Clinical Observation of Colorectal Polyps / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The detection and removal of colorectal polyps are important for secondary prevention of colorectal cancer. We investigated the characteristics and histopathologic finding of polyps to better plan their management. METHODS: We analyzed 334 patients who underwent polypectomies for 770 colorectal polyps between October, 2005 and April, 2007 at Bong Seng Memorial Hospital. RESULTS: Colorectal polyps were frequent in the sixth decade in both sexes. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.72:1. Abdominal pain/discomfort was the most common symptom (34.4%), and the most common site of polyp localization was the rectosigmoid colon. Histopathologic examination showed tubular adenomas (54.6%), hyperplastic polyps (36.4%), and inflammatory polyps (5.6%). Adenomatous polyps were more common in patients with multiple polyps than in patients with a single polyp. Adenomatous polyps with villous histology were more common in patients with large polyps than in patients with small polyps. Non-neoplastic polyps were common before the fifth decade. Neoplastic polyps were common past the fifth decade. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, tubular adenomas were frequently found on histopathologic examination, sessile type were frequently found on gross examination, and colorectal polyps were found principally in the rectosigmoid colon. Neoplastic polyps were more frequent in patients beyond the fifth decade. There fore colonoscopy examination is recommended for secondary prevention of colon cancer.

A Case of a Gastric Metastasis of a Renal Cell Carcinoma / 대한소화기내시경학회지

A gastric metastasis is an extremely rare event accounting for 0.2 to 0.7% of gastric neoplasms seen at necropsy. Primary origins of a gastric metastasis are pancreatic cancers, colon cancers, lung cancers and malignant melanomas. A renal cell carcinoma is renowned for its metastatic potential to spread to almost any organ of the body. However, a gastric metastasis of a renal cell carcinoma is very rare. It is believed that a renal cell carcinoma metastasizes hematogenously and it spreads through a renal vein to the stomach via the inferior vena cava and hemiazygos vein. A metastasis to the stomach is frequently located in the greater curvature of body. Endoscopic findings of a gastric metastasis often resemble a submucosal tumor with or without ulcer. Presenting symptoms are bleeding, anemia, or pyloric obstruction, but often the patient is asymptomatic. We report a case and review of the literature of a metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the stomach in a 71-year-old man who complained of a palpable abdominal mass.

A Case of a Primary Esophageal Bezoar after a Total Gastrectomy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

An esophageal bezoar, although uncommon, is now recognized as a distinct clinical entity. An esophageal bezoar is rare but can form due to regurgitation of a gastric bezoar, motor disorder or anatomical abnormality, or following a gastrectomy. In general, bezoars are most often found in the stomach, and are formed by the accumulation of foreign ingested materials, including vegetable material and hair. In Korea, no case of a primary esophageal bezoar has been reported after a total gastrectomy. We report a case of an endoscopically treated primary esophageal bezoar that occurred after a total gastrectomy, without complications.

A Case of Early Gastric Adenocarcinoma and Intraabdominal Schwannoma in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type I / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder with an overall incidence of one in 3,000~4,000, and type 1 (Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis) characterized by the presence of multiple cutaneous neurofibromas, axillary and groin freckling, and cafe- au-lait spot. The neurofibromatosis type 1 gene is a tumor suppressor gene. Patients with the neurofibromatosis type 1 are at increased risk of developing nervous system neoplasm, including plexiform neurofibromas, optic gliomas, ependymomas, meningiomas, astrocytomas, and pheochromocytomas. Neurofibromas may undergo secondary malignant degeneration and sarcomatous changes. Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 show a high incidence of Wilm's tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, nonlymphocytic leukemia, and pheochromocytoma but the gastrointestinal involvement appears to be relatively rare and usually consists of neurofibroma, ganglioneuroma, and leiomyoma. We have identified a case of early gastric adenocarcinoma and intraabdominal schwannoma in a 65-year-old man afflicted with neurofibromatosis type 1.

