Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas

Issue pending: minimizing anxiety before colonoscopy

Prospective study of anxiety in patients undergoing an outpatient colonoscopy

Background: Undergoing a colonoscopy can cause anxiety in patients and this is something which has not been closely studied. Objective: To determine the frequency and intensity of anxiety prior to a colonoscopy and the factors which are related to the procedure. Methods: This is a prospective study of patients undergoing outpatient colonoscopy in our hospital. Anxiety was assessed using a visual analogue scale of 0 to 100. The severity of anxiety was rated as mild (1-29), moderate (30-79) or severe (80-100). Results: Three hundred and twenty-seven patients completed the study, of whom 154 (47.1%) were men with a median age of 54 years (p25-75: 45-65). Three hundred and nine (94.5%) patients were found to suffer a certain degree of anxiety. The median value on the visual analogue scale was 31 (p25-75: 10-53). Anxiety levels were mild in 136 patients (44%), moderate in 141 (45.6%) and severe in 32 (10.4%). Greater anxiety was associated with female patients (mean 40.38 vs 31.99, p = 0.01) and a poorly tolerated previous colonoscopy (mean 50.67 vs 28.44, p = 0.01) and correlated inversely with age (r = -0.170, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Colonoscopy causes some degree of anxiety in most patients. Being female, younger and having experienced poor tolerance to a previous scan are associated with greater degrees of anxiety. These findings should be taken into account in the implementation of measures to improve the quality and tolerance of colonoscopy.

Antecedentes: la realización de una colonoscopia puede originar ansiedad en los pacientes. Esta situación ha sido poco estudiada en nuestro medio. Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia, el grado y los factores relacionados con la ansiedad previa a la realización de una colonoscopia. Métodos: estudio prospectivo descriptivo de los pacientes sometidos a colonoscopia ambulatoria en nuestro hospital. Se valoró la ansiedad mediante una escala visual analógica de 0 a 100. Se ponderó la gravedad de la ansiedad en leve, moderada e intensa según los valores de la escala entre 1-29, 30-79 y 80-100, respectivamente. Resultados: completaron el estudio 327 pacientes, 154 (47,1%) hombres con una edad mediana de 54 años (p25-75: 45-65). En 309 (94,5%) pacientes existía algún grado de ansiedad. La mediana del valor de la escala visual analógica fue de 31 (p25-75: 10-53). La ansiedad fue leve en 136 (44%), moderada en 141 (45,6%) e intensa en 32 (10,4%) pacientes. Se asoció una mayor ansiedad con el sexo femenino (media 40,38 vs. 31,99, p = 0,01) a una colonoscopia previa mal tolerada (media 50,67 vs. 28,44, p = 0,01) y se correlacionó de manera inversa con la edad (r = -0,170, p = 0,02). Conclusiones: la realización de una colonoscopia provoca algún grado de ansiedad en la mayoría de los pacientes. El sexo femenino, una edad menor y una tolerancia mala en una exploración previa se asocian con un mayor grado de ansiedad. Esta circunstancia debe ser tenida en cuenta para implementar medidas para mejorar la calidad y la tolerancia de la colonoscopia.

**Regression of gastric intestinal metaplasia after the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in a hospital in Mexico**

