A Case of unexpected Fatal Hemoperitoneum in Non-severe Acute Pancreatitis / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Acute pancreatitis (AP) severity is determined by associated organ failure (OF). However, enzymatic erosion of peripancreatic vessels can lead to life-threatening hemoperitoneum in clinically non-severe AP without OF. We herein report a case of unexpected hemoperitoneum which developed in a patient with clinically resolving AP without OF. A 36-year-old woman with alcohol use disorder presented with resolving epigastric pain and sustained abdominal distension of 2 weeks’ duration. Ranson’s score on admission was 1 and Computed tomography (CT) revealed non-necrotic AP with peripancreatic fluid collection. She showed sudden hypotension with an abrupt decrease in serum hemoglobin within 24 hours after admission. She was suspected to have an acute hemoperitoneum associated with venous bleeding from AP based on repeated CT. Venous bleeding from the splenic branch was ligated during surgery. The possibility of bleeding at the pancreatic bed should be considered even if the pancreatitis is not severe.

Clinical Significance of Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin Levels in Defining the Various Etiologies of Acute Kidney Injury in Liver Cirrhosis Patients / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is based on a differential evaluation of acute kidney injury (AKI), which may aggravate the clinical course. This study assessed the clinical significance of the urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (u-NGAL) levels in a differential diagnosis of AKI in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC).METHODS: Patients with LC who developed AKI were enrolled prospectively. Clinically, patients with AKI were classified into prerenal azotemia (PRA), HRS, and acute tubular necrosis (ATN) groups.RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (male, 74.5%) with LC who exhibited AKI upon admission were enrolled; 28, 9, and 18 patients were included in the PRA, HRS, and ATN groups, respectively. The baseline model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores was similar in the subgroups. The median event creatinine level, measured at the time of the AKI diagnosis, was similar in the HRS and ATN subgroups. On the other hand, the median event u-NGAL level differed significantly between the three subgroups (PRA, HRS, and ATN: 37 vs. 134 vs. 2,625 ng/mL, p=0.003). In particular, the median u-NGAL level of the HRS group was clearly different from those of the PRA (p<0.001) and ATN (p<0.001) groups. Multivariable analysis revealed the natural logarithm of the u-NGAL level (hazard ratio [HR] 1.77, p=0.031) and the MELD score (HR 1.17, p=0.027) to be independent prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with LC and AKI.CONCLUSIONS: The median u-NGAL level differentiated HRS from ATN and served as a clinical indicator of in-hospital mortality for patients with LC and AKI.

Clinical Significance of Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin Levels in Defining the Various Etiologies of Acute Kidney Injury in Liver Cirrhosis Patients / 대한소화기병학회잡지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is based on a differential evaluation of acute kidney injury (AKI), which may aggravate the clinical course. This study assessed the clinical significance of the urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (u-NGAL) levels in a differential diagnosis of AKI in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). METHODS: Patients with LC who developed AKI were enrolled prospectively. Clinically, patients with AKI were classified into prerenal azotemia (PRA), HRS, and acute tubular necrosis (ATN) groups. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (male, 74.5%) with LC who exhibited AKI upon admission were enrolled; 28, 9, and 18 patients were included in the PRA, HRS, and ATN groups, respectively. The baseline model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores was similar in the subgroups. The median event creatinine level, measured at the time of the AKI diagnosis, was similar in the HRS and ATN subgroups. On the other hand, the median event u-NGAL level differed significantly between the three subgroups (PRA, HRS, and ATN: 37 vs. 134 vs. 2,625 ng/mL, p=0.003). In particular, the median u-NGAL level of the HRS group was clearly different from those of the PRA (p<0.001) and ATN (p<0.001) groups. Multivariable analysis revealed the natural logarithm of the u-NGAL level (hazard ratio [HR] 1.77, p=0.031) and the MELD score (HR 1.17, p=0.027) to be independent prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with LC and AKI. CONCLUSIONS: The median u-NGAL level differentiated HRS from ATN and served as a clinical indicator of in-hospital mortality for patients with LC and AKI.