A Case of a Colonic Giant Lipoma Removed by Endoscopic Resection / 대한소화기내시경학회지

A gastrointestinal lipoma, though rare, is a mesencymal tumor of the large bowel, and the second most common benign colonic tumor detected after an adenomatous polyp. The lesion may be asymoptomatic when small and may be detected incidentally, usually during a colonoscopic examination for another purpose. Lipomas of the large bowel that are not causing symptoms probably need no treatment, as malignant transformation has not been documented. If the mass is large, it can cause pain, anal bleeding due to intussusception, bowel obstruction and diarrhea, and thus resection should be considered. Due to the risk of perforation, endoscopic resection of large colonic lipomas has been discouraged. However, large colonic lipomas can be removed safely by endoscopic resection with the use of an endoscopic ultrasonogram and submucosal injection to elevate the lesion.

A Case of Anal Gland Cyst Treated by Endoscopic Resection / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The anal canal is the most distal part of the gastrointestinal tract, and it is developed and formed during the embryonic period. Infection is the most common disease process that occurs around the anorectum, yet tumors or cysts are occasionally encountered. The abnormal development of these parts of the gastrointestinal track during the embryonic period can result in congenital lesions that are discovered in young children or adults. A 72-year-old woman presented to us with postprandial lower abdominal discomfort and fecal incontinence. An anorectal mass was felt on the rectal examination. The colonoscopy demonstrated a submucosal tumor that was closely located to the anorectal junction. The tumor was excised with a snare and it was diagnosed as an analgland cyst due to the histologic features. It is necessary to differentiate anal gland cyst from the other diseases that have submucosal characters, such as carcinoid tumor.

A Case of Primary Esophageal Small Cell Carcinoma with Gastric Metastasis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Gastric metastasis of malignant tumors is relatively rare but has been reported in cases of malignant melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus is very rare and is an extremely aggressive tumor. Regional lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis to other organs including liver, bone, skin, lung, bone marrow, and brain are common at the time of initial diagnosis. To date, there has been no case reported of gastric metastasis from primary esophageal small cell carcinoma. A 72-year-old man presented with dysphagia for 2 months. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed esophageal carcinoma with a submucosal tumor in the upper body of the stomach. Pathologic examination revealed an esophageal small cell carcinoma, and gastric submucosal infiltration of the small cell carcinoma was noted. We report a case of primary esophageal small cell carcinoma with submucosal tumor like gastric metastasis.

Palliative Self-expandable Metal Stents for Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIM: Gastric outlet obstruction due to malignancy causes various symptoms and malnutrition and so decreases the quality of life and shortens the survival. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, safety, and outcome of a self-expandable metal stent as a palliative methods. METHODS: From January, 2000 to August, 2002, 29 consecutive patients (36 cases of stent insertion) with inoperable gastric outlet obstruction were treated palliatively with through-the scope stents (Nitis Taewoong, Korea, 29 uncovered, 7 covered). All patients had malignancy. We reviewed the success rate, complications and clinical outcome. RESULTS: There were 21 cases with advanced gastric cancer, 5 with pancreatic head cancer and 2 with cholangiocarcinoma. The other one had primary duodenal carcinoma. Technical success was achieved in thirty four cases (94.4%). After successful placement, 26 patients could eat soft or solid foods with careful education about foods impaction. During the follow-up (mean: 2.6 months, range: 1~9 months), there were no procedure related early complication. Seven stent occlusion occurred due to tumor in-growth (6 case) and over-growth (1 case). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent placement in patients with inoperable gastric outlet obstruction is a highly successful, safe and effective palliative method.

A Case of Spontaneous Submucosal Dissection of the Esophagus / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Spontaneous submucosal dissection of the esophagus is a rare esophageal disorder which reveals characteristic features on radiologic and endoscopic examinations. It usually presents with acute epigastric pain, typically accompanied by dysphagia and odynophagia. We experienced a case of a 56-year-old man complaining of chest discomfort and right upper quadrant abdominal discomfort. The findings of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and barium esophagogram were compatible with submucosal dissection of the esophagus. Chest CT scan showed multiple ulcers that formed a longitudinal tunnel canal. The patient was managed conservatively with nothing by mouth and intravenous hydration. Forty days after the first upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the patient's symptoms disappeared completely and the massive dissection of the esophagus was much improved except for slight depression on the upper esophagus.

