Pancreaticobiliary maljunction in Turkish patients: a multicenter case series.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) is a malformation in which the pancreatic and bile ducts join outside the duodenal wall. It is associated with various biliary and pancreatic diseases. In addition, patients with PBM carry a substantial lifetime risk of developing biliary or gallbladder carcinoma. We aimed to present a multicenter case series of PBM from Turkey. METHODS: This study was conducted in adult and pediatric PBM patients who were referred to three tertiary reference centers of Turkey for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) between July 2007 and May 2020. The clinical presentations, types of PBM, ERCP findings, surgical histories, and the postoperative courses, including the development of biliary malignancies, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The study group included 47 (31 adult and 16 children) patients. Type D PBM was more frequent (13/41: 27.7%) than that reported in Eastern studies. Type A PBM was more common in the adults (51.6% vs. 12.5%, p < 0.05), whereas type C was more common in pediatric patients (31.3% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.05). Although fusiform anatomy was predominant in both of the groups, cystic dilatation was more common (25.8% vs. 12.5%) in adults and the common bile duct diameter was greater [22 mm (range 11-58) vs. 12 mm (range 5-33)] in adult patients compared to pediatric patients. Resective surgeries were more frequently done in pediatric patients (73.3% vs. 53.6%), whereas cholecystectomy was more frequently performed in adult patients (21.4% vs. 6.7%). CONCLUSION: Although our findings were compatible with Eastern studies, type D PBM (associated with pancreas divisum) was more frequent in our study population.

Endoscopic Treatment of the Zenker Diverticulum With Flexible Endoscopic Myotomy: A Single Tertiary Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The Zenker diverticulum (ZD) is the most common type of esophageal diverticula. Management of ZD has different options; however, there is a recent increase in treatment with flexible endoscopic myotomy (FEM). In our study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of FEM among patients with ZD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of patients who underwent FEM for ZD in our clinic between January 2008 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Myotomy was performed with a needle-knife sphincterotome by using pulse-cut or forced coagulation electrocautery mode. Myotomy was performed on the common wall of the diverticulum up to 0.5 to 1 cm of the distal end. A handmade diverticuloscope, which was modified from an overtube, was used in most of the patients to focus more carefully on the septum. Dysphagia scores of the patients before and after the procedure were compared and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 65.3 years, and mean diverticular diameter was 3.2 cm. The most common symptoms were dysphagia and regurgitation. The mean in-hospital stay was 5 days. The dysphagia score was significantly decreased after FEM among the patients (0.17±0.39 vs. 2±0.79; P=0.0001). Complications were observed in 3 patients (17.6%); however, there was no procedure-related mortality. DISCUSSION: FEM is an efficient and safe procedure as a treatment modality for ZD. However, lack of a standard algorithm is a remarkable disadvantage.

Is there a safer electrosurgical current for endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with liver cirrhosis?

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sphincterotomy has a higher risk of bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. Advanced Child stage and coagulopathy are well-known risk factors. We aimed to determine the role of electrosurgical currents in the development of endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: The study was a retrospective observational study and included 19,642 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between 2004 and 2013. The incidence of endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding in cirrhotic patients who underwent sphincterotomy after 2009 with an electrosurgical generator applying alternating current in the pulse cut mode (Group 2) was compared with a historical control group who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy between 2004 and 2009 via blended current (Group 1). RESULTS: Group 1 included 15 patients (six women, nine men, mean age: 62.2 ± 12.9 years). Group 2 included 14 patients (six women, eight men, mean age: 63.6 ± 16.9 years). There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups. Endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding was observed in three patients in Group 1 (two endoscopic bleeding and one clinically significant bleeding) and none of the patients in Group 2 (p = 0.77). There were no cases of perforation or pancreatitis in both groups. One patient in Group 2 developed cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding is less frequently observed in patients with cirrhosis who underwent sphincterotomy with alternating mixed current in the pulse cut mode compared with those with blended current.

Diverticulum With Papillae: Does Position of Papilla Affect Technical Success?

