Comparison of Endoscopic Forcep Biopsy and the Histopathologic Diagnosis after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The discrepancy of the histopathological diagnosis between endoscopic forcep biopsy, surgery and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), has been reported on in a previous study. We compared the results of endoscopic forcep biopsy and the histopathologic diagnosis after performing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 434 lesions for which we were able to compare the post-ESD histopathologic results with the endoscopic biopsy. RESULTS: 1) Of the 14 lesions that showed chronic gastritis or atypia by endoscopic biopsy, 9 were diagnosed with carcinoma in situ or adenocarcinoma after ESD. 2) fifty one of 141 lesions that showed low grade dysplasia on the endoscopic biopsy were diagnosed with carcinoma in situ or adenocarcinoma after ESD. 3) Of the 60 lesions that showed high grade dysplasia on the endoscopic biopsy, 46 were diagnosis with carcinoma in situ or adenocarcinoma after ESD. CONCLUSIONS: The discrepancy of the histopathological diagnosis was found between ESD and forcep biopsy. In light of these results, if a lesion that is suspected to be EGC, although it is not diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy, then it should be confirmed by ESD.

A Case Study of a Gastric Collision Tumor with an Adenocarcinoma and a Carcinoid Tumor / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Adenocarcinoma is the most common malignant gastric neoplasm, contrary to a gastric carcinoid which is relatively uncommon. The occurrence of an adenocarcinoma and a typical carcinoid tumor is rare and are morphologically classified into two subgroups. The first type is a composite- type tumor, which is characterized as a randomly assorted adenocarcinoma and a typical carcinoid tumor. The second type is a collision-type tumor, which is a double tumor with a "side by side" or "overlay" pattern. To the best of our knowledge, only 2 cases of the collision type tumors have been reported in the Korean literature. We have encountered a collision tumor which occurred in the antrum of the stomach and which invaded the regional lymph nodes by means of a highly malignant gastric carcinoid. The following report is a description of the collision tumor case as well as a literature review.

The meaning of warning symptoms in the patients with dyspepsia / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: We tried to assess whether the presence of warning symptoms and age could be useful indicators for performing endoscopy in patients who suffer from various organic gastrointestinal diseases. METHODS: Between May 2005 to August 2005, 827 subjects who visited the health care center were studied via questionnaires and performing upper endoscopy. The questionnaires evaluated the presence and pattern of dyspepsia and the warning symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 808 patients were enrolled. The mean age of patients was 44.6+/-8.9 years (mean+/-SD) with a male to female ratio of 1.2:1. 153 patients (18.9%) were diagnosed with confirmed organic diseases and 52 patients (6.4%) were diagnosed with definite organic diseases. The total number of organic diseases and definite organic diseases (gastroduodenal ulcer, reflux esophagitis and advanced gastric cancer) was statistically higher in the male population (p=0.001 in both). The relative risk of dyspepsia, the presence of warning symptoms and each warning symptom for the organic disease and definite organic diseases were not consistently higher for the males or females. The males over fifty years and the males over sixty years age had a relative risk of 2.046 (95% CI: 1.27~3.30) and 3.105 (95% CI: 1.39~6.95) for organic disease and 1.913 (95% CI: 0.97~3.77) and 5.333 (95% CI: 2.15~13.22) for definite organic disease, respectively. For the male patients over fifty or sixty years old with dyspepsia or warning symptoms, there were tendencies to increase the relative risk of definite organic disease rather than organic disease. CONCLUSIONS: The relative risk of organic diseases in the presence of warning symptoms in males of over fifty years or sixty years age was not sufficiently significant for differentiating organic diseases. Thus, warning symptoms, old age and presence of dyspepsia alone can not be used as a predictor to guide endoscopic examination.