Background: Intestinal metaplasia is a precursor lesion of gastric cancer. Infection by Helicobacter pylori is the principal cause of metaplasia. While evidence of the regression of metaplasia after treatment to eradicate this infection has been demonstrated, controversy remains with regard to this subject. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of the regression of gastric intestinal metaplasia one year after the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Methods: A prospective longitudinal designed study was carried out. The population studied in this research consisted of patients attending the Endoscopy Unit to undergo an upper endoscopy, in whom various symptoms indicated intestinal metaplasia associated with Helicobacter pylori, and who received standard empiric triple therapy to eradicate the bacteria. An upper endoscopy was performed in which four gastric biopsy samples were taken (two from the antrum and two from the body) before and after the eradicating treatment, with the endoscopic and histological findings studied after one year of monitoring. The statistical analysis was conducted using the Fisher's exact test and the McNemar's test. Results: Forty-six patients were studied, of whom 20 (43.5%) were men and 26 (56.5%) were women, with an average age of 58.9 (DE 11.2). Intestinal metaplasia was found in 46 (100%) patients before treatment and in 21 (45.7%) patients post-eradication. Complete intestinal metaplasia (type I) was found in 35 patients (76.1%) before treatment and in 11 (23.9%) patients post-eradication (p = 0.000), while incomplete intestinal metaplasia (type II) was found in 10 (21.7%) patients before treatment and in 10 (21.7%) patients post-eradication. Non-atrophic chronic gastritis was found in 35 (76.1%) patients before treatment and in 32 (69.6%) patients post-eradication. Conclusions: In this study, gastric intestinal metaplasia associated with Helicobacter pylori infection showed a regression of 54.3% one year after the eradication of this microorganism. This treatment could modify the natural history of the development of gastric cancer.

Introducción: la metaplasia intestinal es una lesión precursora del cáncer gástrico. La infección por Helicobacter pylori es la principal causa de metaplasia. Aunque se ha demostrado evidencia de regresión de metaplasia intestinal tras el tratamiento erradicador de esta infección, aún existen controversias al respecto. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de la regresión de la metaplasia intestinal gástrica al año de haber erradicado Helicobacter pylori. Métodos: se realizó un diseño prospectivo, longitudinal. La población estudiada fueron pacientes que acudieron a la Unidad de Endoscopia para la realización de una endoscopia digestiva alta por distintas indicaciones, comprobándose metaplasia intestinal asociada a Helicobacter pylori, y que recibieron terapia triple estándar empírica con erradicación de la bacteria. Se realizó una endoscopia digestiva alta con toma de cuatro muestras de biopsias gástricas (dos en antro y dos en cuerpo) antes y después del tratamiento erradicador, estudiándose los hallazgos endoscópicos e histológicos al año de seguimiento. Análisis estadístico con prueba exacta de Fisher y McNemar. Resultados: fueron estudiados 46 pacientes, 20 (43,5%) hombres y 26 (56,5%) mujeres, con edad media de 58,9 (DE 11,2) años. Se encontró metaplasia intestinal en 46 (100%) pacientes antes del tratamiento y en 21 (45,7%) tras la erradicación; metaplasia intestinal completa (tipo I) en 35 pacientes (76,1%) antes del tratamiento y en 11 (23,9%) posterior a la erradicación (p = 0,000); metaplasia intestinal incompleta (tipo II) en 10 (21,7%) pacientes antes del tratamiento y en 10 (21,7%) posterior a la erradicación; y gastritis crónica no atrófica en 35 (76,1%) pacientes antes del tratamiento y en 32 (69,6%) pacientes posterior a la erradicación. Conclusiones: en este estudio la metaplasia intestinal gástrica asociada a la infección por Helicobacter pylori presentó una regresión al año del 54,3% posterior a la erradicación de este microorganismo. Este tratamiento podría modificar la historia natural del desarrollo del cáncer gástrico.

The role of surgical gastrostomy in the age of endoscopic gastrostomy: a 13 years and 543 patients retrospective study

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) became the gold standard for enteral feeding. Currently, surgical gastrostomy is seldom used. Objective: Evaluating the role of surgical gastrostomy in a center with a large experience in PEG. Methods: A retrospective study ranged 13 years, collecting from clinical records: age, gender, underlying disease, date of procedure, technique, primary surgery, complications, 30-day mortality. Patients were divided according to indication for gastrostomy: a) neurological; b) head and neck cancer; c) other diseases; and d) drainage. PEG, open surgical and laparoscopic gastrostomies were compared concerning evolution of the number of procedures, characteristics of patients, complications and mortality. Results: We identified 509 PEG, 26 open and 8 laparoscopic surgical gastrostomies. An increasing number of the percutaneous approach over the years was observed, while the number of surgical gastrostomies remains steady (mean: 2.6/year). All percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies but three were feeding procedures, mostly in neurological patients. All laparoscopic gastrostomies were feeding procedures in head and neck cancer. Most open surgical gastrostomies were secondary procedures, part of more complex surgeries, and frequently for drainage purposes. The open surgical approach displayed more morbidity and mortality, reflecting the severity of underlying diseases. Conclusions: In our institution, open surgical gastrostomy is seldom used, and mostly as part of complex procedures, frequently for drainage purposes. PEG is the choice to most dysphagic patients needing an enteral feeding access. When not feasible, laparoscopic gastrostomy is a suitable alternative.

