Esophageal Dysphagia Research Articles

Prevention Effect of TGF-β Type I Receptor Kinase Inhibitor in Esophageal Stricture Formation after Corrosive Burn

Corrosive burns lead to progressive esophageal stricture and dysphagia. There are many trials to prevent esophageal stricture formation after corrosive burn. EW-7197 has been proven in several animal models of fibrosis to have antifibrotic and antiproliferative effect. This study aimed to assess the effects of EW-7197 on prevention for esophageal stricture formation after corrosive esophageal burn. An animal study was carried out, where the animals were divided into three groups: a healthy group, a control group (corrosive burn without EW-7197), and a treatment group (corrosive burn with EW-7197). Corrosive esophageal burns were induced using 30% NaOH on the lower esophagus. For 3 weeks, the control group received vehicle and the treatment group received 20 mg/kg/day EW-7197. Treatment efficacy was assessed by measuring the stenosis ratio by esophagogram with contrast media on day 21. Histologic staining was performed to evaluate the fibrosis area ratio, and Western blotting was performed to evaluate fibrotic markers. Among 20 rats that underwent surgery, 14 survived. Three in the treatment group died because of esophageal perforation, and three in the control group died due to their debilitating status. The esophageal stenosis ratio was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (12.1 ± 9.5% and 42.2 ± 8.3%, respectively; p = 0.001). The histologic fibrosis area ratio was also significantly lower in the treatment group (12.5 ± 3.0% and 21.6 ± 2.1%, respectively; p = 0.001). The treatment group showed lower expressions of profibrogenic proteins such as TGF-β1, pSmad3, and α-SMA. EW-7197 may be a good alternative for the prevention esophageal stricture formation after corrosive burn.

69-Year Old Man With Dysphagia and Nasal Regurgitation

69-Year Old Man With Dysphagia and Nasal Regurgitation

Symptom Severity Related With Contraction Peaks in Patients With Jackhammer Esophagus.

Background/AimsJackhammer esophagus is an uncommon heterogeneous motility disorder associated with a distal contractile integral > 8000 mmHg∙sec∙cm. The spectrum of abnormality ranges from a relatively normal looking contraction to chaotic repetitive contractions akin to a jackhammer. Although previous studies have shown an uncertain correlation between peristaltic vigor and symptoms, we hypothesize that symptoms may be more severe with repetitive contractions as opposed to an elevated contractile measure. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether symptom severity is related to the contraction pattern in the patients with hypercontractile esophagus.MethodsPatients with hypercontractile esophagus were retrospectively identified, their demographic and high-resolution manometry characteristics were collected. Contraction pattern on high-resolution manometry was categorized into single-peak and multiple-peak. Comparison was performed between patients with single-peak and multiple-peak.ResultsAltogether 35 patients (age range, 45-70 years; femalemale, 2411) were included. Seven patients presented with single-peak hypercontractile swallows, while 28 patients presented with multiple-peak hypercontractile swallows. The patients with multiple-peak showed higher Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire scores compared with patients with single-peak. The jackhammer swallows with multiple-peak were associated with higher distal contractile integral values, longer distal latency intervals, and a lower integrated relaxation pressure.ConclusionsRepetitive contractions akin to a jackhammer were common amongst patients with hypercontractile esophagus. Patients with the jackhammer pattern also presented with more severe symptoms. Further distinction of hypercontractile esophagus into a jackhammer dominant subtype may be warranted.

