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Background: The risk and prognosis of pancreatobiliary cancer and in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) remain unclear. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated the risk of pancreatobiliary cancer and prognosis in patients with AIP and IgG4‐SC. Methods: Patients with AIP and IgG4‐SC at seven centers between 1998 and 2022 were investigated. The following data were evaluated: (1) the number of cancers diagnosed and standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for pancreatobiliary and other cancers during the observational period and (2) prognosis after diagnosis of AIP and IgG4‐SC using standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Results: This study included 201 patients with AIP and IgG4‐SC. The mean follow‐up period was 5.7 years. Seven cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed, and the SIR was 8.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.29–9.13). Three cases of bile duct cancer were diagnosed, and the SIR was 6.89 (95% CI: 6.20–7.75). The SMR after the diagnosis of AIP and IgG4‐SC in cases that developed pancreatobiliary cancer were 4.03 (95% CI: 2.83–6.99). Conclusions: Patients with autoimmune pancreatitis and IgG4‐SC were associated with a high risk of pancreatic and bile duct cancer. Patients with AIP and IgG4‐SC have a worse prognosis when they develop pancreatobiliary cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation is important for diagnosing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). However, we occasionally encounter PDAC cases without MPD dilatation. The objectives of this study were to compare the clinical findings and prognosis of pathologically diagnosed PDAC cases with and without MPD dilatation and to extract factors related to the prognosis of PDAC. The 281 patients pathologically diagnosed with PDAC were divided into two groups: the dilatation group (n = 215), consisting of patients with MPD dilatation of 3 mm or more, and the non-dilatation group (n = 66), consisting of patients with MPD dilatation less than 3 mm. We found that the non-dilatation group had more cancers in the pancreatic tail, more advanced disease stage, lower resectability, and worse prognoses than the dilatation group. Clinical stage and history of surgery or chemotherapy were identified as significant prognostic factors for PDAC, while tumor location was not. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), and contrast-enhanced computed tomography had a high tumor detection rate for PDAC even in the non-dilatation group. Construction of a diagnostic system centered on EUS and DW-MRI is necessary for the early diagnosis of PDAC without MPD dilatation, which can improve its prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: For suspected common bile duct stone (CBDS) missed on computed tomography (CT), there is no clear evidence on whether endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the better diagnostic tool. We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of EUS and MRCP for cases of missed CBDS on CT. Methods: Patients suspected of having CBDS were enrolled and randomly allocated to the EUS or MRCP group. Upon the initial examination, those having CBDS or sludge formation underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), while those who were CBDS‐negative underwent a second examination with either MRCP or EUS, which was distinct from the initial diagnostic procedure. The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy, and the secondary outcomes were diagnostic ability, detection rate and characteristics of CBDS in the second examination, and the frequency of adverse events. Results: Between April 2019 and January 2021, 50 patients were enrolled in the study. The accuracy was 92.3% for EUS and 68.4% for MRCP (P = 0.055). EUS showed 100% sensitivity, 88.2% specificity, 81.8% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value, and MRCP showed 33.3% sensitivity, 84.6% specificity, 50% positive predictive value, and 73.3% negative predictive value. The CBDS detection rate in the second examination was 0% for MRCP after a negative EUS and 35.7% for EUS after a negative MRCP (P = 0.041). No adverse events occurred in any of the patients. Conclusions: Endoscopic ultrasound may be a superior diagnostic tool compared to MRCP for the detection of CBDS that are undetected on CT. (UMIN000036357). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is useful in diagnosing subepithelial lesions (SELs), and adequate tissue sampling is necessary to differentiate between benign and malignant diseases to determine therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to evaluate sampling adequacy and diagnostic performance of EUS-FNA for SELs with Franseen needles. This retrospective study enrolled 130 patients who underwent EUS-FNA with a 22-gauge needle for SELs from January 2010 to March 2021. We compared sampling adequacy and predictive factors influencing the sampling adequacy of EUS-FNA for SELs between Franseen and conventional needles. The sampling adequacy rates were 95.0% (38/40) with Franseen needles and 76.7% (69/90) with conventional needles (p = 0.011). The mean number of punctures with Franseen needles (2.80) was significantly less than that with conventional needles (3.42) (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the use of Franseen needles (p = 0.029; odds ratio [OR], 5.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–23.36) was an independent factor influencing the sampling adequacy. Compared to conventional needles, the Franseen needle could play a vital role in accurately diagnosing SELs by yielding better sampling adequacy and reducing the number of passes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: The relationship between autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and malignancy has been reported. However, the potential risk for cancer in patients with immunoglobulin 4 (IgG4)‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) is unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence of cancer in IgG4‐SC patients. Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical data for 121 patients diagnosed with IgG4‐SC from 7 hospitals. We calculated the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of cancer in IgG4‐SC patients based on the national cancer rates. The SIR of the period after the diagnosis of IgG4‐SC were calculated. Results: The mean follow‐up period was 6.4 years, with 121 IgG4‐SC patients. During the follow‐up period, 26 patients had cancer, and 29 cancers were diagnosed. The SIR of cancer after the diagnosis of IgG4‐SC was 1.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67‐2.21). The SIR of pancreatic and bile duct cancer was 10.30 and 8.88, respectively. The SIR of cancer in <1 year, 1‐5 years, and >5 years after diagnosis of IgG4‐SC were 2.58, 1.01, and 2.44, respectively. Conclusions: IgG4‐SC patients have a high risk of cancer including pancreatic and bile duct cancer. The risk of cancer was high less <1 year and >5 years after diagnosis of IgG4‐SC. Therefore, IgG4‐SC patients may require careful long‐term follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The ideal medication for acid-related diseases should have a rapid onset of action to promote hemostasis and cause efficient resolution of symptoms. The aim of our study was to comparatively investigate the inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion of a single oral administration of omeprazole plus mosapride with that of omeprazole alone. Methods Ten Helicobacter pylori-negative male subjects participated in this randomized, two-way crossover study. Intragastric pH was monitored continuously for 6 hours after a single oral administration of omeprazole 20 mg or that of omeprazole 20 mg plus mosapride 5 mg (the omeprazole being administered one hour after the mosapride). Each administration was separated by a 7-days washout period. Results The average pH during the 6-hour period after administration of omeprazole 20 mg plus mosapride 5 mg was higher than that after administration of omeprazole 20 mg alone (median: 3.22 versus 4.21, respectively; p = 0.0247). Conclusions In H. pylori -negative healthy male subjects, an oral dose of omeprazole 20 mg plus mosapride 5 mg increased the intragastric pH more rapidly than omeprazole 20 mg alone.

Abstract Introduction A hamartomatous polyp without associated mucocutaneous pigmentation or a family history of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome is diagnosed as a solitary Peutz-Jeghers type hamartomatous polyp. As compared with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers type hamartomatous polyps are diagnosed with a lower risk of cancer and are regarded as a different disorder. Case presentation In case one, we describe an 84-year-old Japanese man with a 14 mm duodenal polyp. Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed and histological examination showed findings suggestive of a hamartomatous polyp with a focus of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. In case two, we describe a 76-year-old Japanese man who had been treated for prostate, rectal and lung cancer. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a duodenal polyp measuring 15 mm in diameter. Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed, and histological examination showed findings suggestive of a hamartomatous polyp. Liver and thyroid cancers were found after the endoscopic treatment. Conclusion Although duodenal solitary hamartomatous polyps are associated with a lower risk of cancer, four patients, including our cases, have been diagnosed with cancerous polyps. Patients with duodenal solitary hamartomatous polyps should be treated by endoscopic or surgical resection and need whole-body screening.

