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Malakoplakia is a rare granulomatous inflammatory disorder. Its diagnosis depends on histopathological findings; however, high-quality literature regarding proper medical/surgical treatment is lacking. A 38-year-old diabetic female patient was admitted to the emergency room with a history of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Colonoscopy revealed a lesion in the descending colon, and abdominal computed tomography revealed a splenic flexure mass involving the lower pole of the spleen and upper pole of the left kidney. Biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of malakoplakia. After completing antibiotic treatment, a restaging computed tomography revealed a discrete mass increase; hence, the patient underwent laparoscopic en bloc colectomy and partial nephrectomy. Postoperatively, the patient developed a pancreatic fistula, which was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. The presence of pathognomonic Michaelis-Gutmann inclusions on histopathology is frequently reported as the key to diagnosing malakoplakia. Herein, we present a successful, minimally invasive surgical treatment for colonic malakoplakia.

Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins is a segmental ischemia associated with noninflammatory hyperplasia of the intimal smooth muscle of the mesenteric veins. Owing to its rarity, timely diagnosis is often difficult.The goal of this study was to improve clinical practice in terms of the diagnosis of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins.This was a retrospective observational study.This study was conducted in a single institution with case collection from clinical archives.Data from 12 cases of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins were retrieved from 2006-2020. Most patients were elderly men, with a male-to-female ratio of 10:1.Clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, and pathologic characteristics of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins served as outcome measures.Radiologically, marked segmental mural thickening and poor enhancement involved the sigmoid colon and rectum in most cases, with extension to the descending colon in some cases. Typical cases showed obliteration of the inferior mesenteric veins and collateral vessels. Colonoscopic findings were reminiscent of ischemia or ulcerative colitis, but sharp demarcation from the uninvolved segment was the most distinguishing feature. Surgically resected specimens showed marked segmental mural thickening, edema, and mucosal discoloration grossly. Microscopically, thick-walled, tortuous veins were observed mainly in the submucosa and subserosa, and the submucosa was markedly thickened in all cases. The subserosal large veins showed myointimal hyperplasia, and pericolic fat necrosis was invariably observed. The most useful histologic finding in biopsy material was tortuous, arteriolized mucosal capillaries with occasional fibrinoid necrosis.This study was limited by its small number of cases and selection bias; there was also no prospective external validation.Radiologic and pathologic features of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins are distinct from those of ulcerative colitis or nonspecific ischemic colitis. Careful interpretation of endoscopic and radiologic images and generous biopsies with interpretation by experienced pathologists might lead to an early diagnosis and prevent unnecessary medical treatment. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B806.ANTECEDENTES:La hiperplasia miointimal idiopática de las venas mesentéricas es una isquemia segmentaria asociada con hiperplasia no inflamatoria del músculo liso de la íntima de las venas mesentéricas. Debido a su rareza, el diagnóstico oportuno suele ser difícil.OBJETIVO:Mejorar la práctica clínica con respecto al diagnóstico de hiperplasia miointimal idiopática de venas mesentéricas.DISEÑO:Estudio observacional retrospectivo.AJUSTES:Institución única, colección de casos de archivos clínicos.PACIENTES:Se recuperaron datos de 12 casos de hiperplasia miointimal idiopática de las venas mesentéricas durante el período 2006-2020. La mayoría de los pacientes eran hombres de edad avanzada, con una proporción de hombres a mujeres de 10:1.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Características clínicas, endoscópicas, radiológicas y patológicas de la hiperplasia miointimal idiopática de las venas mesentéricas.RESULTADOS:Radiológicamente, se vio marcado engrosamiento mural afectando de manera segmentaria y escaso realce que comprometieron al colon sigmoides y al recto en la mayoría de los casos, con extensión al colon descendente en algunos casos. Los casos típicos mostraron obliteración de las venas mesentéricas inferiores y vasos colaterales. Los hallazgos colonoscópicos recordaban a la isquemia o la colitis ulcerosa, pero la demarcación nítida del segmento no afectado fue la característica más distintiva. Las piezas quirúrgicas mostraron un marcado engrosamiento mural de manera segmentaria, edema y decoloración de la mucosa de forma macroscópica. Microscópicamente, se observaron venas tortuosas de paredes engrosadas principalmente en la submucosa y subserosa y la submucosa se encontraba marcadamente engrosada en todos los casos. Las grandes venas subserosas mostraban hiperplasia de la mioíntima e invariablemente se observaba necrosis grasa pericólica. El hallazgo histológico más útil en el material de biopsia fueron los tortuosos capilares arteriolizados de la mucosa con necrosis fibrinoide ocasional.LIMITACIONES:Pequeño número de casos; sesgo de selección; sin validación externa prospectiva.CONCLUSIONES:Las características radiológicas y patológicas de la hiperplasia miointimal idiopática de las venas mesentéricas son distintas a las de la colitis ulcerosa o la colitis isquémica no específica. La interpretación cuidadosa de las imágenes endoscópicas y radiológicas y múltiples biopsias de manera generosa con la interpretación de patólogos experimentados pueden conducir a un diagnóstico temprano y prevenir tratamientos médicos innecesarios. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B806. (Traducción-Dr Osvaldo Gauto).