Efficacy of Pegylated Interferon Monotherapy versus Sequential Therapy of Entecavir and Pegylated Interferon in Hepatitis B e Antigen-Positive Hepatitis B Patients: A Randomized, Multicenter, Phase IIIb Open-Label Study (POTENT Study) / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>Until now, various types of combined therapy with nucleotide analogs and pegylated interferon (Peg-INF) in patients with hepatitis B patients have been tried. However, studies regarding the benefits of de novo combination, late-add on, and sequential treatment are very limited. The objective of the current study was to identify the efficacy of sequential treatment of Peg-INF after short-term antiviral treatment.</p><p><b>Methods</b>Between June 2010 and June 2015, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients (n = 162) received Peg-IFN for 48 weeks (mono-treatment group, n = 81) and entecavir (ETV) for 12 weeks with a 48-week course of Peg-IFN starting at week 5 of ETV therapy (sequential treatment group, n = 81). The primary endpoint was HBeAg seroconversion at the end of follow-up period after the 24-week treatment. The primary endpoint was analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and regression analysis.</p><p><b>Results</b>HBeAg seroconversion rate (18.2% vs. 18.2%, t = 0.03, P = 1.000) and seroclearance rate (19.7% vs. 19.7%, t = 0.03, P = 1.000) were same in both mono-treatment and sequential treatment groups. The rate of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization (45.5% vs. 54.5%, t = 1.12, P = 0.296) and serum hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA <2000 U/L (28.8% vs. 28.8%, t = 0.10, P = 1.000) was not different in sequential and mono-treatment groups at 24 weeks of Peg-INF. Viral response rate (HBeAg seroconversion and serum HBV-DNA <2000 U/L) was not different in the two groups (12.1% vs. 16.7%, t = 1.83, P = 0.457). Baseline HBV-DNA level (7 logU/ml vs. 7.5 logU/ml, t = 1.70, P = 0.019) and hepatitis B surface antigen titer (3.6 logU/ml vs. 4.0 logU/ml, t = 2.19, P = 0.020) were lower and predictors of responder in mono-treatment and sequential treatment groups, respectively.</p><p><b>Conclusions</b>The current study shows no differences in HBeAg seroconversion rate, ALT normalization, and HBV-DNA levels between mono-therapy and sequential therapy regimens.</p><p><b>Trial Registration</b>ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01220596; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01220596?term=NCT01220596&rank=1.</p>

A Case of Combined Hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma Mimicking Pyogenic Liver Abscess

Heterogeneous features of liver cancer can mimic liver abscess. Therefore it is essential to double-check tumor markers in the diagnosis of liver abscess. Herein, we report a case of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHC) occurred in an unrecognized chronic hepatitis B patient initially misdiagnosed as liver abscess. A 49-year old male initially presented with chill, right upper quadrant pain, and a liver mass. Mass showed peripheral enhancement in arterial phase of computed tomography, which was not typical for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Strikingly elevated alpha-fetoprotein and fine needle aspirated pathology revealed HCC. Despite discordant image findings he was treated with transarterial chemoembolization. He was treated with sorafenib due to metastatic retrocaval lymphadenopathy afterwards. The mass presumed to be HCC progressed with sorafenib. It was surgically resected and he was finally confirmed as cHC. Discordant tumor markers with presumptive image findings should prompt the suspicion of rare type of primary liver cancer, the cHC.

Pure red-cell aplasia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a patient with acute hepatitis A

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) have rarely been reported as an extrahepatic manifestation of acute hepatitis A (AHA). We report herein a case of AHA complicated by both PRCA and AIHA. A 49-year-old female with a diagnosis of AHA presented with severe anemia (hemoglobin level, 6.9 g/dL) during her clinical course. A diagnostic workup revealed AIHA and PRCA as the cause of the anemia. The patient was treated with an initial transfusion and corticosteroid therapy. Her anemia and liver function test were completely recovered by 9 months after the initial presentation. We review the clinical features and therapeutic strategies for this rare case of extrahepatic manifestation of AHA.

The Clinical Factors for Predicting Severe Diverticulitis in Korea: A Comparison with Western Countries

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is unclear whether the risk factors associated with complicated diverticulitis in Asian and Western countries are the same. We evaluated the risk factors associated with severe diverticulitis (SD) in Korea and compared the clinical characteristics of diverticulitis according to location. METHODS: A retrospective review of 190 patients hospitalized with acute diverticulitis from January 2005 to June 2010 was conducted. SD was defined as one of the following: perforation, abscess, obstruction, sepsis, or peritonitis that required an urgent operation. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (12.6%) were diagnosed with SD. SD was significantly associated with older age, a fever over 38degrees C, changes in bowel habits and a high visceral adipose tissue (VAT)/total adipose tissue (TAT) ratio. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for developing SD were an age of 40 years or more (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; p=0.032), male gender (OR, 4.0; p=0.021) and left-sided diverticulitis (OR, 6.2; p=0.017). Right-sided diverticulitis (n=175, 92.1%) was significantly associated with younger ages, fewer changes in bowel habits, fewer comorbidities and non-SD. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the risk factors for developing SD in Korea, where right-sided diverticulitis is predominant, are the male gender, an age of more than 40 years old, and left-sided diverticulitis. Given that there are different risk factors for developing SD in Western countries, different strategies for the treatment of diverticulitis in the Korean population seem to be needed.

