists to identify possible causes of the misdiagnosis.The major issue was lack of evidence of a cleavage plane from the pancreas at imaging,which prompted radiologists to establish an intraparenchymal origin.The blinded revision shifted the diagnosis towards an extrapancreatic lesion,as the pancreatic parenchyma showed no structural alterations and no dislocation of the Wirsung duct.Ex post,the identified biases were the emergency setting of the radiologic examination and the very thin mesocolon sheet,which hindered clear definition of the lesion borders.Original endoscopic ultrasonography diagnosis was confirmed,emphasizing the intrinsic limit of this technique in detecting large masses.Finally,pathologic review favored a diagnosis of PGL due to the morphological features and immonohistochemical profile.Eighteen months after tumor excision,the patient is asymptomatic with no disease relapse evident by either radiology or laboratory tests.Our report strongly highlights the difficulties in rendering an accurate preoperative diagnosis of PGL.展开更多
AIM:To follow up patients with pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis(PCP)to assess their outcome and identify an optimal surveillance interval.METHODS:Data obtained prospectively were analyzed in a retrospective manner.P...AIM:To follow up patients with pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis(PCP)to assess their outcome and identify an optimal surveillance interval.METHODS:Data obtained prospectively were analyzed in a retrospective manner.Patients with clinical evidence of chronic pancreatitis(abdominal pain in the epigastrium,steatorrhea,and diabetes mellitus),endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)criteria>4,and EUS-fine needle aspiration(FNA)were included.A pseudotumor was defined as a non-neoplastic space-occupying lesion,a cause of chronic pancreatitis that may mimic changes typical of pancreatic cancer on CT or endoscopic ultrasound but without histological evidence.A real tumor was defined as a neoplastic space-occupying lesion because of pancreatic cancer confirmed by histology.RESULTS:Thirty-five patients with chronic pancreatitis were included,26(74.2%)of whom were men.Nine(25.7%)patients were diagnosed with pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis and two(2/35;5.7%)patients with pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on follow-up.The time between the diagnosis of pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma was 35 and 30 d in the two patients.Definitive diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma was made by surgery.In the remaining six patients with pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis,the median of follow-up was 11 mo(range 1-22 mo)and they showed no evidence of malignancy on surveillance.In the follow-up of patients without pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis but with chronic pancreatitis,none were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.According to our data,older patients with chronic pancreatitis are at risk of pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis.CONCLUSION:According to characteristics of patient,detection of PCP should lead a surveillance program for pancreatic cancer with EUS-FNA in<1 mo or directly to surgical resection.展开更多
BACKGROUND Obese patients(Ob)with a binge eating disorders(BED)behavior pattern have a higher prevalence of postprandial distress syndrome(PDS)compared to Ob without a BED behavior pattern,while an increase of PDS has...BACKGROUND Obese patients(Ob)with a binge eating disorders(BED)behavior pattern have a higher prevalence of postprandial distress syndrome(PDS)compared to Ob without a BED behavior pattern,while an increase of PDS has been described in Ob after sleeve gastrectomy(SG).Hedonic response to a meal is dissociable from satiation in healthy subjects.Anhedonia is the lowered ability to experience pleasure.There are no studies investigating the presence of anhedonia in Ob with and without SG and its relationship to PDS symptoms.AIM To assess the relationship among anhedonia,BED and upper gastrointestinal symptoms in two group of morbidly Ob with and without SG.METHODS Eighty-one Ob without SG,45 Ob with SG and 55 healthy controls(HC)were studied.All subjects fulfilled the binge eating scale(BES)to investigate BED,the validated 14 items Snaith-Hamilton pleasure scale(SHAPS)to assess Anhedonia as well as the Beck Depression Inventory-II(BDI II)and State Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI)questionnaires to screen for depression and anxiety.All patients underwent a standardized questionnaire investigating the intensity-frequency scores(0-6)of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and were diagnosed for the presence of functional dyspepsia(FD)and its subtypes according to ROME IV criteria.RESULTS Ob without SG who were positive for BED had a 4.7 higher risk of FD compared to Ob without SG who were negative for BED(OR:4.7;95.0%CI 1.23-18.24;P=0.02).STAI-Y2 scores were significantly higher in Ob without SG positive for BED(42.2±1.5 vs Ob negative for BED:39.6±1.0,P=0.04),while SHAPS scores and BDI II did not differ in the two groups(1.16±1.30 vs 0.89±1.02,P=0.49).A lower prevalence of BED(BES>17:11.4%vs 40.7%,P=0.001)and BDI-II(6.8±1.2 vs 13.8±1.9,P=0.005)was reported in Ob with SG than Ob without SG,on the contrary total mean scores of STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2 were significantly higher in Ob with SG than Ob without SG.Thirty-five percent of Ob with SG fulfilled the diagnosis of FD.SHAPS mean scores and the prevalence of anhedonia did not differ among the two groups(18.2 vs 8.1%,P=0.2).Fifty-four percent of Ob with SG achieved surgical success excess weight loss>50%.Excess weight loss was negatively related to SHAPS total mean scores[adjusted B:-7.099(95%CI:-13.91 to-0.29),P=0.04].CONCLUSION Ob without SG showed a higher prevalence of PDS,mood disorders and anxiety when positive for BE behavior compared to those negative for BE behavior,whereas no differences were found in SHAPS score.Ob with SG showed a higher prevalence of PDS compared to Ob without SG.Concerning psychological aspect,BED and depression are less frequent in the Ob with SG,while both state and trait anxiety are significantly higher.Moreover,the more an Ob with SG is anhedonic,less surgical success was achieved.展开更多
