ABSTRACT
Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is the most common type of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Endoscopic findings are nonspecific and variable; therefore, differentiation of this malignancy from early gastric cancer is challenging during endoscopy. Although an endoscopic biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, a biopsy may not conclusively establish the diagnosis in all cases. Diagnostic confirmation requires interpretation of the biopsy specimen findings by an experienced histopathologist, and an additional immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) rearrangement test may aid with accurate diagnosis. We present a case of gastric MALT lymphoma that histopathologically mimicked signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) on evaluation of repeat endoscopic biopsies. Following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), we confirmed the final diagnosis of gastric MALT lymphoma based on histopathological findings of prominent lymphoid infiltrates accompanied by lymphoepithelial lesions and results of the monoclonal IgH rearrangement test. Notably, a few carcinoma-like signet ring cells (SRCs) in the specimen were attributed to a reactive change. Clinicians should be mindful of possible SRCs in gastric MALT lymphoma specimens to avoid misdiagnosis of SRCC in patients with gastric MALT lymphoma. Confirmatory ESD may be useful for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of such lesions.
ABSTRACT
Foreign body ingestion is commonly seen in children. However, occasionally it may also be seen among adults and is often associated with intellectual disability, psychiatric disorders, and alcoholism. Ingestion of a magnetic foreign body may cause complications such as gastrointestinal tract perforation, wherein emergency endoscopic removal of the foreign body is generally required. Here, we report a rare case of a 59-year-old male with an intellectual disability and psychiatric disorder in whom metallic objects in the stomach cavity were accidentally discovered during abdominal CT. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed several metallic objects attached to two magnets, which had been ingested several years before and had remained in the stomach cavity. The magnets and metallic objects were safely removed endoscopically using rat-tooth forceps without complications.
ABSTRACT
The fundic gland type (GA-FG) of gastric adenocarcinoma is a rare variant of gastric cancer recently included in the 5th edition of the World Health Organization’s classification of digestive system tumors. Five patients with GA-FG underwent an endoscopic resection at our institution. None of the patients had a Helicobacter pylori infection. Four lesions were located in the upper third of the stomach, and one was in the lower third. Three lesions had a IIa shape, while two resembled a subepithelial tumor. An endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed in four patients and endoscopic mucosal resection in one. Tumor cells were composed of well-differentiated columnar cells mimicking fundic gland cells, and the median tumor size was 10 mm. Three lesions exhibited submucosal invasion. No lymphatic or venous invasion was observed. Tumor cells were positive for MUC6 in all five cases; one case was focally positive for MUC5AC. No recurrence was observed during a median follow-up period of 13 months. An endoscopic resection can be a safe treatment modality for GA-FG, considering its small size and low risk of recurrence or metastasis. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2023;81:259-264)
ABSTRACT
Esophageal subepithelial tumors (SETs) are commonly encountered during screening endoscopy, and leiomyomas are the most common SET of the esophagus. Almost all patients with esophageal leiomyomas are asymptomatic; however, some present with dysphagia, depending on the size of the tumor and the extent to which it encroaches on the lumen. The typical endosonographic features of esophageal leiomyomas include well-demarcated, homogeneously hypoechoic lesions with echogenicity similar to that of the surrounding proper muscle layer, but without cystic changes. Histopathologically, esophageal leiomyomas do not undergo cystic or myxoid degeneration. This report presents a case involving a 65-year-old man with a symptomatic esophageal SET and endosonographic features indicative of malignant neoplasms, who was diagnosed with esophageal leiomyoma with cystic and myxoid degeneration following surgical resection.