BASIS AND PURPOSE: The presence of peripapillary diverticulum (PPD) can cause some biliary diseases, especially common bile duct stones, and also, literally, can change the technique of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and affect the complication ratio of this procedure. In this study, we investigate the effect of localization and position of the papilla according to the diverticulum on the success of therapeutic ERCP procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted prospectively in the patients with naive papillae, who underwent ERCP for a period of 16 months. In all patients, the position of papillae according to the diverticulum (the periphery of the diverticulum is thought as the clock circumference, and the position of papillae is defined as the dials of clock), the success rate of biliary cannulation, total procedure time, overall treatment success rate of ERCP, and the complications are investigated. RESULTS: During this period, 222 (18.5%) of the 1205 enrolled patients who underwent ERCP had PPD. Of the patients with PPD, 123 (55.4%) were female and 99 (44.6%) were male, and the median age was 68.9±10.1 years. According to the position of the papilla by the diverticulum, 90 (40.5%) patients have it on 7 o'clock position, 64 (28.8%) patients have on 6 o'clock position, 63 (28.3%) patients have on 5 o'clock position, and 5 (2.3%) patients have on 1 o'clock position. In the cases of the papilla on 1 o'clock position according to the diverticulum, cannulation procedures were found to be more difficult than other patients (P<0.05). The presence of the diverticulum did not affect the success of therapeutic procedures and did not increase the ratio of complications. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of PPD, additional cannulation techniques may be required for the procedure. Particularly, the aid of percutaneous techniques may be needed for the papilla on 1 o'clock position.

Endoscopic treatment of patients with bile duct stricture after cholecystectomy: factors predicting recurrence in the long term.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic treatment is effective in the treatment of patients with bile duct injury after cholecystectomy. We aimed to investigate the long-term results of endoscopic treatment, factors predicting the recurrence of the stricture, and to determine the optimal endoscopic treatment. METHODS: The study was a retrospective cohort analysis and conducted at a tertiary referral center in patients with major bile duct injury (Strasberg E1-4 and E5 patients with main bile duct injury). Patients with minor injury (Luschka and cystic duct leakage), complete transection, and isolated aberrant bile duct injuries were excluded. RESULTS: The study group included 156 patients. The median follow-up period after stent removal was 6.5 years (range 1-16.5). Recurrence was seen in 18 patients (11 %) after a median duration of 9 months (range 2-96). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the most important factors predicting the success of endoscopic treatment were: Rome type of treatment (inserting increasing number of stents every 3-4 months) (odds ratio 23.8, 95 % CI 1.46-390.7, p = 0.026) instead of Amsterdam-type treatment (replacing two 10F biliary stents every 3-4 months) and dilation of the stricture diameter to at least 76 % of the common bile duct diameter at the end of stent treatment (odds ratio 25.9, 95 % CI 2.46-272.7, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment is an effective method in the treatment of patients with bile duct stricture after cholecystectomy. Inserting multiple stents as much as possible without leaving a scar in the bile ducts should be aimed.

Results of endoscopic treatment for the management of stenotic end-to-side hepaticoduodenostomy.

PURPOSE: The outcome of endoscopic treatment for the management of surgical end-to-side hepaticoduodenostomy (HD) has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of endoscopic management of HD. METHODS: The medical records of 17 patients with HD stenosis who were referred to the ERCP unit between August 2003 and June 2012 for endoscopic intervention were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients presented with cholangitis, of whom, jaundice was the presenting complaint in 3 patients. Eight patients (47.1%) who had stents placed for a median of 2 (min, 1; max, 3) ERCP periods remained asymptomatic for a median stent-free period of 19.5 months (min, 7; max, 96 mo). Five patients (29.4%) who had stents placed for a median of 2 (min, 1; max, 5) ERCP periods presented with an episode of stone-related cholangitis for a mean of 41.8±28.9 months after stent removal. These 5 patients remained asymptomatic for a median of 9.5 months (min, 5; max, 40 mo) after endoscopic stone extraction. Three patients with HD (17.6%) were followed up with stents for 4 to 19 ERC periods. One HD patient (5.9%) who had cholangitis associated with secondary biliary cirrhosis died of cholangitis-related complications, despite the treatment with stents for 4 ERC periods. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic management is also a realistic treatment option for stenotic HD anastomosis, although success rates may vary.

Retraction of the main papilla toward the biliary system in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Retraction of the main papilla toward the biliary system was observed in 70% of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). However, this observation was confounded by the fact that all of the patients with this finding had a prior history of sphincterotomy. The aim of the present study was to observe whether main papillary retraction can be seen in patients with naïve papillae and accompanies the progression of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a single tertiary reference center and included 4 patients with PSC. RESULTS: Main papillary retraction was seen to emerge with progression of PSC after an initial presentation with intra and extrahepatic involvement in 2 patients and after progression from intrahepatic to extrahepatic bile ducts in 1 patient. Main papillary retraction was seen in 2 patients with naïve papillae and could be detected by magnetic resonance cholangiography in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Retraction of the main papilla can be seen in patients with PSC regardless of prior sphincterotomy history.

Endoscopic treatment of biliary fistulas developing after liver resections.