Background/Purpose: Placement of uncovered self‐expandable metallic stents (U‐SEMSs) of patients with unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (UPHC) is recommended as the treatment of first choice to address bile stasis. The aim of this study was to determine which of the following two endoscopic stents might be the stent of first choice for the treatment of biliary stasis in patients with UPHC: plastic stents (PSs) or U‐SEMSs. Methods: U‐SEMSs, deployed as a stent‐in‐stent, were selected as the stents of first choice from 2013 and 2014, while PSs began to be selected as the stents of first choice from 2015 onward. Results: The median time to recurrent biliary obstruction were 66 days in the PS group (N = 38) and 105 days in the U‐SEMS group (N = 37; P =.04). Emergency endoscopy was necessitated in 76.3% (29/38) of patients of the PS group and 54.1% (20/37) of patients of the U‐SEMS group (P =.0434). The success rate of the first reintervention was 96.5% (27/29) in the PS group and 55% (11/20) in the U‐SEMS group (P =.0002). Sustainable chemotherapy could be carried out in 55.2% of patients in the PS group and 32.4% of patients in the U‐SEMS group (P =.0472). Multivariate analysis identified selection of U‐SEMS as the stent of first choice as the only independent factor predictive of successful reintervention (P =.0016, odds ratio = 0.058). However, the stent selection was not an independent factor for feasible chemotherapy. Conclusions: Plastic stent placement could enhance the success rate of reintervention in patients with UPHC and might be facilitated by sustainable chemotherapy. However, stent selection might not have an influence on the prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The usefulness of preventive closure of the frenulum after endoscopic papillectomy (EP) could reduce bleeding. The feasibility and safety of clipping were evaluated in this prospective pilot study. Methods: This study involved 40 consecutive patients who underwent preventive closure of the frenulum by clipping just after EP. The outcome data were compared with those of the previous 40 patients in whom no preemptive closure had been performed (no‐closure group) (UMIN000014783). Additionally, the bleeding sites were examined. Results: The clipping procedure was successful in all patients. As compared to the no‐closure group, the rate of bleeding (P = 0.026) and period of hospital stay (P < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the closure group. There was no difference in the procedure time between the two groups. Furthermore, the incidence rates of pancreatitis and perforation were comparable in the two groups. The bleeding was noted in the frenulum area rather than at any other site in 90.9% of cases. Conclusion: Preventive closure of the frenulum after EP is an effective, safe, rational, and economical method to reduce the incidence of delayed bleeding, without prolonging the procedure time or increasing the risk of post‐procedure pancreatitis perforation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Immunoglobulin G4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) presents as isolated proximal‐type sclerosing cholangitis (i‐SC). The present study sought to clarify the imaging differences between i‐SC and Klatskin tumor. Differences between i‐SC and IgG4‐SC associated with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP‐SC) were also studied. Methods: Differentiating factors between i‐SC and Klatskin tumor were studied. Serum IgG4 level, CA19‐9 level, computed tomography (CT) findings, cholangiography findings (symmetrical smooth long stricture extending into the upper bile duct [SSLS]), endosonographic features (continuous symmetrical mucosal lesion to the hilar part [CSML]), endoscopic biopsy results, treatment, relapse, and survival were also compared between patients with i‐SC and those with AIP‐SC. Results: For a differential diagnosis between i‐SC (N = 9) and Klatskin tumor (N = 47), the cut‐off value of serum IgG4 level was 150 mg/dL (sensitivity, 0.857, specificity, 0.966). Logistic regression analysis indicated that serum IgG4 level, presence of SSLS, presence of CSML, and presence of swollen ampulla are independent factor for identifying i‐SC. Relapse rate was significantly higher in the IgG4‐SC with AIP group than in the i‐SC group (log rank, P = 0.046). Conclusion: Isolated proximal‐type sclerosing cholangitis presents as a nodular lesion with SSLS and/or CSML mimicking a Klatskin tumor. Those endoscopic features might provide a diagnostic clue for i‐SC. i‐SC is likely to have a more favorable prognosis than IgG4‐SC with AIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The gastrointestinal motility effects of endogenous incretin hormones enhanced by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors have not yet been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to determine whether single pre-prandial sitagliptin, the DPP-IV inhibitor, administration might have an effect on