Luminal Distension Research Articles

Comparison of Mannitol, Water, and Iodine-Based Oral Contrast in the Evaluation of the Bowel by Multi-Detector Computed Tomography.

Background and objectivesTo perform contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen with water, mannitol, or iodinated positive contrast as an oral contrast agent, and compare the distension and enhancement pattern of the bowel.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study conducted on 90 patients over a period of 12 months who were referred for CECT abdomen. Patients were randomly divided into three groups (30 each) and were given water, mannitol, or positive oral contrast before the CECT study. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the bowel for distension, mural fold pattern, and enhancement was analyzed at various anatomical levels. A qualitative examination of bowel loops was done in the three groups by using a continuous 4-point scale.ResultsThe mean distension at the duodenum was 1.89 ± 0.33 cm (mean ± SD) with water, 2.28 ± 0.36 cm with mannitol, and 2.01 ± 0.33 cm with positive oral contrast. Overall, maximum luminal distension was seen at the level of the duodenum, followed by the jejunum across all the groups. Bowel characteristics were far superior in the mannitol group compared to water and positive oral contrast at all anatomical levels.ConclusionSmall bowel distension was excellent with mannitol, followed by positive oral contrast, and least with water. Mural characteristics and enhancement patterns were better with mannitol as compared with water and with positive oral contrast.

Objective assessment of luminal diameter and distensibility by an impedance planimetry system before and after pneumatic dilation in gastric sleeve stenosis.

Video 1Endoscopic impedance planimetry system measurement and pneumatic balloon dilation of a sleeve gastrectomy stricture.

Influence of oral contrast type and volume on patient experience and quality of luminal distension at MR Enterography in Crohn’s disease: an observational study of patients recruited to the METRIC trial

ObjectivesTo compare the distention quality and patient experience of oral mannitol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) for MRE.MethodsThis study is a retrospective, observational study of a subset of patients enrolled in a multicentre, prospective trial evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of MRE for small bowel Crohn’s. Overall and segmental MRE small bowel distention, from 105 patients (64 F, mean age 37) was scored from 0 = poor to 4 = excellent by two experienced observers (68 [65%] mannitol and 37 [35%] PEG). Additionally, 130 patients (77 F, mean age 34) completed a questionnaire rating tolerability of various symptoms immediately and 2 days after MRE (85 [65%] receiving mannitol 45 [35%] receiving PEG). Distension was compared between agents and between those ingesting ≤ 1 L or > 1 L of mannitol using the test of proportions. Tolerability grades were collapsed into “very tolerable,” “moderately tolerable,” and “not tolerable.”ResultsPer patient distension quality was similar between agents (“excellent” or “good” in 54% [37/68] versus 46% [17/37]) with mannitol and PEG respectively. Jejunal distension was significantly better with mannitol compared to PEG (40% [27/68] versus 14% [5/37] rated as excellent or good respectively). There was no significant difference according to the volume of mannitol ingested. Symptom tolerability was comparable between agents, although fullness following MRE was graded as “very tolerable” in 27% (12/45) of patients ingesting PEG, verses 44% (37/84) ingesting mannitol, difference 17% (95% CI 0.6 to 34%).ConclusionMannitol-based solutions and PEG generally achieve comparable distension quality and side effect profiles, although jejunal distension is better quality with mannitol. Neither distension quality nor side-effect profile is altered by ingestion of more than 1 L of mannitol.Key Points• Mannitol-based and PEG-based oral preparation agents generally achieve comparable distension quality for MRE with the exception of the jejunum which is better distended with mannitol.• Mannitol-based and PEG-based oral preparation agents used for MRE have similar side effect profiles.• Neither distension quality nor side-effect profile is altered by ingestion of more than 1 L of mannitol.

Individualized feedback on colonoscopy skills improves group colonoscopy quality in providers with lower adenoma detection rates.