Usefulness of self-expandable metal stent for malignant esophageal stricuture / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Most patients with malignant esophageal stricture are surgically incurable at the time of presentation. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of endoscopic expandable metal stent for palliation of dysphagia caused by malignant stricture. METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2001, thirty-two expandable metal stents (Nitis(R) Taewoong Med. Co. Korea, 6 uncovered, 12 covered, 14 double stents for antimigration, 18 mm diameter) were placed in 28 consecutive patients with dysphagia caused by malignancy. Dysphagia score, complications, reintervention, survival length after stent placement were evaluated. RESULTS: This study consisted of 23 men and 5 women. The patients were composed of 13 esophageal carcinomas, 11 gastro-esophageal junction cancers or cardiac cancers, 3 lung cancers, 1 breast cancer. Immediate improvement of dysphagia symptom was seen after initial stent placement in 27 patients (96%). Dysphagia score decreased from 3.0 (+/-0.51) to 1.06 (+/-0.77) after stent placement. There was one death due to hemorrhage after the procedure. There was no stent migration. Restenting was required in 4 cases due to tumor ingrowth (1/4) and overgrowth (3/4) and average interval to restenting was 95 days. Mean survival length was 109 days. CONCLUSION: Expandable metal stents offer excellent rapid palliation of malignant dysphagia. In a small subset of patients who received chemoradiation before stent placement, major complications such as bleeding, perforation, were observed.

Problem in interpretation of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease according to the location of proximal probe in 24 hour ambulatory esophageal dual probe pH monitoring / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic criteria of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is defined differently according to the location of the proximal pH probe: upper esophagus, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) or hypopharynx. Clinically the location of proximal probe is determined by the location of distal probe, which is usually fixed on 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter. This study was performed to evaluate the difference in the diagnosis of LPRD between the results from considering the location of the proximal probe and not considering it. METHODS: This study consisted of 76 patients performed esophageal manometry and 24 hour ambulatory pH monitoring of esophagus using the dual probe. According to location of the proximal probe, the patients were divided into 3 groups : upper esophagus, UES and hypopharynx group. Firstly, we used the diagnostic criteria not considering the location of the probe concordantly in all 76 patients : criteria of the upper esophagus, UES and hypopharynx respectively. And then, we used the diagnostic criteria considering the location of the proximal probe. The results were compared. RESULTS: When the diagnostic criteria of upper esophagus was used, 3.9% (3/76) was diagnosed as LPRD. In the case of UES and hypopharynx, 18.4% (14/76) and 38.2% (29/76) was diagnosed as LPRD. When the diagnostic criteria considering the location of the proximal probe was used, 27.6% (21/76) was diagnosed as LPRD. Significant difference was found between the result considering the location of the probe and 3 results not considering it (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: It is thought to be appropriate to use the diagnostic criteria considering the location of the proximal probe for the more accurate diagnosis of LPRD.

Two cases of Cushing's syndrome diagnosed by IPSS with normal or low plasma ACTH / 대한내과학회지

Cushing's syndrome results from prolonged exposure to high levels of glucocorticoid hormones. ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome accounts for about 85% of endogenous causes. Autonomous pituitary ACTH secretion, called Cushing's disease, is responsible for 80% of these causes, whereas ectopic ACTH secretion is responsible for 20% of them. Appropriate therapy of patients with Cushing's syndrome depends on accurate diagnosis and classification of the disorder. In addition to the history and clinical evaluation, the laboratory evaluation of a patient with Cushingoid appearance is necessary to establish the diagnosis and determine the cause of hypercortisolism. A major problem in the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome is distinguishing Cushing's disease from the ectopic ACTH syndrome. Both entities can have similar clinical and laboratory features. In addition, both pituitary microadenoma and ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors may be radiologically occult. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus and peripheral vein catheterization with simultaneous collection of samples for measurement of ACTH is one of the most specific tests available to localize the source of ACTH production. We report two cases of Cushing's syndrome diagnosed by inferior petrosal sinus sampling associated with normal or low ACTH levels on routine basal hormone assay.

