Esofagitis por píldoras / Pill-induced esophageal injury

Si bien no se encuentra entre las principales causas de disfagia u odinofagia, la lesión de la mucosa del esófago a causa de la medicación administrada como píldoras debe ser tenida en cuenta, en particular en algún grupo etario con patologías crónicas. Presentamos el caso de una mujer con dolor retroesternal de confuso diagnóstico y buena evolución con tratamiento conservador. El mecanismo preciso por el cual se producen las lesiones no está bien claro. La videoendoscopia digestiva alta es la herramienta clave para observar las lesiones producidas y realizar diagnóstico diferencial; además puede resolver algunas complicaciones. En la mayoría de los casos, el tratamiento es médico. Esta situación debe tenerse presente para realizar un correcto interrogatorio y examen endoscópico.

Dysphagia and odynophagia should be considered as symptoms of pill-induced esophageal injury, particularly in age groups with chronic diseases. We report a case of a female patient with retrosternal chest pain of unclear diagnosis and favorable outcome with conservative treatment. The precise mechanism of esophageal injury remains uncertain. Upper gastrointestinal videoendoscopy is the essential tool to examine the lesions, make differential diagnosis and treat some complications. Medical treatment is useful in most cases. This condition should be kept in mind for proper interrogation and endoscopic examination.

A case of portal hypertension by presumed as plexiform neurofibroma at the hepatic hilum

Neurofibromas can occur anywhere in the body, but they usually involve the head, neck, pelvis, and extremities. Abdominal visceral involvement is rare, and intrahepatic involvement is even less common. We describe a patient who suffered from plexiform neurofibromatosis with liver involvement. A 49-year-old man, who had previously been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and abdominal ultrasonography for screening purposes. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed grade 2 esophageal varices and abdominal ultrasonography showed conglomerated nodules with echogenic appearances in the perihepatic space. Magnetic resonance imaging showed presumed plexiform neurofibroma involving the lesser sac and hepatic hilum and encasing the common hepatic artery celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery left portal triad. We report an unusual case of portal hypertension attributed to the compressive narrowing of the portal vein by presumed as plexiform neurofibroma at the lesser sac and hepatic hilum.

Diagnóstico no invasivo de la presencia de várices esofágicas en pacientes cirróticos / [Noninvasive diagnosis of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients].

INTRODUCTION: Variceal bleeding is a frequent and serious complication of cirrhosis. Early detection of varices by videogastroscope (VGC) is recommended in all patients with cirrhosis to determine the need for prophylactic treatment. Have been described noninvasive markers of the presence of esophageal varices, which could prevent the realization of VGC for that purpose. OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare noninvasive (longitudinal diameter of spleen, platelet count, platelet reason / spleen) as predictors of the presence of esophageal varices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 125 patients with cirrhosis from any cause. They had VGC, blood count and abdominal ultrasonography. The diagnostic accuracy for determining the presence of esophageal varices or large varices according to the different variables was studied using the area under the ROC curve (AUROC). RESULTS: The prevalence of esophageal varices was 63.2

were diagnosed with large varices. The reason platelets/spleen and platelet count showed an AUROC of 0.74 for the detection of esophageal varices. The cut-off for the ratio platelets / spleen was 1.010 (sensitivity 72.15

) for the presence of varices and 870 for the presence of clinically significant varices (sensitivity 62.26

). The analysis according to these breakpoints showed that 23.6

of patients with scores higher than 1,010 had large varices and 45

of patients with values lower than 870 had not large varices. CONCLUSIONS: Although the reason platelets/spleen showed an AUROC acceptable, its implementation would entail a risk of not diagnosing large varices in almost a quarter of the population studied.

