Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas

New steps of elastography for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis

Usefulness of percutaneous elastography by acoustic radiation force impulse for the non-invasive diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis

Objective: To determine the accuracy of the acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technique for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Materials and methods: We present an observational, single-center study that included patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis in the period between October 2012 and September 2015 who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and were classified according to the standard and Rosemont criteria. The same group of patients was assessed by the ARFI technology using ACUSON S2000™ equipment with Virtual Touch™ Quantification software for the assessment of pancreatic stiffness by obtaining the shear wave velocity (SWV) in the head, body and tail of the pancreas. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and nonparametric correlation methods. Diagnostic accuracy was obtained by analyzing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: A total of thirty-three patients were studied (45.5% women); mean age was 58.3 ± 11.8 years. Seventeen with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and sixteen classified as normal according to standard criteria. A significant difference was detected between the means of SWV in pancreatic body of patients without (SWV: 1.27 m/s) and with chronic pancreatitis (SWV 1.57 m/s), p = 0.037. The area under the ROC curve was 71.3% (95% CI 0.532-0.895) and the accuracy of ARFI for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis was 69.7% for a SWV of 1.4 m/s in the pancreatic body. The SWV means in head (r = 0.421, p < 0.05) and body (r = 0.455, p < 0.05) of the pancreas showed a significant correlation with the number of EUS criteria for chronic pancreatitis. Conclusion: Quantification of pancreatic stiffness with ARFI elastography technique has proven to be useful for the non-invasive diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

Objetivo: determinar la precisión diagnóstica con la técnica de la radiación acústica de la fuerza de impulso (ARFI) para el diagnóstico de pancreatitis crónica (PC). Material y métodos: estudio observacional, monocentro, de pacientes a quienes, por sospecha de pancreatitis crónica entre octubre de 2012 y septiembre de 2015, se les realizó un estudio por ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE) y se les clasificó según los criterios estándar y de Rosemont. Evaluamos los mismos pacientes mediante un equipo de ultrasonido ACUSON S2000™ equipado con el software Virtual Touch™ Quantification para obtener la velocidad de onda de corte (Vc) en la cabeza, cuerpo y cola del páncreas. Los datos fueron analizados mediante análisis de la varianza y técnicas de correlación no paramétricos; la precisión diagnóstica fue obtenida mediante el análisis de las curvas ROC. Resultados: evaluamos 33 pacientes (45,5% mujeres) con media de edad de 58,3 ± 11,8 años. Diecisiete con PC y dieciséis clasificados como normal según los criterios estándar. Detectamos diferencias significativas en las medias de Vc en cuerpo de páncreas de pacientes sin (1,27 m/s) y con PC (1,57 m/s) (p = 0,037). El área bajo la curva ROC fue de 0,713 (IC 95% 0,532-0,895) y la precisión diagnóstica, de 69,7% para una Vc de 1,4 m/s en cuerpo pancreático. La media de la Vc en la cabeza (r = 0,421/p < 0,05) y cuerpo de páncreas (r = 0,455/p < 0,05) mostró correlación significativa con el número de criterios USE para PC. Conclusión: la cuantificación percutánea de la rigidez pancreática mediante la técnica ARFI resulta de utilidad para el diagnóstico no invasivo de la pancreatitis crónica.

Hepatic preneoplasia induction in male Wistar rats: histological studies up to five months post treatment

Background: Liver preneoplasia development in rats can be mimicked by an initiation-promotion model that induces the appearance of altered hepatocyte foci (FAH). Aims: We compare two initiation-promotion models to evaluate the presence of FAH or additional hepatic pathologies in which other organs were affected up to five month post treatment. Material and methods: FAH were induced in male adult Wistar rats with two doses of dietylnitrosamine (DEN, 150 mg/kg bw) followed by 4 doses per week (3 weeks) of 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF, 20 mg/kg bw) or with one dose of DEN (200 mg/kg bw) followed by 2 doses per week (3 weeks) of 2-AAF. DEN 150, DEN 200 and control rats (received the vehicle of the drugs) groups were compared. Rats were euthanized immediately after the last dose of 2-AAF, at 3, 4 and 5 months (n = 3 for euthanasia times per group). Samples of livers, lungs, kidneys, pancreatic tissue and small bowel were processed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: FAH persisted for 5 months in all livers of the DEN groups. Three months after withdrawal of 2-AAF, one rat from DEN 150 group developed fibrosis and 5 months after 2-AAF removal another rat from the same group presented a microscopic hyperplastic nodule. Only the lungs had damages compatible with lesions induced by gavage-related reflux in DEN groups. Conclusion: We concluded that up to five month post treatments, FAH persisted in all the livers from DEN groups; livers from DEN 200 group showed no other hepatic lesions besides FAH, and only the lungs suffered pathological alterations in both treated groups.