Background and Study Aims:The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of treatment by endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)of patients with high-grade dysplasia(HGD)or carcinoma.Patients and Methods:Be...Background and Study Aims:The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of treatment by endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)of patients with high-grade dysplasia(HGD)or carcinoma.Patients and Methods:Between January 1995 and January 2002,50 patients(35 men,15 women)were treated by EMR for 52 sessile polyps.The median size of the polyps was 27.5 mm(range 10-60).The “lift and cut”EMR technique was used.If the lesion was poorly differentiated or infiltrated the muscularis mucosae to more than 1000 μm,the patient was referred for colectomy.In the other cases,follow-up was proposed.Results:Complications occurred in 9.6%of cases and were always treated conservatively.The rate of endoscopically complete resection was judged to be 98.1%.Argon plasma coagulation was applied to the margins of the lesion in 21.6%of cases.Histological examination showed 38 HGDs and 14 carcinomas.Seven patients had a lesion reaching the deep or lateral margin;four were referred for surgery;two patients for whom surgery would have been high risk were followed up,and both developed local recurrence;and one patient was followed up,without recurrence,because infiltration was less than 1000 μm.A total of 43 patients were followed up after complete excision.Two patients died during follow-up;neither death could be reliably attributed to colorectal carcinoma.Seven patients were lost during the follow-up.For 34 patients,information from a mean follow-up of 17.3 months(6-57)was available and recurrence was observed in five cases(15%).Conclusions:EMR appears to be a safe and efficient treatment of HGD and early colorectal cancer.However,correct analysis of submucosal infiltration is essential to assess the completeness of the resection.展开更多
Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is likely acquired in childhood.Helicobacter pylori is recognized as a cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer.Objective: To investigate some noninvasive tests, particularly Hpylo...Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is likely acquired in childhood.Helicobacter pylori is recognized as a cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer.Objective: To investigate some noninvasive tests, particularly Hpylori fecal antigen, for the diagnosis of Hpylori infection in comparison with the gold-standard invasive test, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy.Methods: We studied 250 patients (102 male; age range, 3-18 years) who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy (histologic examination and rapid urease test) for a suspicious upper gastrointestinal disease; in all of them, fecal H pylori antigen, serum H pylori immunoglobulin G, and cytotoxin-associated gene product A immunoglobulin G were measured.Sensitivity and specificity of noninvasive tests were compared with those of the gold-standard esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy.Results: Ninety-three patients (37%) had positive histopathologic (Giemsa staining) and rapid urease test results.The H pylori fecal antigen revealed a sensitivity of 97%, a specificity of 98%, a positive predictive value of 97%, and a negative predictive value of 98%; serum H pylori immunoglobulin G had a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 72%, and a negative predictive value of 90%; and serum cytotoxin-associated gene product A immunoglobulin G had a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 71%, and a negative predictive value of 89%.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that among noninvasive and easily applicable tests, particularly in small children, H pylori fecal test is simple, suitable, and has high accuracy for the screening of H pylori-positive patients.展开更多
文摘Therapeutic endoscopy plays a major role in the management of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasia. Its indications can be generalized into four broad categories; to remove or obliterate neoplastic lesion, to palliate malignant obstruction, or to treat bleeding. Only endoscopic resection allows complete histological staging of the cancer, which is critical as it allows stratification and refinement for further treatment. Although other endoscopic techniques, such as ablation therapy, may also cure early GI cancer, they can not provide a definitive pathological specimen. Early stage lesions reveal low frequency of lymph node metastasis which allows for less invasive treatments and thereby improving the quality of life when compared to surgery. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are now accepted worldwide as treatment modalities for early cancers of the GI tract.
