Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcome of Colonic Diverticulitis in Young Patients / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The clinical course and the most appropriate management of colonic diverticulitis in young patients are currently unresolved. This retrospective study was designed to compare young patients (40 years) regarding clinical characteristics of acute colonic diverticulitis and to determine whether differences exist in treatment outcome. METHODS: Three-hundred sixty eight patients presenting with acute colonic diverticulitis from March 2001 through April 2011 at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The differences in clinical characteristics, treatment modality and recurrence between each group were analyzed. RESULTS: Two-hundred and six patients were aged 40 years or younger and 162 patients were older than 40 years. The older group was diagnosed more frequently with severe diverticulitis. Surgical treatment was significantly more frequent in the older group than in the younger group (15.4% vs. 4.4%, p<0.001). No significant difference was found in treatment modality between the two groups in patients with recurrence. The difference in recurrence between groups was not statistically significant. In multivariate analysis, left colonic diverticulitis was significantly associated with severe diverticulitis (OR, 14.651; 95% CI, 4.829-44.457) and emergency surgery (OR, 13.745; 95% CI, 4.390-43.031). CONCLUSIONS: When patients with colonic diverticulitis are treated conservatively, young age is no longer an independent risk factor for subsequent poor outcome. Diverticulitis in young patients does not have a particularly aggressive or fulminant course. Therefore, we recommend that diverticulitis management should be based on the severity and location of the disease, and not on the age of the patient.

Unusual Complication of Crohn's Disease: Portal Hypertension Related with Rapid Progression of Portal Vein and Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis / 대한내과학회지

Thromboembolic events are rare among systemic complications of inflammatory bowel disease; however, they are a significant cause of mortality when they occur. Several reports have considered thromboembolic events in patients with ulcerative colitis presenting with venous or arterial thromboembolism, such as cerebral thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, portal vein thrombosis, or mesenteric vein thrombosis. However, increased coagulability related to Crohn's disease is extremely rare compared with that of ulcerative colitis. We report a case of a 42-year-old man with complicated portal hypertension that occurred due to extensive portal vein and mesenteric vein thrombosis. He had a monozygotic twin brother who was also in remission with Crohn's disease. The patient showed protein C and protein S deficiencies; however, he recovered with early anticoagulation therapy.

Meta-analysis: the Effect of Lactobacillus Supplementation on Helicobacter pylori Eradication Rates and Side Effects during Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is causally associated with gastritis and peptic ulcer diseases. Recent data have demonstrated that triple therapy with amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and a proton pump inhibitor has an eradication rate of only 74~76% and new therapeutic protocols may be necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus as supplementation to anti-H. pylori regimens on H. pylori eradication rates and therapy-associated side effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed, Medline and Korean Medical Database were searched in January 2012, with no language restrictions, for randomized controlled trials; additional references were obtained from reviewed articles. We included trials comparing Lactobacillus supplementation to placebo or no treatment during anti-H. pylori regimens. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager. RESULTS: Eleven trials involving a total of 1,107 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo or no intervention, Lactobacillus given along with anti-H. pylori regimens significantly increased the eradication rate [84.7% vs. 78.8%, odds ratio (OR) 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26~2.42] and reduced the risk of overall H. pylori therapy related adverse effects (35.4% vs. 48.6%, OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38~0.81), particularly of diarrhea (7.5% vs. 20.6%, OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18~0.54), bloating (19.2% vs. 29.9%, OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32~0.88) and taste disturbance (17.6% vs. 34.8%, OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21~0.64). There were no significant differences between groups in the risk of other adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our review suggests that supplementation with Lactobacilli could be effective in increasing eradication rates of anti-H. pylori therapy. Furthermore, Lactobacilli showed a positive impact on some H. pylori therapy-related side effects, particularly diarrhea, bloating and taste disturbance.

Mediastinitis due to Esophageal Perforation as a Complication of Diagnostic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Although diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a reasonably safe procedure, complications may occur and can sometimes cause lift-threatening conditions. Esophageal perforation is one of the most serious complications. We report here a very rare case of esophageal perforation and mediastinitis by routine endoscopic study. A 69-year-old woman complained of edematous and painful neck area just after diagnostic endoscopy was finished. Computed tomography was performed and revealed mediastinitis at the superior mediastinum with deep neck infection by suspicious esophageal perforation. The patient completely recovered with prompt surgical intervention of incision and drainage. Because late diagnosis of the complication can lead to high mortality, endoscopists need to be aware of possible procedure-related complications.

