Nonspecific Gastritis Research Articles

C-Kit Immunohistochemical Expression as a Complementary Method to Assess Mast Cell Density in Helicobacter Pylori-mediated Gastritis.

Chronic gastritis is a group of conditions commonly characterized by stomach lining inflammation. The study aims to investigate the clinical and pathological aspects that play a role in its development. Additionally, the study examines the use of CD117 as an immunohistochemistry marker in evaluating mast cell density (MCD). This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in Iraqi Kurdistan with a sample size of 380 patients. Patient data included gastritis type, neutrophil infiltration severity, mononuclear cell infiltration within the lamina propria, intestinal metaplasia, and glandular atrophy, which were categorized and given a score. The CD117 level was identified using an anti-human rabbit polyclonal antibody. A statistically significant association was revealed between Helicobacter pylori-mediated gastritis and non-specific gastritis with age, activity, H. pylori and MCD, dysplasia, and malignancy. Meanwhile, no association was found with gender, inflammatory infiltrate, intestinal metaplasia, and glandular atrophy. C-Kit exhibited a marked increase in MCD in patients with H. pylori-mediated gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, atrophy, and gastric carcinoma. However, a significant decrease in MCD was observed on repeating endoscopy evaluations for patients after treatment. Regions that exhibit severe inflammation, metaplasia, atrophy, and carcinoma demonstrated an increase in MCD with H. pylori-mediated gastritis. A detailed investigation in clinical practice to screen early diagnosis and treatment needs to be performed in high H. pylori prevalence.

Clinicopathologic and endoscopic characteristics of ten patients with gastric hamartomatous inverted polyp: a single center case series

BackgroundGastric hamartomatous inverted polyps (GHIPs) are not well characterized and remain diagnostically challenging due to rarity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the clinicopathologic and endoscopic characteristics of patients with GHIP.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinicopathologic and endoscopic features of ten patients with GHIP who were admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital from March 2013 to July 2022. All patients were treated successfully by endoscopic resection.ResultsGHIPs were usually asymptomatic and found incidentally during gastroscopic examination. They may be sessile or pedunculated, with diffuse or local surface redness or erosion. On endoscopic ultrasonography, the sessile submucosal tumor-type GHIP demonstrated a heterogeneous lesion with cystic areas in the third layer of the gastric wall. Histologically, GHIPs were characterized by a submucosal inverted proliferation of cystically dilated hyperplastic gastric glands accompanied by a branching proliferation of smooth muscle bundles. Inflammatory cells infiltration was observed in the stroma, whereas only one patient was complicated with glandular low-grade dysplasia. Assessment of the surrounding mucosa demonstrated that six patients (60%) had atrophic gastritis or Helicobacter pylori–associated gastritis, and four patients (40%) had non-specific gastritis. Endoscopic resection was safe and effective.ConclusionsGHIPs often arise from the background of abnormal mucosa, such as atrophic or H.pylori-associated gastritis. We make the hypothesis that acquired inflammation might lead to the development of GHIPs. We recommend to make a full assessment of the background mucosa and H. pylori infection status for evaluation of underlying gastric mucosal abnormalities, which may be the preneoplastic condition of the stomach.

Rising Prevalence of Mild Chronic Gastritis in Children: A Single Center Experience.

We analyzed upper endoscopic and histological findings in 3 cohorts of children undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy over a 10-year period. Five hundred seventy-nine patients were identified, with 244 (42%), 199 (35%), and 136 (23%) in the 2011, 2015, and 2019 cohorts, respectively. The most common symptoms and signs were abdominal pain, vomiting, failure to thrive, and diarrhea. The number of patients who had histological evidence of chronic gastritis increased from 2011 (n = 70, 29%) to 2015 (n = 106, 53%) and 2019 (n = 92, 68%; P < .001). The prevalence of "normal" endoscopic gastric findings was higher in controls (n = 247, 90%) compared to cases (n = 201, 76%; P < .001). There was a small but statistically significant difference in endoscopic esophageal grading (P = .008) over time, with lower grades being more prevalent in 2011 compared to 2015 (P = .026) and 2019 (P = .001). Crude comparisons of the predictors (sex, weight percentile, payor type, month of endoscopy, symptom duration, PPI exposure, and endoscopic stomach findings) yielded no difference between cases and controls. There has been a significant rise in the prevalence of mild chronic gastritis or non-specific gastritis over the last decade in our population.

