The Clinical Significance of Specialized Intestinal Metaplasia in the Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus: Nationwide Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The meaning of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not clear. This study was designed to determine the clinical significance of SIM in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsies were taken from 601 subjects with endoscopically suspected columnar-lined esophagus. Under light microscopy with Alcian-blue stain, SIM was identified. Demographic characteristics, gastroesophageal (GE) reflux symptoms and endoscopic findings were compared between the SIM-present group and the SIM-absent group. RESULTS: Among 601 subjects, 184 (30.6%) were confirmed by pathology to have SIM. Age over 40 years (P<0.001) and a medication history of proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker were found more frequently in the SIM-present group (P=0.01) than in the SIM-absent group. Any of 7 GE reflux symptoms (heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness, globus sensation, cough and epigastric soreness) were more frequent in the SIM-present group than SIM-absent group (P<0.001). Specifically, heartburn, chest pain and cough were significantly more common in the SIM-present group. There was no clinically significant difference associated with endoscopic findings or other clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: When subjects with endoscopically suspected BE are analyzed based on the presence or absence of SIM, the SIM-present group was significantly associated with GE reflux symptoms suggestive of frequent GE reflux. However, the presence of SIM did not correlate with endoscopic findings.

The Distribution of Endoscopic Gastritis in 25,536 Heath Check-up Subjects in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.

The Distribution of Endoscopic Gastritis in 25,536 Heath Check-up Subjects in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.

Influencing Factors for Cure of Clonorchiasis by Praziquantel Therapy: Infection Burden and CYP3A5 Gene Polymorphism

Chemotherapy of clonorchiasis with praziquantel (PZQ) is effective but about 15% of treated cases have been reported uncured. The present study investigated correlation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the cytochrome P450 gene, CYP3A5 and cure of clonorchiasis. A total of 346 egg passing residents were subjected and treated by 3 doses of 25 mg/kg PZQ. Reexamination recognized 33 (9.5%) uncured and 313 cured. Numbers of eggs per gram of feces (EPGs) before treatment were significantly lower in the cured group than in the uncured group (2,011.2+/-3,600.0 vs 4,998.5+/-7,012.0, PA and g.27526C>T of CYP3A5 were 15.2% and 9.1% while those were 3.8% and 1.0%, respectively, in the cured group. The cure rate was significantly lower in the cases with SNP at g.27526C>T and EPGs> or =1,000. In conclusion, EPGs and SNPs of CYP3A5 are factors which influence cure of clonorchiasis by PZQ therapy. It is strongly suggested to recommend 2-day medication for individuals with high EPGs> or =1,000.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease; Relation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to carotid atherosclerosis / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes, which are all features of the metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether NAFLD is associated with carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: The study population comprised 659 subjects without hepatitis B and C infections and who did not consume alcohol. Fatty infiltrations of liver were detected by abdominal ultrasonography, and intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque prevalence were estimated by carotid ultrasonography. RESULTS: The mean values of systolic and diastolic pressures, body mass index (BMI), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA) index, hemoglobin A1c, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 differed significantly between patients with NAFLD (n=314) and normal controls (n=345). The carotid IMT was 0.817+/-0.212 (mean+/-SD) mm in patients with NAFLD and 0.757+/-0.198 mm in normal controls (p<0.001). The prevalence of carotid plaques was higher in patients with NAFLD (26.4%) than in normal controls (15.9%) (p<0.001). This association persisted significantly after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, HOMA index and individual factors of metabolic syndrome by multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NAFLD are at a high risk of carotid atherosclerosis regardless of metabolic syndrome and classical cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, the detection of NAFLD should alert to the existence of an increased cardiovascular risk. Moreover, NAFLD might be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Features of Gastric Neoplasm Detected during the Screening Examination