Evaluation of large esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients by transient elastography: a meta-analysis

Background and purpose: Transient elastography (TE) has been shown to be a valuable tool for the prediction of large esophageal varices. However, the conclusions have not been always consistent throughout the different studies. Therefore, we performed a further meta-analysis in order to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography for the prediction of large esophageal varices. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL in The Cochrane Library without time restriction. The strategy we used was "(fibroscan OR transient elastography OR stiffness) AND esophageal varices". Accuracy measures such as pooled sensitivity, specificity, among others, were calculated using Meta-DiSc statistical software. Results: Twenty studies (2,994 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. The values of pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratio were as follows: 0.81 (95% CI, 0.79-0.84), 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.73), 2.63 (95% CI, 2.15-3.23), 0.27 (95% CI, 0.22-0.34) and 10.30 (95% CI, 7.33-14.47). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.83. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.246 with a p-value of 0.296, indicating the absence of any significant threshold effects. In our subgroup analysis, the heterogeneity could be partially explained by the geographical origin of the study or etiology; or it could be partially explained blindingly, through the appropriate interval and cut-off value of the liver stiffness (LS). Conclusions: Transient elastography could be used as a valuable non-invasive screening tool for the prediction of large esophageal varices. However, since LS cut-off values vary throughout the different studies and significant heterogeneity also exists among them, we need more reasonable approaches or flow diagram in order to improve the operability of this technology.

Readmissions due to acute biliary edematous pancreatitis in patients without cholecystectomy

Objectives: Analyzing the readmission of patients with acute biliary edematous pancreatitis (ABEP) without cholecystectomy despite a previous episode of mild acute gallstone pancreatitis or lithiasic cholecystitis. Calculating the health costs associated with the non-performance of cholecystectomy. Materials and methods: Prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary hospital (Hospital de Cabueñes. Gijón, Asturias. Spain) from July to November 2014. The study has consecutively included inpatients suffering from ABEP who: a) had suffered a previous episode of mild acute gallstone pancreatitis or cholecystitis at least 2 weeks before readmission; and b) had not undergone cholecystectomy despite the lack of contraindications. Results: During the research period, 9 patients (7 females and 2 males) with a mean age of 65.3 years (standard deviation [SD] 19.2) were readmitted. The median number of days between the previous episode of ABEP or cholecystitis and the readmission was 114 days (interquartile range [IQR] 111.0). Reported median overall length of hospital stay was 10 days (IQR = 2.0). Patients underwent a mean of 2.8 (SD = 1.2) ultrasound scans, 1.3 (SD = 0.9) abdominal and pelvic CT, 0.8 (SD = 1.0) MRCP and 0.2 (SD = 0.4) ERCP. The mean cost per patient for each readmission, including hospital stay (143.0 €/day), Emergency Service (332.31 €) and tests performed was 2,381.70 €/patient. Conclusions: Not performing a cholecystectomy within two weeks after a first episode of mild ABEP or cholecystitis contributes to patient readmission due to recurrent pancreatitis, resulting in avoidable treatment costs.

Objetivos: analizar los reingresos de pacientes con pancreatitis aguda biliar edematosa (PABE) sin colecistectomía a pesar de un episodio previo de pancreatitis aguda biliar leve o colecistitis litiásica. Calcular el coste sanitario asociado a la no realización de colecistectomía. Material y métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo realizado en el Hospital de Cabueñes, entre julio y noviembre de 2014. Se incluyeron consecutivamente los pacientes ingresados en el Servicio de Digestivo con PABE que: a) habían presentado un episodio previo de pancreatitis aguda biliar leve o colecistitis al menos dos semanas antes del reingreso; y b) no se les había realizado colecistectomía pese a ausencia de contraindicaciones. Resultados: durante el periodo de estudio reingresaron 9 pacientes, 7 mujeres y 2 varones, con una edad media de 65,3 años (desviación estándar [DE] = 19,2). La mediana de días transcurridos desde el episodio previo de PABE o colecistitis hasta su reingreso fue de 114 días (recorrido intercuartílico [RIC] = 111,0). La estancia global mediana de los pacientes fue de 10 días (RIC = 2,0). Los pacientes realizaron una media de 2,8 (DE = 1,2) ecografías, 1,3 (DE = 0,9) TC abdómino-pélvicos, 0,8 (DE = 1,0) RM y 0,2 (DE = 0,4) CPRE. El coste medio de cada reingreso por paciente, incluyendo la estancia hospitalaria (143,0 €/día), en el servicio de Urgencias (332,31 €) y las pruebas realizadas, fue de 2.381,70 €/paciente. Conclusiones: la no realización de colecistectomía en las 2 semanas posteriores a un primer episodio de PABE leve o colecistitis contribuye a los reingresos por pancreatitis recurrentes con los consecuentes gastos evitables asociados.

Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas: systematic review of a clinical challenge

Background: Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas is a rare malformation. Since 1911 and until 2008, 53 cases have been reported. Several authors have recently described the association of this anomaly with neoplasia of the ventral pancreas, thus we performed a systematic review of the literature from 2008 to 2015. Methods: A systematic review of the Medline and ISI Web of Science Databases from 2008 until 2015 was carried out, and 30 articles which met the inclusion criteria were identified that included a total of 53 patients: 7 children and 46 adults. Conclusions: Although dorsal pancreatic agenesis is a rare malformation, given its association with non-alcoholic pancreatitis and neoplasia of the residual pancreas, physicians should maintain an expectant attitude.

New challenges in clinical research on hepatocellular carcinoma

This is an updated review of screening, early diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, focusing on the advancements occurred in the last years and highlighting the challenges in clinical research. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is nowadays the sixth most frequent cancer worldwide with up to 740,000 new cases diagnosed each year, and it is the third most prevalent cause of cancer-related-death worldwide (1). This neoplasm usually appears linked to an underlying liver disease, being one of the most relevant causes of death in patients diagnosed of liver cirrhosis (2,3). In the last years, important advancements in terms of diagnosis, staging and treatment of HCC, improving the management and outcome of the disease, have been made (4-7). Despite the fact that these improvements have absolutely changed natural history of HCC, there are several areas that still need further advancements. The aim of this document is to discuss some controversial aspects, which in our opinion constitute real challenges in clinical research of HCC.

Esta es una revisión actualizada de los distintos aspectos de cribado, diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento del carcinoma hepatocelular destacando especialmente los cambios sucedidos en los últimos dos años y las áreas de mejora que requieren trabajos de investigación clínica. El carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) constituye actualmente el sexto cáncer más frecuente, con más de 740.000 casos diagnosticados anualmente, y la tercera causa de muerte por neoplasia a nivel mundial (1). Esta neoplasia aparece frecuentemente asociada a la presencia de una enfermedad hepática, siendo una de las principales causas de muerte en los pacientes afectos de cirrosis hepática (2,3). En los últimos años han aparecido novedades importantes en el diagnóstico, estadiaje y tratamiento del CHC que han permitido una mejora en el manejo de esta enfermedad (4-7). A pesar de que estos avances han cambiado completamente la historia natural del CHC, existen aún muchas áreas en las que se precisan avances para poder mejorar. El objetivo de este documento es discutir algunos aspectos controvertidos que a nuestro juicio constituyen retos en la investigación clínica del CHC.

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma: a rare entity diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound

Common bile duct perforation sealed with a metal fully-covered stent

Gastric inflammatory fibroid polyp mimicking a gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Gastric necrosis secondary to strangulated giant paraesophagic hiatal hernia

Hemangioma of the rectum: how misleading can hematochezia be?

Spontaneous intramural hematoma of the colon

Superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula presenting as gastrointestinal bleeding: case report and literature review

Superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula (SMAVF) is a rare vascular disorder usually following penetrating abdominal trauma or gastrointestinal surgery. Percutaneous endovascular treatment such as embolization, has been widely used to treat this disease. We report a patient, who was presented with melena at the onset of his symptoms, then an acute hematemesis in shock. A SMAVF was diagnosed on an angiogram after a large mesenteric vein was seen on CT. The patient had a successful emergency endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) to stop bleeding. Then the patient received fistula embolization with covered stent.