文摘AIM: To investigate our clinical experience with combined laparo-endoscopic Rendezvous (RV) for the treatment of patients affected by gallstones and common bile duct (CBD) stones and especially to study the never evaluated opinion of the endoscopist concerning the difficulty of the intraoperative endoscopic procedure during the RV in comparison with standard endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Eighty consecutive patients affected by cholecystolithiasis and diagnosed or suspected CBD stones were treated with a standardized "tailored" RV. The relevant technical features, the feasibility, the effectiveness in stone clearance, the safety but also the simple evaluation of difficulty and agreement of the endoscopist were analyzed with a questionnaire. RESULTS: The feasibility was 97.5% and the effectiveness 100% concerning CBD clearance and solution of coexisting problems at the papilla. Minor morbidity was 3.3%, the operating time was prolonged by a mean of 14 min, the mean hospital stay was 3.8 d and only one stone’s recurrence occurred. The endoscopist evaluated the procedure to be simpler than standard ERCP-ES in 81.2% of the cases.CONCLUSION: Simultaneous RV carries higheffectiveness and safety at least comparable to those reported for other options. The endoscopist is very often satisfied with this approach because of the minimization of some steps of the endoscopic procedure and avoidance of relevant iatrogenic risk factors. If the mandatory collaboration between surgeons and endoscopists is guaranteed, this approach can often be preferable for the patient, the surgeon, the endoscopist and the hospital.
基金Supported by GC Medical Hellas who offered us free cytology brushes
文摘AIM: To study the long-term effects of endoscopic sphincterotomy on biliary epithelium. METHODS: This is a prospective case-control study. A total of 25 patients with a median age of 71 years (range 49-89 years) and prior endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) for benign disease formed the fi rst group. The median time from ES was 42 mo (range 8-144 mo). Another 25 patients with a median age of 76 years (range 44-94 mo) and similar characteristics who underwent current endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) and ES for benign disease formed the second group (control group). Brush cytology of the biliary tree with p53 immunocytology was performed in all patients of both groups. ERCPs and recruitment were conducted at the Endoscopic Unit of Aretaieion University Hospital and Tzaneio Hospital, Athens, from October 2006 to June 2010. RESULTS: No cases were positive or suspicious for malignancy. Epithelial atypia was higher in the first group (32% vs 8% in the second group, P = 0.034). Acute cholangitis and previous biliary operation rates were also higher in the fi rst group (acute cholangitis, 60% vs 24% in the second group, P = 0.01; previous biliary operation, 76% vs 24% in the second group, P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that previous ES was the main causal factor for atypia, which was not related to the time interval from the ES (P = 0.407). Two patients (8%) with atypia in the fi rst group were p53-positive. CONCLUSION: ES causes biliary epithelial atypia that represents mostly reactive/proliferative rather than premalignant changes. The role of p53 immunoreactivity in biliary atypia needs to be further studied.
文摘Colonic perforation during endoscopic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures,represents an uncommon occurrence even if,together with haemorrhage,it is still the most common complication of colonoscopy,with an incidence ranging between 0.1% and 2% of all colonoscopic procedures. The ideal treatment in these cases remains elusive as the endoscopist and the surgeon have to make a choice case by case,depending on many factors such as how promptly the rupture is identified,the condition of the patient,the degree of contamination and the evidence of peritoneal irritation. Surgical interventions both laparotomic and laparoscopic,and other medical non-operative solutions are described in the literature. Only three cases have been reported in the literature in which the endoscopic apposition of endoclips was used to repair a colonic perforation during colonoscopy. Ours is the first case that the perforation itself was caused by the improper functioning of a therapeutic device.
文摘BACKGROUND Benign oesophageal strictures secondary to caustic ingestion are rare and difficult to manage. They often present with symptoms such as chest pain,dysphagia and vomiting. Surgical resection is often not justified in majority of these cases who later presents with recurrent benign stricture.CASE SUMMARY We present a unique case of a patient who presented with post-oesophagectomy gastric conduit outlet obstruction(POGO) secondary to caustic ingestion. Our patient had already undergone two stage oesophagectomy with pyloroplasty for operable oesophageal cancer with curative intent 5 years prior. This is a distinctive case,where a successful deployment of a SX-ELLA biodegradable(BD) stent(019-10 A-28/23/28-080) after failed dilatations. We have briefly reviewed literature with regards to the role BD stents in patients with recurrent benign stricture and discussed management dilemma.CONCLUSION We recommend the attending gastroenterologist should bear the usefulness of BD stents in the management of refractory POGO after oesophagectomy.