Position statement of the Latin American Dysphagia Society for the management of oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia during the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroducciónEl virus SARS-CoV-2, que causa la enfermedad COVID-19, se transmite por inhalación de pequeñas gotas o aerosoles e inoculación por vía oronasal u ocular, lo cual hace del manejo de la deglución para los equipos de salud un desafío, dada su proximidad al tracto aerodigestivo y la alta probabilidad de generar aerosol durante la evaluación y tratamiento de los pacientes.ObjetivoBrindar orientación esencial a los equipos de salud multidisciplinarios de Latinoamérica para la evaluación y tratamiento de la disfagia orofaríngea y esofágica en los diferentes niveles de atención en salud. Este posicionamiento fue realizado con el propósito de mantener la continuidad de los servicios médicos en el contexto de una pandemia y minimizar los riesgos de propagación y contagio del virus.MétodosCon base en la evidencia disponible y la experiencia clínica alcanzada hasta la fecha, 13 expertos en deglución convocados por la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Disfagia formularon una serie de sugerencias clínicas para el manejo de la disfagia, considerando las características de los sistemas de salud latinoamericanos.ResultadosEl posicionamiento de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Disfagia brinda a los equipos multidisciplinarios una serie de sugerencias clínicas para el manejo de personas con disfagia orofaríngea y esofágica y ofrece lineamientos para su evaluación y tratamiento en diferentes contextos, desde la hospitalización hasta la atención domiciliaria.ConclusionesEste posicionamiento debe ser analizado por cada equipo o profesional de la salud, para reducir el riesgo de contagio por COVID-19 y lograr los mejores resultados terapéuticos, considerando siempre la realidad de cada país latinoamericano.

Aspiration pneumonia complicated by disseminated fungal sepsis in the setting of incidental esophagitis cystica: A rare autopsy case report with review of the literature

Abstract Introduction/Objective Esophageal retention cysts are presumed to arise from obstruction of the excretory ducts of the submucosal glands of the esophagus. Since the first description by Kuhne in 1899, different terminologies have been used to denote these lesions including retention cysts, mucocele, esophagitis cystica, and cyst of esophageal submucosal gland duct. Esophageal retention cysts are generally benign, asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. However, a few studies have reported symptomatic dysphagia and to date, only one autopsy case report described esophageal retention cysts contributing to aspiration pneumonia and cause of death. Methods/Case Report We present a case of aspiration pneumonia, associated with both reduced oropharyngeal tone secondary to alcohol consumption and esophageal dysphagia due to esophagitis cystica in a 69 year old female with alcohol use disorder complicated by alcoholic liver disease. The patient was found unresponsive at home with bloody oral secretions and evidence of head trauma. On autopsy all lung lobes demonstrated that large and small airways and alveoli were filled with vegetable matter, associated with prominent bacterial and fungal forms. EVG stain demonstrated vascular disruption with red blood cell extravasation, next to a focus of aspiration pneumonia. This explained the patient’s “bloody oral secretions”, originating from the respiratory tract. Demonstration of fungal hyphae in sections from lungs as well as necrotic colon was consistent with disseminated fungal sepsis. While sections from esophagus showed no varices which could explain the patient’s “bloody oral secretions” in the setting of alcoholic liver disease, there were numerous dilated esophageal submucosal cysts. Cysts were lined by a single to double layer of cuboidal epithelium with eosinophilic cytoplasm and basally-located, bland-appearing nuclei. Conclusion In summary, we present a rare case of esophageal retention cyst associated aspiration pneumonia complicated by pulmonary hemorrhage, adding to the growing body of knowledge regarding fatal complications of these usually incidental lesions.

Esophageal Stricture: Not Your Usual Culprit?

