Nutritional Impact of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: A Retrospective Single-center Study / 대한소화기학회지

Background/Aims@#Several conditions may cause difficulties with oral feeding. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is commonly performed on patients who require enteral feeding for >2-3 weeks. This study examined the nutritional state of patients who required enteral feeding and underwent PEG to quantify the benefits of the procedure. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included patients who underwent PEG at the Chungnam National University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2018. A gastroenterologist performed all PEG procedures using the pull technique, and all patients were followed up for >3 weeks postoperatively. The BMI and lymphocyte count, along with the levels of hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, BUN, and creatinine pre-PEG and between 3 weeks and 6 months post-PEG were evaluated. @*Results@#Overall, 151 patients (116 males; mean age 64.92 years) were evaluated. Of these patients, 112 (74.2%), 34 (22.5%), and five (3.3%) underwent PEG tube insertion because of neurological diseases, malignancy, and other conditions, respectively. The BMI and the hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher post-PEG than pre-PEG. @*Conclusions@#These findings highlight the usefulness of PEG in the management of nutritionally poor patients with difficulties in feeding orally.

Intestinal Perforation as a Paradoxical Reaction to Antitubercular Therapy: A Case Report

Paradoxical reactions to tuberculosis (TB) treatment are characterized by an initial improvement of the clinical symptoms followed by clinical or radiological deterioration of existing tuberculous lesions, or by development of new lesions. Intestinal perforation in gastrointestinal TB can occur as a paradoxical reaction to antitubercular therapy. A 55-year-old man visited the outpatient department with lower abdominal pain and weight loss. He was diagnosed with intestinal TB and started antitubercular therapy. After 3 months of antitubercular therapy, a colonoscopy revealed improvement of the disease. Three days after the colonoscopy, the patient visited the emergency room complaining of abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed extraluminal air-filled spaces in the pelvic cavity. We diagnosed a small bowel perforation and performed an emergency laparotomy and a right hemicolectomy with small bowel resection. This report describes the case of intestinal perforation presenting as a paradoxical reaction to antitubercular and provides a brief literature review.

Intestinal Perforation as a Paradoxical Reaction to Antitubercular Therapy: A Case Report

Paradoxical reactions to tuberculosis (TB) treatment are characterized by an initial improvement of the clinical symptoms followed by clinical or radiological deterioration of existing tuberculous lesions, or by development of new lesions. Intestinal perforation in gastrointestinal TB can occur as a paradoxical reaction to antitubercular therapy. A 55-year-old man visited the outpatient department with lower abdominal pain and weight loss. He was diagnosed with intestinal TB and started antitubercular therapy. After 3 months of antitubercular therapy, a colonoscopy revealed improvement of the disease. Three days after the colonoscopy, the patient visited the emergency room complaining of abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed extraluminal air-filled spaces in the pelvic cavity. We diagnosed a small bowel perforation and performed an emergency laparotomy and a right hemicolectomy with small bowel resection. This report describes the case of intestinal perforation presenting as a paradoxical reaction to antitubercular and provides a brief literature review.

Clinical Outcomes of Endoscopic Resection for Low-Grade Dysplasia and High-Grade Dysplasia on Gastric Pretreatment Biopsy: Korea ESD Study Group

Background/Aims@#Some cases of gastric low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) on forceps biopsy (FB) are diagnosed as gastric cancer (GC) after endoscopic resection (ER). This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of ER for gastric LGD and HGD on pretreatment FB and to identify the factors that predict pathologic upstaging to GC. @*Methods@#Patients who underwent ER for LGD and HGD on pretreatment FB from March 2005 to February 2018 in 14 hospitals in South Korea were enrolled, and the patients’ medical records were reviewed retrospectively. @*Results@#This study included 2,150 cases of LGD and 1,534 cases of HGD diagnosed by pretreatment FB. In total, 589 of 2,150 LGDs (27.4%) were diagnosed as GC after ER. Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking history, tumor location in the lower third of the stomach, tumor size >10 mm, depressed lesion, and ulceration significantly predicted GC. A total of 1,115 out of 1,534 HGDs (72.7%) were diagnosed with GC after ER. Previous history of GC, H. pylori infection, smoking history, tumor location in the lower third of the stomach, tumor size >10 mm, depressed lesion, and ulceration were significantly associated with GC. As the number of risk factors predicting GC increased in both LGD and HGD on pretreatment FB, the rate of upstaging to GC after ER increased. @*Conclusions@#A substantial proportion of LGDs and HGDs on pretreatment FB were diagnosed as GC after ER. Accurate ER procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection should be recommended in cases of LGD and HGD with factors predicting pathologic upstaging to GC.