文摘Due to the advent of the screening programs for colorectal cancer and the era of quality assurance colonoscopy the number the polyps that can be considered difficult,including large(>20 mm)laterally spreading tumors(LSTs),has increased in the last decade.All LSTs should be assessed carefully,looking for suspicious areas of submucosal invasion(SMI),such as nodules or depressed areas,describing the morphology according to the Paris classification,the pit pattern,and vascular pattern.The simplest,most appropriate and safest endoscopic treatment with curative intent should be selected.For LST-granular homogeneous type,piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection should be the first option due to its biological low risk of SMI.LST-nongranular pseudodepressed type has an increased risk of SMI,and en bloc resection should be mandatory.Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection is useful in situations where submucosal injection alters the operative field,e.g.,for the resection of scar lesions,with no lifting,adjacent tattoo,incomplete resection attempts,lesions into a colonic diverticulum,in ileocecal valve and lesions with intra-appendicular involvement.Endoscopic full thickness resection is very useful for the treatment of difficult to resect lesions of less than 20 up to 25 mm.Among the indications,we highlight the treatment of polyps with suspected malignancy because the acquired tissue allows an exact histologic risk stratification to assign patients individually to the best treatment and avoid surgery for low-risk lesions.Endoscopic submucosal dissection is the only endoscopic procedure that allows completes en bloc resection regardless of the size of the lesion.It should therefore be indicated in the treatment of lesions with risk of SMI.
文摘BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation(EUS-RFA)is emerging as a complementary therapeutic approach for pancreatic solid masses.However,results of published data are difficult to interpret because of a retrospective design and small sample size.AIM To systematically review data on EUS-RFA for solid lesions and to pool the results of the different experiences in order to provide more consistent evidence in terms of safety and efficacy.METHODS A comprehensive systematic literature search on the main databases was performed to identify articles in which patients with pancreatic solid lesions underwent EUS-RFA.The primary outcomes were procedure-related adverse events(AEs)and mortality.Secondary outcomes were the technical success rate and the effects on primary tumor growth.Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 14.0.RESULTS In total,14 studies were included,with 120 patients undergoing 153 ablations of 129 solid pancreatic lesions.The STARmed technology was used in seven studies,the Habib system in six studies,and the HybridTherm probe in one study.The pooled technical success rate was 99.0%(I2:25.82%).The pooled overall AE rate was 8.0%(I2:11.46%).Excluding mild AEs,the pooled rates of serious AEs was 1.0%(I2:0%).No mortality related to the procedure was reported.CONCLUSION The present pooled analysis confirms the safety and feasibility of EUS-RFA.
文摘Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection as the major cause of gastroduodenal disorders three decades ago,H.pylori has been the focus of active research and debate in the scientific community.Its linkage to several diseases,such as peptic ulcer disease,gastritis and gastric malignancy is incontestable.In particular,it has been noticed that,as the aged population is increasing worldwide,older people are at increased risk of developing several gastroduodenal diseases and related complications.At the same time,gastric cancer is definitely more frequent in elderly than in adult and young people.In addition,it has been showed that peptic ulcer and related complications occur much more commonly in aged individuals than in young people,resulting in a significantly higher mortality.Although this infection plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal disorders affecting all age groups and in particular older people,only a few studies have been published regarding the latter.This article presents an overview of the epidemiology,diagnosis,clinical manifestations and therapy of H.pylori infection in elderly people.
文摘AIM: To investigate the clinical impact of capsule endoscopy(CE) after an obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) episode, focusing on diagnostic work-up, followup and predictive factors of rebleeding. METHODS: Patients who were referred to Hospital del Mar(Barcelona, Spain) between 2007 and 2009 for OGIB who underwent a CE were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, current treatment with non-steroid antiinflammtory drugs or anticoagulant drugs, hemoglobin levels, transfusion requirements, previous diagnostic tests for the bleeding episode, as well as CE findings(significant or non-significant), work-up and patient out-comes were analyzed from electronic charts. Variables were compared by χ 2 analysis and Student t test. Risk factors of rebleeding were assessed by Log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression model. RESULTS: There were 105 patients [45.7% women, median age of 72 years old(interquartile range 56-79)] and a median follow-up of 326 d(interquartile range 123-641) included in this study. The overall diagnostic yield of CE was 58.1%(55.2% and 63.2%, for patients with occult OGIB and overt OGIB, respectively). In 73 patients(69.5%), OGIB was resolved. Multivariate analysis showed that hemoglobin levels lower than 8 g/dL at diagnosis [hazard ratios(HR) = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.9-6.3], patients aged 70 years and above(HR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-6.1) and significant findings in CE(HR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.1-5.8) were independent predictors of rebleeding. CONCLUSION: One third of the patients presented with rebleeding after CE; risk factors were hemoglobin levels < 8 g/dL, age ≥ 70 years or the presence of significant lesions.
