Refractory Esophageal Strictures Research Articles

Esophageal Self-Dilation in Benign Refractory Esophageal Strictures: Outcomes from a Randomized Controlled Trial and a Prospective Observational Study.

Patients with benign esophageal strictures may not maintain a response to endoscopic dilation, stenting, incisional or injectional therapies. For patients with these refractory esophageal strictures, esophageal self-dilation therapy (ESDT), performed to maintain luminal patency, may provide persistent symptomatic benefit while reducing patients' reliance on healthcare services and the risk associated with repeated endoscopic procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EDST in a randomized controlled trial and prospective observational study. Twenty-five patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures were recruited at two esophageal clinics between November 2018 and June 2021. Twelve patients participated in the randomized trial and 13 in the prospective observational study. The number of endoscopic dilations, impact of therapy on dysphagia, adverse events, and complications were recorded. In the randomized study, 50% of patients performing ESDT and 100% of controls required endoscopic dilation during follow-up (P = 0.02). In the observational study, the median (IQR) number of endoscopic dilations fell from 7 [7-10] in the 6months prior to commencing ESDT to 1 [0-2] in the 6months after (P < 0.0001). Most patients (22/25) were able to learn self-dilation. Few serious adverse events were noted. Dysphagia severity remained unchanged or improved. ESDT appears to be a safe effective therapy for benign esophageal strictures refractory to endoscopic treatment. NCT03738566.

Update on applications of endoscopic cryotherapy in the gastrointestinal tract.

Endoscopic cryotherapy has emerged as a minimally invasive procedure for targeted tissue ablation within the gastrointestinal tract. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current clinical applications of EC with a review of the pertinent literature. Endoscopic cryotherapy has demonstrated safety and efficacy for various gastrointestinal conditions. Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of endoscopic cryotherapy, including both liquid nitrogen-based spray cryotherapy and the novel cryoballoon focal ablation system, in achieving complete eradication of dysplasia and neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus. Endoscopic cryotherapy has also shown promise as a second-line treatment option for patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus refractory to radiofrequency ablation and as an alternative to surgical resection for duodenal adenomas, when endoscopic resection is not feasible. Innovative applications for the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding and management of benign refractory esophageal strictures have also been reported. Endoscopic cryotherapy represents a safe, effective, and well tolerated therapeutic option for various clinical scenarios in gastrointestinal endoscopy, including challenging disease states such as refractory Barrett's esophagus and advanced esophageal cancer. Advancements in cryotherapy technology and ongoing research continue to explore additional clinical indications and expand the role of endoscopic cryotherapy in patient care with an aim toward improved patient outcomes.

Self-dilatation: An Alternative for Managing Refractory Esophageal Strictures

Se trata del caso de un paciente con estenosis poscáusticas que requirió manejo quirúrgico y cuya anastomosis se estenosó, por lo que requirió dilataciones con Savary, estricturoplastia y terapia de inyección, sin éxito. Ante la recurrencia se decidió darle un entrenamiento para que se hiciera autodilataciones, lo cual fue exitoso dado que le paciente pudo reasumir sus actividades diarias. El reporte de caso muestra, además de las fotos, un video donde se explica paso a paso los métodos que se usaron en el manejo del paciente.

Recurrent Esophageal Stricture in a Child Post Steven-Johnson Syndrome: A Case Report