Diagnostic Yield of Endoscopy in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Pediatrics

Introduction Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is currently considered the first-line diagnostic procedure of choice for upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding; however, the etiology of bleeding remains unknown in a subset of patients. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic yield of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in pediatrics and determine the clinical predictors for unreached diagnosis during endoscopy. Methods Cross sectional study, conducted at pediatric endoscopy unit, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, where 100 patients were recruited, as they were referred for diagnostic upper GI endoscopy due to overt upper GI bleeding in the form of hematemesis and/or melena. Full medical history, examination, laboratory investigations, endoscopic and histopathologic findings were documented. Results :100 patients with ages ranging from 3 months to 15 years, median age 4 years, 47% males and 53% females, 65% presented by hematemesis only, 7% with melena only, and 28 % presented with both hematemesis and melena. In 38 % of cases no endoscopic diagnosis was reached. While patients with a positive diagnostic yield 62%, had variable diagnosis, the most common of which was H pylori gastritis and reflux oesophagitis in 23% and 11% of cases respectively. Followed by nonspecific gastritis (8%), oesophageal varices (4%), and others (16%).. Melena was a negative predictor to reach a diagnosis by upper GI endoscopy. Conclusion Diagnostic yield of upper GI endoscopy in pediatric patients with upper GI bleeding was only 62%. Combining upper GI endoscopy with other tools in cases presenting with melena alone is highly recommended since bleeding from a source in the small bowel or right colon may also be the cause.

Diagnostic yield of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in pediatrics: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary center

BackgroundEsophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is currently considered the first-line diagnostic procedure of choice for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB); however, the etiology of bleeding remains unknown in a subset of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of EGD in UGIB in pediatrics and determine the clinical predictors for positive endoscopic diagnosis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the pediatrics endoscopy unit, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, where 100 children were included. They were referred for EGD due to overt UGIB in the form of hematemesis and/or melena. Full medical history, thorough physical examination, laboratory investigations, and endoscopic and histopathologic findings were documented.ResultsForty-seven males and 54 females were included. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 15 years, with a median age of 4 years. Sixty-five percent presented with hematemesis only, 7% presented with melena only, and 28% presented with hematemesis and melena. An endoscopic diagnosis could be reached in 62% of cases, with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis (23%) and reflux esophagitis (11%) as the most common endoscopic diagnoses, with the former being the most common in children above 4 years and the latter for younger ones. Other diagnoses included non-specific gastritis (8%) and esophageal varices (4%). Presentation with melena only was a negative predictor to reach a diagnosis by EGD, while splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia were independent predictors of variceal bleeding.ConclusionEGD is the investigation of choice in children suffering from hematemesis especially in older age groups. Clinical and laboratory parameters might help in the prediction of the underlying etiology.

A136 A RARE CAUSE OF AUTOIMMUNE ATROPHIC PANGASTRITIS COMPLICATED WITH GASTRIC OUTLET OBSTRUCTION

BackgroundChronic gastritis comes in two well recognized forms: environmental, which is most commonly antral or multifocal in distribution and is typically caused by Helicobacter Pylori (HP) infection, and autoimmune gastritis(AIG), which affects the corpus and fundus. Presented here is a case of autoimmune atrophic pangastritis(AIAP).AimsTo increase awareness of a rare condition with limited data on available treatment modalities.MethodsCase ReportResultsA 68-year old female with autoimmune hypothyroidism, presented with weight loss and elevated anti-TTG serology. Index esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) biopsies demonstrated chronic non-specific gastritis limited to the antrum. Strict gluten free diet adherence was initiated. Testing for HLA revealed HLADq2 and HLADq8 negativity but HLADq2.5 positivity. Subsequent EGD showed a markedly atrophic appearing gastric body. The corresponding biopsies demonstrated persistent moderately chronic active gastritis with severe atrophy now involving the body, fundus and antrum. The biopsies were negative for HP. Notably, there was a lack of ECL-cell hyperplasia and the number of antral G cells appeared decreased. Anti-parietal cell antibody serology was positive with a titre of 1:80. Despite combination therapy with budesonide and mesalamine and treatment for HP given persistent symptoms, the patient’s course was further complicated by gastric-outlet obstruction (GOO). Urgent EGD biopsies showed pyloric stenosis requiring dilation. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) guided biopsies were negative for malignancy. The patient was started on corticosteroids and azathioprine(AZA). Most recently, an EGD on AZA, continued to demonstrate severe chronic active pangastritis now with intestinal metaplasia involving the body. Corticosteroid therapy was reinitiated with a plan to start mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).ConclusionsAIAP is a rarely described entity, not well documented in the literature. An eight patient case series reported a distinctive form of atrophic gastritis that was independent of HP infection with the absence of neuroendocrine hyperplasia that involved the body and antrum. Thyroid disease, specifically Hashimoto thyroiditis is present in about 40% of patients with AIG. Additionally, AIG progression to atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia confers an increased risk for gastric adenocarcinoma in more than 10% of patients.Limited literature exists regarding the management of AIAP. Pediatric data suggests the use of prednisone and/or azathioprine for AIAP. Furthermore, a recent case report of AIAP demonstrated clinical and endoscopic remission with MMF. Currently, no guidelines exist for the treatment, screening and monitoring of patients with AIAP. This case report presents a rare case of AIAP refractory to AZA complicated with GOO and adds to the little literature that exists.Funding AgenciesNone