Question: A 60-year-old woman with past medical history of ATTR amyloidosis and status post heart and liver transplantation presented with complaints of progressive esophageal dysphagia to solids and liquids. She was on tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisone. Other pertinent medications included trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and valganciclovir for infection prophylaxis. Physical examination and laboratory data were unremarkable. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with histopathologic examination of biopsies from the middle third of the esophagus showed the findings presented in Figure A and B. Despite high-dose proton pump inhibitor therapy and repeated dilations, symptoms were unchanged and little progress was made in maintaining an increase in luminal diameter. What is the most likely diagnosis? Look on page 400 for the answer and see the Gastroenterology web site (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting your favorite image to Clinical Challenges and Images in GI. The EGD demonstrates a long, benign-appearing, intrinsic moderate stenosis with extensive fibrotic stricturing in the middle one-third of the esophagus (8 mm inner diameter × 4 cm in length) (Figure A). The stenosis was dilated with a through the scope dilator to 11 mm. Esophageal biopsies demonstrated extensive ulceration with fibrinopurulent exudate and inflamed granulation tissue (Figure B). No fungal or viral infection or malignancy was seen. The patient underwent placement of a percutaneous gastrostomy tube. Over the next year, despite continuous high-dose proton pump inhibitor therapy, she continued to experience dysphagia and required monthly dilations. After ruling out an infectious etiology, MMF was suspected as the possible culprit. Immediately upon withdrawal of MMF, the patient reported significant clinical improvement. A follow-up EGD 4 months later showed a widely patent esophageal lumen with only mild mucosal variance characterized by flattening and scarring in the mid esophagus. MMF has well-known gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Although the entire GI tract is susceptible to MMF-related toxicity, the colon and, less commonly, the small bowel are the most affected areas.1Nguyen T. Park J.Y. Scudiere J.R. Montgomery E. Mycophenolic acid (CellCept and Myofortic) induced injury of the upper GI tract.Am J Surg Pathol. 2009; 33: 1355-1363Crossref PubMed Scopus (59) Google Scholar A variety of mucosal changes can be seen in the lower GI tract, ranging from inflammatory bowel disease–like changes to features akin to graft-versus-host disease. Upper GI tract toxicities of MMF have included features ranging from those compatible with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use with topical irritation and damage to ulcerative esophagitis, reactive gastropathy, and duodenal ulceration.2Panarelli N.C. Drug-induced injury in the gastrointestinal tract.Semin Diagn Pathol. 2014; 31: 165-175Crossref PubMed Scopus (24) Google Scholar MMF-related esophageal strictures are rare.3Kim J.J. Mulki R.H. Sebastian K.M. Recalcitrant esophageal stricture secondary to mycophenolate mofetil.Case Rep Gastrointest Med. 2020; 2020: 8817801PubMed Google Scholar This case highlights an uncommon cause of a refractory esophageal stricture that should be considered as a potential etiology for dysphagia, especially in a transplant recipient, when more common etiologies have been excluded or when esophagitis is refractory to proton pump inhibitor therapy.

S2171 Esophageal Dysphagia: A Rare Manifestation of Sarcoidosis

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic inflammatory disease with noncaseating granulomas as the main pathological finding in the affected organs. Extrapulmonary involvement of sarcoidosis has been reported in a variety of organs. However, Extrahepatic GI involvement is uncommon. We present an unusual case of sarcoidosis presenting with dysphagia. Case Description/Methods: A 32 years old male with recent history of COVID-19 infection presented with esophageal dysphagia for 1 week, initially to liquids then progressed to solids. On review of systems, patient admitted to subacute dry cough associated with shortness of breath (for?) but denied constitutional symptoms. Physical examination was unremarkable with no palpable lymphadenopathy. Basic laboratory studies were unremarkable. HIV screening test and COVID-19 PCR were negative. CT-chest with contrast showed prominent mediastinal and bilateral hilar adenopathy and multiple pulmonary nodules. Angiotensin converting enzyme level was elevated. Esophagram findings were compatible with extrinsic mass effect involving the middle esophagus. On third day of admission, Patient underwent Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopy with transbronchial needle aspiration. Flow cytometry was negative. Pathology report showed abundant non-necrotizing granulomas. GMS and AFB stains, Fungus and AFB cultures were negative. Patient was started on oral prednisone therapy resulting in improvement of respiratory symptoms but dysphagia persisted. He underwent EGD with dilation showing normal esophageal mucosa and normal pathology. Manometry studies were unremarkable. Patient reported partial improvement after dilation. Discussion: Digestive tract sarcoidosis is rare. It mainly affects esophagus either by infiltration or extrinsic compression, resulting in dysphagia which is the main presenting symptom in most reported cases. Inflammatory Infiltration can involve mucosa, muscular layer or myenteric plexus. Extrinsic compression is mainly related to mediastinal lymphadenopathy which can lead to direct compression, as in our case, or it can lead to traction esophageal diverticulum or even perforation. Diagnostic approach for dysphagia includes performing EGD or Esophagram depending on whether oropharyngeal involvement is present or not. In our case, patient’s description for dysphagia was esophageal. However, CT chest findings sparked the clinical suspicion for compressive adenopathy affecting mid esophagus level, making esophagogram our initial test of choice.Figure 1.: Esophagram showing narrowing at middle esophagus due to extrinsic mass effect. Figure 2: CT chest ( Sagittal plane ) showing esophageal narrowing. Figure 3: CT chest ( Axial plane ) showing multiple arch mediastinal and bilateral hilar lymph nodes conglomerate measuring 7.9 x 3.6 cm.

