Effects of Aging and Gender on the Anorectal Function of Healthy Subjects Assessed with Conventional Anorectal Manometry / 대한소화기학회지

Background/Aims@#Anorectal functions are influenced by gender and age. This study sought to define the normal anorectal pressure values measured with conventional anorectal manometry (ARM) and to evaluate the effects of age and gender on anorectal function in asymptomatic subjects. @*Methods@#Conventional ARM was used to measure the anorectal pressures of 164 asymptomatic healthy subjects, including 86 males and 76 females. @*Results@#The resting anal pressures of males and females aged >60 years were significantly lower than those ≤60 years (males, 44.09±14.22 vs. 57.45±17.69, p<0.001; females, 44.09±14.22 vs. 57.45±17.69, p<0.001). The anal high-pressure zone was significantly lower in older males than in younger males (2.42±0.93 vs. 2.82±0.739, p=0.048). In both age groups (<60 and ≥60 years), the anal squeezing pressures of males were significantly higher than those of females (<60 years old, 168.40±75.94 vs. 119.15±57.53, p=0.001; ≥60 years, 149.61±64.68 vs. 101.3±54.92, p=0.006). @*Conclusions@#The normal anorectal pressure values measured with ARM in males and females were different. Older males and females had lower anal resting pressures than those of the younger subjects, but squeezing pressure was not affected by age.

Rifabutin-based Fourth and Fifth-line Rescue Therapy in Patients with for Helicobacter pylori Eradication Failure / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Optimized regimen has not yet been established for failures of multiple Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rifabutin-based rescue therapy, at least after three eradication failures. METHODS: Twelve patients, who failed in the treatment for H. pylori eradication at least three times, were consecutively enrolled between 2007 and 2015 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. The rifabutin-based rescue regimen was consisted of proton pump inhibitor (PPI), rifabutin (150 mg b.i.d.), and amoxicillin (1 g b.i.d.), given for 7 or 14 days. MIC concentration test by the agar dilution method was performed on six patients prior to rifabutin-based rescue therapy. RESULTS: One patient did not take this regimen, and per-protocol (PP) analysis was performed in 11 patients. The overall eradication rate by intention-to-treat and PP analysis with rifabutin-based rescue therapy was 50.0% (6/12 patients) and 54.5% (6/11 patients), respectively. There was no difference of the eradication rate depending on the underlying disease, smoking, alcohol, number of previous eradication failures, and CYP2C19 genotype. All of the six patients were susceptible to rifabutin, but only three of them succeeded in eradicating with H. pylori. Side effects occurred in two patients (18.2%), and compliance was 90.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Even the eradication rate of rifabutin-based rescue therapy was not very good. Rifabutin-based rescue therapy could be considered as a rescue therapy, perhaps as the fourth or the fifth-line treatment option. No correlation of rifabutin sensitivity with eradication success rate of H. pylori suggests that frequent administration of high dose PPI and amoxicillin might be important.

A Case of Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome Accompanied with Intestinal Obstruction / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The idiopathic hypereosinophlic syndrome (HES) is a disease defined by three diagnostic criteria, first, sustained blood eosinophilia is greater than 1,500/mm3 present for longer than 6 months, second, other apparent etiologies for eosinophilia must be absent, including parasitic infection and allergic disease, third, patients must have signs and symptoms of organ involvement. It is associated with cytotoxic granule proteins released by mature eosinophils. HES mainly affects cardiovascular, neurologic, pulmonary system, liver and spleen while low incidence of gastrointestinal involvement is found, and the development of severe complications such as intestinal obstruction after peritonitis or intestinal perforation is extremely rare. We have experienced a case of HES involving hepatic and digestive system, 39 year old man patient who was operated due to intestinal obstruction that was followed by HES, so we report this case with a review of the literature.