Background and study aims Colonoscopy inspection quality (CIQ) assesses skills (fold examination, cleaning, and luminal distension) during inspection for polyps and correlates with adenoma detection rate (ADR) and serrated detection rate (SDR). We aimed to determine whether providing individualized CIQ feedback with instructional videos improves quality metrics performance. Methods We prospectively studied 16 colonoscopists who already received semiannual benchmarked reports of quality metrics (ADR, SDR, and withdrawal time [WT]). We randomly selected seven colonoscopies/colonoscopist for evaluation. Six gastroenterologists graded CIQ using an established scale. We created instructional videos demonstrating optimal and poor inspection techniques. Colonoscopists received the instructional videos and benchmarked CIQ performance. We compared ADR, SDR, and WT in the 12 months preceding (“baseline”) and following CIQ feedback. Colonoscopists were stratified by baseline ADR into lower (≤ 34 %) and higher-performing (> 34 %) groups. Results Baseline ADR was 38.5 % (range 26.8 %–53.8 %) and SDR was 11.2 % (2.8 %–24.3 %). The proportion of colonoscopies performed by lower-performing colonoscopists was unchanged from baseline to post-CIQ feedback. All colonoscopists reviewed their CIQ report cards. Post-feedback, ADR (40.1 % vs 38.5 %, P = 0.1) and SDR (12.2 % vs. 11.2 %, P = 0.1) did not significantly improve; WT significantly increased (11.4 vs 12.4 min, P < 0.01). Among the eight lower-performing colonoscopists, group ADR (31.1 % vs 34.3 %, P = 0.02) and SDR (7.2 % vs 9.1 %, P = 0.02) significantly increased post-feedback. In higher-performing colonoscopists, ADR and SDR did not change. Conclusions CIQ feedback modestly improves ADR and SDR among colonoscopists with lower baseline ADR but has no effect on higher-performing colonoscopists. Individualized feedback on colonoscopy skills could be used to improve polyp detection by lower-performing colonoscopists.

Thirty Years of No-Touch Saphenous Vein Harvesting: A Timely Jubilee Gift

Thirty Years of No-Touch Saphenous Vein Harvesting: A Timely Jubilee Gift

Optimizing cecal views during colonoscopy using patient position change.

Patient positioning has been found to be a simple technique to improve luminal distention and visualization during colonoscopy. This study examined which position provided the cleanest image of the cecum using the Boston Bowel Prep Scale (BBPS) and the best view of the cecum overall as ranked by blinded assessors. A sample of 90 sets of cecal images were obtained from patients undergoing a non-urgent colonoscopy. Each set included cecal images of patients while lying in three positions-right lateral decubitus, left lateral decubitus, and supine. Two authors reviewed these sets of images and excluded those that were unclear. A third author, blinded to the position, selected the final 33 sets of images. Two experienced endoscopists completed a blinded survey of each image set. They used the BBPS to assess and score each image as the primary outcome measure. The endoscopists also ranked each image set in terms of the best overall view of the cecum. Data were collected using Qualtrics software. Nonparametric tests were used to analyze the data using SPSS software (v.25). A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The BBPS showed a significant difference between patient positions when tested by Kruskal-Wallis. Subsequent Mann Whitney U tests indicated that the right lateral decubitusposition was ranked higher than left lateral decubitus or supine positions. There was no significant difference in the left and supine positions. Cohen's Kappa suggested moderate agreement between raters. The raters also favored the right lateral position over the other positions when assessing overall image preference displaying the cecum. These results indicate that positioning patients in the right lateral decubitus position provides the best view of the cecum during colonoscopy.

High-Framerate A-Mode Ultrasound for Vascular Structural Assessments: In-Vivo Validation in a Porcine Model.