文摘AIM: To search the pathophysiological mechanism of diarrhea based on daily stool weights, fecal electrolytes,osmotic gap and pH.METHODS: Seventy-six patients were included: 51 with microscopic colitis (MC) [40 with lymphocytic colitis (LC);11 with collagenous colitis (CC)]; 7 with MC without diarrhea and 18 as a control group (CG). They collected stool for 3 d. Sodium and potassium concentration were determined by flame photometry and chloride concentration by titration method of Schales. Fecal osmotic gap was calculated from the difference of osmolarity of fecal fluid and double sum of sodium and potassium concentration.RESULTS: Fecal fluid sodium concentration was significantly increased in LC 58.11±5.38 mmol/L (P<0.01)and CC 54.14±8.42 mmol/L (P<0.05) than in CG 34.28±2.98 mmol/L. Potassium concentration in LC 74.65±5.29 mmol/L (P<0.01) and CC 75.53±8.78 mmol/L (P<0.05) was significantly less compared to CG 92.67±2.99 mmol/L.Chloride concentration in CC 36.07±7.29 mmol/L was significantly higher than in CG 24.11±2.05 mmol/L (P<0.05).Forty-four (86.7%) patients had a secretory diarrhea compared to fecal osmotic gap. Seven (13.3%) patients had osmotic diarrhea.CONCLUSION: Diarrhea in MC mostly belongs to the secretory type. The major pathophysiological mechanism in LC could be explained by a decrease of active sodium absorption. In CC, decreased Cl/HCO3 exchange rate and increased chloride secretion are coexistent pathways.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatic lymphangioma,a malformation of the liver lymphatic system,is a rare benign neoplasm and usually coexists with other visceral lymphangiomas.Solitary hepatic lymphangioma is much more rarely seen and could cause a clinical misinterpretation as malignancy.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old woman with a liver mass of approximately 3.5 cm was initially diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma given the risk factors for liver cancer that she presented with,including Schistosome japonicum infection and jaundice,and also together with imaging results,which showed the mass enhanced quickly in the arterial phase and faded fast in the venous phase.The patient did not have the surgery first but received three rounds of transarterial chemoembolization because of her anxiety and fears for operation.Finally,the patient underwent laparoscopic liver segment 4b resection and cholecystectomy and was discharged from the hospital only 10 d after the operation.The pathological examination indicated the mass as hepatic lymphangioma.The patient has been followed up for 30 mo without recurrence.To raise the awareness of this misdiagnosed case and to better diagnose and treat this rare disease in future,we reviewed the published literature of solitary hepatic lymphangioma for its clinical symptoms,imaging presentation,operative techniques,histology features and prognosis.CONCLUSION Solitary hepatic lymphangioma mimicking malignancy makes diagnosis difficult.Complete surgical resection is the first choice to treat solitary hepatic lymphangioma.