Efficacy and Safety of Rebamipide versus Its New Formulation, AD-203, in Patients with Erosive Gastritis: A Randomized, DoubleBlind, Active Control, Noninferiority, Multicenter, Phase 3 Study

Background/Aims@#The mucoprotective drug rebamipide is used to treat gastritis and peptic ulcers. We compared the efficacy of Mucosta Ⓡ (rebamipide 100 mg) and its new formulation, AD-203 (rebamipide 150 mg), in treating erosive gastritis. @*Methods@#This double-blind, active control, noninferiority, multicenter, phase 3 clinical trial randomly assigned 475 patients with endoscopically proven erosive gastritis to two groups: AD-203 twice daily or Mucosta Ⓡ thrice daily for 2 weeks. The intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis included 454 patients (AD-203, n=229; Mucosta Ⓡ , n=225), and the per-protocol (PP) analysis included 439 patients (AD-203, n=224; Mucosta Ⓡ , n=215). The posttreatment assessments included the primary (erosion improvement rate) and secondary endpoints (erosion and edema cure rates; improvement rates of redness, hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal symptoms). Drug-related adverse events were evaluated. @*Results@#According to the ITT analysis, the erosion improvement rates (posttreatment) in AD-203-treated and Mucosta Ⓡ -treated patients were 39.7% and 43.8%, respectively. According to the PP analysis, the erosion improvement rates (posttreatment) in AD-203-treated and Mucosta Ⓡ -treated patients were 39.3% and 43.7%, respectively. The one-sided 97.5% lower limit for the improvement rate difference between the study groups was −4.01% (95% confidence interval [CI], –13.09% to 5.06%) in the ITT analysis and −4.44% (95% CI, –13.65% to 4.78%) in the PP analysis. The groups did not significantly differ in the secondary endpoints in either analysis. Twenty-four AD-203-treated and 20 Mucosta Ⓡ -treated patients reported adverse events but no serious adverse drug reactions; both groups presented similar adverse event rates. @*Conclusions@#The new formulation of rebamipide 150 mg (AD-203) twice daily was not inferior to rebamipide 100 mg (Mucosta Ⓡ ) thrice daily. Both formulations showed a similar efficacy in treating erosive gastritis.

Ten-Day Concomitant, 10-Day Sequential, and 7-Day Triple Therapy as First-Line Treatment for Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Nationwide Randomized Trial in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This nationwide, multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of 10-day concomitant therapy (CT) and 10-day sequential therapy (ST) with 7-day clarithromycin-containing triple therapy (TT) as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in the Korean population. METHODS: Patients with H. pylori infection were assigned randomly to 7d-TT (lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 7 days), 10d-ST (lansoprazole 30 mg and amoxicillin 1 g twice daily for the first 5 days, followed by lansoprazole 30 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for the remaining 5 days), or 10d-CT (lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 10 days). The primary endpoint was eradication rate by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1,141 patients were included. The 10d-CT protocol achieved a markedly higher eradication rate than the 7d-TT protocol in both the ITT (81.2% vs 63.9%) and PP analyses (90.6% vs 71.4%). The eradication rate of the 10d-ST protocol was superior to that of the 7d-TT protocol (76.3% vs 63.9%, ITT analysis; 85.0% vs 71.4%, PP analysis). No significant differences in adherence or serious side effects were found among the three treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: The 10d-CT and 10d-ST regimens were superior to the 7d-TT regimen as standard first-line treatment in Korea.