Usefulness of double balloon enteroscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Double balloon enteroscopy was developed to improve access to the small intestine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of double balloon enteroscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. METHODS: From November 2004 through August 2005, 24 consecutuve patients (14 males, 10 females; mean age 48+/-15.1 years, range 2181 years) with gastrointestinal bleeding of an obscure origin were enrolled in this study. The patients underwent enteroscopy using the double balloon technique for the following indications: (1) clinical evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding such as melena and hematochezia (the Hb levels ranged from 5.9 g/dL to 11.9 g/dL, mean 9.0+/-2.3 g/dL) (2) no site and cause of blood loss detected by upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. RESULTS: Of 24 patients that underwent a double balloon enteroscopy, bleeding points were identified in 22 patients. The causes of bleeding were nine small bowel ulcera, six angiodysplasiaa, three cases of Crohn's disease, two gastrointestinal stromal tumors, one Meckel's diverticulum and one cecal diverticular ulcer. However, two cases showed negative findings. No patient suffered from procedure related complication. CONCLUSIONS: Double balloon enteroscopy is a safe and useful diagnostic tool for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

The Endoscopic Ultrasonographic Survey of Benign Mesenchymal Tumor in Upper Gastrointestinal Tract / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumor contains a leiomyoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The natural course can vary according to the histology and other characteristics. This study evaluated the natural course of a benign mesenchymal tumor in the upper gastrointestinal tract using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). METHODS: Submucosal mesenchymal tumors are considered benign according to the following criteria of EUS: 1) the tumor originates from the muscularis mucosa or muscularis propria; 2) is well demarcated, homogenous and hypoechoic; and 3) has a regular surface. In this study, the changes of size, internal echo pattern and marginal regularity were evaluated retrospectively in 26 lesions that all were < 3 cm and were followed up for more than 2 years. RESULTS: The average size of the tumors on EUS was 11.5 mm. The mean follow-up period was 47.4 months. The follow-up EUS revealed no change in echo features in any patient. In only one patient, the size of the tumor increased from 26 to 34 mm without a change in the internal echo or marginal regularity after 24 months. This patient underwent a laparoscopic gastric wedge resection. The pathologic diagnosis was a leiomyoma. CONCLUSIONS: Most small submucosal tumors that are compatible with the EUS criteria of a benign GIST/ leiomyoma do not change over a period of 24 months, and the EUS criteria are effective in diagnosing benign GISTs/leiomyomas. A benign GIST/leiomyoma at EUS might be followed up by EUS at an interval of 2 years.

Long-term Results of Endoscopic Histoacryl(R) (N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate) Injection for Treatment of Gastric Varices : A 10-year Experience / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastric variceal bleeding is an infrequent but serious complication of portal hypertension. Endoscopic injection of Histoacryl(R) (N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate) has been approved as an effective treatment for gastric variceal bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the endoscopic injection of Histoacryl(R) for the treatment of gastric varices. METHODS: Between January 1994 and January 2005, eighty-five patients with gastric varices received endoscopic injections of Histoacryl(R) . Among these 85 patients, 65 received the procedure within 1 week after gastric variceal bleeding, and 13 received as a prophylactic procedure. According to the Sarin classification, 32 patients were GOV1 and 53 were GOV2. Most of the varices were large (F2 or F3, 75 patients). The average volume of Histoacryl(R) per each session was 1.43 ml. Among 85 patients, 72 patients were followed-up and the median duration was 24.5 months. RESULTS: The rate of initial hemostasis was 98.6% and recurrent bleeding occurred in 29.2% (21 of 72). When rebleeding occurred, 76.2% was within 1 year after the initial injection. Treatment failure-related mortality rate was 1.4% (1 of 85). Twenty-seven patients died, mostly due to hepatocelluar carcinoma or liver failure. Two patients experienced pulmonary embolism and one experienced splenic infarction. They recovered without specific treatment. Rebleeding rate had a tendency to increase in patients with hepatocelluar carcinoma (p=0.051) and GOV2 (p=0.061). CONCLUSIONS: Histoacryl(R) injection therapy is a effective treatment method for gastric varices with high initial hemostasis rate and low major complications.

Effectiveness of Sodium Alginate as a Submucosal Injection Material for Endoscopic Mucosal Resection in Animal

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although various solutions are being tested for submucosal injection during endoscopic resection, ideal solution has not been established yet. We performed an animal study to evaluate the possibility of sodium alginate as an ideal submucosal injection solution for endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). METHODS: To compare the lesion-lifting properties of different solutions, injection was done to the submucosal layer of porcine stomach. Then the height of mucosal elevation was measured. In addition, EMR was performed after submucosal injection of sodium alginate solution in six dogs. Two were euthanized after 30 minutes of endoscopic observation while the others were euthanized after 1-4 weeks. Retrieved stomachs were examined microscopically. RESULTS: Sodium alginate and sodium hyaluronate solutions maintained longer elevation of the submucosal layer than other solutions. There was no significant difference in the height between two solutions. A clear separation of the mucosal layer from the proper muscle layer was achieved by injecting sodium alginate solution. Histological examination of EMR-induced artificial ulcers revealed no apparent tissue damage and showed normal healing process. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium alginate solution creates a sufficient submucosal fluid cushion without apparent tissue damage. It can be considered as an effective submucosal injection material.