Relationship between the Shape of the Gastroesophageal Junction and Gastroesophageal Acid Reflux / 대한소화관운동학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The competency of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) holds the key in unlocking pathophysiologic mechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, a relationship between GERD and the incompetent GEJ has not been established. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between the shape of the GEJ and gastroesophageal acid reflux. METHODS: Forty six patients with reflux symptoms underwent an endoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. Patients were placed in 3 groups according to the shape of their GEJ, categorized by a retroflex view of the endoscopy; type I - gastroesophageal fold without a pouch, type II - no pouch and no fold, and type III - a pouch without a fold. RESULTS: In type II and III, LESP was reduced. However, % of time with the pH < 4.0 was increased in type III only. There was a significant correlation between the size of a hiatal hernia and the shape of the GEJ. There was a relationship between the grade of esophagitis and the shape of the GEJ. CONCLUSIONS: The retroflex endoscopic finding of the GEJ focusing on the presence or absence of a GE fold and hiatal pouch, could be an indicator of whether a patient has GERD.

Characteristics of Transient Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation in Healthy Korean Adults / 대한소화관운동학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (tLESR) is the main cause of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in both healthy subjects and patients with GER disease. Unfortunately, we have no data on tLESR and its relationship with GER in Korea. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the characteristics of tLESR in Korean subjects and the mechanisms of GER after Korean meals. METHODS: Eight healthy volunteers (8 men, 23 to 25 yrs) received a Korean meal (laver-rolled rice, fried egg, sweet rice juice, 640 Kcal). A mylohyoid electromyogram, LES pressure using a Dent sleeve and esophageal pH were simultaneously recorded for 1 hour while fasting and 3 hours after the meal. We compared the manometric profile of swallow-induced LES relaxation (sLESR) with the manometric profile of tLESR and evaluated the frequency of tLESR and reflux episodes, and their relationship. RESULTS: Compared with sLESR, tLESR showed longer time onset to completion, slower relaxation rate, longer duration of relaxation, and a lower nadir pressure. Incidence of tLESR increased after the meal, which was mostly accompanied by GER. Also, the frequency of GER increased after the meal, which mostly occurred during tLESR. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that tLESR is a main cause of GER in healthy Korean adults, which is a similar result to studies of Westerners.

The Incidence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and the Effect of Cisapride in Patients with Epigastric Soreness / 대한소화관운동학회지

BACKROUND/AIMS: It has been thought that in many of those who complain of "epigastric soreness," their symptom is actually "heartburn" secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of GERD in patients who complain of epigastric soreness and to evaluate the effect of cisapride tartrate on their symptoms. METHODS: A total 107 patients who visited tertiary referral hospitals and complained of epigastric soreness were enrolled. We evaluated their symptoms and performed esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD). In 53 of the 107 patients who showed a normal EGD, gastroesophageal reflux studies (24 hour ambulatory pH monitoring, Bernstein test, modified Bernstein test) were performed. RESULTS: Of the 107 patients, 36 had organic gastroduodenal diseases, 18 had reflux esophagitis, and 53 showed a normal EGD finding. Of these 53 patients, the gastroesophageal reflux studies were normal in 23 patients and abnormal in 30. Forty eight (44.9%) of 107 patients showed reflux-associated epigastric soreness. There was no difference in demographic characteristics among reflux-associated, gastroduodenal, and functional epigastric soreness groups. Among clinical characteristics of the 3 groups, the only difference found was the time of the symptoms during a day. In the reflux-associated epigastric soreness group, the symptoms were more severe during daytime. After cisapride tartrate administration for 4 weeks, symptom scores of reflux-associated and functional epigastric soreness groups improved from 9.2+/-3.9 and 10.4+/-3.9 to 4.0+/-3.8 and 3.8+/-2.2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found a great number of patients having GERD among those complaining of "epigastric soreness." Cisapride tartrate was effective in relieving epigastric soreness in reflux-associated and functional epigastric soreness groups.