ABSTRACT
Gastric subepithelial lesions (SELs) are often detected incidentally during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Although most SELs are benign, endoscopic differentiation between malignant and benign lesions is important. Endoscopy is useful to determine the location, color, consistency, mobility, surface characteristics, and approximate size of gastric SELs. EUS can distinguish between intraluminal lesions and extraluminal compression and confirm the exact size, layer of origin, echogenicity, and homogeneity of SELs. Accurate understanding of the endoscopic and EUS features of gastric SELs is useful to effectively design an appropriate management plan and thereby minimize the rate of unnecessary surveillance or overtreatment.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have a poor prognosis and there are no effective clinical biomarkers. Recently, stable microRNAs detected in the blood have been suggested as potential biomarkers in various cancers. Therefore, we investigated whether plasma microRNAs could be feasible biomarkers for ESCC. @*Methods@#Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 16 healthy volunteers and 66 ESCC patients before treatment between May 2016 and April 2021. Plasma miR-18b, miR-21, miR-31, and miR-375 expression levels were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. @*Results@#Compared with those in healthy controls, the expression levels of plasma miR-21 were significantly higher (P = 0.022) and those of plasma miR-31 and miR-375 were significantly lower in ESCC patients (both P < 0.001). Plasma miR-18b expression levels increased in ESCC patients, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.164). The sensitivities and specificities of miR-21, miR-31, and miR-375 for differentiating ESCC patients from healthy controls were 87.5% and 61.9%, 87.5% and 98.4%, and 87.5% and 100%, respectively. There was no difference in expression levels of plasma miR-21, miR-31, and miR-375 according to clinicopathological characteristics of sex, age, tumor size and location, histologic grade, and tumor-node-metastasis stage. @*Conclusion@#Our study demonstrated that plasma miR-21, miR-31, and miR-375 could be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of ESCC. Particularly, plasma miR-31 and miR-375 showed high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating ESCC patients from healthy controls.
ABSTRACT
Anisakiasis is a fish-borne zoonotic disease caused in humans by the ingestion of raw or undercooked seafood infected by anisakid larvae. Anisakiasis usually causes abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. However, other symptoms, including dysphagia, heartburn, and chest pain, are rare. A 55-year-old woman presented to the emergency department for the evaluation of sudden-onset chest pain. The findings of the cardiology work-up were all normal. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a nematode at the esophagogastric junction, which was successfully removed. The chest pain immediately subsided thereafter. Herein, we report a rare case of anisakiasis at the esophagogastric junction, which caused chest pain mimicking angina pectoris and was treated with endoscopic removal.
ABSTRACT
Background/Aims@#Unlike other gastrointestinal tract cancers, there are relatively few reports on the clinical significance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and TWIST, a marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of TWIST expression in CTCs in patients with ESCC. @*Methods@#Peripheral blood samples for CTC analyses were prospectively obtained from 52 patients with ESCC prior to treatment between September 2017 and September 2019. CTCs were detected using a centrifugal microfluidic system based on a fluid-assisted separation technique, and CTCs positive for TWIST on immunostaining were defined as TWIST (+) CTCs. @*Results@#Of the 52 patients with ESCC, CTCs and TWIST (+) CTCs were detected in 44 patients (84.6%) and 39 patients (75.0%), respectively. The CTC and TWIST (+) CTC counts were significantly higher in patients aged >65 years and those who had a large tumor (>3 cm) thanin those aged ≤65 years and those who had a small tumor (≤3 cm), respectively. There were nodifferences in CTC and TWIST (+) CTC counts according to tumor location, histologic grade, or TNM stage. TWIST (+) CTCs were significantly associated with histologic grade; a proportion of TWIST (+) CTCs ≥0.5 was significantly associated with advanced histologic grade. Other clini-copathologic characteristics such as sex, age, tumor location, tumor size, and TNM stages were not significantly associated with TWIST (+) CTCs. @*Conclusions@#Our study showed that TWIST (+) CTCs were frequently detected in patients with ESCC, and a high proportion of TWIST (+) CTCs was associated with poor differentiation
ABSTRACT
Gastric mesenchymal tumors (GMTs) are incidentally discovered in national gastric screening programs in Korea. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the most useful diagnostic modality for evaluating GMTs. The differentiation of gastrointestinal stromal tumors from benign mesenchymal tumors, such as schwannomas or leiomyomas, is important to ensure appropriate clinical management. However, this is difficult and operator dependent because of the subjective interpretation of EUS images. Digital image analysis computes the distribution and spatial variation of pixels using texture analysis to extract useful data, enabling the objective analysis of EUS images and decreasing interobserver and intraobserver agreement in EUS image interpretation. This review aimed to summarize the usefulness and future of digital EUS image analysis for GMTs based on published reports and our experience.