Endoscopic Ultrasonograpic Findings of Benign Mediastinal and Abdominal Lymphadenopathy Confirmed by EUS-guided Fine Needle Aspiration

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Distinguishing benign and malignant lymph nodes by the findings of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is still controversial. We tried to evaluate EUS findings of benign mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy (BLAP) confirmed by EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA). METHODS: A total of 37 patients with enlarged mediastinal or abdominal lymph nodes (diameter > or =1 cm) were enrolled and EUS-FNA was performed. Final diagnosis was based on FNA cytology and follow up imaging studies (CT scans or EUS). RESULTS: Thirteen patients were confirmed to have BLAP by EUS-FNA. Causes of BLAP were as follows; (i) extrapulmonary tuberculosis in six cases including patients with postoperative states due to cervical cancer and advanced gastric cancer, (ii) Kikuchi disease in one case, (iii) hypereosinophilic syndrome in one case, (iv) reactive hyperplasia in five cases including patients with postoperative states due to thyroid cancer, lung cancer, and EGC with ESD. EUS findings of BLAP revealed that median lymph node size was 24.7 mm. Lymph nodes were oval or round shaped in 9 cases, sharp borders in 9 cases, hypoechoic echo pattern in 7 cases, heterogenous internal echo pattern in 7 cases. Other findings included internal septation, calcification, multiplicity, attachment to the gastrointestinal tract wall, and conglomeration. CONCLUSIONS: EUS findings of BLAP were not different from those of malignant lymphadenopathy previously reported in other studies.

The Clinical Significance of the Absolute and Relative Classification of the Depth of Invasion for Submucosal Invasive Carcinomas of the Colon / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the clinical significance of the criteria of the absolute and relative depth of invasion for submucosal invasive colorectal carcinomas. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the clinicopathological features of 29 submucosal invasive colorectal cancers. The relative depth of submucosal invasion was evaluated by a relative (sm1, 2, 3) classification and the absolute depth of submucosal invasion was measured in micrometers from the lower border of the muscularis mucosa to the deepest cancer gland. RESULTS: All sm1 cancers showed a submucosal layer invasion of less than 1,000micronm; invasion was seen between 500micronm and 1,000micronm. The rate of lymphovascular invasion was higher for sm1c, sm2 and sm3 than for sm1a and sm1b, and the rate of invasion was higher for a level of 500micronm or more than for a level of 500micronm or less for the depth of submucosal invasion. One of sixteen patients that underwent surgery showed lymph node involvement. For this patient, the relative depth of invasion was sm1c and the absolute depth was 900micronm. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopically treated submucosal colorectal cancer needs to be evaluated by the absolute depth in addition to the relative depth. It seems that a submucosal invasive cancer less than 500micronm in submucosal depth probably can be treated by endoscopic resection.

The Clinical Significance of the Absolute and Relative Classification of the Depth of Invasion for Submucosal Invasive Carcinomas of the Colon / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the clinical significance of the criteria of the absolute and relative depth of invasion for submucosal invasive colorectal carcinomas. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the clinicopathological features of 29 submucosal invasive colorectal cancers. The relative depth of submucosal invasion was evaluated by a relative (sm1, 2, 3) classification and the absolute depth of submucosal invasion was measured in micrometers from the lower border of the muscularis mucosa to the deepest cancer gland. RESULTS: All sm1 cancers showed a submucosal layer invasion of less than 1,000micronm; invasion was seen between 500micronm and 1,000micronm. The rate of lymphovascular invasion was higher for sm1c, sm2 and sm3 than for sm1a and sm1b, and the rate of invasion was higher for a level of 500micronm or more than for a level of 500micronm or less for the depth of submucosal invasion. One of sixteen patients that underwent surgery showed lymph node involvement. For this patient, the relative depth of invasion was sm1c and the absolute depth was 900micronm. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopically treated submucosal colorectal cancer needs to be evaluated by the absolute depth in addition to the relative depth. It seems that a submucosal invasive cancer less than 500micronm in submucosal depth probably can be treated by endoscopic resection.

