Mild Chronic Inflammation Research Articles

Immune and Nutrition Status in Elderly Koreans with HyperLDL-Cholesterolemia

Although the effects of nutrition and immune status on disease development have been investigated, little attention has been given to changes in immune function in the elderly vulnerable to coronary artery disease (CAD). Our objective was to evaluate the association between immune variables and CAD risk factors, and nutritional factors related to immune and lipid profiles in elderly Koreans (n = 90). The subjects were divided into three groups based on serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) level: risk (> or = 160 mg/dL), borderline (130-160 mg/dL), and control groups (< 130 mg/dL). Concanavalin A-induced lymphocyte proliferation rate and interleukin (IL)-2 secretion were significantly lower in the risk group than the control group. The subjects in the risk group showed the highest serum concentrations of proinflammatory mediators such as complement 3 (C3), IL-1beta, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). The nutrient intake status of the subjects was generally satisfactory without differences among groups. IL-1RA concentration was negatively associated with intake of vitamin E and C3 was positively related to intake of Ca and Fe in the subjects with LDL-cholesterol > or = 130 mg/dL. This study suggests that elderly individuals with high serum LDL-cholesterol are in a mild chronic inflammation state and micronutrient status such as vitamin E, Ca, and Fe may relate to this state.

Clinical and histopathological findings of sialoliths

The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical and histopathological findings of 53 cases of sialoliths retrieved from the Oral Pathology Service, School of Dentistry of Piracicaba, State University of Campinas, Sao Paulo. They were most frequently found in females and adult patients with mean age of 45 years. Submandibular gland was the more affected, followed by minor salivary and parotid glands. The sialoliths were most frequently described as a single (93.3%), nodule (92.3%) and hard consistency (65.2%). Microscopically, the sialoliths showed lamellated pattern of calcification in 84.9% of cases. Dilated pericalcular ducts were observed in 11 cases and squamous metaplasia was noted in 10 of them (90.9%). Areas of periductal chronic inflammation were observed in 81.8% of the cases. In 10 out of 53 cases salivary glands were available for analysis and the more common finding was mild chronic inflammation associated with acinar atrophy.

Exposure of the rat tail to ultraviolet A light produces sustained hyperalgesia to noxious thermal and mechanical challenges

We aimed to establish whether exposing the tails of rats to ultraviolet A (UV A) light generated sustained hyperalgesia to noxious thermal and mechanical challenges. The tails of 21 rats underwent eight 40 s exposures of UV A light, with 260 s between each exposure. As a control procedure, during UV A-light exposure the tails of 11 of those rats were shielded with aluminium foil. Thermal hyperalgesia was assessed by immersing the rat tail in 49 °C water (modified tail flick test). Mechanical hyperalgesia was assessed by applying a bar algometer onto the tail and timing the escape response. Exposure to direct UV A light produced hyperalgesia for 8 days to the noxious thermal challenge ( P < 0.05, two-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc tests) and at least 16 days to the noxious mechanical challenge ( P < 0.05, two-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc tests). They gained mass throughout the study at the same rate as the control rats. The control rats did not develop thermal nor mechanical hyperalgesia. The tails of a further 20 rats were exposed similarly, and tail tissue examined histologically. Both exposed and control rats developed mild chronic inflammation unrelated to the hyperalgesia.

Polyetheretherketone as a biomaterial for spinal applications

Threaded lumbar interbody spinal fusion devices (TIBFD) made from titanium have been reported to be 90% effective for single-level lumbar interbody fusion, although radiographic determination of fusion has been intensely debated in the literature. Using blinded radiographic, biomechanic, histologic, and statistical measures, we evaluated a radiolucent polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-threaded interbody fusion device packed with autograft or rhBMP-2 on an absorbable collagen sponge in 13 sheep at 6 months. Radiographic fusion, increased spinal level biomechanical stiffness, and histologic fusion were demonstrated for the PEEK cages filled with autograft or rhBMP-2 on a collagen sponge. No device degradation or wear debris was observed. Only mild chronic inflammation consisting of a few macrophages was observed in peri-implant tissues. Based on these results, the polymeric biomaterial PEEK may be a useful biomaterial for interbody fusion cages due to the polymer's increased radiolucency and decreased stiffness.