A Case of Hepatic Peribiliary Cysts in a Patient with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis / 대한소화기학회지

Hepatic peribiliary cysts (HPCs) are characterized by cystic dilatations of the peribiliary glands located throughout the branches of the biliary systems. Specifically, they are mainly located along the hepatic hilum and major portal tracts. The natural history and prognosis of HPCs are uncertain. In fact, almost all HPCs have been discovered incidentally during radiological examination or autopsy, and they are considered to be clinically harmless. Recently, several cases of HPCs associated with obstructive jaundice or liver failure were reported in patients with pre-existing liver disease in several studies. However, until now there have been no reports of such a case in Korea. Herein, we report a case of HPCs that show a disease course with a poor prognosis. These HPCs developed in a 47-year-old man with progressive alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

A Case of Corrosive Injury-Induced Pharyngeal Stricture Treated by Endoscopic Adhesiolysis Using an Electrosurgical Knife

Here, we report a case of corrosive injury-induced pharyngeal stricture in a 69-year-old female, which was successfully treated with endoscopic adhesiolysis using an electrosurgical knife. The patient had ingested sodium hydroxide in an attempted suicide, and immediate endoscopy revealed corrosive injuries of the pharynx, esophagus, and stomach. When a liquid diet was permitted, she complained of nasal regurgitation of food. Follow-up endoscopy revealed several adhesive bands and a web-like scar that did not allow passage of the endoscope into the hypopharyngeal area. For treatment of the hypopharyngeal stricture, the otolaryngologist attempted to perform an excision of the fibrous bands around the esophageal inlet using microscissors passed through an esophagoscope, but this procedure was not effective. We then dissected the mucosal adhesion and incised the adhesive bands using an electrosurgical knife. After this procedure, nasal regurgitation of food no longer occurred. To our knowledge, this case is the first report of endoscopic adhesiolysis with an electrosurgical knife in a patient with a corrosive injury-induced pharyngeal stricture.

Clinical Factors Predicting for Neoplastic Transformation of Gastric Hyperplastic Polyps / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hyperplastic polyps (HPs) are the most common cause of all benign epithelial gastric polyps, constituting 30 to 93%. Although gastric HPs are usually considered as benign lesions compared with adenoma, neoplastic transformation has been known to occur rarely. We aimed to identify the clinical factors of gastric HPs predicting for neoplastic transformation. METHODS: Between January 2002 to August 2010, a total of 274 gastric HPs, which had been removed by endoscopic polypectomy or surgical resection from 210 patients, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Neoplastic transformation was found in 15 cases (5.5%) of 274 HPs including 10 cases of low grade dysplasia (3.7%), 2 cases of high grade dysplasia (0.7%) and 3 cases of adenocarcinoma (1.1%). Neoplastic transformations were significantly associated with >1 cm in size (n=10 [66.7%] vs. n=91 [35.1%], p=0.024), with pedunculated shape (n=9 [60.0%] vs. n=62 [23.9%], p=0.002), with previous history of gastrectomy (n=3 [20.0%] vs. n=3 [1.2%], p=0.002) and with synchronous neoplastic lesions occurring elsewhere in the gastric mucosa (n=5 [33.3%] vs. n=31 [12.0%], p=0.021). However, no significant difference was found between HPs with and without neoplastic transformation in terms of age, sex, number of polyps detected per patient, location, macroscopic appearance such as erosion, hyperemia. CONCLUSIONS: Neoplastic transformation of gastric HPs had significant relationships with >1 cm in size, pedunculated shape, postgastectomy state, and synchronous neoplastic lesion. Therefore, endoscopic polypectomy should be considered in these HPs to avoid the risk of missing HPs with neoplastic potential.

A Case of Tuberculous Peritonitis Developed during Chemotherapy for Tuberculous Pleurisy as Paradoxical Response / 대한소화기학회지

After the start of anti-tuberculous treatment, paradoxical worsening of tuberculous lesions has been described. However, abdominal tuberculosis as paradoxical response is relatively rare. This report describes the 26-year-old female who suffered from peritoneal tuberculosis while treating tuberculous pleurisy with anti-tuberculous medications. It was considered as paradoxical response, rather than treatment failure or else. She was successfully managed with continuing initial anti-tuberculous medications. When a patient on anti-tuberculous medications is presented with abdominal symptoms, the possibility of paradoxical response should be considered to avoid unnecessary tests and treatments, which may result in more suffering of the patient. Herein, we report a case of peritoneal tuberculosis as paradoxical response while treating tuberculous pleurisy.