Capturing vascular dynamics using ultrasound at a high framerate provided a unique way to track time-dependent and transient physiologic events non-invasively. In this work, we present an A-model high-framerate (500 frames per second) image-free ultrasound system for monitoring vascular structural and material properties. It was developed based on our clinically validated ARTSENS® technology. Following in-vitro verification on arterial flow phantoms, its measurement accuracy and high-framerate data acquisition and processing were verified in-vivo on 2 anesthetized Sus scrofa swine. Measurements of the carotid artery (the luminal diameter, distension, and wall thickness) obtained using the high-framerate system were comparable to those provided by a clinical-grade reference ultrasound imaging device (absolute error < 4%, < 6.3%, and < 6.6%, respectively). Notably, the morphology of the arterial distension waveforms obtained at high-framerate depicted vital physiological fiduciary points compared to the low-framerate reference waveform. The compression-decompression pattern of the arterial wall was also captured with the high-framerate system, which is challenging with low-framerate ultrasound. Potential applications of these high temporal structural waveforms have also been discussed.

Bolus flow and biomechanical properties of the esophageal wall during primary esophageal peristalsis: Effects of bolus viscosity and posture.

Studies show that intraluminal impedance recordings of the esophagus allow one to measure the luminal distension during peristalsis, an important parameter for calculation of the biomechanical properties of esophageal wall. The goal was to determine the effect of subject posture and bolus viscosity on the biomechanical properties of esophageal wall, and the rate of bolus flow along the length of the esophagus during primary peristalsis. High-resolution manometry impedance recordings were obtained in 14 normal healthy subjects. Swallows of 10ml saline and viscous bolus were recorded in the supine and Trendelenburg positions. User identified the region of interest, and a custom-designed software extracted parameters of interest such as bolus flow rate, esophageal wall tension, and esophageal wall distensibility in four equal segments of the esophagus. Bolus flow rate decreases along the length of the esophagus, being slowest in the distal esophagus. Bolus flow rate is smaller in the Trendelenburg position and with viscous bolus as compared with supine position and saline bolus. Esophageal wall tension is greater in the Trendelenburg position and with viscous bolus as compared with the supine position and saline bolus. The esophageal wall distensibility is larger in the distal as compared with proximal esophagus, which is true for both the saline and viscous bolus. We report, for the first time, bolus flow rate and biomechanical properties of the esophageal wall during swallow-induced primary peristalsis. Future studies may investigate biomechanical basis of esophageal motility disorders using the methodology described.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO ORAL CONTRAST AGENT VOLUMES FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ENTEROGRAPHY IN CROHN'S DISEASE PATIENTS.

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by a chronic and recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by an interaction of genetic and environmental factors. To compare the quality and acceptance of two different oral contrast volumes for computed tomography enterography in Crohn's disease patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 58 consecutive Crohn's disease patients who randomly received an oral contrast agent composed of 78.75 g polyethylene glycol diluted in either 1,000 mL or 2,000 mL of water. An examination was performed to evaluate the presence of inflammation or complications in the small bowel. The variables included the quality of intestinal segment filling and luminal distension, and oral contrast agent acceptance and tolerance in the patients. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and association tests. A total of 58 patients were assessed, in which 58.6% were female, 34.5% exhibited clinically-active disease, and 63.8% were receiving biologic therapy. As for comparative analysis between the two different volumes of oral contrast, no statistically significant difference was found regarding bowel loop filling (P=0.58) and adequate luminal distension (P=0.45). Patients who received a larger volume (2,000 mL) exhibited side-effects more frequently (51.7% vs 31.0%; P=0.06) and had greater difficulty ingesting the agent (65.5% vs 37.9%; P=0.07) compared with a volume of 1,000 mL. The quality of computed tomography enterography was not influenced by the contrast volume. However, acceptance and tolerance were better in the 1,000 mL group.

B-PO04-207 A NOVEL CATHETER DESIGN PROVIDES CONSIDERABLE DEVIATION OF THE ESOPHAGUS LATERALLY UP TO ≥ 7 CENTIMETERS TO ALLOW PROTECTION DURING THERMAL ABLATION