Gastric Schwannoma Mimicking Advanced Gastric Cancer

Gastric schwannoma, a rare mesenchymal tumor originating from the schwann cells of peripheral nerves, rarely occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. It accounts for only 0.2% of all gastric tumors and 2~6% of gastric mesenchymal tumors. Gastric schwannoma is observed as a subepithelial tumor on endoscopy; it is covered with normal mucosa, rendering its preoperative differential diagnosis difficult. An asymptomatic 43-year-old woman visited our hospital after a 7-cm ulcerofungating mass was detected in the lesser curvature of the gastric body on gastroscopy. Abdominal CT revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes, and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET demonstrated a subtle uptake of FDG, suggestive of advanced gastric cancer. After three failed attempts of endoscopic biopsy, the patient underwent total gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy and was subsequently diagnosed with gastric schwannoma. Herein, we report this case with a literature review.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Insertion-induced Superior Mesenteric Artery Injury Treated with Angiography / 대한소화기학회지

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is widely used to provide nutritional support for patients with dysphagia and/or disturbed consciousness preventing oral ingestion, and PEG tube placement is a relatively safe and convenient non-surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. However, the prevention of PEG-insertion-related complications is important. A 64-year-old man with recurrent pneumonia underwent tracheostomy and nasogastric tube placement for nutritional support and opted for PEG tube insertion for long-term nutrition. However, during the insertion procedure, needle puncture had to be attempted twice before successful PEG tube placement was achieved, and a day after the procedure his hemoglobin had fallen and he developed hypotension. Abdominal computed tomography revealed injury to a pancreatic branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) associated with bleeding, hemoperitoneum, and pancreatitis. Transarterial embolization was performed using a microcatheter to treat hemorrhage from the injured branch of the SMA, and the acute pancreatitis was treated using antibiotics and supportive care. The patient was discharged after an uneventful recovery. Clinicians should be mindful of possible pancreatic injury and bleeding after PEG tube insertion. Possible complications, such as visceral injuries or bleeding, should be considered in patients requiring multiple puncture attempts during a PEG procedure.

Abdominal Pain Due to Hem-o-lok Clip Migration after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / 대한소화기학회지

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a surgical clip is used to control the cystic duct and cystic artery. In the past, metallic clips were usually used, but over recent years, interest in the use of Hem-o-lok clips has increased. Surgical clip migration into the common bile duct (CBD) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy has rarely been reported and the majority of reported cases involved metallic clips. In this report, we describe the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain caused by migration of a Hem-o-lok clip into the CBD. The patient had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy 10 months previously. Abdominal CT revealed an indistinct, minute, radiation-impermeable object in the distal CBD. The object was successfully removed by sphincterotomy via ERCP using a stone basket and was identified as a Hem-o-lok clip.

Ischemic Necrosis of the Gastric Remnant without Splenic Infarction Following Subtotal Gastrectomy

Gastric remnant necrosis after a subtotal gastrectomy is an extremely uncommon complication due to the rich vascular supply of the stomach. Despite its rareness, it must be carefully addressed considering the significant mortality rate associated with this condition. Patients vulnerable to ischemic vascular disease in particular need closer attention and should be treated more cautiously. When gastric remnant necrosis is suspected, an urgent endoscopic examination must be performed. We report a case of gastric remnant necrosis following a subtotal gastrectomy and discuss possible risk factors associated with this complication.

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis That Developed During the Treatment of a Patient With Crohn Disease by Using Infliximab

For inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), antitumor necrosis factor treatment offers a new direction for both patients and medical doctors. This treatment has dramatically improved the quality of life for patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease (CD). However, with increasing usage and longer follow-up periods, a wider range of possible adverse effects may be encountered. We report an unusual case of pulmonary sarcoidosis developed during the treatment of a patient with CD by using infliximab. A 30-year-old male who had been treated for CD with infliximab for 18 months was admitted due to abnormal opacities on chest radiography. Chest computed tomography displayed clustered small nodules in both lobes and enlarged multiple lymph nodes. The patient was diagnosed with sarcoidosis from the results of a biopsy of the subcarinal lymph node. Lung lesions were improved five months after infliximab was stopped.

An Incidental Discovery of Morgagni Hernia in an Elderly Patient Presented with Chronic Dyspepsia / 대한소화기학회지

A Morgagni hernia was first described in 1761 by Giovanni Morgagni. In adults, it is accompanied by gastrointestinal- or respiratory-type symptoms. Herein, we report an 84-year-old woman presented to our hospital with nausea and vomiting. After hospitalization, an X-ray revealed a right diaphragmatic hernia. Based on the results of abdominal computed tomography, duodenoscopy, and upper gastrointestinography (gastrografin), we concluded that her symptoms were caused by Morgagni hernia. Our patient underwent laparoscopic surgery, and shortly thereafter, her symptoms resolved.