A161 MACROSCOPIC AND HISTOLOGY FINDINGS DURING UPPER DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY IN CHILDREN WITH SUSPICION OF CELIAC DISEASE AND HIGH LEVELS OF TRANSGLUTAMINASE IGA-ANTIBODY

Abstract Background The European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition suggests that the diagnosis of Celiac disease (CD) can be confirmed solely on the basis of clinical symptoms and bloodwork including a level of transglutaminase IgA-antibodies (TGA) ≥ 10 times the upper limit of normal (10XN). In Canada and the United States, this recommendation has not been endorsed. We recently demonstrated that TGA ≥ 10XN performed at our institution (INOVA Diagnostics’ Quanta Lite) was a reliable predictive test of villous atrophy in patients with suspicion of CD. Aims The aim of the present study was to investigate the rate of supplemental endoscopic or histological findings in a cohort of children with TGA ≥ 10XN and the association of these findings with clinical symptoms. Methods Consecutive children with suspected CD who had an endoscopy between 2011 and 2018 were included in this analysis. Data was extracted from our CD database. The macroscopic and histological findings were reported. We compared these diagnoses to the clinical symptoms. Results From 2011 to 2018, 405 new cases of CD were identified in our pediatric center. In total, 238 (58.7%) patients had baseline TGA levels ≥ 10XN (67.2% females, median (IQR) age 8.4 (4.8–12.2)). The median interval between the first visit to the gastroenterology unit and the endoscopy was 43.0 (21.0–78.0) days. In total, 58% of the endoscopies had macroscopic findings in the bulb (37.8 %) or the duodenum (41.5%) including a mosaic pattern, mucosal fissuring, or erythema. Seven cases (2.8%) of esophagitis were identified during endoscopy; histological analysis confirmed eosinophilic esophagitis in 3 cases (1.2%) and peptic esophagitis in 4 cases. Non-specific gastritis was present in 58 patients (24.4%) and 2 cases of Helicobacter pylori infection were identified. The biopsies showed subtotal/total villous atrophy of duodenum in 171 (71.8%) or partial villous atrophy in 51 patients (29.8 %). Ten patients (4,3%) had villous atrophy in the duodenal bulb alone, with normal biopsies of the second part of the duodenum. Abdominal pain did not correlate with gastritis or duodenitis. However, children with diarrhea had a greater prevalence of visible endoscopic inflammation in the duodenum than those without diarrhea: 53.5% vs 38.9% respectively; P= 0,037. Conclusions Apart from the classical features associated with CD, the supplementary diagnostic yield of endoscopy was low. There were only a few cases of additional diseases identified by the endoscopic procedure in a large cohort of children and adolescents with suspicion of CD. Therefore, these results support the no-biopsy approach in the settings of TGA ≥ 10XN using a reliable diagnostic kit. Funding Agencies None