Neisseria meningitidisEndotoxin and Capsule Transmission by Transplantation

<i>Neisseria meningitidis</i>Endotoxin and Capsule Transmission by Transplantation

The significance of ileo-colonic lymphoid nodular hyperplasia in children with autistic spectrum disorder

Intestinal mucosal pathology, characterized by ileo-colonic lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (LNH) and mild acute and chronic inflammation of the colorectum, small bowel and stomach, has been reported in children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). To assess ileo-colonic LNH in ASD and control children and to test the hypothesis that there is an association between ileo-colonic LNH and ASD in children. One hundred and forty-eight consecutive children with ASD (median age 6 years; range 2-16; 127 male) with gastrointestinal symptoms were investigated by ileo-colonoscopy. Macroscopic and histological features were scored and compared with 30 developmentally normal (non-inflammatory bowel disease, non-coeliac disease) controls (median age 7 years; range 1-11; 25 male) showing mild non-specific colitis in 16 cases (13 male) and normal colonic histology in 14 cases (12 male). Seventy-four ASD children and 23 controls also underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The influence on ileal LNH of dietary restriction, age at colonoscopy, and co-existent LNH elsewhere in the intestine, was examined. The prevalence of LNH was significantly greater in ASD children compared with controls in the ileum (129/144 (90%) vs. 8/27 (30%), P < 0.0001) and colon (88/148 (59%) vs. 7/30 (23%), P = 0.0003), whether or not controls had co-existent colonic inflammation. The severity of ileal LNH was significantly greater in ASD children compared with controls, with moderate to severe ileal LNH present in 98 of 144 (68%) ASD children versus 4 of 27 (15%) controls (P < 0.0001). Severe ileal LNH was associated with co-existent colonic LNH in ASD children (P = 0.01). The presence and severity of ileal LNH was not influenced by either diet or age at colonoscopy (P = 0.2). Isolated ileal LNH without evidence of pathology elsewhere in the intestine was a rare event, occurring in less than 3% of children overall. On histopathological examination, hyperplastic lymphoid follicles are significantly more prevalent in the ileum of ASD children (84/138; 61%) compared with controls (2/23; 9%, P = 0.0001). Ileo-colonic LNH is a characteristic pathological finding in children with ASD and gastrointestinal symptoms, and is associated with mucosal inflammation. Differences in age at colonoscopy and diet do not account for these changes. The data support the hypothesis that LNH is a significant pathological finding in ASD children.

The effect of PPAR γ ligands on the adipose tissue in insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is frequently accompanied by obesity and both obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with a mild chronic inflammation. Elevated levels of various cytokines, such as TNF- α and IL-6, are typically found in the adipose tissue in these conditions. It has been suggested that many cytokines produced in the adipose tissue are derived from infiltrated inflammatory cells. However, the adipose tissue itself has proven to be an important endocrine organ, secreting several hormones and cytokines, usually referred to as adipokines. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ is essential for adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. In recent years, PPAR γ and its ligands, the thiazolidinediones (TZD), have achieved great attention due to their insulin sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Treatment with TZDs result in improved insulin signaling and adipocyte differentiation, increased adipose tissue influx of free fatty acids and inhibition of cytokine expression and action. As a result, PPAR γ plays a central role in maintaining a functional and differentiated adipose tissue.

Differences in brain responses to visceral pain between patients with irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis

Patients with mild chronic inflammation of the rectum or ileum have reduced perceptual responses to rectosigmoid distension compared to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The current study sought to identify differences in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during rectal distension, which might correspond to these perceptual differences. In 8 male ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with quiescent disease, 7 male IBS patients and 7 healthy male controls, rCBF was assessed using 15O-water positron emission tomography at baseline and during actual and anticipated but undelivered rectal distensions. No group differences were seen in anterior insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), two regions consistently activated by painful intestinal stimuli. However, IBS patients showed greater activation of the amygdala, rostroventral ACC, and dorsomedial frontal cortical regions. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between UC and controls. When these two non-IBS groups were combined, functional connectivity analyses showed that right lateral frontal cortex (RLFC) activation positively correlated with activation of the dorsal pons/periaqueductal gray, a key region involved in endogenous pain inhibition. According to the connectivity analysis, this effect was mediated by inhibition of medial frontal cortex by the RLFC. Chronic colonic inflammation is not necessarily associated with increased visceral afferent input to the brain during rectal distension. In the sample studied, the primary difference between functional and quiescent inflammatory disease of the colon was in terms of greater activation of limbic/paralimbic circuits in IBS, and inhibition of these circuits in UC and controls by the RLFC.