A Case of Chlamydia trachomatis Peritonitis Mimicking Tuberculous Peritonitis / 대한소화기학회지

Lymphocytic ascites with low serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) are observed mainly in tuberculous peritonitis, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and pancreatic disease. However, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) induced generalized peritonitis causing diffuse ascites has been rarely described. We report a 26-year old female patient, who was diagnosed as generalized peritonitis with diffuse ascites due to Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Gynecologic examination did not show the clue of PID and in the analysis of ascites, low SAAG, predominant lymphocyte count and high level of adenosine deaminase were noted. Although the best impression was tuberculous peritonitis on the base of these findings, the laparoscopic finding was consistent with PID and the PCR for C. trachomatis infection in cervical swab was positive. This case suggests that C. trachomatis peritonitis should be considered as a rare cause of low SAAG and lymphocytic ascites in sexually active women and should be intensively evaluated including laparoscopic examination.

A case of hemophagocytic syndrome complicated by acute viral hepatitis A infection / 대한간학회지

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious condition that is histopathologically characterized by activation of macrophage or histiocytes with hemophagocytosis in bone marrow and reticuloendothelial systems. Clinically it presents with high fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, liver dysfunction, and hyperferritinemia. Hepatitis A virus is a very rare cause of secondary HPS. We report a case of a 22-year-old woman infected by hepatitis A virus who was consequently complicated with HPS. She presented typical clinical features of acute hepatitis A, and showed clinical and biochemical improvements. However, HPS developed as a complication of acute hepatitis A and the patient died of intraperitoneal bleeding caused by hepatic decompensation and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

A Case of Spontaneous Regression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Multiple Lung Metastases / 대한소화기학회지

Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is extremely rare. We report a case of 67-year-old man having HBV-associated HCC with multiple lung metastases which regressed spontaneously. The patient had single liver mass and received surgical resection. The mass was confirmed as HCC histopathologically. Nine years after surgical resection, a 3.3 cm sized recurred HCC was detected on the resection margin in CT scan. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was performed 3 times, and lung metastases developed thereafter. The patient received 2 more sessions of TACE, however, metastatic lung nodules were in progress very rapidly. We decided to stop TACE and followed the patient regularly without any anti-cancer treatment. Nine months after development of lung metastasis, the size and number of metastatic lung nodules decreased and were not detected anymore after 14 months. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels also decreased to normal range and no viable tumor was noted in the liver. The patient is still alive 12 years after the first diagnosis of HCC and 16 months after lung metastasis developed.

A Case of Duodenal Amyloidosis Accompanied with Candidiasis that was Diagnosed by Endoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

This report describes a case of a 63-year-old female who suffered from gastrointestinal amyloidosis. The patient presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea for a week. Previously, the patient had been treated for rheumatoid arthritis. Endoscopy showed the presence of erythematous mucosa and yellowish exudates in the bulb, a finding that was compatible with duodenal candidiasis. Colonoscopy showed diffuse erythematous and easy friability in the entire colon, a finding suggestive of infectious colitis. The pathology report indicated that the lesion had amyloid, which was stained by Congo red. Endoscopic findings of amyloidosis are non-specific, such as friable mucosa, granulation, polyp, erosion and ulceration. Therefore, it is difficult to diagnose amyloidosis with endoscopic findings. However, if the patient has risk factors of secondary amyloidosis such as rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal amyloidosis based on the endoscopic finding should be considered. We report a case of duodenal amyloidosis accompanied with candidiasis, which has not been previously reported.