22. Correlation between endoscopic and microscopic appearance in lymphocytic gastritis

Background: Lymphocytic gastritis (LG) is an inflammatory condition of the stomach characterised by an intraepithelial lymphocytosis of greater than 20 T lymphocytes per 100 surface epithelial cells. It has known associations with coeliac disease, H. pylori infection, viral infection, Crohn’s disease and gastric lymphoma. In many cases no cause is identified. The classic endoscopic description of lymphocytic gastritis is that of a varioloform gastritis seen at endoscopy, however the proportion of cases showing this feature is not known. Aims: To determine whether the various causes of lymphocytic gastritis show distinctive endoscopic changes that could be helpful in determining the cause of the intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all cases of lymphocytic gastritis diagnosed at Envoi Specialist Pathologists from 2008–2018 where a description of the endoscopic appearance of the gastric mucosa was documented. Patient age and gender was collected. The endoscopic description was recorded as normal, mild non-specific gastritis, or erosive gastritis. This was then correlated with the presumptive cause for the LG. Results and conclusions: 311 cases of LG with endoscopic description of the gastric mucosa were identified. Erosive gastritis was seen in 124 of these cases. Erosive gastritis corelated with male sex (60 vs 44.4%, p=0.0107), older age (56.1 vs 51.8 years, p=0.017) and absence of coeliac disease on duodenal biopsy (85% vs 66%, p=0.0002). The endoscopic appearance did not correlate with resolution of lymphocytosis in 74 cases with follow-up biopsy (6 vs 17%, p=0.15). These findings show that coeliac disease is associated with minimal gastric changes in cases with concomitant LG and this could be used to suggest the diagnosis where no duodenal biopsy is supplied.

POST-VAGOTOMY GASTROPARESIS – A CASE REPORT

We present Mr M.A. a 27 year old Nigerian of the Yoruba tribe who has been having recurrent dyspeptic symptoms for 5 years but not previously endoscopically evaluated for peptic ulcer disease who now presented with six days history of abdominal pain which was initially epigastric but later became generalized associated with four episodes of vomiting and a day history of abdominal distension and fever. He was acutely ill-looking and dehydrated. The Abdomen was moderately distended, does not move with respiration, generalized tenderness with guarding and rebound tenderness, intra-abdominal organs were difficult to palpate due to the guarding. Bowel sound was absent. Examination of the other systems was not remarkable. A provisional diagnosis of Generalized peritonitis likely secondary to perforated peptic ulcer was made. He had an emergency exploratory laparotomy under general anaesthesia. He was commenced on intravenous fluids and parenteral proton pump inhibitor(PPI) and antibiotics. Intra-op findings include 2 liters of bilious peritoneal fluid, Multiple fibrous adhesions, a 2.5cm x 2cm gastric perforation at the anterior wall of the antrum and a grossly normal bowel. The surgical operation performed was a Graham Omental patch closure of the gastric defect with Bilateral Truncal Vagotomy and Peritoneal lavage. Post-operative state was satisfactory and he was later discharged. He presented at the gastroenterology out-patient clinic eight months later with complaints of early satiety, feeling of indigestion and episodes of vomiting. Vomitus is usually offensive / foul smelling and contains undigested or partially digested stale food substances. Abdominal examination revealed a positive succussion splash. Other clinical examination findings were not remarkable. A Provisional Diagnosis of suspected Gastric outlet obstruction probably secondary to a chronic duodenal ulcer was made. Endoscopy findings revealed copious fluid and food debris in the stomach cavity which had an offensive smell with remnants of partially digested stale food substances seen. There was poor peristaltic activity and the stomach was poorly distensible. There were multiple areas of mucosa erosions seen in the gastric cardia and corpus. No corporal or antral lesion seen. The pyloric ring was normal and the duodenum was normal. Diagnosis- (1) Endoscopic features of Gastroparesis likely secondary to previous Bilateral Truncal Vagotomy. No evidence of mechanical obstruction of the Gastric outlet. (2) Gastric Cardia and Corporal mucosa lesions likely secondary to Stasis Gastritis. Histology of biopsy specimens showed acute on chronic non-specific gastritis and acute duodenitis. He was commenced on empirical first line Helicobacter pylori eradication triple therapy (PPI, Amoxycillin and Clarithromycin) and a prokinetic drug (Domperidone). He had made significant clinical improvement with resolution of the symptoms by the time he was seen in the clinic three weeks later. He was tolerating oral food intake adequately and he had no new complaints. He was counselled on dietary modification and placed on long term prokinetic agent (Domperidone) and long-term PPI therapy with regular clinic follow-up. The initial management of post-vagotomy gastroparesis should be conservative as many symptoms resolve with time, this occurs possibly because the enteric nervous system is able to adapt to the loss of vagal input. Modification of dietary habits, such as regular intake of small meals, and use of prokinetic drugs bring about symptomatic relief in most patients.

