2695 Pedunculated Polyp at the Pyloric Channel Causing Intermittent Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is the intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction of the pyloric channel or duodenum. The most common cause remains to be peptic ulcer disease which results in inflammation, edema or fibrosis. GOO typically presents with epigastric abdominal pain and postprandial vomiting. While the incidence of GOO is unclear, it has declined since the identification of Helicobacter pylori, H2-receptor antagonists and endoscopic therapy. We present a case of a benign polyp obstructing the pyloric channel. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: 39 year-old female with a history of pulmonary embolism on Eliquis, Diabetes mellitus type 2 who presents for several months of epigastric pain, nausea and intractable vomiting. Prior to arrival, she had endoscopic evaluation at an outside hospital showing evidence of 1.5 cm gastric polyp in the pyloric channel. At the time, the polyp was not excised due to the patient being on anticoagulation. On admission, she underwent CT angiography showing no evidence of clot. She subsequently underwent repeat endoscopic evaluation demonstrating a 15 mm non-bleeding, pedunculated polyp at the pyloric channel obstructing the pyloric opening. The polyp was resected with hot snare. Biopsy showed a hyperplastic gastric polyp negative for malignancy. To prevent bleeding post-intervention, two hemostatic clips were placed. The patients abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting nearly resolved one day after her procedure. DISCUSSION: While the incidence of GOO has declined, it should continue to be considered in patient’s presenting with recurrent epigastric abdominal pain. Recent reviews estimate that, contrary to earlier years, 50 to 80% of cases have been attributable to malignancy such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma and distal gastric cancer. CT scan may show gastric distension or retained material within the gastric lumen. However, identifying the obstruction with upper endoscopy establishes the diagnosis. Treatment should be aimed at the underlying cause.