the rate of liquid gastric emptying using the 13C-acetic acid breath test. Methods: Ten healthy male volunteers participated in this randomized, two-way crossover study. The subjects fasted for overnight and were randomly assigned to receive 50 mg sitagliptin 2 hours before ingestion of the liquid test meal (200 kcal per 200 mL, containing 100 mg 13C-acetate) or the test meal alone. Under both conditions, breath samples were collected for 150 minutes following the meal. Liquid gastric emptying was estimated by the values of the following parameters: the time required for 50% emptying of the labeled meal (T1/2), the analog to the scintigraphy lag time for 10% emptying of the labeled meal (Tlag), the gastric emptying coefficient and the regression-estimated constants (ß and ?), calculated by using the 13CO2 breath excretion curve using the conventional formulae. The parameters between the 2 test conditions were compared statistically. Results: No significant differences in the calculated parameters, including T1/2, Tlag, gastric emptying coefficient or ß and ?, were observed between the 2 test conditions. Conclusions: The present study revealed that single-dose sitagliptin intake had no significant influence on the rate of liquid gastric emptying in asymptomatic volunteers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the convenience of the quality of life and utility evaluation survey technology (QUEST) questionnaire and the frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG) questionnaire as self-assessment diagnostic instrument. Methods: This was a two-way crossover study conducted over 6 weeks from September 2010 to November 2010. The subjects were 60 consecutive patients admitted to the Hiratsuka city hospital with a gastrointestinal condition, regardless of the coexistence of heartburn. They were assigned to fill in both the QUEST and FSSG questionnaires in random order. We analyzed the time taken to complete the questionnaires, whether subjects asked any questions as they filled in the questionnaire, and the questionnaire scores. Results: Comparison of the QUEST and the FSSG revealed significant differences in the completion time (196.5 vs. 97.5 seconds, respectively; P < 0.0001) and in whether subjects asked any questions (37 vs. 15 subjects, respectively; P < 0.0001). Completion time in QUEST scores of ≥ 4 was lower than < 4 (170.5 vs. 214.0 seconds, respectively; P = 0.022), and the QUEST score was significantly higher without questions than with question (3 vs. 1 points, respectively; P = 0.025). Conclusions: This study revealed that the FSSG questionnaire may be easier for Japanese subjects to complete than the QUEST questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is an intractable disease in which clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction appear without mechanical cause. No clear diagnostic criteria have been established; therefore, we proposed diagnostic criteria to facilitate the diagnosis of this rare disease and aim to evaluate their usefulness and validity. Materials andMethods: A questionnaire was sent to 378 institutions belonging to the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology between December 2009 and February 2010. We summarized the returned data and performed a statistical analysis. Results: A total of 160 cases were included, and 141 cases (88.1%) fulfilled the criterion of disease duration of >6 months, 157 cases (98.1%) the criterion of the clinical symptoms of abdominal pain and/or bloating and 154 cases (96.2%) fulfilled the criterion of imaging findings. Eventually, 138 cases (86.3%) fulfilled all criteria. Conclusions: The proposed diagnostic criteria were useful, with a high sensitivity of 86.3% for Japanese patients. Improved recognition of CIPO and practical use of the criteria are desired. The criteria should be appropriately modified by additional researchers to make them more practical and internationally applicable. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Capsule endoscopy is limited by the poor image quality of the distal bowel and incomplete small bowel transit. The aim of this study was to establish an optimal medication protocol for capsule endoscopy performed using a real-time viewer. Methods: A total of 80 patients were prospectively recruited. The patients were randomized into two groups: the 'conventional group' (without any preparation) and the 'real-time group' (in which a real-time viewer was attached). At 60 min after swallowing the capsule, if the capsule hadreached the small bowel, 500 ml of polyethylene glycol was administered; if the capsule was still located in the stomach, 10 mg of metoclopramide was given intramuscularly, followed by 500 ml of polyethylene glycol solution. Results: The completion rate was significantly higher in the real-time group as compared with that in the conventional group (72.5 vs. 90.0%). Our protocol yielded a significantly improved image quality of the distal small bowel [image quality score = 1.6 vs. 3.0 (max 4.0)]. The detection rate of lesions in the distal small bowel was higher in the real-time group than in the conventional group. Conclusions: The present study clearly showed that our protocol yielded an improved completion rate and also improved image quality. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a clinical syndrome in which the clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction appear without mechanical obstruction of the intestine. We searched for articles from Japana Centra Revuo Medicina for the period 1983−2009 using the keywords 'chronic' and 'intestinal pseudo-obstruction'. 124 articles were identified, and of these 121 cases were investigated using our diagnostic criteria . The patients were between 0 (just after birth) and 84 years of age, indicating that chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) can occur at any age. The mean age was 43.6 years and the median age was 47 years. Forty-nine patients were male and 72 were female, showing a slight tendency towards female predominance. Five cases (4.2%) had a definitive family history. Of the identified causes of secondary CIP, systemic sclerosis was the most common. Abdominal bloating was the most common initial symptom, seen in 90 (81%) patients. Patients having poor intestinal peristalsis with stagnation of the contents of the small intestines causing fatty stools and bacterial overgrowth complained of diarrhea. The interval between the initial symptoms and diagnosis ranged from 0 to 60 years, with a mean and median interval of 7.3 and 2 years, respectively. In case reports of CIP in Japan, the sensitivity of our diagnostic criteria was found to be 85.9%, indicating that the criteria are useful. For improvement in the rate of recognition of CIP and practical application of the diagnostic criteria in Japan, it is important to conduct further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A hamartomatous polyp without associated mucocutaneous pigmentation or a family history of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome is diagnosed as a solitary Peutz-Jeghers type hamartomatous polyp. As compared with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers type hamartomatous polyps are diagnosed with a lower risk of cancer and are regarded as a different disorder.Case Presentation: In case one, we describe an 84-year-old Japanese man with a 14 mm duodenal polyp. Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed and histological examination showed findings suggestive of a hamartomatous polyp with a focus of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. In case two, we describe a 76-year-old Japanese man who had been treated for prostate, rectal and lung cancer. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a duodenal polyp measuring 15 mm in diameter. Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed, and histological examination showed findings suggestive of a hamartomatous polyp. Liver and thyroid cancers were found after the endoscopic treatment.Conclusion: Although duodenal solitary hamartomatous polyps are associated with a lower risk of cancer, four patients, including our cases, have been diagnosed with cancerous polyps. Patients with duodenal solitary hamartomatous polyps should be treated by endoscopic or surgical resection and need whole-body screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malignant bowel obstruction affect a patient's quality of life, but, management of MBO is controversial. Case presentation: A 51-year-old woman who had been diagnosed as uterine cervix cancer 2 years ago and had undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, was admitted to our hospital. She was diagnosed as having a recurrence of peritoneal metastasis and bowel obstruction. For her nasal pain, we considered insertion of a postpyloric decompression tube through the gastrostomy instead of via the nasal cavity. After insertion of a percutaneous gastrostomy tube was performed endoscopically, we introduced a postpyloric decompression tube through her gastrostomy. She could be discharged home, and 91 days later, she died in her home under hospice care, as she had wished. Conclusions: Insertion of a postpyloric decompression tube through a gastrostomy might be useful in the management of advanced cancer patients with bowel obstruction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor about a new technique for the retrieval of large colorectal tumors during endoscopic submucosal dissection.

The article describes the case of a 61-year-old man who complained of abdominal discomfort. Topics covered include the findings of the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and computed tomography which confirmed the diagnosis of situs inversus, and patient outcome after endoscopic papillectomy (EP) followed by prophylactic clipping, and the feasibility of the procedures.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Colonic Ulcers in a Patient Taking Low-Dose Aspirin."