Common Etiologies and Clinical Significance of Gastric Intraepithelial Lymphocytosis

Abstract Background Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes or intraepithelial lymphocytosis (IEL) in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a response to various mucosal injury. However, the frequency of gastric IEL in GI tract biopsy is not well documented, and the etiologies of gastric IEL are yet to be defined. Methods Cases with a diagnosis of “intraepithelial lymphocytosis” and “intraepithelial lymphocytes” were retrieved from 25,074 GI biopsies and 8,921 partial gastrectomies in our departmental database (Powerpath) for a 1-year period. The diagnosis of IEL was confirmed by the report and/or slide review. Possible etiology or causes of gastric IEL were investigated by correlation with clinical information from LIS (EPIC). Results A total of 694 cases with IEL were identified from 33,995 GI tract specimens (biopsy and resection). Among 694 cases, 34 (4.89%) were gastric biopsy and resection cases with IEL, whereas 561 (80.8%), 37 (5.3%), and 62 (8.9%) were duodenal, esophageal, and colonic specimens, respectively. Thirty-four gastric cases with IEL were closely associated with morbid obesity (8, 23.5%), H pylori infection (8, 23.5%), celiac disease (5, 14.7%), lymphocytic gastritis (5, 14.7%), nonspecific gastritis (4, 11.4%), inflammatory bowel disease (3, 8.8%), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (1, 1.9%). Seventeen of 34 (50%) cases had IEL in both gastric and duodenal mucosa. Those 17 cases with gastroduodenal IEL had morbid obesity (n = 5), celiac disease (n = 5), lymphocytic colitis (n = 2), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 2), H pylori gastritis (n = 2), and nonspecific gastritis (n = 1). Five patients with a diagnosis of lymphocytic gastritis were treated with a protein pump inhibitor after pathologic diagnosis. Among them, 4 had a followed-up endoscopy in 12 months, and 3 of them showed persistent IEL in a follow-up biopsy. Conclusion Gastric IEL is less common than duodenal IEL. It is associated with a broad differential diagnosis. Follow-up biopsy may be necessary for some types of gastric IEL. Persistent IEL in follow-up biopsy may be suggestive of a different etiology or requires different treatment strategy.

Nausea Vomiting and Diarrhea Associated with Small Vessel Fibrinoid Necrotizing Vasculitis: A Brief Review of GI Manifestations of Systemic Vasculitis

Introduction: Nausea, vomiting, and Diarrhea are common symptoms with a broad differential including systemic diseases. Systemic illnesses such as vasculitis can involve the GI tract, and contribute to nonspecific GI symptoms. Vasculitis and cryoglobulinemia are associated with multiple conditions other than Hep C. Case report: 63 year old woman with a history of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia associated with cryoglobulinemia treated with plasmapheresis & Rituxan previously, presented to the hospital with a 3 day history of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea & epigastric abdominal pain, similar to self-limited symptoms that were present a month prior. CT abdomen revealed a segment of small bowel thickening and suspicion for a partial SBO. Subsequently a small bowel follow through study was done which did not reveal any obstruction, but did reveal an edematous small bowel loop corresponding to the abnormal loop on CT scan. EGD and colonoscopy were performed. EGD identified nonspecific gastritis, and colonoscopy revealed mild diffuse loss of vascularity with villous blunting and a transverse colon polyp which was removed. The patient recovered well with supportive management and was discharged home. Pathologically the polyp was composed of granulation tissue of an ulcer caused by small vessel vasculitis with fibrinoid necrosis (fig-1). In follow up a few weeks post discharge patient had minimal symptoms and has been scheduled for continued care with Hem/Onc.Figure 1Discussion: GI vasculitis usually presents as chronic mesenteric ischemia which may be associated with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or even GI bleed. Acute mesenteric ischemia, ischemic hepatitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, esophagitis, gastritis and appendicitis have also been reported.1 Endoscopy should be performed with caution in the setting of possibly edematous, ischemic bowel.2 Treatment includes treatment of underlying disease, and therapy directed at gastrointestinal symptoms. A high degree of suspicion should be maintained in patients with known history of vasculitis as surgical intervention may be warranted in patients with mesenteric infarction or intestinal perforation.