Background: Esophageal stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the esophageal lumen, resulting in dysphagia. Despite its rarity, this condition could be caused by various etiologies, including Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). In some cases, stricture could recur, which complicates the management. This case report presented a rare case of refractory esophageal stricture in children with Steven-Johnson Syndrome. Case: A 5-years-old boy with a prior history of SJS presented with dysphagia for one month. The patient experienced choking, blood vomiting, stomatitis, swelling on the lips, and difficulty in swallowing solid food. Barium meal and EGD test confirmed the diagnosis of esophageal strictures. The patient then underwent dilation using bougie dilator. However, he continued to experience dysphagia, resulting in a total of 15 serial dilation sessions. Discussion: Esophageal dysphagia is observed in patients who experience difficulty swallowing solid food. SJS can contribute to the development of esophageal dysphagia by causing inflammation of the esophageal mucosa, resulting in lesions and strictures. In patients with esophageal strictures, two types of dilation methods are available: bougie dilator with wire guidance (Savary-Gilliard) and balloon dilator, with the current consensus for dilation procedures supporting the rule of three. For patients with refractory strictures, other modalities such as mitomycin-C injection and stent placement are also available. Esophageal replacement surgery is considered as the last resort for refractory stricture patients who have not responded to previous treatments. Conclusion: Steven-Johnson Syndrome is a rare cause of esophageal strictures. The management of refractory esophageal stricture requires a comprehensive subspecialty care and long-term monitoring.

Refractory esophageal anastomotic stricture after esophageal atresia surgery improved with retrograde balloon dilatation through gastrostomy followed by laparoscopic fundoplication: a case report

BackgroundAn esophageal anastomotic stricture (EAS) after an esophageal atresia surgery occurs in approximately 4–60% of the cases, and its first-line therapy includes balloon dilatation. Oral balloon dilatation cannot be performed in some EAS cases; conversely, even if dilatation is possible, these strictures recur in some cases, necessitating a surgical procedure for repairing the stenosis. However, these procedures are invasive and have short- and long-term complications. If an EAS recurs repeatedly after multiple balloon dilations, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be the underlying cause. A fundoplication procedure may be effective for treating a refractory EAS, as in the present case.Case presentationA neonatal patient with type D esophageal atresia underwent thoracoscopic esophago-esophageal anastomosis at the age of 1 day, and her postoperative course was uneventful. Thereafter, the patient underwent gastrostomy for poor oral intake at the age of 3 months. After gastrostomy, the patient presented with a complete obstructive EAS. Balloon dilatation via the oral route was attempted; however, a guidewire could not be inserted into the EAS site. Hence, retrograde balloon dilatation via gastrostomy was performed successfully. However, the EAS recurred easily thereafter, and laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery was performed to prevent GERD. The anti-reflux surgery cured the otherwise refractory EAS and prevented its recurrence.ConclusionsRetrograde balloon dilatation is another treatment option for an EAS. When an EAS recurs soon after dilatation, the patient must be evaluated for GERD; if severe GERD is observed, an appropriate anti-reflux surgery is required before dilating the EAS.

Repeated steroid injection and polyglycolic acid shielding for prevention of refractory esophageal stricture

BackgroundPostoperative stricture and refractory stricture are severe adverse events which occur after expansive esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of steroid injection, polyglycolic acid (PGA) shielding, and of additional steroid injection thereafter for the prevention of refractory esophageal stricture.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of 816 consecutive cases of esophageal ESD performed between 2002 and 2021 at the University of Tokyo Hospital. After 2013, all patients with a diagnosis of superficial esophageal carcinoma covering over 1/2 the esophageal circumference underwent preventive treatment immediately after ESD with either “PGA shielding”, “steroid injection”, or “steroid injection + PGA shielding”. Additional steroid injection was performed for high-risk patients after 2019.ResultsThe risk of refractory stricture was especially high in the cervical esophagus (OR 24.77, p = 0.002) and after total circumferential resection (OR 894.04, p < 0.001). “Steroid injection + PGA shielding” was the only method significantly effective in preventing stricture occurrence (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.15–0.83, p = 0.012). This method also decreased the risk of refractory stricture (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.10–1.28, p = 0.096), but additional steroid injection was the only significantly effective method for prevention of refractory stricture (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.14–0.98, p = 0.029).ConclusionCombining steroid injection and PGA shielding is effective for preventing post-ESD stricture and refractory stricture. Additional steroid injection is a viable option for patients at high-risk for refractory stricture.Graphical abstract

Validity and Reliability of the European Organization Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Oesophagogastric 25 in Indian Patients With Corrosive-Induced Benign Refractory Esophageal Strictures.