The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux after transthoracic esophagocardio-myotomy without fundoplication: a long term follow-up

Evaluation of the long term results of Heller's myotomy performed over a lateral thoracotomy without additional fundoplication. Forty patients (17 males, 23 females; mean age 43.2 years; range: 14-63 years) were operated between 1985 and 2000. Preoperative evaluation included clinical scoring of symptoms, esophagogram, endoscopy, manometry and 24-h ph-metry. At the follow-up investigation, the preoperative evaluation was repeated in all patients, adding a histological workup of the distal esophageal mucosa. The mean duration of follow-up after surgery was 10.3 years, ranging from 3-16 years. The clinical scores improved significantly: Excellent relief from dysphagia was present in 86%, little or no regurgitation was found in 79%, little or no retrosternal spasms were reported by 72% of the patients. Esophagogram showed an overall esophageal dilatation in all patients but no significant obstruction at the esophagogastric junction. Endoscopically, 2.5% had candida-esophagitis, 5% showed signs of a GERD I, 92.5% had a macroscopically insuspect esophageal mucosa. Histologically, 53% showed a mild chronic inflammation. Manometry demonstrated distinct hypomotility of the esophagus in all cases, yet no elevated pressure of the lower sphincter; pH-metry showed moderate reflux in 46%. Transthoracic cardiomyotomy is a valid method for the treatment of achalasia, but it will not improve the esophageal motility, which slowly deterioriates in these cases. The patient's subjective assessment of the postoperative result was positive in the majority of cases. Although fundoplication was not done in any of these patients, none of them showed signs of clinically relevant reflux.

Gastrointestinal leukocytoclastic vasculitis: An adverse effect of sirolimus

An 18-yr-old Hispanic female with end-stage renal disease secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis of unknown etiology underwent cadaveric renal transplantation. She was placed on a steroid-free protocol with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for maintenance immunosuppression. Approximately 8 months post-transplantation, MMF was replaced by sirolimus (SRL) because of persistent leukopenia. Four months after the initiation of SRL, the patient began to experience chronic, constant periumbilical abdominal pain in the absence of vomiting, diarrhea or melena. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and CT scans revealed significant diffuse mucosal thickening of the antrum, duodenum, and jejunum; leukocytoclastic vasculitis was identified on antral biopsy. A repeat biopsy after reduction of sirolimus dose by 50% over 6 months showed mild chronic inflammation of stomach and duodenum with some improvement in abdominal pain. Discontinuation of SRL and replacement with low dose MMF resulted in complete resolution of pain and normalization of gastrointestinal anatomy by imaging studies within 2 months. In light of this report, drug-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis caused by SRL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic abdominal pain in a patient with organ transplantation.

Deciduosis peritonei: A case report

The occurrence of ectopic decidua (deciduosis) has been observed most often in the ovaries, uterus, and cervix. It has been established in approximately 90% of patients who have undergone laparotomy during pregnancy. A peritoneal localization is less frequent and usually an asymptomatic incidental finding, but is occasionally associated with massive and potentially fatal hemoperitoneum, abdominal pain and dystocia. Ectopis decidua is a physiological phenomenon of pregnancy and arises from a progesterone-induced metaplasia of subserosal stromal cells. A 32-year-old G1P1 female underwent cesarean section at 39 weeks gestation because of imminent fetal asphyxia. The laparotomy revealed a greyish-yellow soft nodule on the parietal peritoneum. On histologic examination the biopsy lesion was highly vascular and was composed of large polygonal decidualized cells with abundant eosinophilic, focally vacuolated cytoplasm. The nuclei were regular, with fine chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Ectopic decidua was infiltrated by blood and surrounded with adipose tissue necrosis and mild chronic inflammation. The differential diagnosis of peritoneal deciduosis included deciduoid mesothelioma, metastatic carcinoma (especially if decidual cells have a vacuolated cytoplasm mimicking signet-ring cells), and metastatic melanoma. Decidual cells showed immunoreactivity for vimentin and progesteron receptors and focal positivity for desmin and smooth muscle actin. The presence of cellular atypia, mitotic activity, and immunoreactivity for cytokeratin 5/6 and calretinin will assist in making the diagnosis of deciduoid mesothelioma. The diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma is assisted by the nuclear features and cytokeratin immunoreactivity. A positive immunostain for S-100 and/or HMB-45 will assist in the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma.