文摘AIM: To investigate gastrointestinal complications associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAIDs) use in children.METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted between January 2005 and January 2013, with the participation of 8 Italian pediatric gastroenterology centers. We collected all the cases of patients who refer to emergency room for suspected gastrointestinal bleeding following NSAIDs consumption, and underwent endoscopic evaluation. Previous medical history, associated risk factors, symptoms and signs at presentation, diagnostic procedures, severity of bleeding and management of gastrointestinal bleeding were collected. In addition, data regarding type of drug used, indication, dose, duration of treatment and prescriber(physician or selfmedication) were examined. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients, including 34 males, were enrolled(median age: 7.8 years). Ibuprofen was the most used NSAID [35/51 patients(68.6%)]. Pain was the most frequent indication for NSAIDs use [29/51 patients(56.9%)]. Seven patients had positive family history of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection or peptic ulcer, and 12 had associated comorbidities. Twenty-four(47%) out of 51 patients used medication inappropriately. Hematemesis was the most frequent symptom(33.3%). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed gastric lesions in 32/51(62%) patients, duodenal lesions in 17(33%) and esophageal lesions in 8(15%). In 10/51(19.6%) patients, a diagnosis of H. pylori gastritis was made. Forty-eight(94%) patients underwent medical therapy, with spontaneous bleeding resolution, while in 3/51(6%) patients, an endoscopic hemostasis was needed.CONCLUSION: The data collected in this study confirms that adverse events with the involvement of the gastrointestinal tract secondary to NSAID use are also common in
文摘AIM: To investigate whether the predominant emphysema type is associated with the high resolution computed tomography(HRCT) pattern of fibrosis in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema(CPFE).METHODS: Fifty-three smokers with upper lobe emphysema and lower lobe pulmonary fibrosis on- HRCT-were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to the predominant type of emphysema: Centrilobular(CLE), paraseptal(PSE), CLE = PSE. Patients were also stratified into 3 other groups according to the predominant type of fibrosis on HRCT: Typical usual interstitial pneumonia(UIP), probable UIP and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia(NSIP). HRCTs were scored at 5 predetermined levels for the coarseness of fibrosis(Coarseness), extent of emphysema(emphysema), extent of interstitial lung disease(Tot Ext ILD), extent of reticular pattern not otherwise specified(Ret NOS), extent of ground glass opacity with traction bronchiectasis(extG GOBx), extent of pure ground glass opacity and extent of honeycombing. HRCT mean scores, pulmonary function tests, diffusion capacity(DLCO) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure were compared among the groups.RESULTS: The predominant type of emphysema was strongly correlated with the predominant type of fibrosis. The centrilobular emphysema group exhibited a significantly higher extent of emphysema(P < 0.001) and a lower extent of interstitial lung disease(P < 0.002), reticular pattern not otherwise specified(P < 0.023), extent of ground glass opacity with traction bronchiectasis(P < 0.002), extent of honeycombing(P < 0.001) and coarseness of fibrosis(P < 0.001) than the paraseptal group. The NSIP group exhibited a significantly higher extent of emphysema(P < 0.05), total lung capacity(P < 0.01) and diffusion capacity(DLCO)(P < 0.05) than the typical UIP group. The typical UIP group exhibited a significantly higher extent of interstitial lung disease, extent of reticular pattern not otherwise specified, extent of ground glass opacity with traction bronchiectasis, extent of honeycombing and coarseness of fibrosis(0.039 > P > 0.000). Although the pulmonary arterial pressure was higher in typical UIP group relative to the NSIP group, the difference was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION: In CPFE patients, paraseptal emphysema is associated more with UIP-HRCT pattern and higher extent of fibrosis than centrilobular emphysema.
基金Supported by Italian CF Research Foundation with the contributions of Delegazione FFC di Palermo e di Vittoria Ragusa Catania 2,No.FFC grants No.4/2013Delegazione FFC di Treviso Montebelluna La Bottega delle Donne,No.3/2014+3 种基金Delegazione FFC di Belluno,No.7/2016Delegazione FFC di Taranto Massafra,Cosenza sud,della Valpolicella,Guadagnin SRL,No.6/2018Delegazione FFC di Tradate Gallarate,No.13/2018CFFT-USA and Lega Italiana Fibrosi Cistica-Associazione Veneta ONLUS
文摘BACKGROUND Acute recurrent pancreatitis(ARP)is characterized by episodes of acute pancreatitis in an otherwise normal gland.When no cause of ARP is identifiable,the diagnosis of"idiopathic"ARP is given.Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR)gene increase the risk of ARP by 3-to 4-times compared to the general population,while cystic fibrosis(CF)patients present with a 40-to 80-times higher risk of developing pancreatitis.CASE SUMMARY In non-classical CF or CFTR-related disorders,CFTR functional tests can help to ensure a proper diagnosis.We applied an individualized combination of standardized and new CFTR functional bioassays for a patient referred to the Verona CF Center for evaluation after several episodes of acute pancreatitis.The CFTR genotype was G542X+/-with IVS8Tn:T7/9 polymorphism.The sweat(Cl-)values were borderline.Intestinal current measurements were performed according to the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Standardized Operating Procedure.Recent nasal surgery for deviated septum did not allow for nasal potential difference measurements.Lung function and sputum cultures were normal;azoospermia was excluded.Pancreas divisum was excluded by imaging but hypoplasia of the left hepatic lobe was detected.Innovative tests applied in this case include sweat rate measurement by image analysis,CFTR function in monocytes evaluated using a membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent probe,and the intestinal organoids forskolin-induced swelling assay.CONCLUSION Combination of innovative CFTR functional assays might support a controversial diagnosis when CFTR-related disorders and/or non-classical CF are suspected.