Study of the expression of cathepsins in histological material from pancreatic lesions

Background and aims: To assess the expression levels of cathepsins in malignant and premalignant lesions. Methods: We retrospectively included patients who underwent pancreatic surgery on pancreatic solid or cystic masses. The expression of cathepsin H, L, B and S was determined in both types of samples. Lesions were divided into three categories: malignant (pancreatic adenocarcinoma and malignant mucinous neoplasms), premalignant (mucinous neoplasms) and benign (other lesions). Results: Thirty-one surgical resection samples were studied. The expression of cathepsins was significantly higher in malignant lesions than in premalignant and benign lesions (H 75%, 27%, 37% p = 0.05; L 92%, 36%, 37% p = 0.011; B 83%, 36%, 62% p = 0.069; S 92%, 36%, 25% p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions: Cathepsins are overexpressed in histological samples of malignant lesions compared to premalignant and benign lesions. However, the expression of cathepsins is similar in both premalignant and benign lesions.

**Spasmolytic effect of Jasonia glutinosa on rodent intestine**

Introduction: Jasonia glutinosa is an endemic plant species of the Iberian Peninsula and Southern France traditionally used in infusions as a spasmolytic; this plant is also known as "té de roca" (rock tea) but there is no scientific evidence about the effects of this plant. Aim: To evaluate the spasmolytic effect of rock tea. Methods: We have studied the in vitro effect of a rock tea extract on rat duodenum spontaneous contractions and the in vivo effect on mice gastrointestinal transit. Results: Rock tea extract reduced the spontaneous contractions of rat duodenal smooth muscle, inhibited KCl-induced contractions and blocked the contractions invoked by both extracellular Ca2+ and the agonist of L-type calcium channels Bay K8644. This inhibitory effect was similar to the one observed after the addition of the antagonist of L-type calcium channels verapamil. Rock tea did not modify gastrointestinal transit in healthy mice. However, after the treatment with dextran sulfate sodium, an inducer of colitis, rock tea extract reverted the increase in the gastrointestinal transit associated with this treatment. Conclusion: Rock tea extract relaxed duodenal smooth muscle via L-type calcium channels and normalized gastrointestinal transit in a model of colitis. These results may validate the traditional use of Jasonia glutinosa in patients with gastrointestinal alterations. Thus, rock tea may be used as a spasmolytic agent to treat gastrointestinal disorders.

Antecedentes: Jasonia glutinosa es una planta utilizada en la Península Ibérica y en el sur de Francia por su efecto espasmolítico, pero sin evidencia científica sobre ello. Objetivo: examinar el efecto espasmolítico de un extracto de té de roca. Métodos: estudiamos el efecto de dicho extracto sobre las contracciones espontáneas en duodeno de rata in vitro y sobre el tránsito gastrointestinal en el ratón in vivo. Resultados: el extracto de té de roca redujo las contracciones espontáneas en el músculo liso longitudinal del duodeno de rata, inhibió las contracciones inducidas por KCl, bloqueó la contracción causada por la entrada de Ca2+ extracelular y la contracción inducida por el Bay K8644, agonista de los canales de Ca2+ tipo L. El efecto inhibitorio del extracto de té de roca fue similar al del verapamilo, inhibidor de los canales de Ca2+ tipo L. El té de roca no modificó el tránsito gastrointestinal total en ratones sanos. Sin embargo, tras el tratamiento con dextrano sulfato de sodio, un inductor de colitis, el extracto de té de roca revirtió el aumento del tránsito gastrointestinal asociado a dicho tratamiento. Conclusión: el extracto de té de roca relajó el músculo liso duodenal a través de canales de Ca2+ tipo L y normalizó el tránsito gastrointestinal en un modelo de colitis. Estos resultados validan el uso tradicional de Jasonia glutinosa en alteraciones digestivas. Así, el té de roca podría ser utilizado como espasmolítico en el tratamiento de diversas patologías gastrointestinales.