A case of obstructive jaundice caused by tuberculous lymphadenitis: A literature review

Obstructive jaundice caused by tuberculous lymphadenitis is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis (TB), with 15 cases having been reported in Korea. We experienced a case of obstructive jaundice caused by pericholedochal tuberculous lymphadenitis in a 30-year-old man. The patient's initial serum total bilirubin level was 21.1 mg/dL. Abdominal computed tomography revealed narrowing of the bile duct by a conglomerated soft-tissue mass involving the main portal vein. Abrupt obstruction of the common bile duct was observed on cholangiography. Pathologic analysis of a ultrasonography-guided biopsy sample revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation, and an endoscopic examination revealed esophageal varices and active duodenal ulceration, the pathology of which was chronic noncaseating granulomatous inflammation. Hepaticojejunostomy was performed and pathologic analysis of the conglomerated soft-tissue mass revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with caseation of the lymph nodes. Tuberculous lymphadenitis should be considered in patients presenting with obstructive jaundice in an endemic area.

The comparison of esophageal variceal ligation plus propranolol versus propranolol alone for the primary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the efficacy and longterm outcome of esophageal variceal ligation (EVL) plus propranolol in comparison with propranolol alone for the primary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding. METHODS: A total of 504 patients were retrospectively enrolled in this study. 330 patients were in propranolol group (Gr1) and 174 patients were in EVL plus propranolol group (Gr2). The endpoints of this study were esophageal variceal bleeding and mortality. Association analyses were performed to evaluate bleeding and mortality between Gr1 and Gr2. RESULTS: EVL was more applied in patients with high risk, such as large-sized varices (F2 or F3) or positive red color signs. Total 38 patients had bleeds, 32 in Gr1 and 6 in Gr2. The cumulative probability of bleeding at 120 months was 13% in Gr1 versus 4% in Gr2 (P=0.04). The predictive factors of variceal bleeding were red color signs (OR 2.962, P=0.007) and the method of propranolol plus EVL (OR 0.160, P=0.000). 20 patients died in Gr1 and 12 in Gr2. Mortality rates are similar in the two groups compared, 6.7% in Gr1 and 6.9% in Gr2. The cumulative probability of mortality at 120 months was not significantly different in the two groups (7% in Gr1, 12% in Gr2, P=0.798). The prognostic factors for mortality were age over 50 (OR 5.496, P=0.002), Child-Pugh class B (OR 3.979, P=0.001), and Child-Pugh class C (OR 10.861, P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: EVL plus propranolol is more effective than propranolol alone in the prevention of the first variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis.

The diameter of the originating vein determines esophageal and gastric fundic varices in portal hypertension secondary to posthepatitic cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether and how the diameter of the vein that gives rise to the inflowing vein of the esophageal and gastric fundic varices secondary to posthepatitic cirrhosis, as measured with multidetector-row computed tomography, could predict the varices and their patterns. METHODS: A total of 106 patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis underwent multidetector-row computed tomography. Patients with and without esophageal and gastric fundic varices were enrolled in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Group 1 was composed of Subgroup A, consisting of patients with varices, and Subgroup B consisted of patients with varices in combination with portal vein-inferior vena cava shunts. The diameters of the originating veins of veins entering the varices were reviewed and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The originating veins were the portal vein in 8% (6/75) of patients, the splenic vein in 65.3% (49/75) of patients, and both the portal and splenic veins in 26.7% (20/75) of patients. The splenic vein diameter in Group 1 was larger than that in Group 2, whereas no differences in portal vein diameters were found between groups. In Group 1, the splenic vein diameter in Subgroup A was larger than that in Subgroup B. A cut-off splenic vein diameter of 8.5 mm achieved a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 58.1% for predicting the varices. For discrimination of the varices in combination with and without portal vein-inferior vena cava shunts, a cut-off diameter of 9.5 mm achieved a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 60.0%. CONCLUSION: The diameter of the splenic vein can be used to predict esophageal and gastric fundic varices and their patterns.