Studies have shown that during thermal ablation, the distance between the esophagus (ESO) and the ablation site within the left atrium is critical with respect to ESO injury. Hence, several tools have been developed to deviate the ESO away from the ablation path. But in most patients, the mean distance of ESO deviation using the available tools is typically only within 2-5 cm. Moreover, there remains doubt whether deviation attempts result in true ESO displacement versus luminal distension. In this proof-of-concept study, we examined the feasibility of ESO deviation in an open and closed-chest cadaver using a novel ESO retracting device (AST). The ESO was deviated using the AST catheter in a cadaver initially with the chest closed under fluoroscopy and also with the chest open under direct visualization. The AST is a 9-Fr, deflectable, orally or trans-nasally inserted ESO retracting catheter which consists of a series of 5 inflatable, elastic balloons with a port to allow injection of contrast medium (total capacity: 60 cc), interrupted by 4 pairs of reference electrodes and thermocouples. Its balloon-based design facilitates gripping of the ESO which enables the operator to maximally displace this structure in the desired direction. Maximal ESO deviation using AST in a closed-chest cadaver resulted in 7.48 cm of lateral deviation (Figure 1A and 1B). This finding was corroborated through direct visualization in an open-chest model which confirmed actual ESO deviation versus luminal distension (Figure 1C). Actual ESO displacement ≥ 7 cm can be achieved using a novel ESO deviation catheter as confirmed in an open- and closed-chest cadaver model.

English

BACKGROUND Ascariasis is a type of roundworm infestation caused by the helminth Ascaris lumbricoides. In spite of advancements in the diagnosis and management of ascariasis, it remains one of the commonest infections in the world, especially in the tropical and subtropical countries, causing both acute and chronic illnesses. Ultrasound offers a quick and non-invasive way to diagnose ascariasis of the intestine and hepatobiliary system. In this study we have described the imaging appearance of ascariasis through a series of cases and demonstrated key imaging characteristics according to location. METHODS This is an institution based observational and descriptive study. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis of North Bengal Medical College &amp; Hospital for a period of 15 months (Oct 2018 - Jan 2020). This study was conducted among the patients who were referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis for evaluation of abdominal symptoms. RESULTS Intestinal and extra-intestinal ascaris worms have a typical appearance which is easily identifiable in on ultrasound, but diagnostic confidence is affected by several factors related to the patient, worms and the ultrasound technique. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound is a rapid, inexpensive and easily available modality with a high success rate in diagnosing ascariasis and its complications. It is important to be aware of the characteristic appearance of ascaris in the intestines and the hepatopancreato-biliary tree and it must be remembered that the typical appearance is grossly affected by several factors such as the number, whether living or not as well as the luminal distension of the organ. KEYWORDS Ultrasound, Ascariasis, Intestinal Obstruction, Cholecystitis, Cholangitis, Pancreatitis, Appendicitis

Thirteen dogs and a cat with ultrasonographically detected gallbladder wall edema associated with cardiac disease.

BackgroundUltrasonographically detected gallbladder wall edema (GBWE) is a marker for anaphylaxis in dogs. Cardiac disease can cause GBWE with similar signs and should be included as a differential diagnosis to prevent interpretation errors.Hypothesis/ObjectivesDocument GBWE associated with cardiac disease.AnimalsFourteen client‐owned animals.MethodsProspective case series with abdominal focused assessment with abdominal sonography in trauma, triage and tracking (AFAST), and thoracic focused assessment with abdominal sonography in trauma, triage, and tracking (TFAST) performed at triage. Animals with GBWE and cardiac disease were enrolled. A board‐certified radiologist reviewed images to confirm cardiac disease, GBWE, and characterize the caudal vena cava (CVC) and hepatic veins.ResultsThirteen dogs and 1 cat had GBWE associated with cardiac disease. Gallbladder findings included mural thickness ranging from 3 to 5 mm, mild to moderate sludge (n = 3), and mild to moderate luminal distension (n = 6). CVC and hepatic venous distension were found in 5/6. Cardiac diagnoses in dogs included 11 with pericardial effusion (PCE) and 1 each with dilated cardiomyopathy and right‐sided myocardial failure. Severity of PCE was rated as mild (n = 1), moderate (n = 6), or severe (n = 4). Seven of 11 had pericardiocentesis performed. Nine of 13 had ascites with 4 having abdominal fluid scores of 1 (n = 2), 2 (n = 2), 3 (n = 1), and 4 (n = 0). Lung ultrasound findings were as follows: dry lung (n = 6), B‐lines (n = 4), and nodules (n = 1). The cat had moderate PCE, ascites scored as 1, and severe right‐sided ventricular enlargement associated with a ventricular septal defect. Primary presenting complaints included acute weakness (n = 9), acute collapse (n = 5), gastrointestinal signs (n = 3), respiratory distress (n = 2), and need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (n = 1).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceUltrasonographically detected GBWE was associated with PCE in this small cohort of cases.