Use of polyethylene glycol in functional constipation and fecal impaction

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate in an analytical and descriptive manner the evidence published so far on the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG), with or without electrolytes, in the management of functional constipation and the treatment of fecal impaction. Methodology: Search on MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases until May 2016 of all publications adjusted to the following terms: constipation AND/OR fecal impaction AND (PEG OR polyethylene glycol OR macrogol OR movicol OR idralax OR miralax OR transipeg OR forlax OR golytely OR isocolan OR mulytely) NOT colonoscopy. Critical reading of selected articles (English or Spanish), sorting their description according to group age (adult/pediatric age) and within those, in accordance with study features (efficacy evaluation versus placebo, doses query, safety, comparison with other laxatives, observational studies and monographic review articles of polyethylene glycol or meta-analysis). Results: Fifty-eight publications have been chosen for descriptive analysis; of them, 41 are clinical trials, eight are observational studies and nine are systematic reviews or meta-analysis. Twelve clinical trials evaluate PEG efficacy versus placebo, eight versus lactulose, six are dose studies, five compare polyethylene glycol with and without electrolytes, two compare its efficacy with respect to milk of magnesia, and the rest of the trials evaluate polyethylene glycol with enemas (two), psyllium (one), tegaserod (one), prucalopride (one), paraffin oil (one), fiber combinations (one) and Descurainia sophia (one). Conclusions: Polyethylene glycol with or without electrolytes is more efficacious than placebo for the treatment of functional constipation, either in adults or in pediatric patients, with great safety and tolerability. These preparations constitute the most efficacious osmotic laxatives (more than lactulose) and are the first-line treatment for functional constipation in the short and long-term. They are as efficacious as enemas in fecal impaction, avoid the need for hospital admission and are well tolerated by patients (mainly when administered without electrolytes).

Objetivo: evaluar analítica y descriptivamente la evidencia publicada hasta la actualidad sobre el uso del polietilenglicol, solo o con electrolitos, en el tratamiento de pacientes con estreñimiento funcional. Metodología: búsqueda en las bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE y Cochrane hasta mayo de 2016 de todas las publicaciones que se ajustaran a los siguientes términos: constipation and/or fecal impaction and (PEG or polyethilene or macrogol or movicol or idralax or miralax or transipeg or forlax or golytely or isocolan or mulytely) not colonoscopy. Lectura crítica de los artículos seleccionados (únicamente en inglés o español) clasificando la descripción de los mismos en función de grupos de edad (adulto/edad pediátrica) y, dentro de ellos, en función de las características de los estudios (evaluación de eficacia frente a placebo, búsqueda de dosis, seguridad, comparación con otros laxantes, estudios observacionales y artículos de revisión monográficos para poletilenglicol o metaanálisis). Resultados: se han seleccionado para análisis descriptivo 58 publicaciones; de ellas, 41 son ensayos clínicos, ocho son estudios observacionales y nueve son revisiones sistemáticas o metaanálisis. Doce ensayos clínicos evalúan la eficacia frente a placebo, ocho frente a lactulosa, seis estudio de dosis, cinco comparan entre sí el polietilenglicol con y sin electrolitos, dos comparan la eficacia con respecto a leche de magnesia y el resto de ensayos evalúan el polietilenglicol comparando con enemas (dos), ispágula (uno), tegaserod (uno), prucaloprida (uno), aceite de parafina (uno), combinaciones de fibras (uno) y Descurainia sophia (uno). Conclusiones: los preparados con polietilenglicol, únicos o asociados a electrolitos, son más eficaces que el placebo en el tratamiento del estreñimiento funcional tanto en adultos como en edad pediátrica con gran seguridad y tolerancia. Constituyen el laxante osmótico más eficaz (superior a la lactulosa) y de primera línea para el tratamiento de esta afección a corto y largo plazo. En la impactación fecal son tan eficaces como los enemas, evitan la necesidad de ingreso hospitalario y son muy bien tolerados por los pacientes (fundamentalmente, en su presentación sin electrolitos).