Suture granuloma: a rare differential diagnosis of residual/recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumor of stomach

In the present era of modern surgical practice, the incidence of intra-abdominal suture granuloma is extremely rare with reduced use of non-absorbable silk sutures and even rarer following laparoscopic procedures. We report herein a case of silk granuloma presenting as large submucosal polypoidal lesion in a recently operated case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of stomach. Though endoscopic biopsy showed chronic non-specific gastritis with no evidence of malignancy, our patient underwent excision of lesion due to high likelihood of neoplastic lesion suggested by radiological evaluation and recent history of surgery for GIST but histopathology surprisingly showed Giant cell silk granuloma. In summary, the possibility of suture granulomas should always be considered while evaluating postoperative CT scan/PET scan for a mass lesion at operated site, particularly in patients who have undergone surgery with non-absorbable silk sutures.

HALLAZGOS HISTOLÓGICOS GÁSTRICOS EN OBESOS MORBIDOS SOMETIDOS A GASTRECTOMÍA VERTICAL LAPAROSCÓPICA: Pathological findings in resected gastric segments after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Pathological findings in resected gastric segments after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is used for the treatment of obesity and may provide gastric tissue for pathological studies. The association of obesity with dyslipidemias, diabetes and cardiovascular disease is of common knowledge. However its association with gastrointestinal diseases and gastritis is less well known. Aim: To analyze the pathological findings of the resected gastric segment during LSG. Material and Methods: Two hundred fifty patients aged 37 ± 12 years and with a body mass index of 37.7 ± 3.1 kg/m 2 (189 women), subjected to LSG, were included in a prospective protocol. Resected gastric segments were sent for a pathological study. Results: A gastric disease was identified in 220 (88%) cases. Chronic follicular gastritis was diagnosed in 117 patients (46.8%), chronic superficial gastritis in 76 (30.4%), chronic nonspecific gastritis in 38 (15.2%), intestinal metaplasia in 14% (5.6%) and in one case (0.4%) an early gastric carcinoma. Helicobacter pylori was present in 34 (13.6%) patients. Conclusions: This study shows a high prevalence of histopathological gastric lesions detected after the LSG, reaffirming the need for detection of these lesions before surgery.

The role of endoscopy and biopsy in the management of severe gastrointestinal disease in cystic fibrosis patients

There is increasing evidence to suggest the presence of chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Some CF patients continue to have very severe gastrointestinal symptoms despite conventional CF treatment. In our center, these patients are managed in a CF gastroenterology clinic, jointly with a pediatric gastroenterologist. A number have required GI endoscopy and biopsy. The aim of our study was to characterize these patients and determine whether endoscopy and biopsy changed their management. We reviewed all the patients seen in the CF gastroenterology clinic from 2004 to 2009, who had GI endoscopies performed. The GI symptoms these patients were experiencing included abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rectal bleeding, failure to thrive, loose stools, and constipation. Twelve patients had GI endoscopies with mucosal biopsies performed. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] age at referral to the CF gastroenterology clinic was 4 years [0.9-8]. Their body mass index (BMI) was 15.2 [13.7-15.5]. Twenty-five percent were homozygous delta F508. Two patients had previously had meconium ileus as neonates requiring surgical intervention. One other patient had needed abdominal surgery for intussusception. Ninty-two percent were pancreatic insufficient, 25% were chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 17% were on regularly 3 monthly intravenous antibiotics. Of the 10 patients who were able to perform spirometry, FEV1 was 101% [67-125] predicted. Nine of the 12 patients had evidence of mucosal inflammation in their biopsies, including duodenitis with eosinophilic infiltrate, chronic non-specific inactive gastritis, enteropathy with partial villous atrophy, and non-specific colitis. Immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory therapies were commenced in these nine patients, including prednisolone, azathioprine, methotrexate, ketotifen, mesalazine, and sulfasalazine as well as the use of parenteral nutrition and elemental feeds. All the patients clinically responded to therapy. Five of the patients commenced on anti-inflammatory therapy had repeat biopsies 1-5 years following commencement of treatment and all showed histological improvement of the mucosal inflammation. GI endoscopy with mucosal biopsy has a significant role to play in the management of CF children with severe GI disease. In our study, it influenced the management in the majority of patients with severe GI symptoms. Furthermore, if GI mucosal inflammation is identified on biopsy, management with immunomodulatory agents may be clinically beneficial.