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastric cancer is the leading malignancy in Korea and early detection through the health screening seems to be important. The aims of this study were to investigate the features of gastric neoplasms detected during screening, and to figure out the risk factors of these lesions. METHODS: From October 2003 to September 2005, subjects who visited Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center for health check-up were included in the study. The program included a questionnaire and tests including anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody, esophagogastroduodenoscopy or double contrast upper gastrointestinal study. To figure out the risk factors, an age and gender-matched, four-fold sized control group was selected from the subjects. RESULTS: Of 25, 432 subjects, 122 cases of gastric neoplasms were detected including 61 adenocarcinoma (45 early gastric cancers), 53 adenoma, 7 mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and one metastatic cancer. There was no significant statistical difference in basal characteristics of the subjects between gastric adenocarcinoma and adenoma. When comparing with the control group those without gastric neoplasms, smoking history, family history of stomach cancer, and H. pylori seropositivity were found to be significant risk factors for gastric neoplasms. Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in adenoma than in the control (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The health screening may be beneficial in early detection of gastric cancer. In addition, metabolic syndrome might be related with gastric adenoma.

The Effect of Fixed Dose of Flumazenil on Recovery after Sedative Endoscopy by Midazolam / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Midazolam is widely used as a form of conscious sedation during endoscopy because of its rapid onset and safety. However, its relatively long half-life and paradoxical reactions are still a concern for doctors and patients. Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine antagonist that acts to reverse the sedative and hypnotic effects of midazolam but its role and adequate dose have not been fully documented. This study evaluated the effect of a fixed dose of flumazenil on the recovery from sedative endoscopy by midazolam. METHODS: First study: 100 patients who received 0.05 mg/kg midazolam for conscious sedation were randomized into two groups: intravenous 0.25 mg flumazenil and a placebo. All patients were assessed using OAA/S (Observers Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale) scale (responsiveness, speech, facial expression and ptosis of eyelid) before the endoscopy, immediately after the procedure and every 5 minutes thereafter. The recovery time was defined as the time at which the OAA/S scale reached the pre-endoscopy level. Second study: In 40 patients, the OAA/S scale was assessed only after full recovery without any exogenous stimuli. The total dose of midazolam and the procedure time were assessed. RESULTS: The flumazenil group demonstrated a significantly shorter recovery time than the placebo group (p<0.0001). These results were not affected by age, gender, total midazolam dose and procedure time. There was a larger difference in the recovery time between the two groups in the second study than in the first. CONCLUSIONS: A fixed low dose flumazenil significantly reduced the recovery time after sedative endoscopy by midazolam. Flumazenil will be helpful for the early return to daily activities and for preventing post sedative complication.

The Effect of Fixed Dose of Flumazenil on Recovery after Sedative Endoscopy by Midazolam / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Midazolam is widely used as a form of conscious sedation during endoscopy because of its rapid onset and safety. However, its relatively long half-life and paradoxical reactions are still a concern for doctors and patients. Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine antagonist that acts to reverse the sedative and hypnotic effects of midazolam but its role and adequate dose have not been fully documented. This study evaluated the effect of a fixed dose of flumazenil on the recovery from sedative endoscopy by midazolam. METHODS: First study: 100 patients who received 0.05 mg/kg midazolam for conscious sedation were randomized into two groups: intravenous 0.25 mg flumazenil and a placebo. All patients were assessed using OAA/S (Observers Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale) scale (responsiveness, speech, facial expression and ptosis of eyelid) before the endoscopy, immediately after the procedure and every 5 minutes thereafter. The recovery time was defined as the time at which the OAA/S scale reached the pre-endoscopy level. Second study: In 40 patients, the OAA/S scale was assessed only after full recovery without any exogenous stimuli. The total dose of midazolam and the procedure time were assessed. RESULTS: The flumazenil group demonstrated a significantly shorter recovery time than the placebo group (p<0.0001). These results were not affected by age, gender, total midazolam dose and procedure time. There was a larger difference in the recovery time between the two groups in the second study than in the first. CONCLUSIONS: A fixed low dose flumazenil significantly reduced the recovery time after sedative endoscopy by midazolam. Flumazenil will be helpful for the early return to daily activities and for preventing post sedative complication.