Background and AimsSingle-cell transcriptomics offer unprecedented resolution of tissue function at the cellular level, yet studies analyzing healthy adult human small intestine and colon are sparse. Here, we present single-cell transcriptomics covering the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ascending, transverse, and descending colon from 3 humans.Methods12,590 single epithelial cells from three independently processed organ donors were evaluated for organ-specific lineage biomarkers, differentially regulated genes, receptors, and drug targets. Analyses focused on intrinsic cell properties and capacity for response to extrinsic signals along the gut axis across different humans.ResultCells were assigned to 25 epithelial lineage clusters. Human intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are not specifically marked by many murine ISC markers. Lysozyme expression is not unique to human Paneth cells (PCs), and PCs lack expression of expected niche-factors. BEST4+ cells express NPY and show maturational differences between SI and colon. Tuft cells possess a broad ability to interact with the innate and adaptive immune systems through previously unreported receptors. Some classes of mucins, hormones, cell-junction, and nutrient absorption genes show unappreciated regional expression differences across lineages. Differential expression of receptors and drug targets across lineages reveals biological variation and potential for variegated responses.ConclusionsOur study identifies novel lineage marker genes; covers regional differences; shows important differences between mouse and human gut epithelium; and reveals insight into how the epithelium responds to the environment and drugs. This comprehensive cell atlas of the healthy adult human intestinal epithelium resolves likely functional differences across anatomical regions along the gastrointestinal tract and advances our understanding of human intestinal physiology.

Background Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) undergo frequent endoscopic procedures, with visualization of the gastrointestinal mucosa central to treatment decision-making. Subsequently, a noninvasive alternative to optical colonoscopy (OC) would be welcomed. One such technology is capsule endoscopy, including the PillCam COLON 2 (PCC2), though research validating its use in ileocolonic CD is limited. This study aims to compare PCC2 with ileocolonoscopy (OC) in assessing mucosal CD through use of a standardized scoring system. Methods At an Australian tertiary hospital, same-day PCC2 and ileocolonoscopy results of 47 CD patients, with known nonstricturing disease, were prospectively collected and analyzed for correlation and agreement. Deidentified recordings were reported by a single expert gastroenterologist. Mucosal disease was quantified using the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease (SES-CD). The SES-CD results of paired endoscopic modalities were compared in total per bowel segment and per SES-CD variable. Results Of 47 PCC2 recordings, 68% were complete, fully assessing terminal ileum to rectum, and OC was complete in 89%. Correlation (r) between total SES-CD scores was strongest in the terminal ileum (r = 0.77, P < .001), with the SES-CD variable of “ulcer detection” showing the strongest agreement. The PCC2 (vs OC) identified additional ulcers in the terminal ileum; ascending, transverse, and descending colon; and rectum; scores were 5 (1), 5 (3), 1 (1), 2 (1), and 2 (2), respectively. Conclusions The PCC2 shows promise in assessing ileocolonic mucosa, especially in proximal bowel segments, with greater reach of visualization in the small bowel. Given the resource and safety considerations raised by the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, capsule endoscopy has particular significance. This article aims to contribute to the limited body of research surrounding the validity of capsule endoscopy technology in assessing ileocolonic mucosa in Crohn’s Disease patients. In doing so, an alternative option for patients enduring frequent endoscopies is given potential.