The Treatment of Spinal Pseudarthrosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Purpose: To report the clinical findings and results of the surgical treatment of the spinal pseudarthrosis in ankylosing spondylitis patients. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 24 destructive vertebral lesions in 15 patient with ankylosing spondylitis who underwent pseudarthrosis repair and/or correction of kyphotic deformity. We assessed the clinical, laboratory, pathological and radiological findings. We performed anterior interbody fusion with or without Smith-Petersen osteotomy (SPO) at the level of pseudarthrosis. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) was performed additively at lumbar spine in severe kyphotic patients. Clinical outcomes and complications were assessed. Results: Traumatic history and inflammatory reaction were not universal findings. Histopathological specimens showed fibrous degeneration with sclerotic bony spicules and mild chronic inflammation. We performed AIF with SPO in 12 kyphotic patient with additional PSO in 6 patients. Posterior interbody fusion was performed in non-kyphotic patients. Radiolographic results demonstrated solid union of pseudarthrosis at average 4.2 months after operation and sagittal imbalance was improved from 24 cm to 4.2 cm at follow up. The subjective satisfactions of the patients at the last follow up were excellent or good in all of the cases. Conclusion: The principal etiology of pseudarthrosis in ankylosing spondylitis thought to be a mechanical weakness of unfused segment. Most of patients have had good clinical results by surgical stabilization of destructed anterior column with or without correction of deformity in combination with SPO and PSO.

Autoimmune hepatitis triggered by acute hepatitis A

The patient was a 57-year-old woman presenting with jaundice as the chief complaint. She began vomiting on July 10, 2003. Jaundice was noted and admitted to our hospital for thorough testing. Tests on admission indicated severe hepatitis, based on: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 1 076 IU/L; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 1 400 IU/L; total bilirubin (TB), 20.9 mg/dL; and prothrombin time rate (PT%), 46.9%. Acute hepatitis A (HA) was diagnosed based on negative hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus RNA and positive immunoglobulin (Ig) M HA antibody, but elevation of anti-nuclear antigen (X320) and IgG (3 112 mg/dL) led to suspicion of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Plasma exchange was performed for 3 d from July 17, and steroid pulse therapy was performed for 3 d starting on July 18, followed by oral steroid therapy. Liver biopsy was performed on August 5, and the results confirmed acute hepatitis and mild chronic inflammation. Levels of AST and ALT normalized, so dose of oral steroid was markedly reduced. Steroid therapy was terminated after 4 mo, as the patient had glaucoma. Starting 3 mo after cessation of steroid therapy, levels of AST and ALT began to increase again. Another liver biopsy was performed and AIH was diagnosed based on serum data and biopsy specimen. Oral steroid therapy was reinitiated. Levels of AST and ALT again normalized. The present case was thus considered to represent AIH triggered by acute HA.

Encapsulating peritonitis and familial Mediterranean fever

To investigate the relationship between encapsulating peritonitis and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). The patient had a history of type 2 diabetes and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed one year ago for cholelithiasis. Eleven months after the operation she developed massive ascites. Biochemical evaluation revealed hyperglycemia, mild Fe deficiency anemia, hypoalbuminemia and a CA-125 level of 2 700 IU. Ascitic evaluation showed characteristics of exudation with a cell count of 580/mm(3). Abdominal CT showed omental thickening and massive ascites. At exploratory laparotomy there was generalized thickening of the peritoneum and a laparoscopic clip encapsulated by fibrous tissue was found adherent to the uterus. Biopsies were negative for malignancy and a prophylactic total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy were performed. The histopathological evaluation was compatible with chronic nonspecific findings and mild mesothelial proliferation and chronic inflammation at the uterine serosa and liver biopsy showed inactive cirrhosis. The patient was evaluated as sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis induced by the laparoscopic clip acting as a foreign body. Due to the fact that the patient had FMF the immune response was probably exaggerated.