Helicobacter pylori: efectividad del tratamiento secuencial vs tratamiento convencional / Helicobacter pylori: effectiveness of conventional treatment versus sequential treatment

Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter p.) es una bacteria que se aloja a nivel de la mucosa gástrica la cual presenta una prevalencia variable y está asociada al desarrollo de úlceras pépticas, linfomas y cáncer gástrico. Aproximadamente el 40% de los individuos en países desarrollados están afectados y hasta un 85%, en los países subdesarrollados, por ello, se asocia con un bajo nivel socioeconómico. Recientemente se ha propuesto el uso de una terapia secuencial con el objetivo de erradicar la infección por Helicobacter p. El objetivo de este estudio consiste en comparar la efectividad de ambos tratamientos en la consulta del Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital “Carlos J. Bello” en el período de febrero 2008 a octubre 2009, en un total de 83 pacientes, 77,1% de sexo femenino, y 22,9% de sexo masculino. El grupo que recibió tratamiento convencional representó el 57,83%, del total de pacientes estudiados, y el grupo que recibió tratamiento secuencial, representó el 42,17%. En cuanto a la efectividad, el tratamiento convencional fue efectivo en un 46,99%, y el secuencial en un 32,53%, dentro de su propio grupo de pacientes. La prueba X2 no representó diferencia significativa entre la efectividad de ambos tratamientos.

Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter p. ) Its a bacteria that lives in the gastric mucosa and its prevalence is variable and it is associated to the development of peptic ulcer, lymphoma, and gastric cancer. Approximately 40% of individuals in developed countries are affected and 85% in undeveloped countries in which are related to low socioeconomics level. Recently its been proposed the use of a sequential therapy to eradicate the infection by Helicobacter p. The objective of this study consist in to compare the effectiveness between both treatments (Sequential and conventional) in the consult from the Gastroenterology Service of the Carlos J. Bello Hospital in a period of time between February 2008 to October 2009 in a total of 83 patients, 77,1% feminine, 22,9% masculine. The group that received conventional treatment represented 57,83% and sequential 42,17%. In regard to the effectiveness the conventional group presented 46, 99% and sequential group 32, 53%. The X2 test it didn’t present significative difference of effectiveness between both treatments.

Hipertensión portal en niños: historia natural, evolución, tratamiento y pronóstico / Portal hypertension in children: natural history, evolution, therapy and prognosis

La Hipertensión Portal (HTP) en niños es de difícil manejo debido a múltiples etiologías y al empleo de tratamientos no estandarizados. Reportar la historia natural de la HPT en niños atendidos en la Unidad, evaluar la evolución y el impacto del tratamiento en el pronóstico. 27 pacientes evaluados desde 1999 hasta 2009. Registro de: etiología, clínica, laboratorio, Eco- Doppler clasificación endoscópica de las várices esofágicas, gástricas y fúndicas, Child-Pugh y terapéutica endoscópica. 18/27(66,66%) Cavernomatosis de la Porta, 3/27(11,11%) Cirrosis Hepática Secundaria a Hepatitis Auto-inmune, 3/27(11,11%) Fibrosis Hepática Congénita, 2/27(7,40%) Colestasis Intrahepática Familiar y 1/27(3,70%) Síndrome de Budd Chiari; promedio de edad 4,6 años +/- 4,47. Debutaron con hemorragia digestiva superior 17/27(62,96%). Varices Esofágicas grado III 13/27(48,14%) y grado IV 4/27(14,81%); Gastropatía hipertensiva severa 5/27(18,51%), Várices gastroesofágica tipo II 9/27(33,33%). Profilaxis Primaria con propanolol 9/27(33,33%) y 1/27(3,70%) ligadura endoscópica más propanolol. Profilaxis secundaria: 17/27(62,96%), con ligadura endoscópica 47,05%, Escleroterapia 35,29% y ligadura más esclerosis 17,64%. Uso de somatostatina 2/17(11,76%) y falla en el control de hemorragia post-tratamiento 1/17(5,88%). Child Pugh B 4/27(14,81%) y Child Pugh C 4/27(14,81%). Posterior al Tratamiento: erradicación de várices esofágicas con ligadura endoscópica en 50% contra 35,71% con la escleroterapia (p< 0.05), un promedio de 2 +/- 1,41 sesiones vs 3,4 +/- 1,78 respectivamente. Resangrado en 2/17(11,76%). En niños con cirrosis con Child Pugh B y C con terapéutica endoscópica compensaron la afectación hepática. Un seguimiento 5,3 años: mortalidad de 1/27(3,70%), un trasplante hepático, 2 derivación porto-cava y 3 en espera. La profilaxis primaria o secundaria indicada disminuyo el riesgo de hemorragia variceal con pocas complicaciones, y mejoró el pronóstico de los pacientes...