Olanzapine-induced ischemic colitis

Background: Ischemic colitis (IC) is an uncommon adverse event associated with antipsychotic agents, more commonly found with phenothiazine drugs and atypical neuroleptics such as clozapine. The risk of developing ischemic colitis increases when anticholinergic drugs are associated. Case report: We report the case of a 38-year-old woman with a history of schizoaffective disorder who had been on chronic quetiapine for 3 years, and presented to the ER because of diarrhea for 5 days. Four months previously, olanzapine had been added to her psychiatric drug regimen. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension with abdominal tympanic sounds and tenderness. Emergency laboratory tests were notable for increased acute phase reagents. Tomography revealed a concentric thickening of the colonic wall in the transverse, descending and sigmoid segments, with no signs of intestinal perforation. Colonoscopy demonstrated severe mucosal involvement from the sigmoid to the hepatic flexure, with ulcerations and fibrinoid exudate. Biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of ischemic colitis. The only relevant finding in her history was the newly added drug to her baseline regimen. An adverse effect was suspected because of its anticholinergic action at the intestinal level, and the drug was withdrawn. After 6 months of follow-up clinical, laboratory and endoscopic recovery was achieved. Discussion: Antipsychotic medication should be considered as a potential cause of ischemic colitis, particularly atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine and olanzapine; despite being uncommon, this adverse event may result in high morbidity and mortality.

Introducción: la colitis isquémica (CI) es un efecto adverso infrecuente de los fármacos antipsicóticos que aparece de forma más común con los antipsicóticos fenotiazínicos y los antipsicóticos atípicos como la clozapina. El riesgo de desarrollar colitis isquémica se incrementa cuando se asocian fármacos con efecto anticolinérgico. Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de una mujer de 38 años con historia de trastorno esquizoafectivo, en tratamiento crónico con quetiapina desde hacía 3 años, que acudió a urgencias por cuadro de diarrea de 5 días de evolución. Cuatro meses antes se añadió olanzapina a su medicación psiquiátrica. A la exploración física presentaba distensión abdominal con timpanismo y dolor a la palpación. En la analítica de urgencias destacaba elevación de reactantes de fase aguda. La tomografía objetivó engrosamiento concéntrico de la pared de colon transverso, descendente y sigma, sin signos de perforación intestinal. La colonoscopia demostró afectación grave de la mucosa desde sigma hasta ángulo hepático con ulceraciones y exudado fibrinoide. Las biopsias confirmaron el diagnóstico de colitis isquémica. Como único antecedente relevante destacaba el nuevo fármaco añadido hacía 4 meses a su medicación de base. Se sospechó un efecto adverso debido a su acción anticolinérgica a nivel intestinal y fue retirado. A los 6 meses de seguimiento se evidenció recuperación clínica, analítica y endoscópica. Discusión: se debe tener presente la medicación antipsicótica como causa potencial de colitis isquémica, especialmente los antipsicóticos atípicos como la clozapina y la olanzapina, ya que, a pesar de ser un efecto adverso poco frecuente, puede implicar elevada morbimortalidad.

Segmental pneumatosis cystoides coli: computed tomography-facilitated diagnosis

Background: Intestinal pneumatosis is a rare entity of unclear etiopathogenesis characterized by the presence of gaseous cystic or linear collections within the intestinal wall. Intestinal pneumatosis may be primary and idiopathic in origin or, more frequently, it accompanies various clinical conditions. Rarely, the development of intestinal pneumatosis is attributed to the pharmacotherapy with different drugs. Case report: This is a case report of cystic pneumatosis limited to the large intestine with predominant clinical presentation of chronic watery diarrhea in a 64-year-old man suffering from diabetes mellitus treated with metformin and acarbose. The patient had been referred to the outpatient gastroenterology clinic for further investigation of numerous polyp-like lesions found on colonoscopy. There was no history of cigarette smoking, drug abuse or extraintestinal complaints. The patient was in a good general condition and his laboratory tests were normal. No relevant abnormalities were found on chest X-ray, esophagogastroduodenoscopy or abdominal ultrasound, but computed tomography showed intramural gas-filled bubbles in the cecum and splenic flexure without signs of perforation or any other significant pathology in the abdominal cavity. The final diagnosis of pneumatosis cystoides coli (PCC), possibly related to treatment with acarbose, was established. On a follow-up visit after discontinuation of acarbose the patient reported no complaints and remained asymptomatic for the next 12 months. Discussion: To conclude, drug-related PCC should be considered in a differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms and/or polyp-like lesions disclosed on colonoscopy in diabetic patients treated with acarbose.

Unusual involvement in mycosis fungoides: duodenal papilla

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a type of T-cell lymphoma with cutaneous involvement. It is a rare disease, of low incidence and usually affects middle-aged men. In most cases only the skin is involved although in advanced stages may present with extra cutaneous involvement including the gastrointestinal tract. Case report: We report the first case of MF with compromise of duodenal papilla, emphasizing the diagnostic approach and a brief review of the subject. Discussion: This case report proves the value of the endoscopic studies in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, because of the impact in the diagnosis and prognosis. Also, this case report is relevant because there is no scientific evidence, as far as we know, of similar cases reported.