Background The European organization Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Oesophagogastric 25 (EORTC QLQ-OG 25) is designed for patients with esophagogastric cancer. Its performance has never been tested with benign disorders. A health-related quality-of-life questionnaire does not exist for patients with benign corrosive-induced esophageal strictures. Hence, we evaluated the EORTC QLQ-OG 25 in Indian patients with corrosive strictures. Methods The English or Hindi version of QLQ-OG 25 was administered to 31 adult patients undergoing outpatient esophageal dilation at GB Pant hospital, New Delhi. These patients had refractory or recurrent esophageal strictures due to corrosive ingestion and had not undergone reconstructive surgery. Score distribution was analyzed, and item performance was determined based on floor and ceiling effects. Convergent validity, discriminant validity, and internal consistency were checked. Results The average time to finish the questionnaire was 6.70 minutes. Most scales fulfilled convergent validity (corrected item-total correlation >0.4), barring the Odynophagia scale and one item of the Dysphagia scale. Most scales exhibited divergent validity except for odynophagia and one item of dysphagia. Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 for all scales except odynophagia. Responses to questions evaluating taste, cough, swallowing saliva, and talking were highly skewed and had prominent floor effects. Overall, the questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency, convergent validity, and divergent validity in benign corrosive-induced refractory esophageal strictures patients. Conclusion The EORTC QLQ-OG 25 can be satisfactorily used in patients with benign esophageal strictures to assess health-related quality of life.

Benefits of precise endoscopic incision on post-dilation mucosal scars to treat refractory esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic dilation (ED) is the mainstream treatment for esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, some complex esophageal strictures do not respond well to dilation. Endoscopic radial incision (ERI) has proved to be effective in treating anastomotic strictures, but it is rarely used to treat post-ESD esophageal strictures due to technical difficulties and risks, not to mention the optimal method and timing to perform ERI. Here, we developed an integrated procedure in which ED was performed first, followed by ERI on the stiff scars that remained intact after dilation. The ED + ERI procedure resulted in complete, uniform expansion of the esophageal lumen. Between 2019 and 2022, 5 post-ESD patients who received a median number of 11 sessions of ED (range, 4-28) of ED over a period of 322 days (range, 246-584) but still had moderate to severe dysphagia were admitted. 2 or 3 sessions of ED + ERI were performed for each patient interspersed with ED. After a median number of 4 treatments (range, 2-9), all patients were symptom-free or had minimal symptoms. No serious complications occurred in any patients who underwent ED + ERI. Therefore, ED + ERI is safe, feasible, and may serve as a useful therapeutic method for refractory esophageal stricture after ESD.

Colon patch esophagoplasty for esophageal strictures refractory to multi-modal treatment revisited.

Esophageal strictures due to caustic ingestion (CI) may require repeat esophageal dilations and dilation adjuvants, including local anti-fibrinogenic injection therapy, stent placement, and radial stricture incisions. Refractory strictures require surgical intervention. Pedicled colon patch esophagoplasty (CPE) may avoid the morbidity associated with total esophageal replacement, although reports of its use are limited. Indications and outcomes for CPE in patients undergoing repeat esophageal stricture dilations following caustic ingestion are described according to our local experience and literature reports. A retrospective review of indications for surgical management of esophageal strictures to tertiary pediatric surgical services between 2015 and 2020 focused on patients undergoing CPE. English-language literature (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus) describing CPE was also reviewed. Eight (12%) out of 65 patients with esophageal strictures requiring 7 or more esophageal dilations with poor response underwent surgical stricture management over a 6year period, which included stricture resection and re-anastomosis in 2 patients, total esophageal replacement with colon graft in 2 patients, gastric pull-up in 1 patient, and CPE in 3 patients. The patients undergoing CPE were aged 3-8years and had 17 to more than 25 dilations following caustic ingestion over a 2-5year period. One patient had a 4cm stricture; the other 2 had strictures 7cm in length. A transverse colon patch based on the middle and left colic vessels was utilized in all three, with the vascular pedicle placed retrogastrically via the esophageal hiatus and the patch inlay esophagoplasty concluded via right thoracotomy. Post-operative contrast studies showed near-normal anatomy, and the patients could tolerate full oral diets. During a 9-36month follow-up period, only 2 patients required dilations of a proximal anastomotic stricture at 1 and 5months postoperatively. One patient required additional proximal stricturoplasty with advancement of the original graft across the stricture via a cervical surgical approach. Colon patch esophagoplasty to restore esophageal luminal continuity and allow a normal diet should be considered for refractory esophageal strictures. CPE had excellent functional outcomes in our 3 patients and should be considered in selected cases instead of total esophageal replacement.