Prevalence, diversity and disease association of Helicobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients from Pakistan

The etiological association of Helicobacter pylori with gastric ulcer (GU), gastric cancer (GC), and duodenal ulcer (DU) is well-known. Understanding the epidemiology of H. pylori facilitates the estimation of disease burden in a certain population. This study presents the diversity of H. pylori genotypes and their association with different clinical outcomes among dyspeptic patients in Pakistan over a period of four years. Gastric biopsy samples from a total of 450 dyspeptic individualswere subjected to PCR, genotypingand histology. A total of 201 (45%) cases were found positive for H. pylori. The detection rate was high in GU (91%), DU (86%) and GC (83%) cases compared with those cases who had intact gastric mucosa (18%). Histology revealed the presence of infection in 68% of cases of mild/chronic nonspecific gastritis with others belonging to the GU sequel. cagA gene carriage was observed in 104 (51%) cases or mostly from DU, GU and GC groups, of which 97 were Western type strains while 3 were East-Asian type strains that are rarely observed in South Asia. vacA allelic variant s1am1 was most commonly observed, followed by s1am2, and s1bm1, with direct correlation in diseased cases (gastritis, GU, DU and GC). Prevalent genotypic combinations were s1am1/cagA- in gastritis and s1am1/cagA+ in DU, GU, and GC. Our study indicates the predominant circulation of Western type cagA and vacAs1am1 type H. pylori strains in Pakistan.

Simultaneous Presentation of Celiac Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, Was Wrongly Considered Crohnʼs Disease in a Child

Occurrence of IBD and CD disease simultaneously in children is uncommon. Few reports about the frequency and management of similar cases are available in the literature. Case presentation: 17 Yo female presented with bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss. Endoscopic evaluation showed normal TI, pan colitis, nonspecific gastritis and duodenitis with villous atrophy. Diagnosis of Crohn's was made and patient started 6MP and steroids. She didn't tolerate 6MP and symptoms persisted. Second opinion was obtained, review of the biopsies suggested features of UC and duodenal changes consistent with CD. Patient started sulfasalazine that resulted in some clinical improvement, but the weight and hair loss persisted. Repeated scopes showed improved colonic inflammation with persistent duodenal changes. Finally CD serum markers were checked and they were positive (tTg IgA 123), patient started gluten free diet that resulted in clinical remission and weight gain. Discussion: Finding of upper GI involvement in IBD patient is common and not enough to make Crohn's diagnosis. It was not clear if the SB involvement in our patient was part of her UC or true coincidence of CD. Reports of false positive CD titers in IBD patients, especially Crohn's disease, are available. Persistent of SB changes despite proper UC treatment and the improvement after starting gluten free diet suggested true coincidence of UC and CD. Conclusion: This case suggests an association between UC and CD. Also shows the importance of screening for CD with serum titers in IBD patients with SB involvement, when there is persistence of symptoms, histologic changes and frequent relapses.

Hemorrhagic Gastritis with Dabigatran in a Patient with Renal Insufficiency

BackgroundDabigatran etexilate is the first oral direct thrombin inhibitor approved in the United States. Unlike warfarin, dabigatran has no known antidote. Providers should be aware of patients that may be at risk for dabigatran coagulopathies and recognize potential treatment options. ObjectiveTo report a case of hemorrhagic gastritis in a patient with chronic renal insufficiency recently initiated on dabigatran etexilate. Case SummaryAn 85-year-old white man with a known history of hypertension and stage III chronic kidney disease presented to the Emergency Department complaining of dark stools, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain. The patient recently started dabigatran 150mg twice daily for new-onset atrial fibrillation. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy identified non-specific gastritis with hemorrhage. It was determined to be probable using the Naranjo Probability Scale that gastrointestinal hemorrhaging was a result of dabigatran therapy. Fresh frozen plasma was used to reverse the dabigatran-induced coagulopathy. ConclusionThis case highlights the challenges that providers may face when dealing with life-threatening bleeding in patients receiving dabigatran.

