Upper Gastrointestinal Lesions Research Articles

The current infection with Helicobacter pylori and association with upper gastrointestinal lesions and risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer: Insights from multicenter population-based cohort study.

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers is complex. This multicenter, population-based cohort study conducted in seven areas in China aimed to assess the correlation between current H. pylori infection and the severity of UGI lesions, as well as its association with the risk of gastric cancer (GC) and esophageal cancer (EC). From 2015 to 2017, 27,085 participants (aged 40-69) completed a standardized questionnaire, and underwent a 13C-urea breath test. Then a subset underwent UGI endoscopy to assess the UGI lesion detection rates. All individuals were followed up until December 2021 to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) for UGI cancers. H. pylori infection prevalence was 45.9%, and among endoscopy participants, 22.2% had gastric lesions, 19.2% had esophageal lesions. Higher detection rates of gastric lesions were noted in the H. pylori-positive population across all lesion severity levels. Over a median follow-up of 6.3 years, 104 EC and 179 GC cases were observed, including 103 non-cardia gastric cancer (NCGC) cases and 76 cardia gastric cancer (CGC) cases. H. pylori-infected individuals exhibited a 1.78-fold increased risk of GC (HR 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-2.40) but no significant increase in EC risk (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.73-1.57). Notably, there was a higher risk for both NCGC and CGC in H. pylori-infected individuals. This population-based cohort study provides valuable evidence supporting the association between current H. pylori infection and the risk of both NCGC and CGC. These findings contribute to the empirical basis for risk stratification and recommendations for UGI cancer screening.

Clinical characteristics and north-south differences of inflammatory bowel disease in China: A cross-sectional study and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective This study aimed to estimate the incidence rate and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Chinese population, specially comparing the North and South regions. Methods We designed a questionnaire survey for patients diagnosed with IBD and conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, China National Knowledge Internet, and Wanfang digital database, covering studies published between 2012 and 2022. Meta-analysis was performed to determine the overall incidence rate and prevalence of clinical manifestations of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in mainland China. Clinical phenotypes and demographic characteristics were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A comparison between the northern and southern regions was also conducted. Results The questionnaire survey included 440 patients, and 64 publications were included for Meta-analysis. The overall incidence rates of IBD, CD, and UC were 1.36 (95% CI: 0.79-2.33) per 100,000 person-years, 0.23 (95% CI: 0.09-0.58) per 100,000 person-years, and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.69-1.80) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The incidence rates of IBD, CD, and UC were all higher in southern China compared to the North. Clinical characteristics of 440 IBD patients from the questionnaire and 2,821 CD patients and 12,809 UC patients from the literature were analyzed. There were more male patients compared to female patients. CD cases in the North exhibited earlier disease diagnosis (P < 0.01), more upper gastrointestinal lesions (P < 0.01), and higher hospitalizations rates (P < 0.01) compared to the South. UC cases in the North had higher severity (P < 0.01), anemia rates (P < 0.01), and weight loss (P < 0.01) compared to the South. Conclusions The incidence rates of IBD, CD, and UC were higher in southern China than in the North. Northern patients exhibited more severe symptoms compared to their southern counterparts.

Upper gastrointestinal involvement of Behçet's disease in Japan: endoscopic findings and clinical features.