Esophageal Stricture Recalcitrant to Repeated Dilation in Complex Rheumatological Disease

We report a case of severe refractory esophageal strictures in the setting of rheumatological disease found to be secondary to isolated esophageal autoimmune bullous disease. She had a history of Sjogren syndrome and esophageal strictures with many previous dilations. After rheumatological workup, she was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease. Biopsy showed complement and immunoglobulin G deposition in the basement membrane consistent with bullous lupus or bullous pemphigoid. She had no cutaneous bullae and was diagnosed with isolated esophageal bullous disease. She required multiple dilatations over several months of treatment and was started on mycophenolate mofetil with clinical improvement.

The effective analysis of refractory esophageal stricture after endoscopic mucosal dissection of early esophageal cancer treated by endoscopic radiotomy combined with local injection of triamcinolone acetonide

Refractor esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection of early esophageal carcinoma is a difficult clinical problem. To verify the effect of endoscopic radial incision combined local triamcinolone injection to treat refractory esophageal stenosis, we retrospectively analyzed 7 patients diagnosed with refractory esophageal stricture after endoscopic mucosal dissection of early esophageal cancer in this study, of whom 4 male and 3 female patients, aged 50-76 years, with the mean age of 63 years. We performed the endoscopic radial incision in the thickness point of the scar stricture and injected the triamcinolone locally. The results showed it was safe and effective. The follow-up showed no esophageal stenosis occured and no adverse reaction such as hemorrhage, perforation, tumor-recurrence and triamcinolone-allergy occured.

S2290 Complete Esophageal Obstruction: A Rare Complication of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES)

Introduction: Patients diagnosed with ZES typically have minimal esophageal morbidity given advancements in anti-secretory medications. This case presents a rarely documented sequala of modern-day patients with ZES. Case Description/Methods: A 73-year-old man with history of HIV on HAART and ZES presented with worsening dysphagia to both solids and liquids. In the 2 year interval since his original presentation, his medical therapy was quickly maximized to omeprazole 180 mg/day and famotidine 80 mg/day. He also underwent tumor resection with distal gastrectomy, resection of D1, roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, and truncal vagotomy. During that time his gastrin levels normalized from 1941 to 87. Despite these measures, he had undergone 21 EGDs and 7 esophageal stents for dysphagia secondary to refractory esophageal strictures. He lost 48 lbs over 2 years despite extensive attempts at both enteral and total parental nutrition. In January 2022, he presented with inability to swallow his own secretions and profound weakness from malnutrition. An esophagram was performed (figure 1a) revealing complete esophageal obstruction. An EGD with esophageal lumen restoration was attempted using combined retrograde and anterograde recanalization with 2 operators, 2 EGD scopes, and an EUS needle (figure 1c). Unfortunately, the 2 blind loops appeared to be approximately 6 cm apart in different alignments making lumen restoration unfeasible. The patient was most recently evaluated for esophageal reconstruction by jejunal interposition but was not a candidate due to poor nutritional status. Discussion: ZES is characterized by severe ulcerative disease due to gastric acid hypersecretion via neuroendocrine tumors. Our case is unique because this patient developed complete esophageal obstruction (CEO) despite management with maximal acid suppressive therapy, surgical resection, multiple EGDs with dilations, and numerous esophageal stents. CEO is a rare occurrence characterized by lumen obliteration leading to the inability to tolerate own secretions and most recorded cases are due to radiation-therapy for treatment of head and neck cancers. Given the low incidence, there is no single established method for endoscopic lumen restoration. However recombined retrograde and anterograde recanalization and dilation (CARD) has been shown to be successful for strictures less than 3 cm.Figure 1.: (A) Barium swallow study revealing a high-grade stricture in mid thoracic esophagus followed by another high-grade stricture with complete lumen obstruction. (B) EGD showing blind pouch approximately 35 cm from incisors. (C) Fluoroscopic imaging displaying attempt at combined anterograde and retrograde decannulation and dilation.

