Analysis of prognostic factors in patients with self-expandable metallic stents for treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are widely accepted as a less-invasive treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). However, the factors related to prognosis and stent dysfunction after SEMS placement are not well known, and we aimed to investigate them. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of 212 malignant strictures in 207 patients. Factors related to prolonged overall survival (OS) and time to recurrent GOO (TRGOO) after SEMS placement were evaluated. RESULTS: Improvement of oral intake was confirmed in 179 patients (86%). The median OS was 65 days. A Cox proportional hazards model revealed that lower cancer stage, lower performance status score at the time of SEMS placement, and administration of chemotherapy after SEMS placement were significant predictive factors for prolonged OS. The median OS was 182 days in the group of SEMS followed by chemotherapy (group A) and 43 days in the group of SEMS alone (group B) (p< .0001). Chemotherapy after SEMS implantation contributed to the prolongation of survival in gastric cancer (hazard ratio (HR), 0.12) and pancreatic cancer (HR, 0.41). Furthermore, the cumulative incidence rates of stent dysfunction on day 120 after SEMS placement were 30% in group A and 61% in group B (p=.03). Notably, the preventive effect of chemotherapy on stent dysfunction was significant in pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSIONS: SEMS is a treatment with high technical and clinical success rate for malignant GOO. Furthermore, subsequent chemotherapy prolongs OS especially in gastric cancer, and TRGOO in pancreatic cancer.

Emergency Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Did Not Increase the Incidence of Postprocedural Pancreatitis Compared With Elective Cases: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of and risk factors for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) after emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: We performed a prospective multicenter observational study of 3914 patients who underwent ERCP. We compared the incidence of PEP after emergency and elective ERCP. RESULTS: A total of 3410 patients were enrolled in this study. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 44 of 800 patients (5.5%) and in 190 of 2418 patients (7.9%) in the emergency and elective groups, respectively. No significant difference was noted between the groups (odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-1.03; P = 0.07). Multivariate analysis showed that the following factors increased the risk for PEP after emergency ERCP: contrast medium injection into the pancreatic duct (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.30-5.03; P = 0.005), >4 cannulation attempts (OR, 5.72; 95% CI, 2.61-12.50; P < 0.001), and endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (OR, 9.24; 95% CI, 2.13-40.10; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was noted in the incidence of PEP in patients after emergency and elective ERCP. We may prevent PEP even after emergency ERCP by avoiding contrast injection into the pancreatic duct, multiple cannulation attempts, and endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation.

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis assessed using criteria for acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: International consensus on the definition and classification of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) has been reached. However, the diagnosis and severity of PEP are often assessed according to the diagnostic criteria and classification for acute pancreatitis (AP). This study determined the incidence, severity, and risk factors of PEP diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria and classification for AP in a large cohort. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study conducted at five high-volume centers included 1932 patients who underwent ERCP-related procedures. The incidence, severity, and risk factors for PEP were evaluated. RESULTS: PEP occurred in 142 patients (7.3%); it was mild in 117 patients (6.0%) and severe in 25 patients (1.3%). According to the Cotton criteria, PEP occurred in 87 patients (4.5%); it was mild in 54 patients (2.8%), moderate in 20 patients (1.0%), and severe in 13 patients (0.7%). In the multivariate analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.239; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.546-3.243), naïve papilla (OR 3.047; 95% CI 1.803-5.150), surgically-altered gastrointestinal anatomy (OR 2.538; 95% CI 1.342-4.802), procedure time after reaching the papilla (OR 1.009; 95% CI 1.001-1.017), pancreatic duct injection (OR 2.396; 95% CI 1.565-3.669), and intraductal ultrasonography (OR 1.641; 95% CI 1.024-2.629) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: According to the diagnostic criteria and classification for AP, the incidence of PEP was higher than that according to the Cotton criteria and the severity of PEP tended to be severe.