Hypovitaminosis D as Predisposing Factor for Atrophic Type A Gastritis: a Case–Control Study and Review of the Literature on the Interaction of Vitamin D with the Immune System

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D displays immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, and the cells involved in innate and adaptive immune response express the vitamin D receptor and can both produce and respond to this hormone. This article aims at describing the complex immune regulatory role of vitamin D and depicting whether a correlation exists between atrophic type A gastritis and hypovitaminosis. We studied 62 autoimmune gastritis (AIG) patients and compared them to 54 lymphocytic gastritis patients, 21 Helicobacter pylori gastritis patients and 212 healthy subjects. We also statistically analyzed vitamin D concentration in 36,384 outpatients referred to our clinical laboratories. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels, the measurable metabolite used to determine vitamin D status in plasma, were measured by a chemiluminescent method. Average level of 25-OHD in AIG subjects was 9.8 ± 5.6 ng/mL (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.4-11.2), 11.1 ± 8.4 (CI 7.5-14.7) in H. pylori gastritis patients, 22.2 ± 13.5 (CI 18.6-25.8) in nonspecific lymphocytic gastritis patients, 21.3 ± 12.2 (CI 19.7-22.9) in healthy subjects, and 21.8 ± 13.1 (CI 21.7-21.9) in the 36,384 outpatients. Vitamin D levels in AIG patients were significantly lower than in patients with nonspecific gastritis or in the general population, supporting the hypothesis that hypovitaminosis D might be a risk factor for the development of autoimmune diseases. The low vitamin D concentration in H. pylori gastritis patients might act as predisposing factor for a more severe Th1-type aggression to the stomach epithelium.

Russell Body Duodenitis

Purpose: Russell body gastritis (RBG) is an uncommon, yet well reported entity that is often associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. RBG has been described in patients with alcohol abuse and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We report a case of Russell body duodenitis (RBD) in an HIV positive patient without evidence of H. pylori infection. In our review of the literature, no cases of RBD have been reported to date. Methods: A 55-year-old HIV positive male presented with abdominal pain. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed and biopsies of the stomach and duodenum were taken. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides as well as immunohistochemical stains were reviewed and a literature search was performed. Results: The EGD revealed non-specific gastritis and duodenitis without an identifiable mass. H&E stained slides from the duodenum showed a dense infiltrate of plasma cells with numerous Russell bodies (Figure 1). No discernable microorganisms, lymphoepithelial lesions, or neoplastic cells were identified. CD138 highlighted the numerous plasma cells and kappa and lambda immunohistochemical stains revealed a polytypic pattern. The gastric biopsies only showed chemical gastritis and were negative for H. pylori. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of Russell body duodenitis. This benign lesion may be mistaken for a neoplastic process such as plasmacytoma, lymphoma, or signet ring cell carcinoma so it is important for pathologists to be aware of this condition. The absence of H. pylori infection and location in the duodenum are unique findings in our case. Plasma cell proliferations are not uncommon in the lymph node and bone marrow of HIV positive patients; RBD may represent a similar process.Figure

Usefulness of serum pepsinogen levels as a screening test for atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer.

The purpose of our study was to research the applicability of measuring serum pepsinogen I (PG I) and PG I/pepsinogen II (PG II) ratios as screening tests for atrophic gastritis, which is the most important predisposition for stomach cancer. We measured serum pepsinogen levels in non-specific gastritis, atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer using a radioimmunoassay method. We included in this study 30 healthy control, 30 nonspecific gastritis, 30 atrophic gastritis and 50 gastric cancer cases. The serum PG I level was statistically higher in the control group and in the patient group with chronic nonspecific gastritis compared to the patient groups with chronic atrophic gastritis and stomach cancer (p<0.05). The best cutoff values for diagnosing stomach cancer using serum PG I and PG I / PG II ratios were found to be <25 ng/ml for PG I and <3.0 for PG I / PG II. The same cut-off values were also most effective for the patients with atrophic gastritis. Serum pepsinogen screening was shown to be a practical predictor of stomach cancer and atrophic gastritis, the most important predisposing lesion for stomach cancer. Although the diagnosis of stomach cancers localized in the pylorus and cardia via this method is difficult, we believe that the detection of early-stage cancers that develop following chronic atrophic gastritis in particular will be possible, and therefore the morbidity and mortality of stomach cancer will be decreased.