Endoscopic Treatment of Main Pancreatic Duct Transection, Accompanied with Pseudocyst after Abdominal Trauma, with Using Pancreatic Duct Stent: A Case Report / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Pancreatic trauma is uncommon, but this is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Unrecognized main pancreatic duct injury results in early complications such as fistula, pseudocyst, abscess, hemorrhage and pancreatitis. The management of traumatic pseudocyst includes observation, external drainage, internal drainage and operation. The treatment modality is determined by the site and extent of the injury to the main pancreatic duct. Pancreatic stents have been widely used to treat pancreatic diseases such as pancreatitis, pseudocyst, fistula and stricture. Pancreatic stenting has been proven to be effective in the treatment of traumatic pseudocyst associated with the partial rupture of the main pancreatic duct. Surgical treatment is currently the main stay of therapy for complete transection of the main pancreatic duct accompanied with pseudocyst, but the role of pancreatic stenting has not been established. Herein we present our clinical experience with endoscopic treatment for main pancreatic duct transection, accompanied with pseudocyst after abdominal trauma, with using a pancreatic stent.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Computed Tomography for the Lymph Node Staging of Endoscopically Resectable Early Gastric Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Accurate staging of the lymph nodes (LNs) before endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is important. We evaluated the accuracy of CT for LN staging in patients the endoscopically resectable early gastric cancer (EGC). METHODS: The medical records of 155 EGCs patients who had undergone an operation were analyzed. The pre-operatively performed multidetector CT scans and the post-operative histopathologic findings were reviewed for comparing the LN staging with that using the Japanese classification system. Endoscopically resectable EGC was defined as EGC without LN metastasis and also the EGC that satisfied the EMR criteria according to the Japanese guideline. RESULTS: The diagnostic efficacy of CT for LN staging of all the enrolled EGC patients was as follow: accuracy 65.2%, overstaging rate 29.7%, understaging rate 5.2%. The overall accuracy and the overstaging rate of CT for LN staging of endoscopically resectable EGC were as follows: EGC without LN metastasis [69.8% (97/139), 30.2% (42/139)], EGC satisfying extended criteria [72.5% (58/80), 27.5% (22/80)] and EGC satisfying limited criteria [79.2% (19/24), 20.8% (5/24)]. The accuracy of the EMR criteria for predicting node negative EGC were as follows: the extended criteria 98.8% (79/80), the limited criteria 100% (24/24). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that prediction of LN metastasis before EMR according to CT staging had limited value due to the tendency of overestimation. Therefore, we should preferentially consider the treatment strategy according to the EMR criteria.

Co-circulation of Two Genotypes of Hepatitis A Virus from Sporadic Cases in Northeastern Area of Seoul, Korea / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: In previous studies, most hepatitis A virus (HAV) isolates had been genotype IA in Korea. Recently, a small number of different genotypes were reported with an upsurge of acute hepatitis by HAV. We investigated the distribution of HAV genotypes. METHODS: RNA was extracted from anti-HAV IgM positive sera which were collected from March 2007 to February 2008 at a tertiary care hospital in Northeastern Seoul, Korea. Nested reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and direct sequencing for VP1/P2A region of the HAV were performed. RESULTS: A total of 699 cases with suspected acute hepatitis were tested for anti-HAV IgM, and positive results were obtained in 56 sera (8.0%), which were collected 2 to 15 days (median, 7 days)after the onset of symptoms. Of the 56 seropositive samples, 52 (92.9%) were positive for HAV RNA, among which 28 isolates (53.8%) belonged to genotype IA and the remaining 24 (46.2%) belonged to genotype IIIA. Both IA and IIIA genotypes were isolated from 6-7 neighboring administrative districts throughout the year without geographic or seasonal restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: Co-circulation of two distinct HAV genotypes (IA and IIIA) was observed from the northeastern Seoul for the year studied.

A Patient with Jejunal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Metastatic to the Stomach Presenting with Submucosal Tumors in the Stomach and Jejunum / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The small bowel is the least common site for cancer to arise. Only approximately 1% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms arise in the small bowel. Mucinous adenocarcinoma is diagnosed when the amount of extracellular mucin in a tumor is over 50%. Because it is a very rare disease, there is little data available concerning its incidence, most common site of origin, and common sites of metastasis. There are no case reports describing primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the jejunum in Korea. We report a case of jejunal mucinous adenocarcinoma metastatic to the stomach presenting as a submucosal tumor.

An Adult Case of Small Bowel Intussusception Caused by Hemangioma Presenting with Intestinal Bleeding / 대한소화기학회지

Intussusception is primarily a disease of children, and is relatively rare in adults. Unlike childhood intussusception, adult intussusception has an identifiable leading lesion such as malignant or benign neoplasm. However, intussusception caused by hemangioma is very rare. There were few cases of small bowel intussusception caused by hemangioma in adults, but those reports were presented with abdominal pain. This report describes a 65-year-old female who suffered from small bowel intussusception caused by hemangioma presenting with intestinal bleeding. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy were performed, but bleeding focus was not found. Abdominal computed tomography showed the target sign of small bowel with a leading point of mass. This mass turned out to be a hemangioma after the small bowel resection. Therefore, small bowel intussusception by hemangioma should be also considered as a bleeding focus when an adult patient presented intestinal bleeding without bleeding focus in the stomach and colon. Herein we report a case of small bowel intussusception caused by hemangioma presenting with intestinal bleeding.