Behçet's disease (BD) can involve any gastrointestinal (GI) tract site. We analyzed the characteristics, risk factors, and treatment responses to upper GI (UGI) involvement in patients with BD. This retrospective cohort study analyzed UGI findings in 101 patients with BD who underwent endoscopy between April 2005 and December 2022 at the University of Tokyo Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of UGI findings. Patient backgrounds, clinical symptoms, colonoscopy (CS) findings, and blood test findings were compared between the groups. In total, 18.8% (19/101) of the patients had UGI lesions. The prevalence rates in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum were 6.9%, 6.9%, and 8.9%, respectively. Of these 19 patients, BD treatment were intensified in 10 (52.6%) patients after esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and all showed improvement in symptoms or endoscopic findings. In the multivariate analysis, symptoms (OR: 37.1, P<0.001), CRP>1mg/dL (OR: 11.0, P=0.01), and CS findings (OR: 5.16, P=0.04) were independent predictors of UGI involvement in BD patients. The prediction model for UGI involvement using these three factors was highly accurate, with an AUC of 0.899 on the ROC curve. In the subgroup analysis of intestinal BD, symptoms (OR: 12.8, P=0.01) and ESR>20mm/h (OR: 11.5, P=0.007) were independent predictors. EGD should be conducted in BD patients with high CRP, GI symptoms, and lower GI involvement, which leads to better management of BD in terms of improving symptoms and endoscopic findings.

Upper GI endoscopy in subjects with positive fecal occult blood test undergoing colonoscopy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The role of gastroscopy to investigate the upper GI (UGI) tract in subjects with a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT+) result is controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, which aimed to determine the prevalence of UGI lesions in FOBT+ subjects. Databases were searched until March 31, 2022 for studies reporting UGI lesions in FOBT+ subjects undergoing colonoscopy and gastroscopy. Pooled prevalence rates of UGI cancers and clinically significant lesions (CSLs; lesions potentially explaining occult blood loss), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. We included 21 studies with 6993 FOBT+ subjects. Pooled prevalence of UGI cancers was .8% (95% CI, .4-1.6) and UGI CSLs was 30.4% (95% CI, 20.7-42.2), and that of colonic cancers and CSLs was 3.3% (95% CI, 1.8-6.0) and 31.9% (95% CI, 23.9-41.1), respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of UGI CSL and UGI cancers in FOBT+ subjects with/without colonic pathology (ORs of 1.2 [95% CI, .9-1.6; P= .137] and 1.6 [95% CI, .5-5.5; P= .460]). Anemia in FOBT+ subjects was associated with UGI cancers (OR, 6.3; 95% CI, 1.3-31.5; P= .025) and UGI CSLs (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 2.2-8.4; P= .0001). GI symptoms were not associated with UGI CSLs (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, .6-2.8; P= .511). There is an appreciable prevalence of UGI cancers and other CSLs in FOBT+ subjects. Anemia but not symptoms or colonic pathology are linked to UGI lesions. Although the data suggest that same-day gastroscopy in FOBT+ subjects undergoing colonoscopy yields approximately 25% more malignancies as colonoscopy alone, prospective data are required to determine the cost-efficacy of dual endoscopy as a standard of care for all FOBT+ subjects.

Haematological Patterns of Anaemia in Geriatric Patients and Its Etiology: A Study of 500 Cases

Introduction: Anaemia in the elderly is a global health problem, since it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization’s criteria consider anaemia when level of haemoglobin is less than 13g/dl in male and 12g/dl in female. Anaemia is easier to miss among the elderly because symptoms such as fatigue, generalized weakness, or mental confusion can be linked to the ageing process. However, anaemia should never be considered as a natural part of growing older.&#x0D; Aim: To investigate the haematological pattern of anaemia and its underlying etiology in elderly Indian patients.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A prospective study undertaken over a span of 2 years in a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra. The study included 500 geriatric (&gt;65years) anaemic patients who underwent a complete haemogram and the results were correlated with peripheral blood smear findings. Other diagnostic tests were done as indicated.&#x0D; Results: The spectrum encompassed all patterns of anaemia with the most common being normocytic normochromic pattern (57.26%). Overall, there was slight male preponderance (53%) with 65-74 years (69%) being the most common age group afflicted. Maximum number of elderly people had moderate anaemia(56%) in this study; and chronic disease (27.2%) was the most common etiological cause of anaemia followed by iron deficiency (23.4%). Upper gastrointestinal lesions (59%) were the most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia in the present study followed by nutritional deficiency (31.6%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Correlation of haemogram and peripheral blood smears is a crucial first step to identify the haematological pattern of anaemia and advise subsequent investigations for assessing and diagnosing it’s etiology. Thus, it plays a role in deciding the management protocol and contributes towards a better quality of life for geriatric anemic patients.