Bile leaks are a major cause of mortality and morbidity after liver resections. We prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of endoscopic treatment of biliary fistulas developing after liver resections in 15 patients. Fistulas developed after extended right hepatectomy in 4, extended left hepatectomy in 8, and segmentectomy in 3 patients. Median time interval between surgery and endoscopic intervention was 10 days (range, 7 to 35 d). Endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by a nasobiliary drain insertion was the initial treatment. If the fistula persisted after 2 weeks, nasobiliary drain was replaced by a plastic stent. The effect of output (low in 10 and high in 5 patients) and the origin of fistula (stump in 10 and resection surface of the liver in 5 patients) on the time for closure were evaluated. Bile leakage ceased by only nasobiliary drainage catheter placement in 11 patients (73.3%). Plastic stents were inserted in 4 patients. There was a significant correlation between the output of bile leakage and the time needed for fistula closure. Endoscopic treatment methods are effective in patients with bile leaks due to liver resections.

Cholecystectomy-related aberrant bile duct injuries and their endoscopic treatment.

Both complete transection and accidental ligation of the main bile duct because of a cholecystectomy are the injuries that are not amenable to endoscopic treatment and require an additional surgery. Leaks resulting from the severance of an aberrant bile duct may be treated endoscopically, although such injuries are difficult to be identified, thus resulting in treatment delays. Presented here are the details and follow-up results of 7 cases of patients with postcholecystectomy aberrant bile duct injuries, which were treated by endoscopic treatment.

Factors affecting the success of endoscopic treatment of sphincterotomy bleeding.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic methods are effective in the control of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) bleeding. Initial failure or recurrent bleeding may develop in some patients, which may require angiographic or surgical interventions. We aimed to determine the factors leading to failure of endoscopic treatment methods. METHODS: Forty-six patients (1.37%) had endoscopic and/or clinically significant bleeding among a total of 3354 ESs (2998 primary, 356 re-ES) performed within 3 years. Forty-one patients (21 immediate, 20 late onset bleeding) underwent endoscopic treatment. Nineteen patients were treated initially by epinephrine injection and 22 with heat probe. The relation between demographic, laboratory parameters, presence of comorbidity, cholangitis, coagulopathy, and juxtapapillary diverticula, pre-cutting, type of ES, time and pattern of bleeding, treatment modality, the success and relapse of endoscopic treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: The first method was successful in the treatment of bleeding in 18 patients with heat probe and epinephrine injection, each. Presence of cholangitis, coagulopathy and increased international normalized ratio (INR) levels were found to determine the success of first treatment method. Bleeding could be stopped in all of the patients either with initially preferred or combined methods. Five patients developed recurrent bleeding. Presence of cholangitis, coagulopathy, increased INR levels, low thrombocyte counts and performance of precutting were factors predicting recurrence. Both of the treatment methods were 100% effective in patients without coagulopathy and none of the patients developed recurrent bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of ES bleeding in patients with high risks such as coagulopathy require new effective methods. Patients with coagulopathy must be carefully followed for the development of recurrent bleeding.

Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology on the differentiation of malignant and benign pancreatic cystic lesions: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to compare the use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in cytology and the biochemical analysis of cyst fluid, together with the size of the lesion in the differentiation between benign and malignant pancreatic cystic lesions. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent EUS-FNA for pancreatic cystic lesions in our center from January 2006 to October 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA was determined. RESULTS: Of the 56 patients, 37 (66.1%) had evaluable cytology for diagnosis and sufficient cyst fluid was available for biochemical analysis in 58.9% (33/56) of the patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of EUS-FNA for detecting malignancy were 63%, 100%, 100% and 85%, respectively. EUS-FNA was the most accurate diagnostic method for differentiating malignant and benign pancreatic cystic lesions (88%). Cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) > 365 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 100% for the detection of malignant cystic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Although the rate of insufficient cyst fluid aspiration is high, the combination of cytological evaluation and CEA analysis of cyst fluid obtained by EUS-FNA is accurate in differentiating malignant cystic lesions from benign ones. Safe techniques are essential to improve the yield of cyst fluid aspiration by EUS.