Diagnosis of Dysphagia: High Resolution Manometry & EndoFLIP

Esophageal motility disorders were re-defined when high-resolution manometry was employed to better understand their pathogenesis. Newly developed parameters including integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), distal contractile integral, and distal latency showed better diagnostic yield compared with previously used conventional parameters. Therefore, Chicago classification was formulated, and its diagnostic cascade begins by assessing the IRP value. However, IRP showed limitation due to its inconsistency, and other studies have tried to overcome this. Recent studies showed that provocative tests, supplementing the conventional esophageal manometry protocol, have improved the diagnostic yield of the esophageal motility disorders. Therefore, position change from supine to upright, solid or semi-solid swallowing, multiple rapid swallows, and the rapid drink challenge were newly added to the manometry protocol in the revised Chicago classification version 4.0. Impedance planimetry enables measurement of bag cross-sectional area at various locations. The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) has been applied to assess luminal distensibility. This probe can also measure pressure, serial cross-sectional areas, and tension-strain relationship. The esophagogastric junction's distensibility is decreased in achalasia. Therefore, EndoFLIP can be used to assess contractility and distensibility of the esophagus in the patients with achalasia, including repetitive antegrade or retrograde contractions. EndoFLIP can detect achalasia patients with relatively low IRP, which was difficult to diagnose using the current high-resolution manometry. EndoFLIP also provides information on the contractile activity and distensibility of the esophageal body in patients with achalasia. The use of provocative tests, newly added in Chicago classification 4.0 version, and EndoFLIP can expand understanding of esophageal motility disorders.

Transanal access port (TrAAP) technique: the use of a single incision laparoscopic surgical port during canine colonoscopy (a cadaveric study)

BackgroundTransanal colonoscopy using the single-incision laparoscopic surgical port is routinely used in human patients but has not been described in veterinary literature. The purpose of this study was to describe a novel access technique elucidating its endoscopic clinical potential and benefits. Additionally, its challenges, limitations, and clinical usability will be discussed and critiqued. The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility of the single-incision laparoscopic surgical port (SILS) as a transanal access technique in canine cadavers and compare its technical capabilities and economic value when compared to the traditional approaches of digital pressure and purse string.ResultsThe overall time to reach an intraluminal pressure of 10 mmHg was faster for digital pressure versus purse string (p = 0.05) and faster for single-incision laparoscopic surgical port versus purse string (p < 0.02). Maximum luminal pressure was significantly higher between single-incision laparoscopic surgical port and purse string (p = 0.001). Mean pressure for both the complete 60 s trial and during the last 45 s of insufflation were highest with the SILS port and were significantly different between the single-incision laparoscopic surgical port versus purse string (p = 0.0001, p < 0.0001) and digital pressure versus purse string (p < 0.005, p < 0.01) respectively. Complete luminal distention and visualization was observed in all trials.ConclusionsThe SILS port in a cadaveric canine model allowed good visualization of the rectal and colonic mucosa, provided constant insufflation of the colon and was feasible and subjectively easy to perform. Technical differences between techniques were observed with the use of the SILS port allowing for potentially lower personnel requirements, less procedural associated cost, less variability versus the digital pressure technique between assistants, and the ability of additional instruments to be used for procedures.