Upper gastrointestinal tumors are unrelated to the APC genotype in APC-associated polyposis.

In patients with APC-associated polyposis, the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal tumors and the relationship between these and Helicobacter pylori infection have not been clarified in detail. The present study aimed to clarify the features of upper gastrointestinal lesions in patients with APC-associated polyposis. Consecutive patients with APC-associated polyposis who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy between 2004 and 2018 were recruited. In total, 36 patients were enrolled. The types of gastrointestinal tumor observed were fundic gland polyposis in 28 patients (77.8%), gastric adenoma in 15 patients (41.7%), duodenal adenoma in 27 patients (75.0%) and periampullary adenoma in 20 patients (55.6%). The phenotype of these upper gastrointestinal tumors was not necessarily the same in patients belonging to the same family. Germline variants in the APC gene were distributed across various sites, regardless of the presence or absence of upper gastrointestinal lesions, and none of the tumors correlated with the genotype or phenotype of upper gastrointestinal tumors. Fundic gland polyposis was observed in 28 of 31 patients without a H. pylori infection and in none of the patients with a H. pylori infection (P=0.00015). After eradication therapy for H. pylori, fundic gland polyposis developed in one, previously infected patient. The upper gastrointestinal tumor phenotype was not associated with the genotype in patients with APC-associated polyposis. Ascertaining the H. pylori infection status is helpful for endoscopic surveillance of upper gastrointestinal tumors in patients with APC-associated polyposis.

Causes of Melena and Effective Examination Strategies in Children.

Background and Aim: Melena, or tarry black stool, is not a rare symptom encountered in pediatric clinical practice, and the bleeding source varies from the upper gastrointestinal tract to the small intestine. Endoscopy is effective in identifying bleeding, but it does not always identify the source of bleeding. Endoscopic examination in children is commonly challenging, and there are no detailed reports about the causes of melena in children. This observational study aimed to validate the cause of melena in children and to investigate more effective and less burdensome examination methods.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 55 patients who underwent examination for melena.Results: In this research, 38 patients had underlying diseases such as malignancy and severe mental and physical disorders. The bleeding source was identified in 39 patients. The most common final diagnosis was duodenal ulcer (n = 22), and the other diagnoses were gastric ulcer, esophagitis, and esophageal varices. The upper gastrointestinal tract was the most common source of bleeding (n = 34). In five patients, the bleeding source was the small intestine. Vomiting, abnormal abdominal ultrasonography findings, and a hemoglobin level of ≤ 3 g/dL than the lower normal limit were significant factors indicating that the bleeding source can be found on esophagogastroduodenoscopy.Conclusions: The upper gastrointestinal tract was the most common bleeding source of melena in children. As in adults, esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the primary endoscopic method of choice. Furthermore, small bowel capsule endoscopy may be useful in identifying the bleeding source in children without upper gastrointestinal lesions.

Upper gastrointestinal lesions in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease: data from a retrospective analysis

Aim. To assess the prevalence and structure of upper gastrointestinal (GI) lesions, as well as the factors associated with their development, in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD).Material and methods. This retrospective analysis of medical records with lower extremity PAD includes data from 258 patients. All patients underwent multislice computed tomography angiography of abdominal aortic visceral branches and lower limb arteries, as well as esophagogastroduodenoscopy.Results. Endoscopic evidence of upper GI lesions was detected in 164 (63,6%) patients. In particular, gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers were observed in 57,8% of patients. All patients were divided into two groups: group I — 149 (57,8%) patients with gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers, group II — 109 (42,2%) patients without it. In group I patients, a higher incidence of mesenteric artery disease was recorded — 61,7 vs 43,1% (p=0,003). An independent factor associated with the development of gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers in patients with PAD is mesenteric artery disease (relative risk: 4,43; 95% confidence interval: 1,15-17,12 (p=0,031)).Conclusion. In patients with lower extremity PAD, upper GI diseases (63,6%) occur with a high frequency, while gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers was observed in 90,9% of them. The factors associated with the development of erosions and ulcers in patients with lower extremity PAD include mesenteric artery atherosclerosis.