Endoscopic Features of Ectopic Gastric Mucosa in the Duodenum / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The origin of gastric mucosa outside of the stomach may be developmental (heterotopic gastric mucosa) or acquired (gastric metaplasia). The aim of this study was to evaluate the endoscopic features, according to the subtypes, of the gastric mucosa outside the stomach in the duodenum. METHODS: A total of 30 consecutive patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy from January 2002 to August 2004 and who were confirmed histopathologically as having gastric mucosa outside the stomach were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty three patients were males and seven were females. RESULTS: Nine patients had heterotopic gastric mucosa and 21 patients had gastric metaplasia. Seven patients with heterotopic gastric mucosa were asymptomatic and 2 patients had dyspepsia, whereas 21 patients with gastric metaplasia had dyspepsia. The dyspepsia rate showed a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.001). Endoscopically, the appearance of the heterotopic gastric mucosa tended to resemble area gastricae (p=0.08). However, there were no statistically differences between the two groups for the endoscopic features of the duodenum. Other abnormal lesions in stomach and duodenum appeared more frequently in the gastric metaplasia than in the heterotopic gastric mucosa (p=0.004, p<0.001). There was no difference in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: There are no specific endoscopic findings to differentiate heterotopic gastric mucosa from gastric metaplasia. The presence of symptoms and the associated gastroduodenal inflammatory lesions were more prominent in the gastric metaplasia compared with the heterotopic gastric mucosa.

Photodynamic Therapy for Superficial Gastrointestinal Tumors / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used for the endoscopic treatment of digestive cancer, its curative efficacy remains uncertain. This study evaluated the curative role of PDT in superficial gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS: Fifteen lesions in 14 patients with a histologically proven carcinoma (early esophageal cancer 6, early gastric cancer 8, ampulla of Vater cancer 1) were injected with an intravenous hematoporphyrin derivative (2 mg/kg), and PDT was performed 48 hours later. The response to treatment was assessed by gastroscopy with biopsies. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 273 days (42~1,030 days). According to the TNM stage of endoscopic ultrasonography, there were 14 T1 cases and 1 T2 case. Complete remission was observed in 13 cases after the initial and consecutive PDT. There were 2 cases of failure. The recurrence rate was 15.4% (2/13), and the median time from the initial PDT to recurrence was 349 days. CONCLUSIONS: PDT using a hematoporphyrin derivative as a photosensitizer is a safe and efficient method for treating early cancer. However, a long-term follow up period using a large population sample will be needed for confirmation.

Clinical Availability of Endoscopic Incision and Submucosal Dissection for the Treatment of Gastric Neoplasms

PURPOSE: Endoscopic incision and submucosal dissection (EISD) is a technique that is being implemented for the resection of gastric adenomas and early gastric cancer (EGC). Since EISD requires a high degree of skill and experience, and due to its association with a moderate risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, its use has been limited. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical benefits of EISD based upon clinical data on the EISD procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at Soonchunhyang University Hospital and it included 179 gastric adenoma and early gastric carcinoma lesions from 164 patients who had undergone an EISD from February 2003 to May 2005. RESULTS: Among the total of 179 lesions, the distributions of EGC and adenomas were 70.3% (126/179) and 23.4% (42/179) respectively. The sizes of lesions were divided into 10 mm or less, 11~20 mm, 21~30 mm and greater than 31 mm and each rates are 10.0% (18/179), 46.3% (83/179), 30% (50/179) and 15.6% (28/ 179). Among 120 cases which could be measured depth of lesion in according to pathologic findings, m1 (0.8%, 1/120), m2 (38.3%, 46/120), m3 (25%, 57/120), sm1 (11.7%, 14/120), sm2 (1.6%, 2/120) were diagnosed as early stages of gastric cancer. The complete resection rate was 85.2% (150/176) and en-bloc resection rate was 96.0% (169/176). Complications as such as perforation and bleeding developed in 4.4%(8/179) and 21.2% (38/ 179), respectively. CONCLUSION: EISD is an effective in the endoscopic treatment for gastric adenoma and early gastric cancers. However, further evaluation of this method and long-term follow-up will be necessary for an evaluation of the recurrence rate after resection of a tumor.