Portal Hypertension (PHT) in children is hard to handle with as a result of multiple etiologies and because of using non standardized treatments. Reporting the PHT’s natural history in children assisted in the Unit, assessing the evolution and impact of the treatment in the prognosis. 27 patients assessed between 1999 and 2009. The following was recorded: etiology, clinic, laboratory, Eco-Doppler, endoscopic classification of esophageal, gastric and fundic varices, Child-Pugh, and endoscopic therapy. 18/27 (66.66%), Portal Cavernomatosis; 3/27 (11.11%), Secondary Liver Cirrhosis to Autoimmune Hepatitis; 3/27 (11.11%), Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis; 2/27 (7.40%), Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis; and 1/27 (3.70%), Budd-Chiari Syndrome; average age: 4.6 ± 4.47. First time with upper digestive hemorrhage: 17/27 (62.96%). Grade III Esophageal Varices, 13/27 (48.14%); and Grade IV: 4/27 (14.81%); Severe Hypertensive Gastropathy: 5/27 (18.51%); Type-II Gastro-esophageal Varices: 9/27 (33.33%). Primary prophylaxis by Propanolol: 9/27 (33.33%); and endoscopic ligature plus Propanolol: 1/27 (3.70%). Secondary prophylaxis: 17/27 (62.96%); with endoscopic ligature: 47.05%; Sclerotherapy: 35.29%; and ligature plus sclerosis: 17.64%. Usage of somatostatin: 2/17 (11.76%); and failure in controlling post-treatment hemorrhage: 1/17 (5.88%). Child-Pugh B: 4/27 (14.81%); and Child-Pugh C: 4/27 (14.81%). Post-Treatment: eradication of esophageal varices by endoscopic ligatures in 50% vs. 35.71% with sclerotherapy (p< 0.05), a 2 ± 1.41 average of sessions vs. 3.4 ± 1.78, respectively. Rebleeding in 2/17 (11.76%). Children with cirrhosis, with Child-Pugh B and C, compensated the hepatic disturbance with endoscopic therapy. A 5.3-year follow-up: 1/27 (3.70%) morbidity; one liver transplantation; 2 portal-cava derivation, and 3 in the wait list. The prescribed primary or secondary prophylaxis diminished the risk of varicose hemorrhage with few complications...

Hemorragia digestiva superior variceal en el Hospital Central de Maracay durante los años 2004 - 2008 / Varicose upper digestive hemorrhage at Hospital Central de Maracay during 2004 - 2008

El sangrado gastrointestinal masivo por ruptura de várices esófago- gástricas, es la principal complicación de la hipertensión portal y representa una causa frecuente de muerte o transplante de hígado en pacientes con cirrosis. Determinar las características clínicas, endoscópicas, puntaje Child - Pugh y eficacia de la terapéutica de los pacientes con hemorragia digestiva superior variceal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes con hemorragia digestiva superior variceal que se hospitalizaron en la Emergencia de Adultos del Hospital Central de Maracay, del 01/01/2004 al 31/12/2008. Se analizarón las historias clínicas de 42 pacientes, de los cuales 69% eran varones. El grupo etáreo más afectado fue el de 61-70 años. El 43% de casos presento hematemesis. Las várices esofágicas grado II fueron el hallazgo endoscópico más frecuente. En el 14% de los pacientes el tratamiento fue médico y la ligadura fue el tratamiento endoscópico más utilizado. El promedio de hospitalización fue de 5 días y el promedio de transfusiones fue de 1,2 unidades por pacientes. La hematemesis fue el síntoma de presentación más frecuente, el hallazgos más encontrado fueron las várices esofágicas grado II y la endoligadura de várices fue el tratamiento mas utilizado...