PD-6 Prediction of patients at high risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer for endoscopy using artificial intelligent technology

Endoscopic screening for early detection of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer (oesophageal and stomach cancer) is important. However, population-based endoscopic screening is difficult to implement in populous countries. By identifying high-risk individuals from the general population, the screening targets can be narrowed to individuals who are in most need of an endoscopy. This study was designed to develop an artificial intelligence-based model to predict patient risk of UGI lesions to identify high-risk individuals for endoscopy.

Mucosal lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with ulcerative colitis: A review.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, nonspecific, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. The colorectum is considered the chief target organ of UC, whereas upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract manifestations are infrequent. Recently, emerging evidence has suggested that UC presents complications in esophageal, stomachic, and duodenal mucosal injuries. However, UC-related UGI tract manifestations are varied and frequently silenced or concealed. Moreover, the endoscopic and microscopic characteristics of UGI tract complicated with UC are nonspecific. Therefore, UGI involvement may be ignored by many clinicians. In addition, no standard criteria have been established for patients with UC who should undergo fibrogastroduodenoscopy. Furthermore, specific treatment recommendations may be needed for patients with UC-associated UGI lesions. Herein, we review the esophageal, gastric, and duodenal mucosal lesions of the UC-associated UGI tract, as well as the potential pathogenesis and therapy.

Using machine-learning algorithms to identify patients at high risk of upper gastrointestinal lesions for endoscopy.

Endoscopic screening for early detection of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) lesions is important. However, population-based endoscopic screening is difficult to implement in populous countries. By identifying high-risk individuals from the general population, the screening targets can be narrowed to individuals who are in most need of an endoscopy. This study was designed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model to predict patient risk of UGI lesions to identify high-risk individuals for endoscopy. A total of 620 patients (from 5300 participants) were equally allocated into 10 parts for 10-fold cross validation experiments. The machine-learning predictive models for UGI lesion risk were constructed using random forest, logistic regression, decision tree, and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms. A total of 48 variables covering lifestyles, social-economic status, clinical symptoms, serological results, and pathological data were used in the model construction. The accuracies of the four models were between 79.3% and 93.4% in the training set and between 77.2% and 91.2% in the testing dataset (logistics regression: 77.2%; decision tree: 87.3%; random forest: 88.2%; SVM: 91.2%;). The AUCs of four models showed impressive predictive ability. Comparing the four models with the different algorithms, the SVM model featured the best sensitivity and specificity in all datasets tested. Machine-learning algorithms can accurately and reliably predict the risk of UGI lesions based on readily available parameters. The predictive models have the potential to be used clinically for identifying patients with high risk of UGI lesions and stratifying patients for necessary endoscopic screening.

Finger clubbing in inflammatory bowel disease: association with upper small bowel lesions and need of surgery in Crohn's disease.

