Efficacy and Safety of a Patient-positioning Device (EZ-FIX® Cushion) during Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Gastric Epithelial Neoplasm: A Prospective Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cooperation of patients plays an essential role during gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for successful outcomes. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a patient-positioning device (EZ-FIX®) during ESD for gastric epithelial neoplasm.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 86 consecutive patients with gastric epithelial neoplasm scheduled for ESD at the Pusan National University Hospital were included and randomly assigned to the EZ-FIX® (n=44) or non-EZ-FIX® (n=42) groups. The primary outcomes measured were endoscopist satisfaction profiles and contribution level of EZ-FIX® to the procedure.RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding patients' clinicopathologic characteristics, though the mean procedure time was longer in the EZ-FIX® group (P=0.044). In the EZ-FIX® group, 16 patients (36.4%) were categorized as a contribution group. Subgroup analysis between the contribution and non-contribution groups revealed that the contribution group had a larger lesion size (P=0.043) and a longer procedure time (P=0.037) and showed a higher patient's movement score (P < 0.001) with a higher dosage of propofol (P=0.004) and pethidine (P=0.001) required. Endoscopist satisfaction scores on sedation (P < 0.001) and overall procedure (P=0.010) were lower in the contribution group.CONCLUSIONS: Thus, EZ-FIX® might be helpful especially for patients who are expected to exhibit uncooperative sedation or those with a large lesion size, which would necessitate a longer procedure time.

A Case of Giant Fibrovascular Polyp of the Esophagus, Treated Successfully by Endoscopic Resection / 대한소화기학회지

Fibrovascular polyps are rare benign intraluminal tumors that usually arise from the cervical esophagus. These often present as very large sized pedunculated polyps and cause symptoms including dysphagia and respiratory distress. Generally, large polyps are surgically excised, while endoscopic resection is limited to smaller polyps. Herein, we present a giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus treated successfully by endoscopic resection.

A Case of Solitary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Thyroid Presented as a Thyroid Tumor with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Extramedullary plasmacytomas most commonly occur in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and larynx. Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEP) of the thyroid gland is rare. The diagnosis of SEP of the thyroid by cytology is typically difficult before surgery, and the entity is often confused with different cytology findings. We report a case of a 59-year-old man with primary plasmacytoma of the thyroid presented as a rapidly enlarging thyroid gland with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. He had been suffering from anterior neck swelling for 1 month. Several fine-needle aspiration biopsies yielded Hashimoto's thyroiditis. During a follow-up period of 3 years, the size of the thyroid gland increased and a mass lesion in right thyroid gland was detected. A total thyroidectomy was performed based on a diagnosis of a thyroid tumor with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Permanent pathology identified the mass as an extramedullary plasmacytoma associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Skeletal survey and serum electrophoresis tests were normal, and a bone marrow biopsy yielded no evidence of multiple myeloma. The patient underwent definitive radiotherapy and remained free from any recurrences during follow-up.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair of a Penetrating Aortic Ulcer in the Thoracic Aorta Combined with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm / 대한내과학회지

Penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) are part of acute aortic syndrome and can cause aortic rupture. We report a case of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with a PAU in the thoracic aorta. The patient was treated with thoracic aortic endovascular repair (TEVAR) for the PAU and open repair for the AAA. A 78-year-old man was admitted due to abdominal discomfort. Computed tomography (CT) showed a 6.8-cm AAA with a short neck and a large (4.2 x 3.3 cm) thoracic PAU. The patient was scheduled for AAA repair. Due to the risk of rupture of the thoracic PAU, TEVAR was performed in the PAU before surgery for the AAA. After stent graft insertion, the patient underwent surgery to repair the AAA. A follow-up CT scan showed no endoleakage or thrombus formation in the PAU. The patient had no specific symptoms during 1 year of follow-up.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair of a Penetrating Aortic Ulcer in the Thoracic Aorta Combined with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm / 대한내과학회지

Penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) are part of acute aortic syndrome and can cause aortic rupture. We report a case of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with a PAU in the thoracic aorta. The patient was treated with thoracic aortic endovascular repair (TEVAR) for the PAU and open repair for the AAA. A 78-year-old man was admitted due to abdominal discomfort. Computed tomography (CT) showed a 6.8-cm AAA with a short neck and a large (4.2 x 3.3 cm) thoracic PAU. The patient was scheduled for AAA repair. Due to the risk of rupture of the thoracic PAU, TEVAR was performed in the PAU before surgery for the AAA. After stent graft insertion, the patient underwent surgery to repair the AAA. A follow-up CT scan showed no endoleakage or thrombus formation in the PAU. The patient had no specific symptoms during 1 year of follow-up.

Recurrent Common Bile Duct Stone and Endoscopic Treatment after Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilatation with Minor Endoscopic Sphincterotomy / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent studies have reported the potentials of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation (EPLBD) with minor endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for the complete removal of common bile duct (CBD) stone in the high risk groups. However, there have been no reports about the recurrence of the CBD stone after EPLBD with minor EST. The aim of this study was to evlauate the recurrence of CBD stone after EPLBD with minor EST. METHODS: A total of 1,036 patients who underwent endoscopic treatment due to CBD stones at Pusan University Hospital were enrolled. The patients were classified into two groups: those who underwent EPLBD with minor EST (group 1) and those who underwent EST treatment (group 2). We investigated clinical factors and recurrence rate between two groups. RESULTS: The recurrence of CBD stone occurred in total of 74 patients (7%), and the recurrence rates of CBD stone were 21/321 (6.5%) in Group 1 and 53/715 (7.4%) in Group 2. There were no difference in the presence of diverticulum and the number and size of recurrent CBD stone between the two groups. In case of diverticulum existence, recurrence rates were 12/158 (7.6%) in Group 1 and 21/101 (20.8%) in Group 2. When compared to the case of no diverticulum existence (Group 1: 9/163 [5.5%], Group 2: 32/614 [5.2%]), the recurrence rate of CBD stone was significantly lower if treated after EPLBD with minor EST (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: CBD stone that recurs after going through EPLBD with minor EST can be successfully removed with an endoscopic treatment. The recurrence of CBD stone was especially lower in cases with periampullary diverticulum and treated with EPLBD with minor EST. Our results will be helpful in endoscopic retreatment and preventing the recurrence of CBD stone.

A Case of a Neuroendocrine Carcinoma in the Minor Papilla / 대한소화기학회지

Neuroendocrine tumors are usually found in the ileum, appendix, rectum, colon and stomach. Ampullary neuroendocrine tumor is extremely rare and only a few cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the minor papilla have been reported. The preoperative diagnosis is very challenging because either asymptomatic or manifests as nonspecific abdominal pain. The tumor is relatively small and located at the deep mucosa and submucosa. Endoscopy with deep biopsy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography are good diagnostic tools. The best therapeutic choice is surgery. We report an unusual case of a 55-year-old woman who underwent endoscopy as part of a regular health checkup and was diagnosed a neuroendocrine carcinoma in the minor papilla, which was successfully resected by pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Efficacy of Imatinib Mesylate Treatment for a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Who Developed Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with an increased risk of hematological malignancy as a result of the RA itself or its treatment. We report here on an unusual case of a 55-year-old female with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis and who was treated with low dose methotrexate and hydrochloroquine. She was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia that manifested with severe thrombocytosis and basophilia, and this was treated with imatinib mesylate. After 6 months, she achieved a complete cytogenetic response of the CML and a complete resolution of all the RA symptoms without DMARDs.