Diagnostic Value of Serum Amylase Levels Indicating Computed Tomography-Defined Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis involves persistent serum amylase levels of 3 times or more the standard upper limit. However, these criteria were mostly based on retrospective studies and not necessarily supported by diagnostic imaging. Our prospective study aimed to investigate cutoff serum amylase levels suggesting post-ERCP pancreatitis using computed tomography as the criterion standard. METHODS: We prospectively followed 2078 cases. Computed tomography was performed in patients whose serum amylase levels exceeded the institutional upper limit 12 to 24 hours after ERCP. Two expert radiologists blindly assessed the images and judged the presence or absence of pancreatitis. Correlations between serum amylase levels with pancreatitis were investigated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Amylase levels increased in 416 (23.2%) of 1789 cases included, and 350 cases were analyzed using computed tomography. Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis was diagnosed in 12.0% (214/1789). The cutoff amylase levels for judging pancreatitis after 12 to 24 hours was 2.75 times higher than the institutional upper limit, with an area under the curve of 0.77. CONCLUSIONS: The appropriate cutoff serum amylase level for judging post-ERCP pancreatitis at 12 to 24 hours after ERCP was 2.75 times higher than the institutional upper limit. These results may clarify the definition of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Acute onset of ulcerative colitis during chemoradiotherapy for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive lung adenocarcinoma.

We report a case of acute onset of ulcerative colitis (UC) during chemoradiotherapy in a patient with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive lung adenocarcinoma. A 46-year-old male patient with an abnormal chest shadow was referred to our hospital. He was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, clinical stage T1aN3M0 and stage IIIB. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy was selected for his initial therapy. After two cycles of cisplatin and vinorelbine administration, he experienced persistent diarrhoea and anorexia. Findings of the colonoscopy revealed a pancolitis type of UC. After discontinuation of chemotherapy, oral administration of mesalazine was initiated. The development of UC during chemotherapy is very rare and only a few case reports have been published. Although adverse events are rare, it is very important to assess the colitis precisely by performing a colonoscopy when protracted abdominal pain is experienced by the patient, along with diarrhoea or bloody stool during chemotherapy.

Selection of regimens for patients with hepatitis C virus genotype/serotype discrepancy.

In the present study, the usefulness of the resistance-associated variant (RAV) analysis to select direct acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype/serotype discrepancy was evaluated. The core-genotype and serotype were determined in the 559 patients recruited in the study. The RAV analysis and NS5B-genotype determination were performed in the eight patients who exhibited a genotype/serotype discrepancy. One of these patients exhibited a core-genotype 1b/serotype 2, and detection by RAV analysis was possible in this patient. The other seven patients demonstrated a core-genotype 2/serotype 1, and detection using the RAV analysis was possible in four of them. The NS5B-genotype was 1b in all patients in whom detection using the RAV analysis was possible and was other than 1b in patients in whom detection using the RAV analysis was impossible. The RAV analysis could detect RNA sequences specific to genotype 1b in the NS5A region. Therefore, in patients with genotype/serotype discrepancy in whom detection using the RAV analysis is possible, the treatment regimens should be selected based on the assumption that HCV with genome that is highly homologous to genotype 1b is present in the NS5A region.

Multicentric recurrence of intraductal papillary neoplasms of bile duct in the remnant intrahepatic bile duct after curative resection.

INTRODUCTION: There have been few reports on the prognosis of patients with intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNB). Here we report a case of IPNB in a patient with early-stage carcinoma who had multicentric recurrence in the remnant hepatic bile duct after curative resection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old man with hepatic dysfunction and cholestasis was referred to our hospital. Preoperative imaging studies revealed the presence of papillary tumors in the left hepatic duct and common hepatic duct, while no tumor lesions were detected in the right hepatic duct. This patient underwent left hepatectomy, extra-hepatic bile duct resection with biliary reconstruction, and regional lymphnode dissection. On the basis of pathological examination, this patient was diagnosed with multiple IPNB with early-stage adenocarcinoma with negative surgical margin. Postoperative work-up was periodically performed, indicating no evidence of recurrence, while the patient had sustained hepatic dysfunction, cholestasis, and repetitive cholangitis since the early postoperative period. Finally, recurrence in the remnant intrahepatic bile duct of the posterior segment was revealed by double balloon enteroscopy at 29 months after surgery. At 34 months after surgery, internal drainage stents were replaced in both endoscopic and percutaneous manners within the relapsed intrahepatic bile ducts to address repetitive cholangitis. These procedures enabled the patient to remain asymptomatic until death at 41 months after surgery. DISCUSSION: Multicentric recurrence in the remnant intrahepatic bile duct after surgery may occur in IPNB patients with multiple lesions. An endoscopic approach may be useful in such cases, not only in the diagnosis of remnant intrahepatic bile duct recurrence but also for palliation of symptoms.