BACKGROUND Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE), which became clinically applicable in 2006, is a simple and noninvasive procedure to evaluate colonic diseases; the accuracy of second-generation CCE, introduced in 2009, has dramatically improved. Currently, CCE is used as an alternative method for colorectal cancer screening, as well as for evaluating the mucosal lesions of inflammatory bowel disease, in cases where performing colonoscopy (CS) is difficult. However, the outcomes of CCE are uncertain. AIM To investigate the outcomes of Japanese patients with negative findings (no polyps or colorectal cancer) on initial CCE. METHODS This retrospective, single-center study was conducted at the Endoscopic Center at Aishinkai Nakae Hospital. This study included patients who underwent continuous CCE between November 2013 and August 2019, that exhibited no evidence of polyps or colorectal cancer at the initial CCE, and could be followed up using either the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), CS, or CCE. The observational period, follow-up method, presence or absence of polyps and colorectal cancer, pathological diagnosis, and number of colorectal cancer deaths were evaluated. RESULTS Thirty-one patients (mean age, 60.4 ± 15.6 years; range, 28–84 years; 14 men and 17 women) were enrolled in this study. The reasons for performing the first CCE were screening in 12, a positive FIT in six, lower abdominal pain in nine, diarrhea in two, and anemia in two patients. The mean total water volume at the time of examination was 3460 ± 602 mL (2250–4800 mL), and a total CS was performed in 28 patients (90%). The degree of cleanliness was excellent in 15 patients and good in 16, and no poor cases were observed. No adverse events, such as retention or capsule aspiration, were observed in any of the patients. The mean follow-up period was 3.1 ± 1.5 years (range, 0.3–5.5 years). Follow-up included FIT in nine, CS in 20, and CCE in four patients (including duplicate patients). The FIT was positive in two patients, while CS revealed five polyp lesions (three in the ascending colon, one in the transverse colon, and one in the descending colon), with sizes ranging between 2 mm and 8 mm. Histopathological findings revealed a hyperplastic polyp in one patient, and adenoma with low grade dysplasia in four patients; colorectal cancers were not recognized. In the follow-up example by CCE, polyps and colorectal cancer could not be recognized. During the follow-up period, there were no deaths due to colorectal cancer in any of the patients. CONCLUSION We determined the outcomes in patients with negative initial CCE findings.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of primary tumor resection (PTR) on the prognosis of patients with unresectable colon cancer liver metastasis (UCCLM) at seven colonic subsites using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. METHODS Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance selection bias using all available variables that could be of potential relevance. After matching, the groups were redefined in a 1:1 ratio using the nearest method. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was compared among the patients of PTR and non-PTR groups. Cox regression models were used to identify the prognostic factors for CSS. RESULTS CSS was significantly different between all groups. Cox regression analysis showed that PTR was an independent prognostic factor for all groups. After PSM, PTR significantly prolonged CSS for all groups. Subgroup analysis showed that PTR did not improve the prognosis of N2 stage patients in the cecum, ascending colon, and descending colon groups; T1 + T2 stage patients in the hepatic flexure group; and patients with a tumor size ≤5 cm in the splenic flexure group. Segmental colectomy could prolong CSS of patients in the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, splenic flexure, and sigmoid colon groups, while extended colectomy could prolong CSS of patients in the hepatic flexure and descending colon groups. CONCLUSION At different colonic subsites, UCCLM patients had different CSS. PTR could improve their prognosis, however, N stage, T stage, and tumor size are important reference indicators. In addition to patients in the hepatic flexure and descending colon groups, we suggested that patients in other groups should choose segmental colectomy.