ABSTRACT
Anisakiasis is a fish-borne zoonotic disease caused in humans by the ingestion of raw or undercooked seafood infected by anisakid larvae. Anisakiasis usually causes abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. However, other symptoms, including dysphagia, heartburn, and chest pain, are rare. A 55-year-old woman presented to the emergency department for the evaluation of sudden-onset chest pain. The findings of the cardiology work-up were all normal. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a nematode at the esophagogastric junction, which was successfully removed. The chest pain immediately subsided thereafter. Herein, we report a rare case of anisakiasis at the esophagogastric junction, which caused chest pain mimicking angina pectoris and was treated with endoscopic removal.
ABSTRACT
Background/Aims@#Unlike other gastrointestinal tract cancers, there are relatively few reports on the clinical significance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and TWIST, a marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of TWIST expression in CTCs in patients with ESCC. @*Methods@#Peripheral blood samples for CTC analyses were prospectively obtained from 52 patients with ESCC prior to treatment between September 2017 and September 2019. CTCs were detected using a centrifugal microfluidic system based on a fluid-assisted separation technique, and CTCs positive for TWIST on immunostaining were defined as TWIST (+) CTCs. @*Results@#Of the 52 patients with ESCC, CTCs and TWIST (+) CTCs were detected in 44 patients (84.6%) and 39 patients (75.0%), respectively. The CTC and TWIST (+) CTC counts were significantly higher in patients aged >65 years and those who had a large tumor (>3 cm) thanin those aged ≤65 years and those who had a small tumor (≤3 cm), respectively. There were nodifferences in CTC and TWIST (+) CTC counts according to tumor location, histologic grade, or TNM stage. TWIST (+) CTCs were significantly associated with histologic grade; a proportion of TWIST (+) CTCs ≥0.5 was significantly associated with advanced histologic grade. Other clini-copathologic characteristics such as sex, age, tumor location, tumor size, and TNM stages were not significantly associated with TWIST (+) CTCs. @*Conclusions@#Our study showed that TWIST (+) CTCs were frequently detected in patients with ESCC, and a high proportion of TWIST (+) CTCs was associated with poor differentiation
ABSTRACT
Gastric mesenchymal tumors (GMTs) are incidentally discovered in national gastric screening programs in Korea. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the most useful diagnostic modality for evaluating GMTs. The differentiation of gastrointestinal stromal tumors from benign mesenchymal tumors, such as schwannomas or leiomyomas, is important to ensure appropriate clinical management. However, this is difficult and operator dependent because of the subjective interpretation of EUS images. Digital image analysis computes the distribution and spatial variation of pixels using texture analysis to extract useful data, enabling the objective analysis of EUS images and decreasing interobserver and intraobserver agreement in EUS image interpretation. This review aimed to summarize the usefulness and future of digital EUS image analysis for GMTs based on published reports and our experience.