文摘Angiogenesis has a critical role in primary tumor growth and the development of metastases.Several angiogenesis inhibitors were recently developed,being a very attractive target for digestive tumor therapy.However,individualized therapy should not only be based on the pre-treatment imaging evaluation,but also on sensitive monitoring of microvascular changes during treatment.State-of-theart imaging techniques have the potential to visualize and characterize angiogenesis,although the technology and methodologies employed are recent and need further validation.The aim of this series of reviews was to analyze and enhance current knowledge and future perspectives about the real-time assessment of angiogenesis in digestive cancers,used for the longitudinal monitoring of the effects of chemo-radiotherapy(including anti-angiogenic therapies),as well as for the precise targeting of drugs through molecular-based drug-delivery systems.
文摘We described the case of a peripancreatic paraganglioma(PGL)misdiagnosed as pancreatic lesion.Surgical exploration revealed an unremarkable pancreas and a large well-defined cystic mass originating at the mesocolon root.Radical enucleation of the mass was performed,preserving the pancreatic tail.Histologically,a diagnosis of PGL was rendered.Interestingly,two previously unreported mutations,one affecting the KDR gene in exon 7 and another on the JAK3 gene in exon 4 were detected.Both mutations are known to be pathogenetic.Imaging and cytologic findings were blindly reviewed by an expert panel of clinicians,radiologists,and pathologists to identify possible causes of the misdiagnosis.The major issue was lack of evidence of a cleavage plane from the pancreas at imaging,which prompted radiologists to establish an intraparenchymal origin.The blinded revision shifted the diagnosis towards an extrapancreatic lesion,as the pancreatic parenchyma showed no structural alterations and no dislocation of the Wirsung duct.Ex post,the identified biases were the emergency setting of the radiologic examination and the very thin mesocolon sheet,which hindered clear definition of the lesion borders.Original endoscopic ultrasonography diagnosis was confirmed,emphasizing the intrinsic limit of this technique in detecting large masses.Finally,pathologic review favored a diagnosis of PGL due to the morphological features and immonohistochemical profile.Eighteen months after tumor excision,the patient is asymptomatic with no disease relapse evident by either radiology or laboratory tests.Our report strongly highlights the difficulties in rendering an accurate preoperative diagnosis of PGL.
文摘AIM:To follow up patients with pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis(PCP)to assess their outcome and identify an optimal surveillance interval.METHODS:Data obtained prospectively were analyzed in a retrospective manner.Patients with clinical evidence of chronic pancreatitis(abdominal pain in the epigastrium,steatorrhea,and diabetes mellitus),endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)criteria>4,and EUS-fine needle aspiration(FNA)were included.A pseudotumor was defined as a non-neoplastic space-occupying lesion,a cause of chronic pancreatitis that may mimic changes typical of pancreatic cancer on CT or endoscopic ultrasound but without histological evidence.A real tumor was defined as a neoplastic space-occupying lesion because of pancreatic cancer confirmed by histology.RESULTS:Thirty-five patients with chronic pancreatitis were included,26(74.2%)of whom were men.Nine(25.7%)patients were diagnosed with pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis and two(2/35;5.7%)patients with pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on follow-up.The time between the diagnosis of pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma was 35 and 30 d in the two patients.Definitive diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma was made by surgery.In the remaining six patients with pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis,the median of follow-up was 11 mo(range 1-22 mo)and they showed no evidence of malignancy on surveillance.In the follow-up of patients without pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis but with chronic pancreatitis,none were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.According to our data,older patients with chronic pancreatitis are at risk of pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis.CONCLUSION:According to characteristics of patient,detection of PCP should lead a surveillance program for pancreatic cancer with EUS-FNA in<1 mo or directly to surgical resection.