Intestinal 18F-FDG uptake is variable in whole-body PET/CT. In cancer patients, particularly those suspected of relapse or metastasis, 18F-FDG absorption might interfere with scan interpretation. This study evaluated the effect of diet on intestinal 18F-FDG absorption. Methods: In total, 214 patients referring for oncologic 18F-FDG PET/CT participated. They were randomly divided into 2 groups and asked to follow either a routine diet (RD) or a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (LCHFD) for 24 h before the study. The small bowel and different parts of the colon (the cecum; the ascending, transverse, and descending segments; and the hepatic and splenic flexures) were evaluated and visually interpreted by nuclear medicine experts. Bowel uptake was graded through comparison with that in the liver as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. Results: Significantly higher 18F-FDG uptake in the descending colon (P = 0.001) and small intestine (P = 0.01) was observed in the RD group than in the LCHFD group. After patients with bowel cancer were omitted from the statistical analysis, no significant differences in the final results were seen. Conclusion: An LCHFD for 24 h before 18F-FDG PET imaging resulted in lower 18F-FDG uptake in the descending colon and small bowel than did an RD, assisting the interpreting physician by reducing the intestinal activity interference for more accurate diagnostic interpretation.

Constipation is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders and affects 20% of the general population. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that affects the large intestine and is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. We report a case of a 35-year-old African American man with a past medical history of IBS who presented to the clinic with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea for 1 week. The patient stated that he used a colon-cleansing agent because of persistent constipation. Computed tomography scan of the patient’s abdomen and pelvis with contrast was performed which showed diffuse contiguous segmental mural thickening and nodularity seen along the distal transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy showed moderate diffuse inflammation characterized by altered vascularity, erythema, and granularity from the rectum to the descending colon, and localized mild inflammation characterized by erythema was found at the ileocecal valve. The patient’s clinical condition improved with symptomatic management over 10 days. Patients with IBS should be advised to restrain from using a colon-cleansing agent without advice from their primary doctor as it can lead to various complications.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and use of the 3D-Transit system (Motilis SA, Lausanne, Switzerland) and to describe regional gastrointestinal transit times, segmental colonic transit times, and colonic movement patterns in healthy children.METHODS: Twenty-one healthy children (11 girls, median age 10.5 years, range 7-15 years) were included. For evaluation of gastrointestinal transit times and colonic movement patterns, we used the minimally invasive electromagnetic 3D-Transit system. A small electromagnetic capsule (21.5 mm × 8.3 mm) was ingested and tracked through the gastrointestinal tract by a body-worn detector. Regional gastrointestinal transit times were assessed as time between capsule passage of anatomical landmarks. Colonic movement patterns were described and classified based on capsule movement velocity, direction, and distance.RESULTS: One child could not swallow the capsule and 20 children completed the study without any discomfort or side-effects. Median whole gut transit time was 33.6 (range 10.7-80.5) hours, median gastric emptying time was 1.9 (range 0.1-22.1) hours, median small intestinal transit time was 4.9 (range 1.1-15.1) hours, and median colonic transit time was 26.4 (range 6.8-74.5) hours. Median ascending colon/cecum transit time was 9.7 (range 0.3-48.1) hours, median transverse colon transit time was 5.6 (range 0.0-11.6) hours, median descending colon transit time was 2.6 (range 0.01-22.3) hours, and median sigmoid colon/rectum transit time was 7.5 (range 0.1-31.6) hours. Colonic movement patterns among children corresponded to those previously described in healthy adults.CONCLUSIONS: The 3D-Transit system is a well-tolerated and minimally invasive method for assessment of gastrointestinal motility in children.