Finger clubbing has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In a prospective single-center study, we aimed to assess the frequency of finger clubbing in a cohort of IBD patients. Whether finger clubbing is associated with clinical characteristics of IBD was also investigated. IBD patients with a detailed clinical history were enrolled. Finger clubbing was assessed by visual inspection. Data were expressed as median (range), chi-square, t-test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors for finger clubbing, when considering demographic and clinical characteristics, smoking habits and chronic pulmonary diseases (CPD). Finger clubbing was searched in 470 IBD patients: 267 Crohn's disease and 203 ulcerative colitis. Finger clubbing was more frequent in Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis: 45/267 (16.8%) vs. 15/203 (7.3%) [odds ratio (OR), 2.54 (1.37-4.70); P = 0.003]. Crohn's disease involved the ileum (59.9%), colon (4.5%), ileum-colon (25.8%) and upper gastrointestinal (GI) (9.8%). Ulcerative colitis extent included proctitis (E1) (13.4%), left-sided (E2) (43.3%) and pancolitis (E3) (43.3%). Upper GI lesions, but not other Crohn's disease localizations, were more frequent in patients with finger clubbing [9/45 (20%) vs. 17/222 (7.7%); P = 0.032]. Crohn's disease-related surgery was more frequent in patients with finger clubbing [36/45 (80%) vs. 107/222 (48.1%); P < 0.001]. In Crohn's disease, the only risk factors for finger clubbing were upper GI lesions and Crohn's disease-related surgery [OR, 2.58 (1.03-6.46), P = 0.04; OR, 4.07 (1.86-8.91), P = 0.006]. Ulcerative colitis extent was not associated with finger clubbing [E1: OR, 0.27 (0.02-3.44), P = 0.33; E2: OR, 0.93 (0.24-3.60), P = 0.92; E3:OR, 0.64 (0.22-1.86), P = 0.59]. In ulcerative colitis, but not in Crohn's disease, finger clubbing was more frequent in smokers [13/15 (86.6%) vs. 99/188 (52.6%); P = 0.01] and in patients with CPD [5/15 (33.3%) vs. 16/188 (8.5%); P = 0.002]. Smoking and CPD were the only risk factors for finger clubbing in ulcerative colitis [OR, 7.18 (1.44-35.78), P = 0.01; OR, 10.93 (2.51-47.45), P = 0.001]. In the tested IBD population, finger clubbing was more frequent in Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis. In Crohn's disease, upper GI lesions and history of Crohn's disease-related surgery were risk factors for finger clubbing, suggesting the possible role of finger clubbing as a subclinical marker of Crohn's disease severity.

Factors Predicting a Favorable Disease Course Without Anti-TNF Therapy in Crohn's Disease Patients.

Determining factors that predict a favorable disease course without anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents would help establish a more cost-effective strategy for Crohn's disease (CD). A retrospective chart review was performed for CD patients with disease durations > 10 years who had not received anti-TNF agents as first-line therapy. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received neither anti-TNF agents nor bowel resection (G1), and those who had received an anti-TNF agent and/or bowel resection (G2). The patient backgrounds, therapies and clinical courses were compared between the groups. A total of 62 CD patients met the inclusion criteria (males: 71%; median duration of follow-up: 19 years). Six patients were included in G1; they were significantly less likely to have upper gastrointestinal lesions than G2 (p=0.007). A multivariate analysis revealed that the significant factors for avoidance of bowel resection without anti-TNF treatment were non-stricturing and non-penetrating behaviors, and absence of upper gastrointestinal lesions at the diagnosis (hazard ratios 0.41 and 0.52; p=0.004 and 0.04, respectively). In consideration of the long treatment course of CD, patients with non-stricturing and non-penetrating behaviors and no upper gastrointestinal lesions should not be treated with anti-TNF agents as first-line therapy.