A Case of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura with Cerebellar and Gastrointestinal Bleeding / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a systemic leukocytoclastic vasculitis involving small vessels. The diagnostic criteria is defined as a typical skin rash of which pathologic examination shows leukocytoclastic vasculitis, accompanied by any two of these major manifestations of the disease, namely gastrointestinal tract, kidney, joint involvement. In elder patient, Henoch-Schonlein purpura shows more serious gastrointestinal tract involvement. There are some reports of brain involvement of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. A 69-year-old man was admitted to department of neurosurgery, because of loss of consciousness. Brain CT showed acute cerebellar hemorrhage with rapid resolution by conservative treatment. Diffuse purpuric eruptions on both low legs were developed after 7 days of hospitalization. He was refered to our department due to epigastric pain and bloody diarrhea. There were multiple longitudinal ulcers with hemorrhage on the stomach and the sigmoid colon of which biopsy showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Microscopic hematuria and proteinuria were also noted. He had a fatal course due to recurrent colonic bleeding and poor medical condition. We report an unusual case of cerebellar and gastrointestinal involvement of Henoch-Schonlein purpura in elderly patient.

Effects of Chronic Alcohol Consumption on Midazolam Induced Sedation during Colonoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is suggested that patients consuming large amounts of alcohol are difficult to be sedated by midazolam probably due to cross tolerance. We studied to know the adequate administration doses of midazolam in patients with chronic alcohol consumption. METHODS: Study I; We prospectively studied 117 outpatients presenting for colonoscopy. According to alcohol consumption we divided four groups such as group I: 0 g/day, group II: 40 g/day. We initially administered 0.06 mg/kg midazolam and add up to spontaneous eye closure. We measured grade of amnesia, level of consciousness, endoscopist's assessment and VAS scale for pain after recovery. Study II; We measured induction time after 0.08 mg/kg midazolam in 60 patients who drink alcohol. RESULTS: Additional amount of midazolam was not significantly different between the groups (group I: 0.0145 mg/ kg, group II: 0.0214 mg/kg, group III: 0.0181 mg/kg, group IV: 0.0199 mg/kg). There were no differences of sedation parameters between the groups. However the induction time was prolonged and correlated with alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: For adequate sedation in patients with chronic alcohol consumption, longer induction time rather than increasing dosage is required.

A Case of Amoxicillin-induced Segmental Hemorrhagic Colitis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Clinically, we often encounter patients who have symptoms of loose stool or diarrhea due to the use of antibiotics. Psuedomembranous colitis is the most frequent, but hemorrhagic colitis is rare. Penicillin-like-antibiotics-induced hemorrhagic colitis was infrequently reported in abroad, but in Korea, quinolone-induced colitis was reported. We found a case that the patient had the hematochezia after use of amoxicillin for eradication of H. pylori. Colonoscopic abnormalities showed superficial ulceration and mucosal edematous change without pseudomembrane on the ascending and transverse colon. We diagnosed the amoxicillin-induced hemorrhagic colitis by clinical course, colonoscopic findings, histologic findings and other laboratory results for differential diagnosis. This disease is rare but rapidly recovered after the withdrawal of the antibiotics and has a good prognosis. Therefore, we should differentiate this disease from hemorrhagic colitis of other causes by history taking.

A Case of Amoxicillin-induced Segmental Hemorrhagic Colitis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Clinically, we often encounter patients who have symptoms of loose stool or diarrhea due to the use of antibiotics. Psuedomembranous colitis is the most frequent, but hemorrhagic colitis is rare. Penicillin-like-antibiotics-induced hemorrhagic colitis was infrequently reported in abroad, but in Korea, quinolone-induced colitis was reported. We found a case that the patient had the hematochezia after use of amoxicillin for eradication of H. pylori. Colonoscopic abnormalities showed superficial ulceration and mucosal edematous change without pseudomembrane on the ascending and transverse colon. We diagnosed the amoxicillin-induced hemorrhagic colitis by clinical course, colonoscopic findings, histologic findings and other laboratory results for differential diagnosis. This disease is rare but rapidly recovered after the withdrawal of the antibiotics and has a good prognosis. Therefore, we should differentiate this disease from hemorrhagic colitis of other causes by history taking.