S2134 Pulmonary Artery Sling—An Extremely Rare Etiology of Dysphagia

Introduction: Pulmonary artery sling (PAS) is a rare anomaly created when the left pulmonary artery originates from the posterior aspect of the right pulmonary artery and courses over from right to left, posterior to the trachea or carina and anterior to the esophagus, to reach the hilum of the left lung. While coursing, it can compress the trachea or the esophagus resulting in airway or esophageal obstruction. Case Description/Methods: 43-year-old man with history of Down’s syndrome was evaluated for esophageal dysphagia for solid food of 2-month duration. EGD was unrevealing except for mild distal esophagitis. Mid and distal esophageal biopsies were negative for eosinophilic esophagitis. Barium esophagogram revealed extrinsic impression on the right side of esophagus just inferior to the aortic arch. CT thorax revealed showed presence of left pulmonary artery (PAS) corresponding to the above-mentioned extrinsic impression seen on esophagogram. Due to complexity and high mortality associated with the required corrective surgery it was decided to manage this condition conservatively with dietary modifications. Discussion: Vascular rings are congenital anomalies that can present with a variety of pulmonary and gastroesophageal symptoms. PAS is a rare vascular anomaly first described by Glaevecke and Doehle in 1897. PAS can be associated with congenital cardiac anomalies like ASD, VSD or PDA or airway anomalies like tracheal stenosis. Majority of patients are symptomatic and 2/3rd of patients presents within their first 2 months of life mainly with respiratory symptoms of stridor, respiratory distress, cyanosis, wheezing, and/or pneumonia. Presentation in adulthood is extremely rare as only one other case of adult-onset dysphagia caused by PAS has been reported in English literature in 1966 by Dumler. Arteriosclerotic dilatation of the anomalous pulmonary artery can account for late onset of dysphagia in previously asymptomatic individuals. Corrective surgery is mainstay of treatment for life-limiting symptoms after failure of conservative management.Figure 1.: Cartoon depiction of Pulmonary sling (A), Esophagram (B), CT (C, D) showing aberrant pulmonary artery.

S3556 A Unique Presentation of Esophageal Dysphagia Secondary to Spinal Cord Injury

S3556 A Unique Presentation of Esophageal Dysphagia Secondary to Spinal Cord Injury

Functional Luminal Imaging Probe in the Management of Pediatric Esophageal Disorders.

Functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) measures pressure-geometry relationships of digestive luminal space. When used in esophageal disorders, it provides several luminal parameters that help better understand the pathophysiology. Data about the potential utility of FLIP in pediatrics are scarce and there is no standardized use in children. We aim to describe the use of FLIP in our center, its safety, feasibility, and clinical impact in esophageal disorders in children. Consecutive FLIP recordings performed at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire-Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada between February 2018 and January 2021 were extracted. A chart review was conducted for demographics and medical history. Symptomatology after the procedure was evaluated with validated dysphagia scores. Nineteen patients were included (11 girls, median age 16 years, range 3.2-19.6) with achalasia (n = 5), post-Heller's myotomy dysphagia (n = 3), esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (n = 3), congenital esophageal stenosis (n = 2); post-esophageal atresia repair stricture (n = 3), and post-fundoplication dysphagia (n = 3). There was no significant correlation between integrated relaxation pressure measured with high resolution manometry and distensibility index (DI). The use of FLIP made it possible to differentiate between dysphagia related to an esophageal obstruction (DI < 2.8 mm2/mmHg) and dysphagia without major motility disorder (DI > 2.8 mm2/mmHg) that guided the indication for dilation. FLIP led to a change in management in 47% of the patients. Forty-seven percent of the patients were symptom free at the time of the evaluation. FLIP provides key esophageal luminal values and therefore can play an important role in pediatric esophageal disorders management.