The Effects of Ranitidine (300mg) and Omeprazole (10, 20mg) on Gastroesophageal Reflux and Intragastric pH in Healthy Subjects / 대한소화관운동학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was done to compare the effects of Omeprazole (OMD) 10 or 20 mg with Ranitidine(RAN) 300 mg on intragastric acidity and gastroesophageal reflux in healthy subjects. METHODS: Ten healthy male volunteers were studied after administrations of 5 days dosing with either RAN 300 mg, OMD 10 mg or 20 mg, once each morning. On the 5(th) day, intragastric pH and lower esophageal pH were measured by a dual channel antimony pH catheter for 10 hours. RESULTS: Gastroesophageal reflux was reduced after administrations of RAN 300 mg, OMD 10 mg or 20 mg (p 0.05). The gastric holding time of pH > 4 was significantly prolonged over fasting and postprandial periods after RAN 300 mg, OMD 10 mg or 20 mg administrations (p 0.05). OMD administrations (10 mg or 20 mg) exhibited a more potent effect on gastric acid suppression during the postprandial period than RAN 300 mg (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: OMD 10 mg was as potent as RAN 300 mg on inhibition of gastric acid, but less potent than OMD 20 mg. There was no difference among the three drugs in regard to gastroesophageal reflux in healthy subjects.

Helicobacter pylori Culture in Dental Plaque of Gastroduodenal Disease Patients / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The major mode of transmission of Helicobacter pylori is still uncertain. To investigate whether the oral cavity is a potential reservoir, dental plaques were cultured from patients with dyspeptic symptoms who underwent endoscopy. METHODS: Rapid urease test (CLO test), Giemsa stain, and culture were performed in 39 gastroscopic biopsy specimens from patients with peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis or gastric cancer. Ten gastric mucosal biopsy specimens and 39 dental plaque specimens were innoculated onto 5% sheep blood agar. RESULTS: Twenty patients (51%) were found to be H. pylori positive on antral histology or rapid urease test. Among ten patients, 8 patients (80%) were cultured for H. pylori from antral biopsies. However H. pylori was not isolated from any dental plaque regardless of their infective status and their oral hygiene or gingival status. CONCLUSIONS: We failed to isolate H. pylori from dental plaques in a group of dyspeptic patients with H. pylori-associated gastroduodenal disease. The findings strongly suggest that dental plaque is not an important reservoir of H. pylori and probably not a significant factor in the mode of transmission of H. pylori.

A Case of Gas-Bolat Syndrome / 대한소화관운동학회지

Gas-bloat syndrome is a characteristic disease that developed in patients who had symptoms severe enough to warrant surgery for refractory refiux esophagitis. During the first few months, most of patients have significant symptoms and gradually have been improved except some cases. Although the underlying pathophysiology is uncatain, too tense fundoplication could result in an one-way valve peventing most patients from belching or vomiting. This syndrome has been reported in western country for many years but not yet in Korea. We report a case of gas-bloat syndrome after fundoplication for sevete reflux esophagitis and hiatal hemia.

Midazolam as a Premedication for Colonoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND: As the frequency of colonoscopic approaches increases, we need a less painful premedication for colonoscopy. We used midazolam as a premedication agent. It has more rapid onset of action than that of diazepam and its duration is shorter. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical application of midazolam. METHODS: Fifty patients underwent colonoscopies. An average dose of midazolam, 0.07 mg/kg, was given to patients intravenously as premedication. We measured systolic and diastolic blood pressures, pulse rates, respiratory rates, and oxygen saturation (SaO2) using pulse oxymetry before and after the injection. A Trieger test was accomplished before and after the procedures. We examined the levels of consciousness with verbal and physical stimulation during the colonoscopy. The examiners noted the degree of amnesia and pain after colono-scopy. We examined the patients' satisfaction and endoscopists' assessments. RESULTS: 1) Systolic, diastolic blood pressures and respiratory rates showed no significant changes. But, pulse rates increased meaningfully at 15 minutes after the injection of midazolam (p <0.05). 2) The Trieger test showed meaningfully increased numbers of missed dots after the injection of midazolam. 3) The levels of consciousness during the test showed alertness in 22 patients (44%), drowsy mentality in 22 patients (44%) and stuporous mentality in 6 patient (12%). 4) The degree of amnesia after examination showed recall in 26 patients (52%), partial recall in 10 patients (20%) and total amnesia in 14 patients (28%). 5) Forty-five patients (90%) acknowledged this procedures to be more comfortable than previous procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Midazolam stabilized vital signs and oxygen saturation, therefore midazolam can be used safely as premedication for colonoscopy. Thirty-six patients (72%) recalled the procedures totally or partially. But, the relief of pain compared favorably to the degree of amnesia. We concluded that mida-zolam (0.07 mg/kg) was the safe and effective premedication for colonoscopy.