P0533 DISSEMINATED HISTOPLASMOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH SCLEROSING CHOLANGITIS

Introduction: A case is presented of a 12 year old boy with a history of recent travel to a histoplasmosis endemic area presenting with epigastric pain. During admission the patient developed fever and severe right upper quadrant pain associated with an elevation in transaminases and inflammatory markers (peak ALT 206, peak CRP 218). Six weeks prior to presentation he had returned from a trip to the Blue Ridge region of Virginia, an area known to have a high incidence of histoplasmosis. The fungus histoplasma capsulatum is increasingly recognised as an important pathogen in patients with immunocomprise, particularly in endemic areas. Although involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is common in disseminated histoplasmosis, gastrointestinal manifestations are considered rare, occurring in 2–12% of patients (1). Granulomatous inflammation of the liver is not an uncommon manifestation (2). Sclerosing cholangitis associated with histoplasmosis has not been previously described. Methods: Extensive investigation was conducted to define or exclude a pathogen in this patient with a presumed atypical presentation of inflammatory bowel disease. Results: Endoscopy demonstrated numerous volcano like ulcers throughout the oesophagus, and microaphthoid ulceration of the stomach and duodenum. Histology revealed a focal acute and chronic granulomatous oesophagitis. Mild chronic inflammation was described in the gastric, duodenal and colonic biopsies. The histology was interpreted as suggestive of Crohn’s disease. Histoplasma antibody was elevated at a titre of 1:16 rising to 1:64. Complement fixation and histoplasma antigen were also positive. Serology to a variety of other pathogens including leptospira, blastomyces and cryptosporidium were negative. Fungal culture of liver and oesophageal tissue is negative to date. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed marked irregularity of the biliary tree in the left lobe of the liver suggestive of sclerosing cholangitis. Subsequent ERCP confirmed these findings. Autoimmune markers including anti-LKM were negative. Conclusion: Histoplasmosis is an unusual cause of granulomatous inflammation in non-endemic areas and rarely considered. This case illustrates the importance of caution in instituting immunosuppressive treatment in patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease where immunosuppression is suspected or there is a history of foreign travel. A possible association of histoplasmosis with sclerosing cholangitis has not been previously described.

Disseminated periportal fatty degeneration after allogeneic intraportal islet transplantation in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a case report

Insulin independence after islet transplantation has been significantly improved by using new steroid-free immunosuppressive protocols and increased islet mass. Only little is known about the influence on the morphology of the liver of intraportally transplanted islets. We describe a case of disseminated periportal fatty degeneration after allogeneic intraportal islet transplantation (ITx). A 35-year-old patient with type-1 diabetes mellitus who was suffering from repeated severe hypoglycemic episodes received two sequential intraportal islet grafts. Liver structure was normal before the first ITx, based upon ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One week after the first ITx, ultrasound demonstrated normal liver morphology. Four months later, at the second ITx, we detected small, disseminated, and hypodense hepatic lesions (1 to 3 mm) by ultrasound, which were confirmed by MRI and interpreted to be fatty degenerations. Histologically we found focal drop-shaped fatty degenerations with signs of mild periportal chronic inflammation. These liver alterations without clinical symptoms or pathological liver function tests matched the predicted distribution of infused islets. Glucose metabolism markedly improved after the first ITx, namely 58.6% reduction of daily insulin requirements, 1.4% decrease in HbA1c, basal C-peptide of 0.8 to 1.3 ng/dl with no severe hypoglycemia. We interpreted these benign changes in liver morphology as reactions to a local hyperinsulinemia in the neighborhood of the transplanted islets. We hypothesized that a steroid-free immunosuppression with rapamycin and tacrolimus may have contributed to changes in the portal microenvironment.

Continuous Intrathecal Infusion of Hydromorphone: Safety in the Sheep Model and Clinical Implications

To determine the safety of hydromorphone delivered by continuous intrathecal infusion via implanted delivery systems in sheep. Sheep implanted with intrathecal infusion systems were randomly assigned to receive either 1.5, 3, or 6 mg/day hydromorphone HCl or saline control (3 sheep/dose level) at a fixed infusion rate of 1.92 mL/day for 28-31 days. Infusions were initiated approximately 5 days after surgical implantation of the delivery systems (pumps and intrathecal catheters), and investigators were blinded to doses administered. An additional group of sheep (N=3) received hydromorphone (open label) at a dose of 12 mg/day. All animals were examined daily during drug infusion for changes in behavior and neurologic function. Cerebrospinal fluid was analyzed for protein, cytology, and hydromorphone concentration in samples collected prior to and at the end of drug infusion. The spinal cord with the catheter in situ was removed en bloc and fixed in formalin for microscopic analysis. All sheep receiving intrathecal hydromorphone exhibited gaiting deficits and biting behavior over the caudal lumbar area above the infusion site. Animals treated with 12 mg/day were sedate and lethargic, and exhibited repeated biting behavior over the caudal lumbar area during the study. No lesions were noted in any animal upon gross evaluation of the spinal cord. Microscopic changes were comparable between hydromorphone- and saline-treated animals with one exception. Mild inflammation 5 cm cranial to the catheter tip was present in two of three sheep receiving 12 mg/day and in one of three sheep receiving 1.5 mg/day. Mild chronic inflammation hydromorphone in the vicinity of the catheter was also presented in saline-treated animals. Hydromorphone was not associated with inflammatory mass formation in the sheep model. Further studies are necessary to determine whether hydromorphone is a safer alternative to morphine for continuous intrathecal infusion for the treatment of chronic pain.