Early repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: predictive factors and interventions required.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Early repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may be required due to various conditions in patients who underwent planned endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. We aimed to assess the factors leading to early repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and to determine the patients who need closer follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 691 patients with a mean age of 60.3±16.4 years who had naive papilla on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were involved in the study. The patients who required repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were identified. Presentations, predictive factors, treatment modalities, and outcomes of the patients were investigated. RESULTS: Early repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was needed in 19 (2.7%) patients. The most common presentation was cholangitis in 10 (52.6%) and unresolved jaundice in 4 (21.1%). Multivariate analysis identified biliary stricture (p=0.024), stricture at the hilus (p=0.005) and unilateral drainage in the presence of hilar stricture (p=0.017) as the independent risk factors for early repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Stent migration or dysfunction was the most common underlying cause. Therapeutic interventions were nasobiliary drainage in 13, stent exchange in 4 and stone removal in 2. Additionally, percutaneous drainage in 4 patients, drainage of abscess in 2 patients and percutaneous drainage of gallbladder in 1 patient were performed. Three patients died due to their underlying illness. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral stenting especially in hilar strictures is a predictive factor for early repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with high mortality. These patients should be under close follow-up.

Additional biliary cannulation methods in patients with juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Juxtapapillary diverticula (JPD) can increase the difficulty of biliary cannulation. A number of additional methods have been defined in case of failed cannulation attempt by standard technique. We aimed to investigate the more commonly preferred and practical additional methods among them. METHODS: A total of 1,205 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCP) performed during a study period of 14 months were prospectively entered into a database. Of these, 222 (18 %) had JPD (123 women, 99 men, mean age 69 years) and 983 had no diverticula (523 women, 460 men, mean age 57 years). Additional cannulation methods used in patients with JPD were recorded. Biliary cannulation time, total procedure time, use of pre-cut papillotomy, and therapeutic success of ERCP were compared between the groups as well. RESULTS: Biliary cannulation was performed by standard technique in 210 patients with JPD (94.5 %). Cannulation was achieved by placement of a guidewire into the pancreatic duct in 6 (2.7 %) and use of two devices in one channel in 2 (0.9 %) patients. There was no significant difference between the total procedure time and therapeutic success of ERCP between the groups. Cannulation time was significantly longer in patients with JPD. Pre-cut papillotomy was performed less in patients with JPD. CONCLUSION: Presence of JPD does not decrease the therapeutic success of ERCP. Placement of a guidewire in the pancreatic duct or use of two-devices-in-one-channel are practical, successful, safe, and preferred methods which can be used in patients with failed cannulation by standard technique.

What to do if a transesophageal echocardiography probe buckled in esophagus?

A 65-year-old man was consulted because of buckling of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe in the esophagus. A forward-viewing endoscope was inserted to the esophagus alongside the TEE probe. TEE probe was pushed to the stomach while the retroflexed tip portion was pushed by the endoscope in order to prevent retroflexion. The TEE probe was advanced into the stomach by this method where the buckled part was unfolded and then withdrawn. Cardiologists performing TEE and the referred gastroenterologists could perform such a method of solution in case of buckling of TEE probe in the esophagus.

Hemostatic abnormalities in cirrhosis and tumor-related portal vein thrombosis.

In order to investigate the relationship between hemostatic abnormalities and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), platelets, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time, fibrinogen, d-dimer, fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs), protein C, protein S, antithrombin, plasminogen, antiplasmin, coagulation factors (CFs) V, VII, VIII, IX, XI, and XIII, von Willebrand factor (vWF), prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (PF 1 + 2), tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) were studied in patients with HCC, cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic liver tumors and in cirrhosis patients with or without PVT. Platelet, antithrombin, protein C, plasminogen, and CFs V, VII, IX, XI, and XIII levels of HCC group were found lower and PT, aPTT, thrombin time, vWF, FDPs, PF 1 + 2, tPA, and PAI-1 levels were higher than the control group. Our findings suggested that the abnormalities of coagulation and fibrinolysis systems have some role in provoking thrombosis of portal veins in HCC, in addition to the invasion of portal veins by hepatoma cells.

Extension of ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is known that ulcerative proctitis might show extension, but in practice, patients with proctitis are not considered as important with regard to regular follow-up and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extension of ulcerative colitis cases limited to the rectum and compare them with the patients with rectosigmoid and left colonic ulcerative colitis for their features, risk factors influencing the extension and natural course of the disease. METHODS: The study involved 193 (62 rectal, 49 rectosigmoid and 82 left-sided) ulcerative colitis patients. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of the patients showed extension to at least one proximal segment in 3.9±2.9 (range: 0.8-12) years. The extension was found as 16.1% in proctitis, 12.2% in rectosigmoiditis and 13.4% in left-sided colitis groups. Extension was found 2.79-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.1-7.1) higher in patients with chronic active disease. Further, the patients with amoebic attacks, those under steroid treatment and those without treatment showed higher risk for extension. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with proctitis, like the patients presenting with more extensive colitis, should be offered regular treatment and follow-up.