159. NEW ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT TECHNIQUE TO PREVENT REFRACTORY CORROSIVE ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES

Abstract Refractory esophageal stricture is an undesired complication after caustic ingestion associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Prevention rather than treatment of the stricture is a desirable goal. The objective of this study was to report the safety and outcome of our novel endoscopic technique using Repeated endoscopy with Intraluminal Fibrinous adhesioLysis of the Esophagus (RIFLE) during the first 2 weeks of caustic ingestion aiming to prevent the development of refractory esophageal stricture and bypass surgery. Patients with Zagar’s grade IIb-IIIa corrosive esophageal injury were included. Patients undergoing emergent surgery were excluded. Since 2018, upper endoscopy with lysis of intraluminal fibrinous adhesion by advancing endoscopic tip through the lesions has been gently performed initially at the third day and then repeated twice a week during the first 2 weeks of the ingestion in 15 patients of the study group. Before 2018, a standard ‘wait and see’ treatment with early dilation at 4–6 weeks after injury had been applied only patients with evidence of esophageal stricture. Patients in the standard were 1:1 matched to the study group. A median number of endoscopic RIFLE session was 4, and there was no treatment-related complication in all 15 patients in the study group. Fifteen out of the 102 patients with grade IIb-IIIa esophageal injury in our database with standard treatment were well matched to the study group. At the median follow-up of 30 months, the frequency of esophageal stricture, refractory esophageal stricture, esophageal replacement procedure, and a median number of dilation session between the study and standard treatment group were 4/15 (27%) vs 10/15 (67%), p = 0.02, 1/15(7%) vs 7/15(47%), p = 0.01, 1/15(7%) vs 6/15(40%), p = 0.03, and 4 vs 11, p &amp;lt; 0.001, respectively. In patients with severe non-transmural caustic esophageal injury, repeated endoscopy with intraluminal fibrinous adhesiolysis of the esophagus during the first 2 weeks of the ingestion is safe and associated with decreasing proportion of patients with refractory esophageal stricture and requiring esophageal replacement procedure.

Possibility of ultrathin endoscopy in radial incision and cutting for esophageal strictures.

Video 1The radial incision and cutting procedure using ultrathin endoscopy.

Endoscopic Stricturotomy in the Treatment of Refractory Esophageal Anastomotic Strictures.

Refractory esophageal anastomotic strictures are a frequent challenge for endoscopists. The current therapeutic strategies have a significant restenosis rate, and patients usually require repeated sessions and suffer from dysphagia. Therefore, we propose a modified method named endoscopic stricturotomy (ES) to treat refractory esophageal anastomotic strictures. The patients diagnosed with refractory esophageal anastomotic strictures were enrolled in the cohort study. The method of ES is to incise longitudinally only a single strip of mucosa at the most prominent part of fibrotic scar and completely cut fibrotic tissues under the mucosa. The primary endpoint was the times of endoscopic therapies. The secondary endpoints include the effective rate, success rate, recurrence rate, endoscopic treatment intervals, complications, length of hospital stay, and surgical cost. The patients were followed up for at least 6months after ES. The median anastomotic diameter of 12 patients was 2mm (range 1 to 4mm). Dysphagia were dramatically relieved in all patients (dysphagia grade from 3 to 1), the effective rate was 100%. During the follow-up, the 12 patients received a total number of 38 sessions, and the median number of ES sessions was 2.5 (1-9), and the success rate were 83%. Nine of the patients (75%) developed restenosis during follow-up, with a median interval of 38days (15-315days). No complications occurred during treatment and following up. The median hospital stay was 2days (2-2.9days), and the hospitalization costs was 3887.4 RMB (3632.8 RMB-4116.9 RMB). ES seems to be an effective treatment modality for refractory esophageal anastomotic strictures. Large prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm its utility and its place in the management of refractory esophageal anastomotic strictures (ChiCTR2000032997).