Idiopathic chronic cough and organ-specific autoimmune diseases: a case–control study

The marked female predominance in cases of idiopathic chronic cough and its association with mild chronic lymphocytic airway inflammation suggests an underlying autoimmune process. We set out to test the hypothesis that idiopathic chronic cough is associated with other organ-specific autoimmune diseases in a case–control study. Twenty-two patients with idiopathic chronic cough and 65 community-matched controls for age and sex who responded to a self-administered questionnaire were asked about the presence of autoimmune disease, other medical problems and drug history. All subjects were invited to have a blood test for an autoimmune screen. Thirteen out of 22 (59%) patients with idiopathic chronic cough and eight out of 65 (12%) age- and sex-matched controls reported organ-specific autoimmune disease (odds ratio 8.8; 95% confidence interval 2.4–31.8, P<0.001). Organ-specific autoantibodies were present in a significantly higher proportion of cases than controls (40% vs. 13%; P=0.047). These findings suggest a relationship between idiopathic chronic cough and organ-specific autoimmunity.

An interesting case of crohn’s disease

Purpose: 48 y.o. AAF admitted with abdominal pain and 4 years history of ileocolonic Crohn's disease (CD). Initial diagnostic colonoscopy disclosed mild chronic ileocolonic inflammation. The patient was treated with Asacol with prompt resolution of her complains and no relapses over next 4 years. She did not follow-up. Several days prior to admission, the patient developed right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The CT scan showed inflammation in the right lower quadrant with some thickening of the terminal ileum, but no abscesses or fluid collections. Upper GI and small bowel series demonstrated multiple fistulous tracks consistent with CD. Terminal ileum was thickened with abnormal contour and folds. She was treated with Prednisone, Cipro, Flagyl, TPN, bowel rest and responded to treatment well and was discharged. Colonoscopy showed areas of pseudopolyp formation with scarring and exudates at 25 cm, fistulous tract with marked surrounding scarring and edema at 40 cm and significant fixed looping between 25 and 40 cm. Air contrast barium enema revealed multiple colo-colonic fistulae. She has been maintained on Remicade therapy and is currently doing well.

The significance of routine duodenal biopsies in pediatric patients undergoing upper intestinal endoscopy.

To determine the significance of performing routine duodenal biopsies during upper intestinal endoscopy in a pediatric population and to evaluate their contribution to the overall diagnosis. Performing duodenal biopsy during every upper endoscopy regardless of the indication for endoscopy and the macroscopic findings, is a controversial topic. Advocates of performing routine biopsies argue that unexpected pathology such as villous atrophy, may have significant clinical implications. Opponents argue that the yield of performing a biopsy on an apparently normal mucosa is low. Duodenal biopsies, routinely taken from 201 pediatric patients during upper endoscopy over a 26-month period were retrospectively reviewed. Duodenal biopsies taken during this period for suspected mucosal lesions were not included in the analysis. Indications for endoscopy included suspected peptic disease, gastroesophageal reflux, unexplained vomiting, abdominal pain, iron deficiency anemia and Crohn disease. Of the 201 sets of biopsies reviewed, 159 (79.1%) were normal, 7 had insufficient material for evaluation and 35 (17.4%) carried abnormalities that included: 10 Giardia lamblia (4.9%), 13 mild chronic inflammation (6.5%), and 8 increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (3.9%). Two biopsies showed mixed acute and chronic inflammation, 1 showed lymphatic dilatation and 1 had a mild mucosal lesion. The risk for microscopic pathology in the duodenum was higher when Helicobacter pylori was present in the gastric biopsy (25.98% vs. 12.16% P < 0.02). The negative predictive value of a normal appearing duodenal mucosa was 81.5%, implying that a normal appearing mucosa does not rule out pathology. No complications were encountered in our series. We suggest that the inclusion of routine duodenal biopsies as part of upper endoscopy in pediatric patients should be considered favorably. This practice may yield additional pathologic findings that otherwise could have been missed. It should be done regardless of the indication for endoscopy or the gross appearance of the mucosa. This practice does not increase the risk of the procedure.