Colitis is a chronic gastrointestinal system disease characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Infectious colitis is one of the most common causes of colitis and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. One of the rare causes of colitis includes vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE). Lately, the prevalence of VRE has significantly increased in hospitals. We present a case of a 32-year-old American man who was initially admitted because of bilateral lower extremity weakness. The hospital course was complicated, with acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia. The patient was intubated and was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Later on, the patient had severe diarrhea and was found to have clostridium difficile infection. Patient symptoms persisted despite completing the course of antibiotics. Colonoscopy was performed, and the patient was found to have a diffuse area of severely altered vascular, congested, erythematous, friable with contact bleeding, hemorrhagic, inflamed, nodular, and ulcerated mucosa in the sigmoid colon, in the descending colon, and the transverse colon. A biopsy was sent, and the patient was found to be growing VRE. Currently, there is no effective treatment available for VRE. Hospitals need to have an active surveillance program to identify these patients so that the infection does not spread to other patients.

The descending branch of the left colic artery (dLCA) is under-recognized and has not been clearly defined. The dLCA is often confused with the sigmoid artery (SA) originating from the left colic artery (LCA). We clarified the anatomical characteristics of the dLCA and searched for surrogate measures to identify it. Arterial phase, venous phase, and three-dimensional images of abdominal arteries were created in 411 patients using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). We analyzed the branching patterns of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) based on CT. The dLCA was defined as the artery originating from the LCA that flows into the marginal artery along the descending colon. We tested three candidate diagnostic measures for the dLCA using positional relationships and the segment length of vessels. Arteries from the LCA were present in 360 patients, among which 459 dLCAs and 165 SAs were identified in 333 and 146, respectively. By the first measure of identifying the artery with its root lateral to the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) as the dLCA, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate were 94%, 87%, and 92%, respectively. The second measure of identifying the artery with its root higher than the root of the IMA as the dLCA and the third of identifying the artery with its root located > 27.6 mm from the root of LCA as the dLCA yielded lower accuracy rates (69% and 89%, respectively). Our study demonstrated that dLCAs are prevalent (93%) and may be easily found lateral to the IMV in clinical practice.

Segmental absence of the intestinal musculature (SAIM) can cause intestinal perforation in adults. However, its prevalence and clinicopathologic features have not been well-described. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAIM-associated perforation and characterize its clinicopathologic features. We retrospectively examined 109 cases of intestinal perforation that underwent surgical resection from January 2009 to December 2019. SAIM was defined as the complete absence of the muscularis propria without extensive inflammation and fibrinous exudation around the perforation. SAIM was the second most frequent cause of perforation (26 cases: 24%), the most frequent cause being related to diverticulitis (39 cases: 36%). The most common site was the sigmoid colon (12 cases: 46.2%). The younger group (aged below 65 y) exhibited more frequent perforation of the upper segments of the gastrointestinal tract (from the duodenum to the descending colon) than the older group (65 y and above) (P=0.0018). No patients developed recurrence. The most common gross features were well-defined circular or small punched-out lesions, and the histologic features were complete absence of the muscularis propria and absence of hemorrhage and necrosis around the area of perforation. The characteristic features of SAIM were unique and their prevalence was higher than previously reported. The precise recognition of SAIM can aid in understanding the cause of perforation and avoiding further unnecessary examinations.

Tuberculosis is a great imitator and should be monitored before definitive diagnosis, particularly in the regions with high prevalence of tuberculosis. Differentiation between Crohn’s disease and intestinal tuberculosis is always a diagnostic challenge. Here, we present a 47-year-old female complaining of long-term abdominal pain, weight loss, and periodic diarrhea. Her serology showed inflammatory profile. Right paracolic adenopathy was found in CT scan. Subsequently, colonoscopy showed multiple longitudinal ulcers in the descending colon, transverse and ascending colon, cecum, and terminal ileum which strongly suggest Crohn’s disease. These skip lesions, absence of constitutional signs and symptoms of TB, and the presence of clinical manifestations of Crohn’s diseases such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss were in favor of Crohn’s disease but specific staining for Mycobacterium tuberculosis consolidated the diagnosis of tuberculosis and ruled out Crohn’s disease. Intestinal tuberculosis should always be considered a differential diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and rule out of intestinal tuberculosis is needed before initiation of treatment. Here, we report a case of intestinal TB with endoscopic view of Crohn’s disease such as skip lesions from the terminal ileum to the descending colon. Misdiagnosis may result in undesired consequences and even death; for example, inappropriate use of immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of tuberculosis may result in the reactivation or dissemination of tuberculosis, which exacerbates the conditions and prolongs the treatment course.