Mediastinitis due to Esophageal Perforation as a Complication of Diagnostic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Although diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a reasonably safe procedure, complications may occur and can sometimes cause lift-threatening conditions. Esophageal perforation is one of the most serious complications. We report here a very rare case of esophageal perforation and mediastinitis by routine endoscopic study. A 69-year-old woman complained of edematous and painful neck area just after diagnostic endoscopy was finished. Computed tomography was performed and revealed mediastinitis at the superior mediastinum with deep neck infection by suspicious esophageal perforation. The patient completely recovered with prompt surgical intervention of incision and drainage. Because late diagnosis of the complication can lead to high mortality, endoscopists need to be aware of possible procedure-related complications.

Sessile Serrated Adenoma with High-grade Dysplasia / 이화의대지

Until recently, colorectal polyps were classified predominantly as hyperplastic or adenomatous. While adenomatous polyps are well-characterized precursor lesions of adenocarcinomas, hyperplastic polyps have been considered as benign lesion. However, some hyperplastic polyps with serrated morphology of the crypts have been recognized to have distinctive features and these polyps were termed 'serrated adenomas'. Recent data show that sessile serrated adenomas (SSA) might be the precursors of serrated colonic cancers, underlining the necessity of identifying them. SSA is approximately 3% of all polyps, commonly appears as flat or sessile and yellowish due to mucus production. In the pathogenesis of SSA, progression to high grade dysplasia or early invasive carcinoma may be associated with serrated neoplasia pathway different from adenoma-carcinoma sequence. We report a case with a colon polyp diagnosed as sessile serrated adenoma with high grade dysplasia after endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Fecal Incontinence

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Most previous epidemiologic studies about fecal incontinence were performed in specific populations in Korea. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictive factors of fecal incontinence in adult Korean population, both men and women aged 20 years and over. METHODS: Subjects who had undergone medical check-up for health screening were enrolled. They completed the structured questionnaires, including demographics, gastrointestinal symptoms, medical and social histories, and also about their bowel habits. Logistic regression models were constructed to identify the predictive factors for having fecal incontinence. RESULTS: Among the total of 1,149 subjects (mean age, 44.8 +/- 10.2 years; 648 males), the overall prevalence of fecal incontinence was 6.4%, while the older group (> 50 years old) showed the higher prevalence than the younger group (< or = 50 years old) (10.4% vs 4.9%, P = 0.001) without gender difference. Most patients had mild fecal incontinence in 78.4%. By multivariate analysis, old ages (Odd ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-5.2; P < 0.001), watery stool (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5-4.9; P = 0.001) and functional diarrhea (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.4; P = 0.004) were found to be independent predictors for fecal incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of fecal incontinence in Korean adults was 6.4%, and it was significantly more prevalent in older people without any gender difference. Aging and diarrhea were independent predictive factors of fecal incontinence. Therefore, proper control of the bowel pattern would lead to the prevention of fecal incontinence.

A Case of Primary Aortoenteric Fistula Mimicking Duodenal Subepithelial Tumor

Primary aortoenteric fistula is a fatal condition which poses a considerable diagnostic challenge because of its infrequency and nonspecific presentation. Here, the authors report the case of an 83-year-old man who presented with hematemesis and melena. During endoscopy, a 3 cm sized subepithelial mass with central ulceration was found in the second portion of the duodenum. At first, bleeding from a duodenal subepithelial tumor, such as, gastrointestinal stromal tumor was suspected. An endoscopic hemostasis trial failed and computed tomography (CT) scan was performed prior to possible angiographic embolization. The CT scan revealed the mass lesion observed by endoscopy as an aneurismal dilatation with fistula formation to the distal second portion of the duodenum. The patient succumbed to hypovolemic shock while preparations were being made for emergency surgery. This case provides an example of a primary aortoenteric fistula mimicking a duodenal subepithelial tumor during endoscopy.

A Case of Gastric Lipoma Removed Using a Detachable Snare

Gastrointestinal lipoma is a benign tumor of mature adipose tissue, surrounded by fibrous capsule. They can be located anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, but rarely in the stomach, especially at the cardia. Gastric lipoma accounts for approximately 2~3% of all benign gastric tumors, and 5% of all gastrointestinal lipomas. Lipoma tends to have very low malignant potential, but if it induces symptoms like abdominal pain or hemorrhage, it needs to be removed. We report a case of gastric lipoma which was successfully removed by only using a detachable snare. A 72-years-old woman who had no specific symptom was found to have a submucosal tumor at cardia. During endoscopy, the fatty internal material accidently came out after tearing the mucosa with biopsy, and it was successfully removed using a detdachable snare.