Long-term outcomes of refractory esophageal strictures after endoscopic submucosal dissection of superficial esophageal neoplasms

BackgroundMany studies have focused on prophylactic therapy for post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of esophageal strictures. However, various strategies cannot prevent the occurrence of postoperative strictures after extensive ESD. Postoperative strictures often inevitably occur, and endoscopic dilation is still a temporarily effective therapy.MethodsThis study included patients with post-ESD refractory esophageal strictures (RESs) from January 2014 to November 2019. Clinical effectiveness was assessed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Hierarchical linear models were used to identify factors that predicted the dysphagia-free period.ResultsA total of 50 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and entered the study. Twenty-seven (54%) patients had a history of prophylactic oral steroid therapy. Forty-six patients (92%) underwent ≥ 75% circumferential resection, including 32 (64%) cases involving entire circumferential ESD. The mean dysphagia-free period of 50 patients was 2.9 months (95% CI 2.3–3.5). The dysphagia-free period had a linear growth trend over time, increasing by 6.9 days per endoscopic therapy, and the estimated last dysphagia-free period was 85.9 days. Old and female patients had shorter dysphagia-free periods compared with young and male patients. Endoscopic therapy success was achieved in 30 (60%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that circumferential lesions (OR 6.106, 95% CI 1.013–36.785, P = 0.048) were significant predictive factors for poor clinical outcome.ConclusionEndoscopic dilation seemed effective in patients with post-ESD RESs by increasing the dysphagia-free period. After approximately 10 continuous dilations, 60% of patients achieved endoscopic success, and the remission rate of obstruction was increased. Prophylactic oral steroid therapy could reduce the occurrence of RESs. However, once a RES had occurred, prophylactic steroid therapy could not reduce the frequency of dilations or change the long-term outcomes.Trial registration: This study was prospectively registered and approved by the Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University (IRB number: ChiCTR-ONN-17012382) on 2015.

Thoracoscopic repair for esophageal pulmonary fistula after esophageal atresia repair

BackgroundEsophageal pulmonary fistula is a special type of acquired tracheoesophageal fistula that occurs after esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula repair. Thoracotomy is the surgical repair method currently in use, but postoperative outcomes are unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the preliminary safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of thoracoscopic surgical repair of esophageal pulmonary fistula. MethodsWe retrospectively collected data from all patients with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula at Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2017 to October 2021, and the clinical characteristics of patients with esophageal pulmonary fistula were analyzed. Clinical information was recorded, and follow-up was performed. ResultsSeven patients (five boys and two girls) were diagnosed as esophageal pulmonary fistula. All patients underwent multiple esophageal surgeries and had esophageal strictures before surgical repair. Clinical manifestations included cough, expectoration, and recurrent pneumonia. Esophagography indicated the location of the fistula with a 100% positive rate, while the positive rate of flexible bronchoscopy and chest computed tomography was 57% (4/7) and 43% (3/7), respectively. Surgical repair was achieved using thoracoscopy with an average operation time of 172 min. All patients developed esophageal strictures, four of which had refractory esophageal strictures and underwent esophageal dilations ranged from 5 to 56 times before this surgery, but anastomotic leakage or acquired esophageal pulmonary fistulas were absent post-surgery. After a median follow-up of 22 months, all patients survived, and the symptoms were well controlled. ConclusionsEsophageal pulmonary fistula is a rare complication of atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula repair. Thoracoscopic surgery is still possible even after previous multiple surgeries in the chest with significant complications and satisfactory results can be achieved in the short term. Level of EvidenceLevel III

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.