Efficacy of Oral Sodium Phosphate Preparation for Capsule Endoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Capsule endoscopy is an effective diagnostic tool for detecting small bowel disease. However, the method of bowel preparation for capsule endoscopy has not been standardized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral sodium phosphate as a preparation for capsule endoscopy. METHODS: A total of 129 cases who underwent capsule endoscopy from Mar. 2003 to Sep. 2004 were analyzed retrospectively. Eighty- eight cases were prepared with sennosides (Alaxyl(R)) and 41 cases were prepared with sodium phosphate. The intestinal mucosa was defined as being unclean if the intestinal content, food materials, and bubbles covered more than 25% of the mucosal surface. Using a stopwatch, the exact time of the unclean image was recorded. The percentage of the unclean image for the small intestinal transit time (SITT) was calculated as an objective score. Small bowel cleansing was considered 'adequate' if the objective score was <10% and 'inadequate' if the objective score was 10% or greater. RESULTS: 35 cases (40%) showed an adequate image in the sennosides and simethicone group and 26 cases (63%) showed an adequate image in the sodium phosphate and simethicone group. The adequacy rate was significantly higher in the sodium phosphate group than in the sennosides group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Capsule endoscopy prepared by sodium phosphate and simethicone produced a better visual image than sennosides and simethicone.

The Expression of p53, p16, Cyclin D1 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Esophageal Dysplasia / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: p53 is known to play a central role in sensing and signaling for the growth arrest and apoptosis in cells with DNA damage. Mutation of p53 is a frequent event in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). p16 protein binds to cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibiting the ability of CDK4 to interact with cyclin D1, and stimulates the passage through the G1 phase of cell cycle. We observed the expression patterns and frequencies of p53, p16, and cyclin D1 in esophageal dysplasia and in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. METHODS: In 15 patients of ESCC, 5 patients of esophageal dysplasia and 5 volunteers with normal esophagus, tissue specimens were taken from esophageal lesions during the operation or endoscopic examination. We used specific monoclonal antibodies for p53 protein, p16INK4 protein and cyclin D1. Immunoreactivity was scored. RESULTS: Mean age of all groups was 66 years old (range 47-93) and men to women ratio was 19:1. p53 mutation was observed in 87% (13/15) of ESCC, in 80% (4/5) of esophageal dysplasia, in 0% (0/5) of normal mucosa (p=0.001). p16 expression was seen in 40% (2/5) of esophageal dysplasia, 27% (4/15) of ESCC and 100% (5/5) of normal mucosa (p=0.016). Cyclin D1 expression was not significantly different among 20% (1/5) of esophageal dysplasia, 53% (8/15) of ESCC and 20% (1/5) of normal mucosa. Either the expression of p53 mutation or the loss of p16 occurred in 80% (4/5) of esophageal dysplasia and in 93% (14/15) of ESCC. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of p53 mutation and the loss of p16 might play a central role in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and contribute to the development of precancerous lesion such as dysplasia. In addition, there is a possibility that the mutations of p53 and p16 silencing would be the early events in ESCC development.

A Case Of Granular Cell Tumor In The Stomach / 대한내과학회지

Granular cell tumor (GCT) may occur in any site of the body. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is uncommon. The esophagus is the gastrointestinal site most frequently affected, and occurrence of granular cell tumor in the stomach is extremely rare. We recently experienced a case of granular cell tumor in the stomach, presenting as a submucosal tumor, confirmed by endoscopic mucosal resection. So we report this case with review of the related literature.

The Efficacy of 38 mg Low Dose Capsule-Based 13C-urea Breath Test for the Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Urea breath test (UBT), the noninvasive test for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection, was developed in 1987 and had advanced in accuracy and convenience by improvement of analytic device, 13C or 14C urea regimen, expiration sampling protocol and test meal. However, conventional UBT using 75 mg or 100 mg of 13C-urea is expensive and time consuming. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of UBT using capsulated 38 mg low dose 13C-urea (HeliFinder(R)) developed by Medichems Co., Ltd. METHODS: A total of one hundred forty seven volunteers were enrolled and examined at Catholic University, Korea University, and Soon Chun Hyang University hospital. UBT was performed using 38 mg 13C urea capsule and compared with the gold standard methods (rapid urease test and histology). Baseline and 20 min breath samples were collected. We used delta13C 2.0permile as the cut-off value suggested by the manufacturer. RESULTS: Of the 147 subjects, 142 cases were available for analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of UBT using the 38 mg 13C urea capsule at 20 min were 98.7% and 100% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A 20 min, 38 mg capsule based 13C urea breath test protocol is more efficient, cost effective, and convenient than conventional protocol.