A recurrence of pancreatic non-functioning neuroendocrine tumor mimicking splenosis

Gastric schwannoma presenting as a casual ultrasonographic finding

A diffusely enlarged pancreas: the (un)usual suspect

Caustic esophageal injury by impaction of cell batteries

Giant symptomatic pancreatic cyst mimicking a malignant tumor

Jejunitis secondary to Duodopa^® probe: a different complication

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma in a patient under anticoagulant agents presenting as upper gastrointestinal bleeding

We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with past history of repeated miscarriage and Budd-Chiari syndrome secondary to primary myelofibrosis. Because of this she was under treatment with oral anticoagulant agents. The patient was admitted in hospital as she presented with gastrointestinal bleeding (melena), asthenia and progressive anemia. In an initial upper endoscopy an extrinsic duodenal compression associated with an ulcer on the posterior face of the first portion of duodenum and upper duodenal knee was observed. In the following days a huge spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma due to anticoagulation was diagnosed by computed tomography. This was treated with a percutaneous drainage and withdrawal of the antithrombotic drugs. The evolution of the patient was initially satisfactory but she suffered subclavian and jugular vein thrombosis, and reintroduction of anticoagulant agents at the lowest therapeutic doses was required.

Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 44 años de edad con antecedentes de abortos de repetición y síndrome de Budd-Chiari secundario a una mielofibrosis primaria en tratamiento anticoagulante. Consulta por melenas y astenia, presentando anemización progresiva. En una gastroscopia inicial se aprecia una compresión extrínseca a nivel supraampular de segunda porción duodenal, con una úlcera asociada en cara posterior de bulbo y primera rodilla. Posteriormente se diagnostica mediante una tomografía computarizada de un hematoma retroperitoneal espontáneo secundario a anticoagulación. Se trata con drenaje percutáneo y retirada de anticoagulación con buena respuesta inicial. No obstante, presenta complicaciones trombóticas (trombosis subclavia y yugular) y se reintroducen los anticoagulantes con dosis en el límite bajo del rango terapéutico.

Liver failure secondary to poisoning by a homemade product made of star and green anise in a 4-month-old infant

Intoxications in pediatric age represent a frequent cause of visit to the hospital emergency unit. Herb-made products can be toxic for the infant. The neurotoxic properties of the star anise (Illicium verum) have been widely described, although it is a classic product used to treat the infantile colic. Hepatic failure due to the consumption of anise herb elaborated infusions is presented as an exceptional finding in our environment. A case of a 4-month-old infant with hypertransaminasemia, severe coagulopathy, non ketotic hypoglycemia, moderated metabolic acidosis and neurologic symptoms such as seizures and nistagmus is described. After discarding infectious, metabolic and autoimmune etiology and through a meticulous anamnesis, the family referred having administered in the last two months a daily star anise and green anise (Pimpinella anisum) infusion to the patient. It is important to emphasize the serious risk of administering homemade herb infusions to infants.

Las intoxicaciones en edad pediátrica representan una causa frecuente de consulta en urgencias hospitalarias. Los productos elaborados con hierbas pueden resultar tóxicos para el lactante. Se han descrito ampliamente las propiedades neurotóxicas del anís estrellado (Illicium verum), producto clásicamente empleado para el tratamiento del cólico del lactante. La presentación de fallo hepático agudo por consumo de infusiones elaboradas con hierbas de anís es excepcional en nuestro entorno. Se describe el caso de un lactante de 4 meses con hipertransaminasemia, coagulopatía grave, hipoglucemia no cetósica, acidosis metabólica moderada y síntomas neurológicos con crisis convulsivas y nistagmo. Tras descartar etiología infecciosa, metabólica y autoinmune y realizar una anamnesis cuidadosa, la familia refería haber administrado al paciente durante los últimos dos meses una infusión diaria con anís estrellado y anís verde (Pimpinella anisum). Es de gran importancia resaltar el grave riesgo de administrar infusiones de hierbas caseras en el lactante.