Postoperative Dysphagia Aortica: Comparison with Other Dysphagia.

Dysphagia can be classified as oropharyngeal or esophageal, and functional or structural deficits of the esophagus can cause esophageal dysphagia. Dysphagia aortica (DA) is defined as dysphagia caused by extrinsic compression of the esophagus by the aorta. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of DA by comparing the findings of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) with those of other dysphagia. Sixty-seven patients with postoperative dysphagia aortica (PDA), dysphagia after brainstem infarction (DBI), dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (DACDF), and subjective swallowing difficulty (SSD) without penetration and/or aspiration, who had undergone VFSS incorporating tests using 5ml of thin and thick liquids, were included. The clinical data were collected retrospectively. The penetration-aspiration scale, functional dysphagia scale (FDS), esophageal transit time (ETT), and aortic lesion parameters (maximal diameter and distance between the lesion and the apex of the aortic arch) were assessed. The patients with PDA had higher FDS scores than the patients with SSD and lower scores than the patients with DBI did on thin liquids, while the FDS scores on thick liquids were lower in the patients with PDA than in those with DBI or DACDF. The patients with PDA had longer ETT than the other three groups. No correlation was found between the aortic lesion parameters and the VFSS findings. Although PDA has some oropharyngeal symptoms, the esophageal phase was affected mainly by PDA. After an operation on the aorta, VFSS should be considered before resuming oral feeding.

807 ASSOCIATION OF BOLUS TRANSIT TIME ON BARIUM ESOPHAGOGRAM WITH ESOPHAGEAL PERISTALSIS

Abstract The threshold criteria for diagnosing ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) has changed over the years and is based on the proportion of failed and weak peristalses. Bolus transit time (BTT) on barium esophagogram (BE) can intuitively be the ‘gold standard' for assessing the effectiveness of esophageal peristalsis. The aim of this study was to associate upright and prone BTT with esophageal peristalsis and dysphagia in patients with normal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) parameters. Methods Patients with normal LES on high-resolution manometry (HRM) who also had a standard-protocol BE from 2017 to 2020 were included. Patients with previous foregut surgery, hiatal hernia, jackhammer esophagus, distal esophageal spasm, fragmented peristalsis, and those with &amp;lt; or &amp;gt; 10 single swallows on HRM were excluded. Based on the number of normal swallows (DCI &amp;gt;450 mmHg.s.cm), the patients were divided into 11 groups (10 normal to 0 normal). Upright and prone BTT were measured on BE. Fractional polynomial and logistic regression analysis were used to study association (along with rate of change) between BTT, dysphagia, and peristalsis. Results In total, 146 patients met the inclusion criteria. Prone BTT increased in tandem with a decrease in the number of normal peristalses (p &amp;lt; 0.001), but no difference was noted in upright BTT (p = 0.317). Two deflection points were noted on the association between peristalsis and prone BTT at 50%, 40 seconds and 30%, 80 seconds on the y and x-axes, respectively, after which declining peristaltic function was independent of prone BTT. Patients with prone BTT &amp;gt;40 seconds had nearly 6-fold higher odds of having zero normal peristalses (p = 0.002). Increasing prone BTT was associated with increasing dysphagia (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion Prone, but not upright BTT, correlates with the proportion of normal esophageal peristalses and dysphagia. The phenotype of abnormal swallows (failed, weak) appears to have minimal impact on BTT. The current perspective of manometric classification may need to be adjusted to use the proportion of normal peristalses as a criterion.