A Case of Pulmonary Carcinosarcoma which Metastasize to Pelvic Cavity After Left Pneumonectomy / 결핵

Pulmonary carcinosarcoma(Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung) is a rare pulmonary malignancy, which is defined as having an admixtture of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. Pulmonary carcinosarcoma occurs most frequentlly in males between 50 and 80 years of age. It predominantly affects the upper lobe and/or the principal bronchi, and is associated with a history of smoking. Here, we report a case of pulmonary carcinosarcoma with a left lobe atelectasis due to an endobronchial mass in a 56-year-old male. After a left pneumonectomy, the pathologic stage was IIb (T3N0M0). Four months later, an abdominal mass was observed and exploratory laparotomy revealed metastases of the pulmonary carcinosarcoma to the pelvic cavity.

A Case of Islets Cell Hyperplasia Diagnosed by Selective Arterial Calcium Stimulation Test / 대한내분비학회지

We report a 40-year-old female patient with clinical findings suggestive of insulinoma. Although imaging studies did not reveal any tumors in the pancreas, a selective arterial calcium stimulation test(SACI), procedurally simpler and more effective than transhepatic pancreatic venous sampling, was performed. And then near total pancreatectomy was carried out because the possibility of small insulinoma could not be completely excluded. Grossly, the surgically removed pancreas did not reveal any tumors. However, the pancreas exhibited islets cell hyperplasia. To our knowledge, this is the first reported authentic case in a Korean adult of islet-cell hyperplasia diagnosed by selective arterial calcium stimulation test.

Isolated Loculations of the Lateral Ventricle

Isolated hydroceohalus is an uncommon entity wihch results from obstruction of the level of the foramen of Monnro. We have recently expierience three cases of isolated loculations of the lateral ventricle cause by intraventricular hemorrhage and ventriculitis. All patients were treated sucessfully using one or multiple shunts.

Isolated Loculations of the Lateral Ventricle

Isolated hydroceohalus is an uncommon entity wihch results from obstruction of the level of the foramen of Monnro. We have recently expierience three cases of isolated loculations of the lateral ventricle cause by intraventricular hemorrhage and ventriculitis. All patients were treated sucessfully using one or multiple shunts.

Enzyme Histochemical Study for the Estimation of the Lapse of Time in Brain Injury

This experiment was designed for the evaluation of the usefulness of enzyme histochemistry in the determination of the lapse of time in brain wound, and also for the establishment of medicolegal 'biological time table' on brain wound. Brain injury was made by contusion and laceration of meninges and brain itself in rats. The results were as follows; 1) By routine histological technique, estimation of the lapse of time in brain wound could be possible 4 hours after the infliction of wound. 2) The earliest change of enzyme activities was recognizable by the decreased activities of ATPase and succinic dehydrogenase 30 minutes after the injury. These decreased enzyme activities were not recovered up to the 4th day after the brain injury. 3) Increased acid phosphatase activity was noticed 1 hour, and beta-glucuronidase, 2 hours after the injury in a mild degree. Both increased activities were pronounced following the lapse of time in brain wound. 4) No significant change was seen in alkaline phosphatase, monoamine oxidase, non-specific esterase and leucine aminopeptidase activities throughout the experimental period up to the 4th day. So the enzyme histochemistry of these enzymes seemed to be little valuable for the study on the timing of wound in brain injury. In the light of these results it appeared that the enzyme histochemistry, in particular of ATPase, succinic dehydrogenase, and acid phosphatase, for the estimation of timing of brain wound not only shortened the histological "lag period" up to 30 minutes after the injury, but also provided a useful information in determining the biological time table following the brain injury.