Segmental colitis caused by idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins

Diseases causing colonic ischemia may be mistaken with other causes of segmental colitis such as inflammatory bowel disease, especially in young patients. The authors present the case of a 47-year-old male with severe proctosigmoiditis. Assessment excluded infectious causes, thrombophilia and systemic vasculitis. The initial histological specimen was suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease and therapy was initiated with intravenous steroids and, at day 5, infliximab, with no response. The patient was proposed for surgery. Pathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed an idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins, a rare entity exhibiting necrotizing phlebitis with rapid progression to segmental necrosis in the rectosigmoid colon. In this paper the authors discuss the differential diagnosis of proctosigmoiditis in young ages and the approach to this exceptionally rare ischemic entity.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum: an atypical histology

Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum is one of the differential diagnoses of rectal tumors. It represents a low incidence in the population. The etiopathogenesis and the biology of these tumors are unclear, for this reason the gold standard treatment is difficult to establish. We present a 47-years-old woman who had a squamous cell carcinoma in medium rectum. She was treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy and the treatment was followed by surgical excision.

El carcinoma primario escamoso de recto forma parte del diagnóstico diferencial de los tumores rectales, presentando una baja incidencia en la población. Se desconoce su etiopatogenia así como la biología del tumor, por lo que es difícil establecer un tratamiento al respecto, no existiendo un consenso sobre el mismo. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 47 años con un carcinoma epidermoide de recto medio tratada con radioterapia y quimioterapia neoadyuvante y posterior resección quirúrgica.

Hybrid treatment of dysphagia lusoria: right carotid to subclavian bypass and endovascular insertion of an Amplatzer II Vascular Plug

Compression of the esophagus by a retroesophageal aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a rare cause of dysphagia. We present the case of a 47-year-old female with symptoms of progressive dysphagia diagnosed with dysphagia lusoria using barium swallow and contrast computed tomography and successfully treated with a hybrid procedure: right carotid to subclavian bypass and endovascular insertion of an Amplatzer II Vascular Plug through the right superficial femoral artery. We consider this approach safer, less invasive and more complete to avoid recurrent dysphagia.

Colonic leishmaniasis in a patient with HIV: a case report

Background: To describe an unusual clinical presentation of visceral leishmaniasis affecting the colon. Case report: We report the case of an HIV-positive patient with visceral leishmaniasis. We describe the clinical case, the procedures performed, the treatment provided and the patient's evolution. A comparative table of previously reported similar cases is shown. Discussion: Visceral leishmaniasis with intestinal involvement is an uncommon process. Nevertheless, this possibility should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of immunosuppressed patients with symptoms of diarrhea, as a favorable prognosis depends on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Introducción: describir un cuadro poco habitual como es la leishmaniasis visceral con afectación colónica. Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de un paciente VIH positivo con leishmaniasis visceral. Se describe el caso clínico, con los procedimientos realizados, el tratamiento y su evolución. Se adjunta tabla comparativa de los casos publicados de leishmaniasis con afectación de colon. Discusión: la afectación intestinal en la leishmaniasis visceral es un proceso infrecuente, que debe incluirse en el diagnóstico diferencial en todo paciente inmunodeprimido con clínica de diarrea y que requiere un diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento adecuado, del que depende el pronóstico del paciente.

Acute colonic complications in a patient with Chagas disease

Bowel obstruction secondary to yeyunal intussusception due to gangliocytic paraganglioma

Utility of surgical myotomy in the dysphagia due to oculopharyngeal dystrophy