149 DIFFERENCES IN TRANSABDOMINAL ULTRASONOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS AMONG PATIENTS COMPLAINING OF ESOPHAGEAL DYSPHAGIA

Abstract Dysphagia is a symptom suggestive of severe underlying pathology, although its causes include organic and non-organic disorders. A balance must be struck between the potential complications of any invasive investigation and its diagnostic utility, especially for elderly patients with dysphagia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether transabdominal ultrasonography (TUS) can differentiate among patients complaining of esophageal dysphagia including achalasia, distal esophageal spasms (DES), neoplasms involving the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and healthy controls. Methods All patients complained of esophageal dysphagia, while healthy controls had no symptoms originating from esophagus. TUS was performed in 50 patients with achalasia, 17 DES patients, 10 patients with neoplasms, and 39 sex- and age-matched controls. All studies were performed with a 3.5 MHz real time curved array scanner and using an electronic caliper to measure esophageal wall thickness and the maximum esophageal diameter at 3 cm from EGJ. Manometric diagnoses were made based on the Chicago classification ver.3. The cutoff value of each TUS parameter was then calculated. Specificity and sensitivity in making a diagnosis of each disease were determined. Results There were significantly differences in the TUS parameters among four groups (Fig). The cutoff value of diameter of esophageal lumen to differentiate achalasia from other 3 groups was calculated as 13.1 mm (sensitivity, 0.96; specificity, 0.93), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.99, and that of esophageal wall thickness to differentiate both the tumor and DES groups from the other two groups was 3.5 mm (sensitivity, 0.64; specificity, 0.62), respectively. Using these parameters, sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis was 0.56 and 0.95 in achalasia, 1.00 and 0.24 in DES, and 1.00 and 0.21 in tumors. Conclusion TUS is a useful, non-invasive diagnostic aid in differentiating patients with primary achalasia from those with other causes of dysphagia.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a dislodgement complication due to a moving hiatal hernia

Objectives: Frail patients with malnourishment due to an esophageal condition and dysphagia are often unamenable to safe surgery. Thus, in high-risk patients, less invasive techniques such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are regarded as a safer choice. Nevertheless, as described here, PEG insertion can have rare serious complications. Materials and methods: We report the case of a frail patient with dysphagia due to a large Zenker's diverticulum and concomitant giant hiatal hernia. To improve her nutrinitional status before surgery she received a PEG after endoscopic repositioning of the hernia. Results: Within 48 hours after hernia repositioning and PEG insertion, a severe adverse event ensued: dislodgement of the PEG due to stomach reherniation. Conclusions: This case challenges the use of PEG as an only means for gastric fixation for hiatal hernia.

Dysphagia in an Adolescent with Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Dysphagia in an Adolescent with Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Kolonda nadir bir darlık ve ülser nedeni: Kronik graft versus host hastalığı