Massive gastrointestinal bleeding caused by esophagealgastric varices’ rupture is the main complication of portal hypertension and represents a frequent cause of death, or liver transplantation on patients with cirrhosis. Determining the clinical and endoscopic features, the Child- Pugh score, as well as the therapy efficiency on patients with varicose upper digestive hemorrhage. The clinical records of patients with varicose upper digestive hemorrhage staying hospitalized after being checked at Hospital Central de Maracay Adult ER between January 1st 2004 and December 31st 2008. The clinical records of 42 patients were studied, of which 69% was male. The age group ranging 61-70 was the most affected. 43% of cases showed hematemesis. Grade II esophageal varices were the most frequent endoscopic finding. The treatment in 14% of patients was medical, and ligature was the most used endoscopic treatment. The average inpatient time was 5 days, and the blood transfusion average was 1.2 units per patient. Hematemesis was the most frequently present symptom, while the highest rate of finding was Grade II esophageal varices, and varice endoligature was the most used treatment...

Endoscopic abnormalities in the oesophagus after variceal sclerotherapy--a long-term follow up study.

Endoscopic sclerotherapy is a well-established treatment modality for oesophageal varices. Various local, regional and systemic complications occur after sclerotherapy. Altered endoscopic appearances of the oesophagus have been observed on follow-up of patients after sclerotherapy. 171 consecutive patients with extra-hepatic portal venous obstruction on follow up after achieving variceal eradication by sclerotherapy during the period from January 2004 to June 2005 were enrolled in this study. The oesophagus was closely observed for mucosal abnormalities and the endoscopic findings were recorded. Out of 171 patients, 95 (55.5%) patients had no specific endoscopic changes in the oesophagus. The most common finding was mucosal neovascularization which was seen in 56 (32.7%) patients. Oval or oblong depressed areas were seen in 41 (23.9%) patients. Mucosal tags and polypoidal lesions were seen in 37 (21.6%) patients. 25 (15.6%) patients had stenosis of the lower oesophagus and 3 (1.7%) patients had mucosal bridges. On multivariate analysis, these abnormal endoscopic findings in the oesophagus correlated with the total volume of sclerosant injected when compared with those patients without similar findings on endoscopy (p value < 0.001). Endoscopic sclerotherapy leads to various abnormalities at the injection sites like neovascularization, oval or oblong depressed areas, mucosal tags, polypoidal lesions, stenosis and mucosal bridges. Endoscopic abnormalities correlated with the total volume of sclerosant used. The long-term significance of these changes is not known at present and further follow-up studies will be required.

Tratamento endoscópico das varizes esofágicas utilizando alças pré-atadas confeccionadas com fio de poliamida / Endoscopic treatment of esophageal varices, using pretied loop made with polyamide thread

BACKGROUD: The elastic band ligation is the method of choice for treatment of esophageal varices. The action mechanism is a mechanical varices compression with thromboses. Based on this concept we developed a ligature method using pretied loop made with polyamide thread for the treatment of esophageal varices. OBJECTIVE: The present study describes and evaluates the feasibility of the treatment of esophageal varices by the ligature method using pretied loop made with polyamide thread and analyzes the local changes of the ligations and the results, concerning safety, efficiency and complications of this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March, 1998 and May, 2000, 58 patients with esophageal varices were treated with pretied loop, made with polyamide thread (26 patients with schistosomiasis, 11 with alcoholic cirrhosis, 9 with hepatitis C, 5 with hepatitis B, 4 of unknown etiology, 2 with hepatitis B and C, and one with Budd-Chiari syndrome/ 42 men and 16 women/ average age of 47,67 ± 13,12 years, range 16-74). A plastic tube was attached to the endoscope tip featured as an accessory working channel, allowing the pretied loop made with polyamide thread to be conducted to the esophagus facilitated by a flexible metallic tube, to perform the esophageal varices ligature. A total of 506 ligatures were done, distributed in 223 sections (average of 2,26 ± 1,08 ligature, varying from 1 to 6 per section). The sessions were perform with the interval of 15 days, until the complete eradication of the esophageal varices. The ecoendoscopy was used as a complementary method to evaluate the varices eradication RESULTS: The esophageal varices were treated successfully in all patients. The complete eradication of varices was achieved in 47 (81,03%) patients. In 37 (63,79%) patients the ligatures resulted in pseudopolyps. It was not identified systemic complications or obits. The ecoendoscopy showed thrombosis in the pseudopolyps...