Esophageal acid clearance in patients with ineffective esophageal motility / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Failed or hypotensive peristalsis, two of the diagnostic criteria for NEMD, correlates with impaired anterograde propulsion and retrograde escape of esophageal contents. The aim of this study was to evaluate esophageal acid clearance (EAC) in patients with ineffective esophageal motility (IEM). METHODS: Of 252 patients performing esophageal manometry and ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring, 51 patients with normal motility and acid reflux and 40 patients with IEM and acid reflux were included. RESULTS: The amplitude of peristaltic waves in the proximal and distal esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter pressure was lower significantly in patients with IEM than those with normal motility. Percentage of time of pH<4 in total, upright, and supine period and number of reflux episodes was not different in both. Supine EAC was significantly increased in patients with IEM when compared to those with normal motility. Upright EAC was not different in both. CONCLUSION: We concluded supine EAC is increased in patients with IEM. Since IEM is frequently associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more intensive therapy must be needed. We propose IEM can be as a specific entity of primary esophageal motility disorder, especially in patients with GERD.

A Case of Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Behcet's Disease / 대한혈액학회지

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a hematologic disorder characterized by peripheral cytopenia and histologic feature of hematologic dysplasia. MDS has rarely been reported in association with Behcet's disease. We describe a patient with MDS associated Behcet's disease and a review of the literature.

Importances of the Endoscope Cleaning and Disinfecion Techniques in the Prevention of Endoscopic Transmission of Helicobacter pylori / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: H. pylori has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and gastric cancer. The mode of H. pylori spread among individuals still largely unknown, but three possibilities such as fecal-oral, oral-oral, and gastro-oral transmission were reported. We were not exclusive possibility of H. pylori infection via endoscopic equipmemt, because endoscope was inserted directly into the gastrointestinal tract. METHODS: Fifty eight patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, who had visited Pusan National University Hospital from February 1999 to May 1999 were examined endoscopically and two biopsies were taken in each antrum and fundus for rapid urease test. After endoscopy, we collected the washing fluid from the surface and channel of the endoscope before and after cleaning and disinfection. Then we examined H. pylori contamination by H. pylori DNA PCR. RESULTS: The numbers of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer with duodenal ulcer, and gastric cancer were 15, 20, 18, 3, and 2, respectively. The positive rates were 84.5% (49/58) with CLO test, 58.6% (34/58) with H. pylori DNA PCR of the washing fluid of the endoscope surface and channel. In patients with CLO test positive, the positive rates of H. pylori DNA PCR is 44.9% (22/49) in endoscope channel, 24.5% (12/49) in surface before disinfection, but H. pylori DNA was not detected in any cases after washing and disinfection recommended by The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that endoscopes were frequently contaminated by H. pylori during procedures performed on H. pylori-positive patients and were a potential source of nosocomial spread of the infection. However, this study also shows that the risk of endoscopic transmission of H. pylori infection could be minimized when appropriate cleaning and disinfection techniques were used.

A Case of Penetrating Gastric Ulcer Mimicking Hypervascular Tumor / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Peptic ulcer which extend beyond the serosa of the bowel wall may not perforate freely into the peritoneal cavity but instead penetrate adjacent structures (confined perforation). It has been reported that the frequency of penetration of peptic ulcer has been estimated around 20 percent in patients undergoing laparotomy for peptic ulcers. A 46-year- old male was admitted with chief complaint of hematemesis. Endoscopic examination revealed submucosal tumor like lesion with central ulcer and active bleeding which was located at the upper body, posterior wall of the stomach. Angiography demonstrated hypervascular tumor like lesion supplied by left gastric artery and short gastric branches of splenic artery. Postoperative biopsies showed inflammatory cell infiltration at the typical ulcer base and no evidence of malignancy. There was loss of acinus structure and fibrous adhesion with omentum at the pancreas. We report a case of gastric ulcer penetrating into pancreas, spleen with hypervascular nature with brief review of literatures.

