Are hyperplastic rectosigmoid polyps associated with an increased risk of proximal colonic neoplasms?

Diminutive polyps are frequent findings on screening flexible sigmoidoscopy. To determine the significance of distal diminutive polyps, we conducted a prospective study of 162 asymptomatic, average-risk subjects who were 50 years of age or older. Subjects were divided into four groups: 42 control subjects with no polyps in the rectosigmoid, 66 subjects with at least one diminutive adenoma in the rectosigmoid, 12 subjects with a mixed hyperplastic-adenomatous polyp in the rectosigmoid, and 42 subjects with only hyperplastic polyps in the rectosigmoid. Total colonoscopy was performed on all subjects. The prevalence of proximal adenomas was 42% in the adenoma group, 25% in the mixed group, 14% in the hyperplastic group and 12% in the control group. The prevalence of proximal adenomas was significantly higher (p = 0.006) in the adenoma group as compared with the control and hyperplastic groups. Increasing age was associated with an increased prevalence of proximal adenomas. Nearly two thirds of those over 65 years of age with distal diminutive adenomas had proximal colonic neoplasms. These results indicate that diminutive rectosigmoid adenomas are good markers for proximal neoplasms. Rectosigmoid hyperplastic polyps are not associated with an increased prevalence of proximal neoplasms. Total colonoscopy is not indicated if hyperplastic polyps are the only finding on flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Endoscopic orientation within the duodenal bulb.

Laparotomy performed for bleeding duodenal ulcer after diagnostic/therapeutic endoscopy revealed a disparity in location of the lesion on several occasions at our institution. The position of the duodenal lesion is important in assessing bleeding potential. Twenty consecutive patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy by a staff and trainee gastroenterologist to evaluate the ability to determine the true posterior position of the duodenal bulb. Documentation of the posterior bulb location was verified by pooled colored fluid with the patient in a supine position. True posterior location was chosen only 30% of the time by an experienced gastroenterologist. This observation may have clinical implications in assessing the patient's bleeding potential and in the use of coaptive coagulation for control of ulcer bleeding.

Surveillance colonoscopy after resection for colon carcinoma.

Periodic surveillance colonoscopy was used to assess 207 asymptomatic patients with a previous history of colorectal carcinoma for 2 to 8 years. Thirty-five percent of the patients had a neoplastic lesion greater than or equal to 5 mm in diameter on initial colonoscopy. Synchronous or metachronous carcinomas were found in 11 patients; and of these second carcinomas, 82% were localized. The risk of a second carcinoma developing did not correlate with a finding of neoplastic polyps on the initial colonoscopy. Six recurrent carcinomas at the anastomosis were demonstrated. The stage of the recurrence correlated well with the stage of the primary carcinoma. Two negative colonoscopies at 1-year intervals were necessary to ensure that the colon had been cleared of neoplastic lesions. This study shows that surveillance colonoscopy in patients with a history of colorectal carcinoma has a high yield and is capable of detecting localized, asymptomatic carcinoma. After two annual colonoscopies fail to show neoplasms, surveillance colonoscopy may be scheduled at 3- to 5-year intervals.

Adenocarcinoma of the jejunum in association with celiac sprue.

An increased incidence of small bowel lymphoma in patients with long-standing celiac sprue is well documented in the literature. Less common is the association of adenocarcinoma of the small intestine. We report a patient with celiac sprue who initially responded to a gluten-free diet. Eighteen months later, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating was found to have its origin in partial small bowel obstruction. At laparotomy, two distinct adenocarcinomas of the jejunum were resected. Celiac patients who initially respond to gluten withdrawal and subsequently suffer exacerbation while adhering to strict dietary therapy should be carefully evaluated for evidence of a small bowel malignancy.