Comparison of left versus right lateral starting position on colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BackgroundModifying patient position during colonoscopy has been proposed as a simple and inexpensive technique to increase luminal distention and improve navigation through the large bowel. The left lateral (LL) decubitus starting position is commonly used during colonoscopy. However, reports indicate that other starting positions may offer additional benefit. We aimed to determine if the right lateral (RL) starting position compared to the standard LL starting position could improve outcomes in colonoscopy.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE through June 2020 to identify studies comparing RL and LL starting positions during colonoscopy. The primary outcomes included mean cecal insertion time and cecal intubation rate, and adverse events were assessed by pooling data using a random-effects model expressed in terms of odds ratio (OR), mean difference, and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsWe identified 5 randomized controlled trials, including 809 participants, that compared LL vs. RL colonoscopy. The pooled OR for cecal intubation rate was 1.3 (95%CI 0.8-2.3; P=0.3). The mean difference in mean cecal insertion time was 0.08 (95%CI -0.09 to 0.26; P=0.4). Heterogeneity between studies was low (I2=0%). No complications were reported in either arm of the study. Pain scores assessed using a visual analog scale were comparable among both arms of the study.ConclusionThe RL starting position for colonoscopy was comparable to the LL and offered no additional benefit in terms of cecal intubation time, intubation rate, or patient discomfort.

Novel gel bolus to improve impedance-based measurements of esophageal cross-sectional area during primary peristalsis.

Intraluminal esophageal impedance (ILEE) has the potential to measure esophageal luminal distension during swallow-induced peristalsis in the esophagus. A potential cause of inaccuracy in the ILEE measurement is the swallow-induced air in the bolus. Compare a novel gel bolus to the current alternatives for the measurement of impedance-based luminal distension (cross-sectional area, CSA) during primary peristalsis. 12 healthy subjects were studied using high-resolution impedance manometry (HRMZ) and concurrently performed intraluminal ultrasound (US) imaging of the esophagus. Three test bolus materials were used: 1) novel gel, 2) 0.5N saline, and 3) commercially available Diversatek EFTV viscous. Testing was performed in the supine and Trendelenburg (-15°) positions. US imaging assessed air in the bolus and luminal CSA. The Nadir impedance values were correlated to the US measured CSA. A custom Matlab software was used to assess the bolus travel times and impedance-based luminal CSA. The novel gel bolus had the least amount of air in the bolus during its passage through the esophagus, as assessed by US image analysis. The novel gel bolus in the supine and Trendelenburg positions had the best linear fit between the US measured CSA and nadir impedance value (R2 =0.88 & R2 =0.90). The impedance-based calculation of the CSA correlated best with the US measured CSA with the use of the novel gel bolus. We suggest the use of novel gel to assess distension along with contraction during routine clinical HRM testing.

Effect of dynamic position changes on adenoma detection rate during colonoscope withdrawal: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is an important quality metric of colonoscopy. Higher ADR correlates with lower incidence of interval colorectal cancer. ADR is variable between endoscopists and depends upon the withdrawal technique amongst other factors. Dynamic position change (lateral rotation of patients with a view to keep the portion of the colon being inspected at a higher level) helps with luminal distension during the withdrawal phase. However, impact of this on ADR is not known in a pooled sample. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the impact of dynamic position changes during withdrawal phase of colonoscopy on ADR Methods A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Database was conducted from each database’s inception to search for studies comparing dynamic position changes during colonoscope withdrawal with static left lateral position (control). The primary outcome of interest was ADR. Other studied outcomes were polyp detection rate (PDR) and withdrawal time. Outcomes were reported as pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) with statistical significance ( P < 0.05). RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. Results Six studies were included in our analysis with 2860 patients. Of these, dynamic position change was implemented in 1177 patients while 1183 patients served as the controls. ADR was significantly higher in the dynamic position change group with pooled OR 1.36 (95 % CI, 1.15–1.61; P < 0.01). There was low heterogeneity in inclusion studies (I 2 = 0 %). PDR was numerically higher in position change group (53.4 % vs 49.6 %) but not statistically significant ( P = 0.16). Mean withdrawal time did not significantly change with dynamic position change (12.43 min vs 11.46 min, P = 0.27). Conclusion Position change during the withdrawal phase of colonoscopy can increase the ADR compared to static left lateral position. This is an easy and practical technique that can be implemented to improve ADR.