Pneumoretroperitoneum, Pneumomediastinum, Pneumothorax, and Subcutaneous Emphysema after Diagnostic Colonoscopy / 대한소화기학회지

Colonoscopy is a commonly performed endoscopic procedure. Although it is generally considered to be safe, serious complications, such as colorectal perforation, can occur. Most colonic perforations are intraperitoneal and cause pneumoperitoneum with acute abdominal pain as the initial symptom. However, extraperitoneal perforations with pneumoretroperitoneum may happen, albeit rarely, with atypical initial symptoms. We report a rare case of rectosigmoid perforation occurring after diagnostic colonoscopy that developed into pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema, with a change in voice and neck swelling as the initial symptoms. The patient was successfully treated with endoscopic closure of the perforation and conservative management.

Therapeutic Outcomes of Endoscopic Resection of Early Gastric Cancer with Undifferentiated-Type Histology: A Korean ESD Registry Database Analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the therapeutic outcomes of endoscopic resection (ER) of early gastric cancer (EGC) with undifferentiated-type histology. METHODS: Cases of ER of EGC with undifferentiated-type histology in the Korean endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) registry database were identified and reviewed. The immediate outcomes, including en bloc resection, complete resection, and curative resection rates, and long-term outcomes, including recurrence and survival rates, were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2015, 275 EGCs with undifferentiated-type histology from 275 patients were identified. The immediate outcomes were as follows: en bloc resection rate: 92.4%; complete resection rate: 80%; and curative resection rate: 36.4%. Compared to patients with lesions that were beyond the expanded indication, those with expanded indication lesions showed better therapeutic outcomes. There was no difference in immediate outcomes between patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (PDC) and signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC). However, compared to ER of SRC, ER of PDC had a stronger association with submucosal invasion (41.9% vs. 23.6%, p=0.003). With regard to long-term outcomes, there was no difference between lesions with curative and non-curative resections in the recurrence and mortality rates. These rates also did not differ between PDC and SRC (median follow up: 3.96 years). CONCLUSIONS: ER confined to expanded indication lesions can be considered for treatment of EGC with undifferentiated-type histology.

Colonic MALT Lymphoma Diagnosed 6 Months after Complete Remission of Gastric MALT Lymphoma / 대한내과학회지

Most mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas are found in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common site is the stomach, whereas colon MALT lymphomas are rare. There are a few reports of simultaneously diagnosed stomach and colon MALT lymphomas. However, diagnosis of primary colonic MALT lymphoma after complete remission of gastric MALT lymphoma is extremely rare. Although the treatment protocol for gastric MALT lymphoma is well established, there is no consensus protocol for colonic MALT lymphoma owing to its rarity. Herein, we report a case of colonic MALT lymphoma incidentally diagnosed 6 months after completion of radiation therapy for gastric MALT lymphoma and treated via polypectomy, with no recurrence for 3 years.

A Case of Early Gastric Cancer with Nodular Tumor-like Scalp Metastasis / 대한소화기학회지

Many neoplasms, including lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and gastrointestinal tract malignancy, possess potential for skin metastasis. Skin metastases can represent the first presentation of such malignancies and may be observed incidentally during routine exam. Skin metastases from gastric adenocarcinoma are uncommon, with a prevalence rate of 0.04-0.8%. Cutaneous metastases from gastric cancer are generally observed as the initial symptom of advanced gastric cancer. Early detection and treatment can increase patient survival. A 42-year-old woman visited our department with nodule about 1 cm in size on the right frontal scalp noticed incidentally after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy for early gastric cancer about 16 months prior. The patient was diagnosed with skin metastasis from gastric adenocarcinoma. Complete excision of the skin lesion and additional chemotherapy were performed. Herein, we report a case of nodular tumor-like scalp metastasis from early gastric cancer with a brief review of the literature.