ABSTRACT
Background/Aims@#The prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis is increasing in Korea and there are few single-center studies regarding eosinophilic esophagitis in Korea. In particular, data about management for eosinophilic esophagitis are lacking. We aim to evaluate the practice patterns, including initial treatment and response, in the Busan city and Gyeongnam province area. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed medical records to gain data on patient characteristics, medication, endoscopic images, and esophageal biopsy results. From January 2009 to December 2019, a total of 42 patients were diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis. @*Results@#The mean age was 50.7 (from 22 to 81) years and the cohort was predominantly male (78.6%, 33/42). The proton pump inhibitor was the preferred treatment as an initial trial for 64.3% (27/42) of patients, followed by swallowed topical steroids (16.7%, 7/42).Clinical improvement after proton pump inhibitor therapy was achieved in 88.9% (24/27) of patients. Two patients who did not achieve improvement showed a clinical and endoscopic response after swallowed topical steroids treatment. No patient received diet elimination or balloon dilatation therapy. @*Conclusions@#The treatment response of eosinophilic esophagitis was good in Busan city and Gyeongnam province area in Korea. Proton pump inhibitor therapy was the preferred and most effective treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis as the initial therapy.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#While the incidence of Barrett’s neoplasia has been increasing in Western countries, the disease remains rare in Asian countries. Therefore, very few studies have investigated the endoscopic treatment for Barrett’s neoplasia in Korea. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) enables en bloc and complete resection of gastrointestinal neoplastic lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of ESD for Barrett’s neoplasia in a single center in Korea and to examine the predictive factors for incomplete resection. @*Materials and Methods@#We conducted a retrospective observational study of 18 patients who underwent ESD for superficial Barrett’s neoplasia (dysplasia and early cancer) between January 2010 and December 2019 at Pusan National University Hospital. The therapeutic outcomes of ESD and procedure-related complications were analyzed. @*Results@#En bloc resection, complete resection, and curative resection were performed in 94%, 72%, and 61% of patients, respectively. Histopathology (submucosal or deeper invasion of the tumor) was a significant predictive factor for incomplete resection (P=0.047). Procedure-related bleeding and stenosis were not observed, whereas perforation occurred in one case. During the median follow-up period of 12 months (range, 6–74 months), local recurrence occurred in 2 patients with incomplete resection, one patient underwent repeat ESD, and the other patient received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The 3-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 73% and 93%, respectively. @*Conclusions@#ESD seems to be an effective and safe treatment for superficial Barrett’s neoplasia in Korea. Nevertheless, the suitability of ESD for Barrett’s cancer cases should be determined considering the high risk of deep submucosal invasion.
ABSTRACT
Glomus tumor is a benign tumor derived from the vascular wall of the arteriovenous anastomosis complex. Glomus tumors in the gastrointestinal tract are rare, especially those in the duodenum. Most gastrointestinal glomus tumors are found incidentally on endoscopy during routine health checkup and sometimes because of bleeding. We experienced a case of duodenal glomus tumor diagnosed after surgical resection of an incidental subepithelial tumor in the duodenum. Herein, we report the characteristic endoscopic ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced CT, and histopathological findings of duodenal glomus tumor.
ABSTRACT
Glomus tumor is a benign tumor derived from the vascular wall of the arteriovenous anastomosis complex. Glomus tumors in the gastrointestinal tract are rare, especially those in the duodenum. Most gastrointestinal glomus tumors are found incidentally on endoscopy during routine health checkup and sometimes because of bleeding. We experienced a case of duodenal glomus tumor diagnosed after surgical resection of an incidental subepithelial tumor in the duodenum. Herein, we report the characteristic endoscopic ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced CT, and histopathological findings of duodenal glomus tumor.