The Relationship between Ineffective Esophageal Motility and Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is a distinct manometric entity characterized by a hypocontractile esophagus. Recently, IEM replaced the nonspecific esophageal motility disorder (NEMD), and its associations with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and respiratory symptoms are well known. We evaluated the relationship of IEM with GERD, and the diagnostic value of IEM for GERD. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed recent 3-year (Jan. 1998-Sep. 2002) datas of esophageal manometry, acid perfusion test and simultaneous 24 hr-ambulatory pH-metry with manometry studies in 270 consecutive patients with esophageal and/or GERD symptoms. The prevalence of IEM in GERD group and non-GERD group, and the variables of pH-metry and manometry among esophageal motility disorders were compared. In addition, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of IEM, esophageal symptom, and acid perfusion test for GERD were calculated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in IEM prevalence rate between GERD group and non-GERD group. In addition, there was no significant difference in GERD prevalence rate and esophageal acid clearance in variety of motility disorder groups. Total percent time of pH <4 in IEM group did not show any difference when compared with other groups except in the achalasia group. In regard of diagnostic value to detect GERD, all positive results showed high specificity (97%) in IEM with esophageal symptom and positive acid perfusion test. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of IEM using esophageal manometry in patients with various esophageal symptoms does not strongly suggest on association with GERD. However, IEM with concomitant esophageal symptoms and positive acid perfusion test has diagnostic values for GERD.

The Usefulness of Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is defined as recurrent bleeding for which no source has been identified by routine endoscopic and contrast studies. This study was performed to determine the utility of capsule endoscopy in patients with OGIB. METHODS: This retrospective study included 21 patients with GIB which were not identified by esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. Those were sixteen patients with overt OGIB (including 6 ongoing overt bleeding) and five with occult OGIB. All underwent capsule endoscopy with Given M2A video capsule system. RESULTS: Definite bleeding of small intestine were identified in 9 of 21 patients (42.9%) and 8 of 9 patients presenting as overt OGIB (50.0%, 8/16). Additionally, 5 of 6 patients with ongoing bleeding on the day of capsule endoscopy were found to have the lesion in small intestine (83.3%, 5/6). Ulcers were found in 6 patients, diverticulitis in 2 patients, and a tumor in 1 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Capsule endoscopy, providing a good visualization of small intestine, is safe and well tolerated. Capsule endoscopy is an useful diagnostic tool for OGIB, especially for ongoing overt bleeding, and can guide the subsequent therapy and expand diagnostic yield in OGIB.

Interobserver Agreement in Gastric Lesions by Magnifying Endoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Various magnifying endoscopic classifications have been introduced in esophageal and gastric lesions. However, studies on an agreement between observers according to the form classification of magnifiying endoscopic findings have not been performed yet. The aim of this study was to determine the interobserver agreement for magnifying endoscopic classifications. METHODS: The patients were divided into 3 groups. The first group of patients had post-EMR ulcer scar (50 cases), the second group, elevated gastric lesion (38 cases), and the third group, gastritis (43 cases). Two mucosal patterns were used in the post-EMR ulcer scar group, 6 mucosal patterns in the elevated gastric lesion group, and 3 patterns of the collecting venule in the gastritis group. Three experienced observers (A, B, C) blinded to the patients' data participated in this study. The agreement between observers was evaluated by calculated kappa. The kappa value of 0.75 or greater was rated excellent, 0.4~0.74, fair to good, and 0.4 or less, poor. RESULTS: Regarding 2 mucosal pattern in post-EMR ulcer scar, agreements between A and B, A and C, and B and C were 0.896, 0.793, and 0.901, respectively (p<0.01). Regarding 6 mucosal patterns in elevated gastric lesion, agreements between A and B, A and C, and B and C were 0.607, 0.458, and 0.557, respectively (p<0.01). Regarding 3 collecting venule pattern in gastritis, agreements between A and B, A and C, and B and C were 0.822, 0.823, and 0.751, respectively (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Interobserver agreement is good to excellent in mucosal pattern and collecting venule by magnifying endoscopy. However magnifying endoscopic classification needs to be refinded in order to improve an agreement between observers.