Does Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Plus Ascorbic Acid Induce More Mucosal Injuries than Split-Dose 4-L PEG during Bowel Preparation?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aims of this study were to compare the bowel-cleansing efficacy, patient affinity for the preparation solution, and mucosal injury between a split dose of poly-ethylene glycol (SD-PEG) and low-volume PEG plus ascorbic acid (LV-PEG+Asc) in outpatient scheduled colonoscopies. METHODS: Of the 319 patients, 160 were enrolled for SD-PEG, and 159 for LV-PEG+Asc. The bowel-cleansing efficacy was rated according to the Ottawa bowel preparation scale. Patient affinity for the preparation solution was assessed using a questionnaire. All mucosal injuries observed during colonoscopy were biopsied and histopathologically reviewed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in bowel cleansing between the groups. The LV-PEG+Asc group reported better patient acceptance and preference. There were no significant differences in the incidence or characteristics of the mucosal injuries between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SD-PEG, LV-PEG+Asc exhibited equivalent bowel-cleansing efficacy and resulted in improved patient acceptance and preference. There was no significant difference in mucosal injury between SD-PEG and LV-PEG+Asc. Thus, the LV-PEG+Asc preparation could be used more effectively and easily for routine colonoscopies without risking significant mucosal injury.

A Case of Solid Variant of Serous Cystadenoma Misdiagnosed as a Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Pancreas / 대한내과학회지

Rapid advancements, access to and use of imaging techniques have increased the frequency of identification of pancreatic cystic neoplasms in clinical practice. However, a diagnostic dilemma among pancreatic cystic neoplasms remains. Solid variant serous cystadenoma is extremely rare and difficult to accurately diagnose preoperatively, as they are commonly mistaken for malignant solid tumors of other types. Here, we present a case of a solid variant serous cystadenoma preoperatively misdiagnosed as a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas with a review of the relevant literature.

Erratum: United Rapid Urease Test Is Superior than Separate Test in Detecting Helicobacter pylori at the Gastric Antrum and Body Specimens

The publisher wishes to apologize for incorrectly displaying the author (Sung Woon Moon) name. We correct his name from Sung Woon Moon to Sung Won Moon.

United Rapid Urease Test Is Superior than Separate Test in Detecting Helicobacter pylori at the Gastric Antrum and Body Specimens

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The rapid urease test (RUT) is an invasive method to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection, which relies on the acquisition and examination of gastric antrum and body tissues. We determined and compared the efficacy of RUT when the tissues were examined separately or after being combined. METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen patients were included and underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy from July 2008 to June 2010. The separate test was defined as evaluating the status of infectivity of H. pylori from the antrum and body separately; whereas the united test was carried out putting both tissues from the antrum and body in the same RUT kit. All RUTs were read by a single observer 1, 3, 6, 12, and up to 24 hours later. We also got two biopsy specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin and quantified H. pylori density was calculated on a scale of 0 to 3. RESULTS: Overall positivity for H. pylori was 137 (64%) for the separate test and 148 (69.2%) for the united test (p<0.01). The mean time to a positive test was 3.58 hours for the separate test and 1.69 hours for the united test (p<0.01). The correlation between the time to positive RUT and the severity of histology showed r=+0.556 for the antrum (p<0.01) and r=+0.622 for the body (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Combining tissues prior to RUT enhances the detection of H. pylori, as compared with the examination of separate tissues, and shortens the time to develop a positive reaction by approximately 50%. These diagnostic advantages are also accompanied by increased cost-savings.

Spontaneous Regression of an Intraabdominal Desmoid Tumor in a Patient with Total Gastrectomy / 대한내과학회지

Desmoid tumor is rare neoplasm characterized by clonal proliferation of myofibroblasts that do not metastasise, but often exhibit an infiltrative pattern and functional impairment. The etiology of this tumor is unknown, but hormonal, genetic, and physical factors play a role in its development and growth. The clinical behavior and natural history of desmoid tumors remains unpredictable and enigmatic. However, spontaneous regression of desmoid tumors is rare. Here we report spontaneous regression of an intraabdominal desmoid tumor in a patient who underwent total gastrectomy.

Two Cases of Boerhaave's Syndrome Treated by Endoscopic Hemoclipping / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Boerhaave's syndrome is a spontaneous esophageal perforation due to severe nausea and vomiting after hyperphagia or drinking, and it is not due to trauma, medical instrumentation or a foreign body. Untreated esophageal perforation is associated with high mortality, and the traditional treatment has been surgical drainage and primary repair of the perforation. However, non-surgical primary repair with an endoscopic procedure has recently been attempted in some selected patients with a small sized perforation, limited contamination of the mediastinum and no evidence of sepsis. We report here on 2 patients with Boerhaave's syndrome and who were successfully treated via primary repair with endoscopic hemoclips, and we review the other cases of the Boerhaave's syndrome that were treated with a endoscopic procedure.