[Two cases of colonic diverticular bleeding in which the combination of a planned marking clip and dynamic computed tomography was useful for identification of the bleeding site].

We experienced two cases of shock secondary to colonic diverticular bleeding. Both patients showed signs of shock after each episode of melena; however, the bleeding site could not be initially identified because multiple diverticula were present and the bleeding spontaneously ceased during each examination. Therefore, we subsequently performed planned clipping and dynamic computed tomography scanning of the area surrounding the potential bleeding sites to look for signs of vascular leakage and to determine the clip location. The use of this method enabled us to successfully identify the bleeding site in both cases. Thus, this method can be useful in identifying the site of colonic diverticular bleeding that may cause shock.

Placement of a triple-layered covered versus uncovered metallic stent for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a multicenter randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Usually, uncovered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are used for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). A triple-layered covered SEMS is reported to be efficacious, but its performance has not been compared with uncovered SEMS. The present study is the first to compare the efficacy and safety of a triple-layered covered versus uncovered SEMS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter randomized study was conducted in two tertiary referral centers, with 62 eligible patients with symptomatic GOO to receive covered (n = 31) or uncovered SEMS (n = 31). The primary endpoint was SEMS patency, and secondary endpoints were success rate and adverse events after complete follow up. RESULTS: Both groups had a technical success rate of 100% and comparable clinical success rates (P = 0.67). There was nostatistically significant difference in stent patency and adverse events between the two groups (P = 0.52 and P = 0.38, respectively). Although the occurrence rate of persistent obstructive symptoms was comparable (P = 0.42), that of recurrent obstructive symptoms was higher in the uncovered group (29% vs 3.6%, P = 0.0125). Patient survival did not differ between groups (P = 0.34). CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference in stent patency, but use of a triple-layered covered SEMS was associated with less frequent stent dysfunction more than 4 weeks after stenting, despite similar short-term outcomes.

[A case of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the liver: detection by FDG-PET].

A 57 year-old woman was admitted for focal accumulation of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in the liver detected by positron emission tomography (PET). A 25- mm hypovascular tumor was detected by computed tomography. Tumor biopsy revealed many atypical cells with positive staining for factor VIII-related-antigen in sinusoids. Right lobectomy was performed and the tumor was diagnosed as epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) pathologically. We demonstrated that FDG-PET was useful for the diagnosis of EHE and making deciding on therapeutic strategy.

Palliation in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction with a newly designed enteral stent: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Through-the-scope (TTS) stents facilitate palliative enteral stent placement. However, most TTS stents are braided, a characteristic that has been associated with significant foreshortening and relatively frequent migration. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical experience with a new woven enteral stent in the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction. DESIGN: From January 2005 to August 2006, patients with unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction were offered stent placement with a new woven stent. SETTING: Three referral hospitals in Japan. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven consecutive patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction. INTERVENTIONS: A newly designed enteral stent was placed by using the TTS placement technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Palliation efficacy and safety of the new stents. RESULTS: Stent placement was successful in 36 of 37 patients (technical success, 97%). Thirty-four patients were able to tolerate oral intake without obstructive symptoms (clinical success, 94.4%). Complications occurred in 16.2% of patients, comprising 2 cases of primary stent dysfunction, 1 perforation, 1 GI bleeding, 1 stent obstruction, and 1 biliary stent dysfunction. No migration was seen during the median follow-up period of 68 days. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and relatively brief follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A newly developed enteral stent with higher flexibility and less foreshortening offers comparable clinical outcome to existing stents and a lower frequency of complications, including migration.