ABSTRACT
Intussusception is a medical condition, in which a proximal part of the intestine folds into the distal intestine. Adult intussusceptions are rare and account for approximately 5% of all cases of intussusceptions. The anatomical leading points include tumors, diverticulums, polyps, and strictures in 80-90% of adult intussusceptions, and 65% of colon intussusceptions and 30% of small bowel intussusceptions originate from malignant tumors. Treatments for adult intussusception have not been established, but most cases require surgical treatment. The gastrointestinal tract is the most common extranodal site for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The symptoms are mostly non-specific, but they rarely lead to complications, such as bleeding, perforation, and intussusception. Furthermore, few cases of primary gastrointestinal lymphomas causing intussusception have been reported. This paper reports a case of small bowel diffuse large B cell lymphoma that caused ileocolic intussusception in a 69-year-old woman with no medical history. She underwent a small bowel resection and received six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. Since then, she has been in complete remission.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant , Colon , Constriction, Pathologic , Cyclophosphamide , Diverticulum , Doxorubicin , Gastrointestinal Tract , Hemorrhage , Intestines , Intussusception , Lymphoma , Lymphoma, B-Cell , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin , Polyps , Prednisone , Rituximab , VincristineABSTRACT
Background@#/Aim: Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS) has been widely used for the diagnosis and treatment. PTCS-related complications (hemobilia, cholangitis, biliary tract perforations) are not infrequent. However, data on the risk factors for PTCS-related complications are limited. Therefore, we aimed to identify the risk factors for PTCS-related complications. @*Methods@#Two hundred thirty-three patients who underwent PTCS at a single tertiary center between January 2006 and October 2014 were enrolled. After retrospectively analyzing the patients’ medical records, 212 patients were enrolled and classified into two groups: 1) a complication group and 2) a non-complication group. @*Results@#The study population comprised 112 men and 100 women, with a median age of 64.5 years. Of the 212 patients, 32 (15.1%) developed complications: 14 (6.7%) developed cholangitis, six (2.8%) developed bile duct injury, and two (0.9%) developed hemobilia. In the univariate analyses, older age, a small number of tract dilatation sessions, and computed tomography (CT) findings of liver cirrhosis and a non-dilated intrahepatic duct were risk factors for PTCS-related complications. In the multivariate analysis, older age, a small number of tract dilatation sessions, and the CT finding of a non-dilated intrahepatic duct were independent factors for predicting PTCS-related complications. Serial tract dilatations (≥2 sessions) were performed in 95 patients (44.8%), but this did not affect the complication rate. In this subgroup of patients, a short interval between sessions (≤3 days) was associated with PTCSrelated complications. @*Conclusions@#Elderly patients and those with non-dilated intrahepatic ducts on CT need to be managed carefully. Stepwise tract dilatations and a long interval between sessions (>3 days) can help decrease PTCS-related complications.
ABSTRACT
Early detection and accurate monitoring of cancer is important for improving clinical outcomes. Endoscopic biopsy and/or surgical resection specimens are the gold standard for diagnosing gastric cancer and are also useful for selecting therapeutic strategies based on the analysis of genomic/immune parameters. However, these approaches cannot be easily performed because of their invasiveness and because these specimens do not always reflect tumor dynamics and drug sensitivities during therapeutic processes, especially chemotherapy. Accordingly, many researchers have tried to develop noninvasive novel biomarkers that can monitor real-time tumor dynamics for early diagnosis, prognostic evaluation, and prediction of recurrence and therapeutic efficacy. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are metastatic cells that are released from the primary tumors into the blood stream and comprise a crucial step in hematogenous metastasis. CTCs, as a liquid biopsy, have received a considerable amount of attention from researchers since they are easily accessible in peripheral blood, avoiding the invasiveness associated with traditional biopsy techniques; they can also be used to derive clinical information for monitoring disease status. In this review, with respect to CTCs, we summarize the metastatic cascade, detection methods, clinical applications, and prospects for patients with gastric cancer.
Subject(s)
Humans , Biomarkers , Biopsy , Drug Therapy , Early Diagnosis , Neoplasm Metastasis , Neoplastic Cells, Circulating , Recurrence , Rivers , Stomach NeoplasmsABSTRACT
Ganglioneuroma is a rare benign tumor originating from the neural crest cells. It occurs most commonly in the retroperitoneum and posterior mediastinum and is often found in the neck or pelvis. It may be detected incidentally or detected by pressure effects on the adjacent structures due to its slow growth. However, some functional tumors may secrete catecholamines and present with some clinical symptoms. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. We describe here a case of a retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma which was removed completely by surgery. We review the literature and discuss the clinical features of a ganglioneuroma.