S2071 Refractory Benign Esophageal Stricture - Management Dilemma

Introduction: Benign esophageal strictures can result from long-standing GERD, ablative or radiation therapy, caustic ingestion and etc. Management of strictures could be very challenging. We describe a case of a refractory esophageal stricture with aim to focus on management challenges. Case Description/Methods: A 36-year-old Indian female with a history of esophageal strictures secondary to caustic ingestion present to our GI clinic with complaints of worsening dysphagia to solids. She underwent multiple serial endoscopies with dilatation at an outside facility and subsequently was performing self-dilatation with bougie dilators, until no further relief of her symptoms. An esophagram revealed a narrow caliber mid and distal esophagus with 3 prominent stricture points. The proximal stricture could not be traversed on initial endoscopy with 9.9 mm gastroscope, therefore a 4.9 mm bronchoscope was used to assess the size and location of the 3 esophageal strictures which were noted at 25 cm, 30 cm and 35 cm from incisors. Serial dilations were performed with a CRE balloon dilator and triamcinolone injection at the refractory stricture site post dilation. The esophageal strictures were able to be dilated with serial dilatations and the gastroscope was able to traverse all 3 strictures without difficulty and patient experienced symptomatic relief. Patient was counseled regarding high risk of perforation with subsequent dilatation and given surgical consultations for second opinion and alternative management options. Discussion: Late management of caustic strictures makes dilatation more complex owing to fibrosis in esophageal wall. Perforation rates for caustic strictures is higher than standard benign stricture dilatation with anything from 0.4 up to 32% recorded in the literature. Refractory strictures are more common in caustic ingestion and the management has been reported with intralesional steroid injection or topical mitomycin C at the time of dilatation, and temporary stent placement. Prior to dilatation one must consider the following prior to endoscopically dilating such as etiology of stricture, degree of patient’s dysphagia, length, tortuosity and luminal diameter of the stricture. Our patient’s strictures were refractory to dilatation and intralesional steroid use. Stent placement is technically not feasible given different size and diameter of strictures as it enhances risk of perforation. Surgery although a high-risk approach but remains as curative resort for such cases.

THERAPEUTIC TACTICS FOR PEPTIC STRICTURES OF THE ESOPHAGUS. LITERATURE REVIEW

The work is based on the analysis of literature data devoted to the choice of treatment for peptic esophageal strictures. The main goal of this review is to identify treatment tactics for patients with stenosing reflux esophagitis. Researchers point out that the main causes of GERD are a decrease in pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, the action of the damaging properties of the refluctant. Untimely treatment of GERD can lead to complications such as peptic stricture, Barrett's esophagus. The appearance of GERD stricture is most often promoted by: persistent heartburn after bougienage, erosion of the lower third of the esophagus, shortening of the II degree esophagus, and inadequate antisecretory therapy.Various methods of treatment at all stages of the appearance of peptic stricture are presented, depending on the degree of dysphagia and the length of the stricture, the use of adequate conservative therapy regimens for PPIs, bougienage, as well as a description of various methods of antireflux operations. Endoscopic dilation is the first treatment option for all symptomatic benign esophageal strictures. There are treatments for benign refractory esophageal strictures such as endoscopic dilatation with intraluminal steroid injection, endoscopic postoperative therapy or stricturoplasty, esophageal stenting, self-bougienage, as well as surgery - antireflux surgery, esophagectomy with replacement of the esophagus by the stomach or colon [1].The main goal in the treatment of peptic esophageal strictures, according to most authors, is to eliminate the progression of GERD, conduct bougienage or balloon dilatation, and select the optimal antireflux surgery. Treatment for peptic strictures should minimize the risk of re-stricture of the esophagus.