A retrospective study demonstrating properties of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and peptic ulcer are considered as the major factors for upper gastrointestinal system bleeding. The objective of the study was to determine the sociodemographic and etiologic factors, management and outcome of patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal system bleeding in Turkey. METHODS: Patients who admitted to hospitals with upper gastrointestinal system bleeding and in whom upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed were enrolled in this retrospective study. The detailed data of medical history, comorbid diseases, medications, admission to intensive care units, Helicobacter pylori infection, blood transfusion, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and treatment outcome were documented. RESULTS: The most frequent causes of bleeding (%) were duodenal ulcer (49.4), gastric ulcer (22.8), erosion (9.6), and cancer (2.2) among 1,711 lesions in endoscopic appearances of 1,339 patients from six centers. Seven hundred and four patients were evaluated for Helicobacter pylori infection and the test was positive in 45.6% of those patients. Comorbid diseases were present in 59.2% of the patients. The percentage of patients using acetylsalicylic acid and/or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug was 54.3%. Bleeding was stopped with medical therapy in 66.9%. Only 3.7% of the patients underwent emergency surgery, and a 1.1% mortality rate was determined. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with upper gastrointestinal system bleeding were significantly older, more likely to be male, and more likely to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Though most of the patients were using gastro-protective agents, duodenal and gastric ulcers were the contributing factors in more than 70% of the upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The extensive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is a hazardous health issue considering the use of these drugs in half of the patients.

Endosonographic evaluation of patients with suspected extraluminal compression or subepithelial lesions during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the endosonographic ultrasound (EUS) findings of patients with suspected extraluminal compression or subepithelial intramural lesions observed during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. METHODS: EUS findings were grouped as follows; compression by an extramural pathologic lesion, compression by an adjacent vascular structure, compression by adjacent organs, subepithelial intramural lesion, and normal EUS. RESULTS: The data of 211 patients referred to the EUS unit between February 2004 and January 2010 for further evaluation of suspected extraluminal compression or subepithelial intramural lesions after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were retrospectively analyzed. Mean age of the patients was 51.0±15.2 years, 124 (58.9%) of which were female. EUS examination was normal in 48 (22.7%) patients. EUS confirmed the presence of a pathological finding in the esophagus in 38 (92.6%) out of 41 patients when compared with abnormal findings in 122 (73.4%) of 166 patients who were evaluated for suspected lesions of the stomach (P=0.009). Suspected extraluminal compression of the esophagus (n=41) was due to a vascular structure in 17 (41.4% ) patients, an adjacent organ in four (9.7%) patients, an extramural pathological lesion in two (4.9%) patients, and a subepithelial intramural lesions in 15 (36.6%) patients, whereas in three patients (7.4%) EUS findings were normal. Of the 166 patients referred for evaluation of gastric lesions EUS findings were normal in 44 (26.5%) patients, whereas compression due to an adjacent organ was observed in 66 (39.7%) patients followed by compression by an adjacent vascular structure in 34 (20.4%) patients. An extramural pathologic lesion was discovered in 14 (8.6%) patients, whereas suspected compression was due to a subepithelial intramural lesion in eight (4.8%) patients. CONCLUSION: Accurate diagnosis of suspected extraluminal compression or subepithelial intramural lesions, particularly in the stomach, requires meticulous evaluation. EUS provides an invasive but effective option. In one-third of cases, suspected extraluminal compression of the esophagus is actually due to a subepithelial intramural lesion.

Continuous active state of coagulation system in patients with nonthrombotic inflammatory bowel disease.

This study was planned for searching possible changes of the total coagulation and fibrinolysis system in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in order to obtain some clues for explaining the relation between IBD and hypercoagulability. A total of 24 patients with ulcerative colitis, 12 patients with Crohn disease, and 20 healthy controls were studied. Platelets; prothrombin time (PT); partial thromboplastin time (PTT); fibrinogen; D-dimer; fibrinogen degradation products; protein C; protein S; antithrombin; thrombin time; von Willebrand factor; coagulation factors V, VII, VIII, IX, XI, and XIII; plasminogen; antiplasmin; tissue plasminogen activator; plasminogen activator inhibitor 1; and prothrombin fragments 1 + 2 were studied. Most of the procoagulants (platelets, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, coagulation factor IX, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1) were found increased together with decreases in some anticoagulants (protein S and antithrombin) in IBD. Also the activation markers of coagulation (D-dimer, fibrinogen degradation products, and prothrombin fragments 1 + 2) were all increased. The parameters of the total coagulation-fibrinolysis system were increased in IBD, regardless of the form and the activity of the disease.