Dear Editor;&#x0D; Often during routine gastroenterology examinations, ulcers and strictures in the colon and small intestine are encountered in patients. Differential diagnosis of ulcers in these patients may not always be easy. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a serious complication that can be life-threatening after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (1). Since the introduction of modern immunosuppressive treatment regimens, clinical symptoms, radiographic and histological findings are rarely seen in chronic graft-versus-host disease (CGVHD) (2). However, CGVHD patients often present with various gastrointestinal symptoms such as esophageal reflux, dysphagia, bloating, weight loss, and diarrhea (2). Edema, erythema, diffuse polypoid lesions, multiple ulcers, and strictures in the mucosa can be observed in the endoscopic examination of intestinal GVHD (3). &#x0D; We present a patient who was diagnosed with CGVHD in a colonoscopic examination performed for iron deficiency anemia. &#x0D; A 52-year-old female patient was referred to our gastroenterology outpatient clinic for endoscopic examination after the laboratory tests revealed iron deficiency anemia. The patient's medical history revealed that she had undergone autologous stem cell transplantation in 2012 and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in 2016 with a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A hysterectomy had been performed due to myoma. &#x0D; When the patient's complaints were questioned, there were no gastrointestinal complaints such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed multiple psoriasis colored rashes on the skin on the neck and nape (Figure 1). White blood cell count in laboratory tests: 8920 x103/μL, platelet: 470 x103/μL, Hgb: 10.9 g/dl, aspartate aminotransferase: 47 U/L, alanine transaminase: 39 U/L, alkaline phosphatase: 99 U/L, total bilirubin: 0.56 mg/dl, albumin: 4.2 g/dL, serum iron: 115 u/dl, total iron-binding capacity: 274 u/dl, ferritin: 12 u/L, vitamin B12: 353 ng/L were detected.&#x0D; The colonoscopic examination showed that, in the ascending colon, the lumen was narrowed fibrotically, not allowing the endoscope to pass proximally (Figure 2). In addition, multiple ulcerated lesions extending perpendicular to the lumen, covered with white exudate, causing shrinkage in the mucosa, and approximately 5-6 mm diameter were observed in the ascending colon, transverse colon, and descending colon (Figure 3). In the pathological examination of the biopsies taken from the lesions, the patient was diagnosed with CGVHD after intense inflammation in the lamina propria. Apoptosis in the crypts was observed, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was excluded (Figure 4).&#x0D; Endoscopic images of GVHD-induced gastrointestinal involvement vary, and the involvement of lesions may be focal or diffuse (4,5). Various lesions such as mild mucosal erythema, edema, prominent ulcers, lytic mucosal lesions can be seen in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract (GIS) in endoscopic evaluation. The demonstration of apoptosis is very supportive for diagnosis. The diagnosis of gastrointestinal GVHD is made by endoscopic examination and mucosal biopsy, in the endoscopic biopsy (3). Other causes of apoptotic colopathy, especially CMV, should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Thus, chronic GVHD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of strictures and ulcers in a colonoscopic examination.

The Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire shows better discriminative capacity for clinical and manometric findings than the Eckardt score: Results from a multicenter study.

Grading dysphagia is crucial for clinical management of patients. The Eckardt score (ES) is the most commonly used for this purpose. We aimed to compare the ES with the recently developed Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire (BEDQ) in terms of their correlation and discriminative capacity for clinical and manometric findings and evaluate the effect of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms on both. Symptomatic patients referred for high-resolution manometry (HRM) were prospectively recruited from seven centers in Spain and Latin America. Clinical data and several scores (ES, BEDQ, GERDQ) were collected and contrasted to HRM findings. Standard statistical analysis was performed. 426 patients were recruited, 31.2% and 41.5% being referred exclusively for dysphagia and GERD symptoms, respectively. Both BEDQ and ES were independently associated with achalasia. Only BEDQ was independently associated with being referred for dysphagia and with relevant HRM findings. ROC curve analysis for achalasia diagnosis showed AUC of 0.809 for BEDQ and 0.765 for ES, with the main difference being higher BEDQ sensitivity (80.0% vs 70.8% for ES). GERDQ independently predicted ES but not BEDQ. In the absence of dysphagia (BEDQ=0), GERD symptoms significantly determine ES. Our study suggests both the BEDQ and ES can complementarily describe symptomatic burden in achalasia. BEDQ has several advantages over the ES in the dysphagia evaluation, basically due to its higher sensitivity for manometric diagnosis and independence of GERD symptoms. ES should be used as an achalasia-specific metric, while BEDQ is a better symptom-generic evaluating tool.

Spray cryotherapy prevents need for palliative stenting in patients with esophageal cancer-associated dysphagia.