Comparison of virtual computed tomography enteroscopy using carbon dioxide with small-bowel enteroclysis and capsule endoscopy in patients with small-bowel tuberculosis.

Comparison of virtual CT enteroscopy (VCTE) using carbon dioxide with small-bowel enteroclysis (SBE) and capsule endoscopy (CE) in small-bowel tuberculosis (SBTB). This prospective study comprised consecutive patients suspected to have SBTB. VCTE and SBE were performed on the same day and evaluated by independent radiologists. CE was performed within 2 weeks. VCTE was performed following insufflation of carbon dioxide via catheters in the jejunum and anorectum. A contrast-enhanced CT was followed by a delayed non-contrast CT. Image processing was done using virtual colonoscopy software. Findings on VCTE, SBE, and CE were compared. The final diagnosis of SBTB was based on either histopathological or cytological findings, response to antitubercular treatment, or a combination of these. Of the 55 patients in whom VCTE was performed, complete data was available in 52 patients. A final diagnosis of SBTB was established in 37 patients. All patients had VCTE and SBE. CE was performed in 34 patients. Adequate luminal distension was achieved in all patients with SBE and 35 patients with VCTE. SBE showed more strictures in jejunum (10.8%) and ileum (75.7%) compared with VCTE (jejunum, 8.1%, and ileum, 64.9%) and CE (jejunum, 5.9%, and ileum, 61.8%). However, difference was not statistically significant. VCTE revealed a greater length of strictures in both the jejunum and ileum compared with SBE and CE. VCTE allows adequate evaluation of the bowel in most patients with SBTB. It allows detection of greater length of abnormality in jejunum and ileum compared with SBE and CE. • The use of VCTE using CO2 bowel insufflation in patients with SBTB should be considered. • VCTE allows detection of a greater length of abnormality in the jejunum and ileum.

The functional lumen imaging probe in gastrointestinal disorders: the past, present, and future.

The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) is a diagnostic tool that utilizes impedance planimetry to allow the assessment of luminal diameter and distensibility. It has been used primarily in esophageal diseases, in particular, in the assessment of achalasia, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The usage and publications have increased over the past decade and it is now an essential tool in the armamentarium of the esophagologist. Indications are emerging outside of the esophagus, in particular with regard to gastroparesis. Our paper will review the history of FLIP, optimal current usage, data for key esophageal disorders (including achalasia, reflux, and EoE), data for nonesophageal disorders, and our sense as to whether FLIP is ready for prime time, as well as gaps in evidence and suggestions for future research.

Quality of same-day CT colonography following incomplete optical colonoscopy.

Same-day CT colonography (CTC) following incomplete optical colonoscopy allows patients to avoid both a delayed diagnosis and the need for repeat bowel preparation. The aim of our study is to establish the diagnostic quality of same-day CT colonography following an incomplete optical colonoscopy. We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing same-day CT colonography following an incomplete colonoscopy at our center between July 2015 and December 2017 (N= 245). We divided the large bowel into thirteen subsegments in each patient. Using a semiquantitative scoring system, the quality of bowel preparation, adequacy of fecal tagging, and luminal distension were assessed in each subsegment on all views performed. A combined score for each subsection was obtained. Ninety-nine percent of studies did not require a repeat CTC or optical colonoscopy. Median values for bowel preparation and fecal tagging were satisfactory across the bowel segments for the cohort and luminal distension was acceptable in all but three patients. Same-day CTC should be considered in centers with capacity, following an incomplete optical colonoscopy. Same-day completion CTCs are of high diagnostic quality and this approach allows patients to avoid repeat bowel cleansing or a delayed diagnosis. • Same-day CT colonography is a high-quality examination that can be performed following incomplete optical colonoscopy. • Same-day CT colonography should be considered for patients with incomplete optical colonoscopy in centers with the capacity to offer this service. • Same-day CTC can avoid a delay in diagnosis and avoids repeat bowel preparation.