Effects of audio and visual distraction on patients\u2019 vital signs and tolerance during esophagogastroduodenoscopy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEsophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) provides an indispensable and unambiguous inspection allowing the discovery upper gastrointestinal lesions. However, many patients are anxious about undergoing EGD. Few studies have investigated the influence on patients’ vital signs and tolerance during EGD using subjective and objective assessments. This study was a prospective randomized controlled study that investigated the influence of audio and visual distraction on EGD.MethodsWe randomly divided 289 subjects who underwent EGD into 4 groups (control group, audio group, visual group, combination group) and examined their vital signs, heart rate variability (HRV), psychological items, and acceptance of distraction.ResultsPulse rate (PR) at post-distraction and post-EGD in the 3 distraction groups were significantly lower than those of control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Blood pressure (BP) during and post-EGD was significantly higher than that at pre-EGD in control group (p < 0.05), but no significant elevation of BP was observed during the latter half of EGD and post-EGD in the 3 distraction groups. BP at post-distraction improved significantly compared to pre-distraction in the 3 distraction groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the low-frequency (LF) power/ high-frequency (HF) power at post-distraction and post-EGD among the 4 groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The LF power/HF power at post-distraction and post-EGD in the 3 distraction groups was significantly lower than that in control group (p < 0.05). Several items of profile of mood states (POMS) and the impression of EGD at post-distraction improved significantly compared to those at pre-distraction among the 3 distraction groups (p < 0.05). Visual analog scale (VAS) of willingness for the next use of distraction in the 3 distraction groups was excellent because VAS was more than 70.ConclusionsDistractions effectively improved psychological factors, vital signs and some of HRV at pre and post-EGD. Distractions may suppress BP elevation during the latter half of EGD and lead to stability of HRV on EGD.Trial registrationThis prospective trial was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000029637. Registered on 20 October 2017.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection using a clip non-exposed method for gastrointestinal tract lesions: a meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) allows for treatment of epithelial and sub-epithelial lesions (SELs) unsuitable to conventional resection techniques. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of clip-assisted method for non-exposed EFTR using FTRD or over-the-scope clip of gastrointestinal tumors. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed. The primary outcome of interest was the rate of histologic complete resection (R0). Secondary outcomes of interest were the rate of enbloc resection, FTR, adverse events, and post-EFTR surgery. Random-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates and generate forest plots. Results Eighteen studies with 730 patients and 733 lesions were included in the analyses. Indications for EFTR were difficult/residual colorectal adenoma, adenoma at a diverticulum or appendiceal orifice and early cancer (n = 634), colorectal SELs (n = 42), and upper gastrointestinal lesions (n = 51), other colonic lesions (n = 6). Median size of lesions was 13.5 mm. There were 22 failed EFTR attempts. Pooled overall R0 resection rate was 82 % (95 % CI: 75, 89). The pooled overall FTR rate was 83 % (95 % CI: 77, 89). The pooled overall enbloc resection rate was 95 (95 % CI: 92, 96). The pooled estimates for perforation and bleeding were < 0.1 % and 2 %, respectively. Following EFTR, a total of 110 patients underwent surgery for any reason [pooled rate 7 % (95 % 2, 14). The pooled rates for post-EFTR surgery due to invasive cancer, for non-curative endoscopic resection and for adverse events were 4 %, < 0.1 % and < 0.1 %, respectively. No mortality related to EFTR was noted. Conclusions EFTR appears to be safe and effective for gastrointestinal lesions that are not amenable to conventional endoscopic resection. This technique should be considered as an alternative to surgery in selected cases.

Histopathological spectrum of lesions of upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopic biopsies

Background: The upper gastrointestinal lesions, especially malignancies are most commonly encountered entity in clinical practice with high degree of mortality and morbidity. Introduction of flexible upper gastrointestinal fiber optic endoscope in 1968 proved to be major breakthrough for the diagnosis of lesions. The endoscopic evaluation followed by histopathological examination of the biopsy sample is currently the gold standard for accurate objective assessment of the patient. It not only helps to diagnose neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions but also for monitoring the course, extent of the disease, response to therapy and early detection of complications. Methods: A prospective cross sectional study of upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopic biopsies was carried out for one year period from August 2018 to July 2019. The present study included fifty nine (59) endoscopic biopsies of patients who underwent upper endoscopy procedure for various clinically diagnosed lesions demanding biopsy. Results: In the present study fifty nine (59) upper endoscopic biopsies were studied which included 33 (55.94%) esophageal, 21 (35.59%) gastric, 4 (6.77%) GEJ and 1 (1.69%) duodenal biopsy, among which 35 (59.32%) were of females and 24 (40.68%) were of males, with female: male ratio of 1.46:1. Majority were malignant lesions both in esophagus and gastric biopsies. Conclusion: The most common site for upper endoscopic biopsy was esophagus and the commonest lesion was malignancy. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation followed by biopsy sampling of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions complement each other in management of patients.