Introducción: la micosis fungoide (MF) es un tipo de linfoma de células T con compromiso cutáneo. Es una enfermedad rara, de baja incidencia que se presenta usualmente en hombres de mediana edad. En la mayoría de casos el compromiso es únicamente cutáneo aunque en fases avanzadas se puede presentar compromiso extra cutáneo que incluye el tracto gastrointestinal. Caso clínico: presentamos el primer caso reportado de MF con compromiso de la papila duodenal, su abordaje diagnóstico y una breve revisión del tema. Discusión: este es un caso más que confirma la importancia de los estudios endoscópicos en los pacientes con neoplasias linfoproliferativas, y siempre y cuando los beneficios superen los riesgos, estos deberán realizarse, dado que pueden impactar tanto en el diagnóstico como en el pronóstico de estos pacientes. Este caso, además, es relevante ya que no hay evidencia científica de casos similares reportados en la literatura.

IBD or strongyloidiasis?

Introduction: Strongyloides has been shown to infrequently mimic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or to disseminate when a patient with IBD and unrecognized strongyloides is treated with immunosupression. Case report: A man from Ecuador, living in Spain for years, with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and psoriasis treated with topical corticosteroids, was admitted to the hospital with an 8-month history of diarrhoea. Blood tests showed hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, elevated CRP and faecal calprotectin. Colonoscopy suggested IBD. The patient improved with steroids, pending biopsy results, and he was discharged. Biopies were compatible with IBD, but careful examination revealed strongyloides. He was given a prescription of albendazole. He had to be readmitted due to SIADH, which resolved with fluid restriction. Upon discharge albendazole was prescribed again. The patient skipped most of the out-patient-clinic visits. He returned a year later on 10 mg/week methotrexate, asymptomatic, with 20% eosinophilia, and admitting he had never taken the strongyloides treatment for economical reasons. He then received a week of oral albendazol at the hospital. Biopsies and blood cell count were afterwards normal (eosinophils 3.1%) and serology for strongyloides antibodies was negative. Discussion: This case is of interest for four rarely concurring reasons. It's a worm infection that mimics IBD; the infection was diagnosed by colon biopsy; the infection caused a SIADH; and, most interestingly, even though the patient is on immunosupression, he remains asymptomatic.

Immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases: common variable immunodeficiency and Crohn-like

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) gives a major risk of principally respiratory and digestive infections. It is associated with autoimmune diseases, granulomatous process and neoplasias. The digestive clinic is common, in 10% of patients it is the only symptom, and 60% present chronic diarrhea. Clinically it can be confused and related with other pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease which is infrequent (2-13%). Case report: We present the case of a patient with CVI with digestive symptoms being diagnosed of Crohn-like disease with extent ileal affectation. The main treatment of these patients is the same as classical Crohn disease although in the most severe cases, as this one, the use of immunosupresors is necessary. At this time the patient remains on clinical remmision with infliximab. She presented a previous adverse reaction with adalimumab. Discussion: The few case series in this pathology makes the treatment with immunomodulators in this immunodeficiency a real diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Introducción: la inmunodeficiencia común variable (IDCV) conlleva un mayor riesgo de infecciones principalmente respiratorias y digestivas. Se asocia a enfermedades autoinmunes, manifestaciones granulomatosas y neoplasias. La clínica digestiva es muy frecuente, presentando hasta en el 60% de los pacientes diarrea crónica. Clínicamente puede confundirse con otras patologías en las que se incluye la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal que es infrecuente (2-13%). Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de una paciente con IDCV con clínica digestiva a la que se diagnostica de enfermedad de Crohn-like con afectación ileal extensa. El tratamiento inicial de estos pacientes es igual al de una enfermedad de Crohn típica. Sin embargo en los casos más agresivos como este, el uso de inmunosupresores es imprescindible. La paciente que actualmente se encuentra en remisión con infliximab presentó una reacción adversa previa a adalimumab. Discusión: el número escaso de series hacen que el tratamiento con inmunomoduladores en esta inmunodeficiencia sea un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico.

Community-acquired pneumonia by Legionella pneumophila: do we need to include new recommendations for inflammatory bowel disease patients under immunomodulators?

Intestinal endometriosis: our experience

Adnexal localization of Crohn's disease and recurrent massive ovary cysts