Asymptomatic Gastric Band Erosion Detected during Routine Gastroduodenoscopy

The incidence of gastric band erosion has decreased to 1%. Gastric band erosion can manifest with various clinical symptoms, although some patients remain asymptomatic. We present a case of a mostly asymptomatic patient who was diagnosed with gastric band erosion during a routine health check-up. A 32-year-old man without any underlying diseases except for non-alcoholic fatty liver underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery in 2010. He had no significant complications postoperatively. He underwent routine health check-ups with near-normal gastroduodenoscopic findings through 2014. However, in 2015, routine gastroduodenoscopy showed that the gastric band had eroded into the stomach. His gastric band was removed laparoscopically, and the remaining gastric ulcer perforation was repaired using an omental patch. Due to the early diagnosis, the infection was not serious. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 with oral antibiotics. This patient was fortunately diagnosed early by virtue of a routine health check-up; thus, eliminating the possibility of serious complications.

Diagnosis and management of gastric dysplasia

Gastric dysplasia is a neoplastic lesion and a precursor of gastric cancer. The Padova, Vienna, and World Health Organization classifications were developed to overcome the discrepancies between Western and Japanese pathologic diagnoses and to provide a universally accepted classification of gastric epithelial neoplasia. At present, the natural history of gastric dysplasia is unclear. Much evidence suggests that patients with high-grade dysplasia are at high risk of progression to carcinoma or synchronous carcinoma. Therefore, endoscopic resection is required. Although patients with low-grade dysplasia have been reported to be at low risk of progression to carcinoma, due to the marked histologic discrepancies between forceps biopsy and endoscopic specimens, endoscopic resection for this lesion is recommended, particularly in the presence of other risk factors (large size; depressed gross type; surface erythema, unevenness, ulcer, or erosion; and tubulovillous or villous histology). Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with dysplasia after endoscopic resection appear to reduce the incidence of metachronous lesions.

Clinical Outcome of Doublet and Triplet Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In gastric cancer, the rate of recurrence and metastasis following radical resection is high, necessitating improvement in survival and cure rates. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has potential benefits for locally advanced gastric cancer; however, the surgical benefits and effects on survival are unclear. This study evaluates the effectiveness of NAC in locally advanced gastric cancer and compares clinical outcomes of doublet and triplet regimens. METHODS: We reviewed patient medical records of 383 patients who underwent NAC (n=41) or surgery only (n=342) for treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer. The baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Chemotherapy patients were classified according to regimen, doublet (n=28) and triplet (n=13), and NAC-related clinical response, safety, and toxicity were analyzed. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. After NAC, the tumor downstage rate was 51.2% (21/41); however, overall survival (p=0.205) and disease-free survival (p=0.415) were not significantly different between the groups. On subgroup analysis, no significant differences in drug toxicity (p=0.604) or clinical response (p=0.374) were found between outcomes of doublet and triplet chemotherapy regimens. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with locally advanced gastric cancer, NAC showed tolerable drug toxicity and increased tumor downstage, but NAC failed to increase the survival rate, which may be caused by a high D2-lymphadenectomy rate. Therefore, NAC was found to be a therapeutic option for select gastric cancer patients.

The Effect of Esomeprazole 40 mg Single Therapy in Patients with Non-Erosive Reflux Disease Who Are Resistant to Standard-Dose Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy: An Open-Label Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite the efficacy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment, a considerable number of patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) are resistant to treatment with a PPI at the standard dose. In these patients, doubling the dose of PPI is one of the potential therapeutic strategies. However, only few studies support this therapeutic strategy. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of 40 mg esomeprazole once daily in patients with persistent symptoms of NERD despite standard daily PPI therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 92 patients with NERD who had persistent symptoms of NERD despite standard dose (half dose) of PPI for more than 4 weeks, were enrolled in this multicenter (eight centers) open-label study. Efficacy and safety of a daily dose of 40 mg esomeprazole were evaluated after 4 weeks in all the patients. RESULTS: The sum score of two symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation) decreased significantly from 72.51 to 32.55 after 4 weeks of treatment (P<0.001). The percentage of patients with ≥50% improvement in symptom score (heartburn+acid regurgitation), during the study period was 66.7%. Patients with severe symptoms at baseline had significantly higher symptom improvement rate in comparison to patients who had milder symptoms. Adverse effects related to the treatment were reported by 3 (3.3%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Esomeprazole 40 mg once daily is an effective and safe strategy to treat NERD patients with persistent symptoms despite standard daily PPI therapy.