文摘BACKGROUND Obese patients(Ob)with a binge eating disorders(BED)behavior pattern have a higher prevalence of postprandial distress syndrome(PDS)compared to Ob without a BED behavior pattern,while an increase of PDS has been described in Ob after sleeve gastrectomy(SG).Hedonic response to a meal is dissociable from satiation in healthy subjects.Anhedonia is the lowered ability to experience pleasure.There are no studies investigating the presence of anhedonia in Ob with and without SG and its relationship to PDS symptoms.AIM To assess the relationship among anhedonia,BED and upper gastrointestinal symptoms in two group of morbidly Ob with and without SG.METHODS Eighty-one Ob without SG,45 Ob with SG and 55 healthy controls(HC)were studied.All subjects fulfilled the binge eating scale(BES)to investigate BED,the validated 14 items Snaith-Hamilton pleasure scale(SHAPS)to assess Anhedonia as well as the Beck Depression Inventory-II(BDI II)and State Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI)questionnaires to screen for depression and anxiety.All patients underwent a standardized questionnaire investigating the intensity-frequency scores(0-6)of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and were diagnosed for the presence of functional dyspepsia(FD)and its subtypes according to ROME IV criteria.RESULTS Ob without SG who were positive for BED had a 4.7 higher risk of FD compared to Ob without SG who were negative for BED(OR:4.7;95.0%CI 1.23-18.24;P=0.02).STAI-Y2 scores were significantly higher in Ob without SG positive for BED(42.2±1.5 vs Ob negative for BED:39.6±1.0,P=0.04),while SHAPS scores and BDI II did not differ in the two groups(1.16±1.30 vs 0.89±1.02,P=0.49).A lower prevalence of BED(BES>17:11.4%vs 40.7%,P=0.001)and BDI-II(6.8±1.2 vs 13.8±1.9,P=0.005)was reported in Ob with SG than Ob without SG,on the contrary total mean scores of STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2 were significantly higher in Ob with SG than Ob without SG.Thirty-five percent of Ob with SG fulfilled the diagnosis of FD.SHAPS mean scores and the prevalence of anhedonia did not differ among the two groups(18.2 vs 8.1%,P=0.2).Fifty-four percent of Ob with SG achieved surgical success excess weight loss>50%.Excess weight loss was negatively related to SHAPS total mean scores[adjusted B:-7.099(95%CI:-13.91 to-0.29),P=0.04].CONCLUSION Ob without SG showed a higher prevalence of PDS,mood disorders and anxiety when positive for BE behavior compared to those negative for BE behavior,whereas no differences were found in SHAPS score.Ob with SG showed a higher prevalence of PDS compared to Ob without SG.Concerning psychological aspect,BED and depression are less frequent in the Ob with SG,while both state and trait anxiety are significantly higher.Moreover,the more an Ob with SG is anhedonic,less surgical success was achieved.
文摘Background and Study Aims:The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of treatment by endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)of patients with high-grade dysplasia(HGD)or carcinoma.Patients and Methods:Between January 1995 and January 2002,50 patients(35 men,15 women)were treated by EMR for 52 sessile polyps.The median size of the polyps was 27.5 mm(range 10-60).The “lift and cut”EMR technique was used.If the lesion was poorly differentiated or infiltrated the muscularis mucosae to more than 1000 μm,the patient was referred for colectomy.In the other cases,follow-up was proposed.Results:Complications occurred in 9.6%of cases and were always treated conservatively.The rate of endoscopically complete resection was judged to be 98.1%.Argon plasma coagulation was applied to the margins of the lesion in 21.6%of cases.Histological examination showed 38 HGDs and 14 carcinomas.Seven patients had a lesion reaching the deep or lateral margin;four were referred for surgery;two patients for whom surgery would have been high risk were followed up,and both developed local recurrence;and one patient was followed up,without recurrence,because infiltration was less than 1000 μm.A total of 43 patients were followed up after complete excision.Two patients died during follow-up;neither death could be reliably attributed to colorectal carcinoma.Seven patients were lost during the follow-up.For 34 patients,information from a mean follow-up of 17.3 months(6-57)was available and recurrence was observed in five cases(15%).Conclusions:EMR appears to be a safe and efficient treatment of HGD and early colorectal cancer.However,correct analysis of submucosal infiltration is essential to assess the completeness of the resection.
文摘Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is likely acquired in childhood.Helicobacter pylori is recognized as a cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer.Objective: To investigate some noninvasive tests, particularly Hpylori fecal antigen, for the diagnosis of Hpylori infection in comparison with the gold-standard invasive test, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy.Methods: We studied 250 patients (102 male; age range, 3-18 years) who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy (histologic examination and rapid urease test) for a suspicious upper gastrointestinal disease; in all of them, fecal H pylori antigen, serum H pylori immunoglobulin G, and cytotoxin-associated gene product A immunoglobulin G were measured.Sensitivity and specificity of noninvasive tests were compared with those of the gold-standard esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy.Results: Ninety-three patients (37%) had positive histopathologic (Giemsa staining) and rapid urease test results.The H pylori fecal antigen revealed a sensitivity of 97%, a specificity of 98%, a positive predictive value of 97%, and a negative predictive value of 98%; serum H pylori immunoglobulin G had a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 72%, and a negative predictive value of 90%; and serum cytotoxin-associated gene product A immunoglobulin G had a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 71%, and a negative predictive value of 89%.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that among noninvasive and easily applicable tests, particularly in small children, H pylori fecal test is simple, suitable, and has high accuracy for the screening of H pylori-positive patients.