A case of left atrial myxoma presenting as interstitial pulmonary edema / 대한내과학회지

Primary neoplasm of the heart is rare. Benign tumors, the majority of which are myxomas, comprise up to 50% of cardiac neoplasms. Although cardiac myxoma is a source of emboli to the central nervous system and elsewhere in the vascular tree, its clinical signs and symptoms may be nonspecific. These nonspecific systemic symptoms and minor embolic phenomena may be overlooked in patients without a previous history of cardiac problems. Thus, we need to recognize the signs of myxoma and begin treatment immediately. We encountered a case of left atrial myxoma, presenting as pulmonary interstitial edema of unknown cause, in a 50-year-old female patient. Excision of a mass located on the left atrium was scheduled but she developed a cerebral embolism that led to her death.

A Case of Delayed Severe Hypersensitivity Reaction during Genexol-PM(R) Infusion / 결핵및호흡기질환

Although Taxol(R) is one of the most successful drugs in current cancer chemotherapy against solid tumors, a major problem is hypersensitivity reactions that arises as a consequence of activation of the complement (C) system, "C activation-related pseudo-allergy". Most severe hypersenstivity reactions occur within the first few minutes of Taxol(R) administration, usually after the first or second dose. Here we report a case of a severe hypersensitivity reaction in a 72-year-old man undergoing Genexol-PM(R) infusion. Hypotension and polymorphic pruritic skin rash appeared 2 hours after the start of Genexol-PM(R) infusion (with an appropriate premedication). Treating with methylprednisolone, epinephrine and inotropic agents, reduced the hypotension and the skin rash disappeared. We report this case with a review of the literature.

A Case Report on Successful Nonsurgical Treatment Using Antibiotics Alone in Aortic Stent Infection Diagnosed by Positron Emission Tomography / 감염과화학요법

Aortic stent infection is a rare problem, but severe sequelae such as stent occlusion, aortic necrosis and rupture, and life-threatening sepsis can occur. Surgical removal and antibiotic therapy has been the mainstay of treatment, but the management of stent infection still remains controversial as to the time of removal operation or the prognosis regarding the use of antibiotics alone as the treatment modality. Recently, we experienced a case of delayed aortic stent infection that was treated with antibiotics alone. A 68-year-old man presented with unexplained fever of several days' duration. The patient had a history of having had an aortic stent inserted 8 years ago due to traumatic aortic rupture. Blood culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus and positron emission tomography revealed focal intense nodular uptake at medial and inferior aspect of the aortic arch. He was therefore diagnosed with aortic stent infection due to Staphylococcus aureus and was successfully treated with name of antibiotics alone without recourse to surgery.

Hemoglobin Yamagata: Hemoglobin Variant Detected by HbA1c Test / 대한진단검사의학회지

Hemoglobin (Hb) Yamagata is a rare Hb variant, which has been reported only twice-one case each in Japan and Korea. This variant arises from a Lys --> Asn substitution due to a mutation of AAA to AAC or AAT at codon 133 of the beta-globin gene. This study reports the third case of a patient detected with Hb Yamagata [HBB: c.399A>T; p.Lys133Asn] and discusses the effect of this variant on HbA1c measurement. This variant was detected in a 70-yr-old Korean man with diabetes mellitus during a routine follow-up. The HbA1c concentration determined using Variant ll Turbo (Bio-Rad, USA) was abnormally high at 47.9%. It was impossible to measure the HbA1c level accurately using Variant ll Thalassemia Mode (Bio-Rad, USA). However, the HbA1c levels analyzed by HLC-723 G7 (Tosoh, Japan), Cobas Integra (Roche, Switzerland) and NycoCard (Axis-Shield, Norway) were 5.0%, 8.0%, and 7.9%, respectively. This study shows that Hb Yamagata interferes with the accurate measurement of HbA1c levels in a diabetic patient. Taking these findings into consideration, we think that an immunoassay or affinity chromatography can be used as an alternate method for measuring the HbA1c level in a patient with this variant. In conclusion, a patient can be inferred to have an Hb variant if the HbA1c concentration is abnormally high or low or if there is a discrepancy between the results obtained using different methods, and if the clinical status of the patient suggests the presence of abnormal Hb. Subsequently, the HbA1c values can be determined by methods based on different principles.