Upper Digestive Lesions Not Linked to Portal Hypertension during Cirrhosis: About 82 Cases in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of digestive lesions unrelated to portal hypertension during cirrhosis and to look for a possible correlation between these lesions and the severity of chronic liver disease. Material and method: Over a period of 15 months (April 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015), all the records of cirrhotic patients who followed up on an outpatient or inpatient basis in the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital were collected. The data collected were as follows: age, sex, Child-Pugh severity score, etiology of cirrhosis, indication for endoscopy and endoscopic lesions observed. Results: Data were analyzed from 82 patient records with a mean age of 43 years (range 16 and 79 years) and a sex ratio of 1.4 (54 males). Cirrhosis was classified as Child-Pugh B in 47% of cases and Child-Pugh C in 35% of cases. The etiology was viral B in 75 patients (91.5%), B-D co-infection in 2 cases, and alcoholic in 1 case. The indication for oeso-gastroduodenal endoscopy was a systematic search for signs of portal hypertension in 66 cases (80.4%), upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in 11 cases (13.4%) and epigastralgia in 6.2% of cases. Endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension were observed in 61 patients (74.4%). Peptic ulcer was present in 26 patients (31.7%), and congestive gastrobulbitis was observed in 38 patients (46.3%) and erosive gastrobulbitis in 32 patients (39%). Of the 43 upper GI endoscopies with biopsies, Helicobacter pylori was found at histology in 17 cases (39.5%). Eighteen patients (21.9%) had esophageal candidiasis. In multivariate analysis, there was no association between no portal hypertension lesions and the severity of cirrhosis. Conclusion:Upper gastro intestinal lesions unrelated to hypertension were present in 3/4 of cirrhotic patients. Peptic ulcer disease and congestive and erosive gastrobulbitis were the most frequently observed lesions. There was no significant association between non-PTH-related lesions and the severity of cirrhosis.

2125 Overcoming the Challenge of Full Thickness Resection of Gastric Lesions Using Colonic Full Thickness Resection Device (FTRD): Novel Technique

INTRODUCTION: Colonic FTRD (over the scope full thickness resection device) is safe, feasible and approved for colorectal lesions. However, it’s role for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) lesions resection need to be further studied. Colonic FTRD system’s cap diameter is 21 mm which makes it very challenging to insert through the mouth for UGI lesions. We present a case of endoscopic full thickness resection (eFTR) of stomach lesion using colonic FTRD using a novel technique for upper esophagus dilation to assist in the insertion of colonic FTRD through the mouth. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: Case Presentation A 49-year-old female was referred to us for endoscopic resection of submucosal lesion suspected for gastric stromal tumor (GIST) prior to bariatric gastric bypass surgery. EGD revealed the lesion in the gastric body. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) confirmed it as well demarcated hypoechoic lesion measuring 0.8 cm × 0.8 cm arising from the intersection of submucosal layer and muscularis layer without adjacent lymphadenopathy. FTRD under general anesthesia was planned. eFTR technique: To assist the insertion of colonic FTRD, upper esophagus was dilated with savory dilator size 51 French for 1 minute, then with 55 French for 1 minute and then with 60 French for 5 minutes. Pediatric colonoscope installed with FTRD was gently advanced into the stomach lumen. Circumferential marking of the lesion was done using FTRD marking probe. Favorable positioning was achieved. FTRD grasper was used to grasp and mobilize the tissue into the cap. Clip was applied and snare was hooked to high frequency generator performing high frequency snare resection. Endoscope was removed along with resection specimen. Histopathology revealed fibrotic nodule with complete resection (R0). Endoscopy at 3-month revealed no recurrence. DISCUSSION: UGI FTRD is not yet approved in the US. Our case illustrates that colonic FTRD can be used for UGI lesion. Our novel technique of serial esophageal dilation before insertion of larger size FTRD is unique. Similar technique can be used for insertion of future UGI FTRD system as well as its cap diameter is still larger at 19.5 mm which can still be challenging in patients with small upper GI caliber. Since muscularis propria was missing in resected tissue, it opens up a question if device is only capable of eFTR in lower GI tract (thin GI wall as compared to upper GI wall) or if it can achieve similar results with respect to true “full thickness resection” as eFTR in lower GI tract.