A Case of Liver Infarction after a Histoacryl R Injection for Duodenal Ulcer Bleeding / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Injection of the tissue adhesive Histoacryl (N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, enbucrilate) has been more effective than conventional sclerosants in the treatment of active upper G-I bleeding. Histoacryl is an effective sclerosant that is polymerized immediately after contact with blood, and has been used for the treatment of bleeding gastric and esophageal varices. We present here a case of infarction of the caudate lobe that developed after an injection of a Histoacryl -Lipiodol mixture for the hemostasis of duodenal ulcer bleeding.

A Case of intracranial hemorrhage with polyradiculoneuropathy in Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / 대한내과학회지

Clinical criteria have been established for idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES): persistent eosinophilia of 1500 eosinophils/mm3 for at least 6 months or death even within 6 months with signs and symptoms of HES; no evidence for parasitic, allergic, or other recognized causes of eosinophilia despite careful evaluation; and signs and symptoms of organ system involvement or dysfunction, such as congestive heart failure, hepatosplenomegaly, central nerveous system disease. Because cerebral hemorrhage in HES has not been reported yet in Korea, we report a case of hypereosinophilic syndrome with peripheral blood eosinophilia, with biopsies of skin and duodenum showing diffuse eosinophilic infiltration, and multiple organ dysfunction in a 49 year old man died of cerebral hemorrhage three months after the occurrence of the disease.

A Case of Radiation Induced Rectal Adenocarcinoma / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The development of colorectai cancer following pelvic irradiation has been a much less common event. A 58-years-old woman presented with tenesmus for 5 months. She had a stage IIb, carcinoma of the cervix for which she underwent radiation therapy in 27 years before. Colonscopic findings revealed polypoid mass and irregular ulceration on the rectum and proctitis associated with stricture that was compatible with her previous history of radiation. Histoyathological examination of the polypectomy specimen disclosed adenocarcinoma. So we reported a case of radiation induced carcinoma of reotum which might be the first case in Korean literature. It therefore, behooves the clinician who follows patients whose carcinoma of the cervix or corpus uteri has been cured by radiation therapy to be vigilant for the subsequent development of colon and rectal cancer.

A Case Report of Lymphangioma of the Colon / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Lymphagiomas are composed of multiple lymphatic channels lined by benign-appearing endothelial cells. The lisions can occur anywhere in body and extremely rarely affect the colon. But lymphangiomas of the colon have been reported more frequently since the development and widespread use of the colonofiberscope. In the past, most lympangioma have been removed surgically, But now that transendoscopic snare polyectomy is possible, diagnosis by total biopsy constitutes the treatment. In the present paper, we reported the case af colonic lymphangioma in 51-year old woman who underwent endoscopic resection.

A Case of Cicatricial Contracted Stomach Due to the Ingestion of Formalin / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Formaldehyde is a colorless irritating gas of pungent odor, which is used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, deodorant, tissue fixative and embalming fluid, It is used in the formation of resins, alcohols and acids, and in permanent press processes in the textile industry. If formaldehyde is swallowed, severe abdominal pain and vomiting is immediately noted. Corrosive gastritis can follow with diffuse ulceration, fibrosis and contracture of the stomach, resembling linitis plastica, which may be severe enough to require gastrectomy. We report a case of cicatricial contracted stomach due to the ingestion of formalin.

A Case of Gastric Carcinoid Tumor with Massive Bleeding / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Carcinoid tumor of stomach continue to interest clinician because of the rarity and difficulty in diagnosis clioically with infrequent classical carcinoid syndrome. Recently, we experienced a case of gastric carcinoid with hemetemesis and melena. We feel that this case is an instructive example of the fascinating variety of entities which can result in massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. So we present this case with s review of relevant literatures.

A Case of Carcinosarcoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Carcinosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm consisting of both epithelial and nonepithelial components, that is, carcinoma and sarcoma in the same tumor. Since Queckenstedt reported the case of carcinosarcoma of the stomach in 1904, only 30 cases have been reported. We present a case of carcinosarcoma and adenocarcinoma of the stomach in 63-year-old man with the review of the literature.