RACIONAL: A ligadura com bandas elásticas tem se tornado o tratamento de escolha das varizes esofágicas, devido aos bons resultados e as menores taxas de complicações quando comparada à esclerose. Seu mecanismo de ação baseia-se na compressão mecânica do cordão varicoso com interrupção do fluxo sangüíneo e posterior trombose. Tendo como base este mecanismo de ação, desenvolveu-se um método alternativo no qual o cordão varicoso é ligado com uma alça confeccionada com fio de poliamida OBJETIVO: Avaliar a viabilidade do tratamento das varizes esofágicas por método de ligaduras com alças pré-atadas confeccionadas com fio de poliamida, analisando as alterações locais, a segurança, a eficácia e as complicações deste método de tratamento. CASUíSTICA E MÉTODOS: Entre março de 1998 e maio de 2000, 58 pacientes com varizes de esôfago foram tratados com ligaduras com alças pré-atadas, confeccionadas com fio de poliamida (26 esquistossomóticos, 11 com cirrose alcoólica, 9 com hepatite C, 5 com hepatite B, 4 de causa não esclarecida, 2 com hepatite B e C e 1 com síndrome de Budd-Chiari; 42 pacientes eram do sexo masculino e 16 do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 47,67 ± 13,12 anos). Confeccionou-se artesanalmente um canal acessório que acoplado à extremidade do endoscópio, permitia que alças pré-atadas feitas com fio de poliamida fossem conduzidas ao esôfago com auxílio de tubo metálico flexível para se proceder às ligaduras das varizes esofágicas. No total, 506 ligaduras foram realizadas, distribuídas por 223 sessões (média 2,26 ± 1,08 ligaduras por sessão). As sessões foram realizadas com intervalos de 15 dias até a completa erradicação das varizes esofágicas. A ecoendoscopia foi utilizada como método complementar para avaliar a erradicação das varizes em 10 doentes RESULTADOS: O procedimento foi realizado com sucesso em todos os pacientes. A completa erradicação das varizes foi obtida em 47 (81,03%) doentes. Em 37 (63,79%) as...

Size of gastroesophageal varices: its behavior after the surgical treatment of portal hypertension

The size of gastroesophageal varices is one of the most important factors leading to hemorrhage related to portal hypertension. An endoscopic evaluation of the size of gastroesophageal varices before and after different operations for portal hypertension was performed in 73 patients with schistosomiasis, as part of a randomized trial: proximal splenorenal shunt (PSS n=24), distal splenorenal shunt (DSS n=24), and esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy (EGDS n=25). The endoscopic evaluation was performed before and up to 10 years after the operations. Variceal size was graded according to Palmer's classification: grade 1 3/4 up to 3 mm, grade 2 3/4 from 3 to 6 mm, grade 3 3/4 greater than 6 mm, and were analyzed in four anatomical locations: inferior, middle or superior third of the esophagus, and proximal stomach. The total number of points in the pre-operative grading minus the number of points in the post-operative grading gave a differential grading, allowing statistical comparison among the surgical groups. Good results, in terms of disappearance or decrease of variceal size, were observed more frequently after PSS than after DSS or EGDS - 95.8 percent, 83.3 percent, and 72 percent, respectively. When differential grading was analyzed, a statistically significant difference was observed between PSS and EGDS, but not between proximal and distal splenorenal shunts. In conclusion, shunt surgeries were more efficient than devascularization in diminishing variceal size.

Distal splenorenal shunt. reassessment of rationale from Egyptian perspective

Selective distal splenorenal shunt [DSRS] occupied an important role in the management of bleeding esophageal varices. This role, however, has been challenged by the introduction of new therapies over the past two decades. This encouraged us to reassess our experience with DSRS in order to evaluate its role in the management of portal hypertension at the present time. The results presented in this paper as well as the reported results of the new modalities support the important role of DSRS in the management of variceal bleeding in appropriately selected Egyptian patients