1378 Diagnostic Dilemma: Evaluation of an Exophytic Paragastric Mass

INTRODUCTION: Ectopic pancreas is rare congenital entity that is usually asymptomatic, appearing as an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) mass and difficult to diagnose. Our case describes a presentation of ectopic pancreas with atypical imaging and endoscopic findings. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 28 year old male with asthma presented with hematemesis and epigastric pain. Laboratory studies included normal lipase level. Computerized Tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a hypervascular soft tissue mass between the pylorus and gallbladder, possibly arising from the pylorus (Figure 1). The mass was noted on prior imaging but had increased in size with a new surrounding complex fluid collection. Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) showed the mass to be contiguous with the gastric antrum and more suggestive of a vascular mass. Upper endoscopy showed esophagitis but no gastric or duodenal lesions. Hypervascularity and increase in size raised concern for malignancy. A subsequent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) revealed abnormal tissue between the gallbladder and stomach (Figure 2). Fine need aspirate (FNA) demonstrated pancreatic acini consistent with pancreatic tissue (Figure 3). This established the diagnosis of ectopic pancreas. Patient was discharged with plans for surveillance imaging in three months. DISCUSSION: We present a case of an exophytic paragastric ectopic pancreas. Ectopic pancreas is a rare anatomical abnormality where pancreatic tissue originates outside its typical location with no anatomical or vascular connection to the pancreas. It has been reported most commonly as a submucosal lesion in the gastric antrum, duodenum or proximal jejunum. It is difficult to identify because patients are usually asymptomatic. For our patient, location near the gastric antrum was typical of ectopic pancreas. However, the exophytic appearance, lack of submucosal gastric lesion on endoscopy, paragastric location between the gallbladder and stomach, and lack of gastric invasion was atypical which made the diagnosis challenging. There are limited reports of ectopic pancreas, and it can be difficult to differentiate from malignancy. Our case highlights an atypical presentation of ectopic pancreas and the diagnostic challenges in its identification. A combination of imaging with contrast CT or MRI, and EUS with FNA will help differentiate from other lesions such as GIST. Though a rare entity, clinicians and gastroenterologists should consider ectopic pancreas in the differential diagnosis of extra-luminal UGI lesions.

Safety of esophagogastroduodenoscopy-guided forceps biopsy and the feasibility of esophagogastroduodenoscopy for evaluation of hypopharyngeal cancer

BackgroundThere is currently no established standard tissue sampling method for hypopharyngeal cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for the pretreatment evaluation of hypopharyngeal cancer and the safety of EGD-guided forceps biopsy.MethodsWe reviewed nine patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent EGD for the evaluation of tumor extent and tissue biopsy from March 2014 to March 2017 at International St. Mary’s Hospital. One experienced endoscopist performed all the EGD procedures in the presence of a head and neck surgeon. The procedure included determining tumor location, extent (presence of pyriform sinus apex involvement), and size, and passing the endoscope through the upper esophageal sphincter. The success rate of tissue sampling was assessed, and procedure-related complications were recorded.ResultsAll patients were male, with a mean age of 69.9 ± 10.9 years (range 61–69 years). Tissue sampling using biopsy forceps was performed in 6/9 patients (66.7%). No complications related to moderate sedation or biopsy, including post-biopsy bleeding or respiratory distress, were reported. Histologic confirmation was successful in 5/6 patients (83.3%). Upper gastrointestinal lesions were evaluated in 7/9 (77.8%) patients in whom the scope passed through the lesion.ConclusionsEGD and EGD-guided forceps biopsy may be useful for the evaluation of hypopharyngeal cancer extent and tissue sampling, respectively.