Clinical Significance of Growth Hormone, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in Patients With Posthepatitic Liver Cirrhosis / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although an Insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and an Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3) have been reported to be valuable indices of nutritional state in cirrhotic patients, there is still a dispute. The controversy may be caused by the fact that most studies included heterogeneous groups of patients such as alcoholic and posthepatitic cirrhosis. The aim of this study was two fold: to evaluate whether the Growth hormone(GH), IGF-1, and the IGFBP-3 are significant or not as valuable indices of hepatic function as well as the nutritional state in hepatitis B or C associated cirrhotic patients. METHODS: This study consisted of 36 patients with liver cirrhosis associated with hepatitis B or C. Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were excluded. The serum GH, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 were measured while patients were fasting. The variables of liver function and nutritional state included Child-Pugh score, serum bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, triceps skinfold thickness(TSF), and midarm muscle circumference (MAMC). The correlation between the variables of liver function or nutritional state and the serum GH, IGF-1, or IGFBP-3 was evaluated. RESULTS: The IGF-1 correlated very well with IGFBP-3 (p<0.001). Both the IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 correlated inversely with Child-Pugh score (p<0.01, P<0.001 respectively). IGFBP-3 correlated very well with the serum bilirubin level as well as the albumin level (p<0.001). Neither the IGF-1 nor IGFBP-3 showed any correlation with TSF or MAMC. CONCLUSIONS: Both IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were clinically significant as indices of hepatic function in the patients with hepatitic B or C associated cirrhosis but neither of them were significant as indices of nutritional state.

Alternation of mucin structure and lectin binding in the mucosa of ulcerative colitis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: In the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, a defective mucosal barrier to luminal antigens is currently under consideration, and alterations in mucin structure and lectin binding may play an important role in the defect of mucosal barrier. It is also, suggested that the differences in clinical manifestation and complication of ulcerative colitis are associated with the change in glycosylation of colonic mucus glycoconjugates. This study was performed in order to investigate the histochemical properties of the mucin in korean ulcerative colitis. METHODS: The histochemical staining (HID-AB, mild PAS, PBT-KOH-PAS) and the binding of lectin (PNA, DBA, UEA-1, RCA-1, WGA, with avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method) to mucin glycoconjugates were analyzed in paraffin-embedded tissue sections obtained from 14 normal colons and 20 ulcerative colitis. RESULTS: In the ulcerative colitis, number of goblet cell and amount of mucin were decreased, but the expression of its sulphomucin was consistently predominant and strong like normal colon. The expression of N-acetylated sialomucin was more common in the ulcerative colitis(80%) than normal colon(50%) and its grading mildly increased in ulcerative colitis. The expression of O-acetylated sialomucin was present in all cases of normal colon and its staining grade decreased in the ulcerative colitis. Compared to normal colonic mucosa, ulcerative colitis showed the increase in PNA and DBA binding in the supranuclear cytoplasm, the decrease in DBA and RCA-1 binding in the goblet cells, and no change in UEA-1 and WGA binding in both. In the ulcerative colitis, the increase in PNA and DBA binding was mild in the supranuclear cytoplasm and the expression of DBA and RCA-1 binding in goblet cells variably decreased. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the changes in the mucosal glycoconjugates between the ulcerative colitis and normal colon. The mucinous glycoconjugate expression of korean ulcerative colitis are different from that of western patients. There may be a genetic, racial variation in the glycoconjugate, which may also play a part in the differences in pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and complication of ulcerative colitis.