Dysphagia is the most common symptom in advanced esophageal cancer patients. Esophageal stent placement (SP) is a common palliation method but can be associated with significant morbidity. Limited data exist regarding the ability of spray cryotherapy (SC) prolong time to SP. A Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) patient database was reviewed for cases with a SC indication of esophageal cancer palliation from 2007-2019. Procedures were performed using a liquid nitrogen SC system to apply 2-5 separate 20 second freeze and 60 second thaw cycles based on tumor characteristics. Primary outcome was time to subsequent palliative SP. Of 56 patients (71.4% male, mean age 77.8 ± 10.2 years) who underwent a total of 199 SC sessions (mean 3.6 ± 2.7, range 1-12 per patient), 41 had adenocarcinoma and 15 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Overall, 13 patients underwent subsequent SP within a mean duration of 15.7 ± 11.0 months over a mean follow-up duration of 25.6 ± 29.4 months. Treatment did produce stenosis in 16 patients, who required dilation within a mean period of 193.1 ± 294.1 days; notably, 10 patients had a history of preceding malignant strictures requiring dilation. Two patients experienced bleeding requiring transfusion, whereas 1 experienced perforation at the start of SC. Prior chemotherapy and/or radiation was not associated with developing an SC-related complication (risk ratio (RR) 1.5; 95% CI 0.6-3.7, P > 0.4). SC appears to be an effective and safe modality to palliate esophageal cancer in appropriate candidates. Majority of patients who undergo SC avoid the need for future SP. If patients eventually require SP, they are able to, on average, defer stenting for >1 year from SC initiation.

Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Children: Recommendations of Pediatric Gastroenterology Chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Indian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ISPGHAN)

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) related symptoms are a major cause of parental concern and referrals at all ages. These guidelines have been framed to inform pediatricians regarding current diagnosis and management of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). A group of experts from the pediatric gastroenterology sub-specialty chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (ISPGHAN) discussed various issues relating to the subject online on 25 October, 2020. A consensus was reached on most aspects and a writing committee was constituted. This committee had three meetings for a detailed discussion. The statement was sent to the entire group and their approval obtained. To formulate a consensus statement to enable proper diagnosis and management of GERD in children. GER is physiological in most infants and it improves as age advances. The pathological form, called GERD causes distressing symptoms that affect daily activities and may result in complications. The presentation would vary from regurgitation to severe symptoms due to esophageal or respiratory tract disease. In older children, esophagitis is the commonest manifestation of GERD. A careful history and clinical examination are adequate to make a diagnosis in most patients, but judicious investigations are necessary in a few. Upper gastro intestinal tract endoscopy may be required in those with esophageal manifestations, dysphagia and hematemesis. In children with extra-esophageal symptoms, MII-pH monitoring and scintigraphy are necessary. Empirical treatment with a Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) has not been proven useful in infants, but a four-week trial is recommended in older children without complications. While positioning and feed thickening have limited benefit in infants, life-style modifications are important in older children.

Esophageal Hypervigilance and Symptom-Specific Anxiety in Patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Patient symptom reporting often does not correlate with the pathophysiological markers of esophageal disease, including eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Esophageal hypervigilance and symptom-specific anxiety are emerging as important considerations in understanding symptom reporting. As such, we aimed to conduct the first study of these constructs in EoE. A retrospective review of an EoE patient registry was conducted and included eosinophils per high power field (from esophagogastroduodenoscopy biopsy: proximal, distal), endoscopic reference score, distal distensibility plateau (functional luminal imaging probe), Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire, Visual Dysphagia Question of EoE Activity Index, Northwestern Esophageal Quality of Life scale, and the Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale. Correlational and regression analyses evaluated relationships of hypervigilance and anxiety with Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire, Visual Dysphagia Question of EoE Activity Index, and Northwestern Esophageal Quality of Life scale when controlling for histology and endoscopic severity. One hundred and three patients had complete data, 69.9% were male, and the mean (SD) age was 40.66 (13.85) years. Forty-one percent had elevated dysphagia and 46% had elevated hypervigilance and anxiety. Esophageal symptom-specific anxiety emerged as the most important predictor of Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire severity (44.8% of the variance), Visual Dysphagia Question of EoE Activity Index severity (26%), and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (55.3%). Hypervigilance was also important, but to a lesser extent. Pathophysiological variables did not significantly predict symptoms or HRQoL. Recent food impaction can predict symptom-specific anxiety and proton pump inhibitor use can reduce hypervigilance. Hypervigilance and symptom-specific anxiety are important for our understanding of self-reported patient outcomes in EoE. These processes outweigh endoscopic and histologic markers of EoE disease activity across dysphagia, difficulty eating, and HRQoL. Clinicians should assess hypervigilance and anxiety, especially in patients with refractory symptoms and poor HRQoL.