Introduction. The pathology of the enteric ganglia can lead to different diseases (Hirschsprungs, neuronal intestinal dysplasia, ganglioneuromatosis, and Chagasse). Causes of acquired dysganglionosis remained unclear. Some authors hypothesized that pathology of the enteral nervous system may be secondary to intestinal ischemia. Aim. To investigate the intestinal function and histological changes of the colon in rats with chronic ischemia. Materials and methods. A total of 20 Sprague Dawley rats underwent surgery (ligation of the terminal mesenteric vessels next to the descending colon). The appetite of animals were checked, and stool were collected after the procedure. Reoperation was performed after 7 (n = 1), 9 (n = 2), 12 (n = 2), 14 (n = 1), 21 (n = 1), 42 (n = 1), 53 (n = 1), and 62 (n = 1) days. The diameter of the colon and changes of the serosa were visualized. In the experimental group, two samples biopsy was performed (ischemic and normal colon). Results. Functional changes were observed in 90% of rats after the ligation of mesenteric vessels (constipation/impact, softening stool/diarrhea, and hemocolitis). Colonic stenosis of the ischemic area in 30% was detected. 70% animals have the intestinal dilatation above the ischemic segment (partial bowel obstruction). Necrosis of the ischemic colon was observed in 20%. Spontaneous fixation of the omentum to the ischemic segment was found in 40% animals. A microscopically inflamed infiltration of the mucosa in the ischemic zone (70%) and in normal colon (50%) was revealed in the ligation group. The number of the enteric ganglia decreased in the ischemic segment. Conclusion. Functional disorders (colitis and obstruction) and morphological changes (inflammation and ganglion cells pathology) were found in rats with chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Background A colonoscopy can detect colorectal diseases, including cancers, polyps, and inflammatory bowel diseases. A computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system using deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that can recognize anatomical locations during a colonoscopy could efficiently assist practitioners. We aimed to construct a CAD system using a CNN to distinguish colorectal images from parts of the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. Method We constructed a CNN by training of 9,995 colonoscopy images and tested its performance by 5,121 independent colonoscopy images that were categorized according to seven anatomical locations: the terminal ileum, the cecum, ascending colon to transverse colon, descending colon to sigmoid colon, the rectum, the anus, and indistinguishable parts. We examined images taken during total colonoscopy performed between January 2017 and November 2017 at a single center. We evaluated the concordance between the diagnosis by endoscopists and those by the CNN. The main outcomes of the study were the sensitivity and specificity of the CNN for the anatomical categorization of colonoscopy images. Results The constructed CNN recognized anatomical locations of colonoscopy images with the following areas under the curves: 0.979 for the terminal ileum; 0.940 for the cecum; 0.875 for ascending colon to transverse colon; 0.846 for descending colon to sigmoid colon; 0.835 for the rectum; and 0.992 for the anus. During the test process, the CNN system correctly recognized 66.6% of images. Conclusion We constructed the new CNN system with clinically relevant performance for recognizing anatomical locations of colonoscopy images, which is the first step in constructing a CAD system that will support us during colonoscopy and provide an assurance of the quality of the colonoscopy procedure.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) during pregnancy presents an estimated incidence of 1 : 13,000, and it is associated with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Here, we present the case of a 38-year-old woman, 25 weeks and 5 days pregnant, who was transferred to our Obstetrics and Gynecology Department from a local hospital with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed marked distension with hydroaerial levels of the enterocolic loops upstream of a concentric parietal thickening of the descending colon, stenosing, extended longitudinally for about 4 cm. An exploratory laparotomy was performed with resection of the colon splenic flexure and mechanical end-terminal anastomosis. Histological examination of the operating piece highlighted the presence of moderately differentiated (G2) colon adenocarcinoma (stage pT3N1b). The operation was followed by a single course of oxaliplatin and 5-FU plus leukovorin. The patient had a vaginal delivery at 37 weeks + 2 days of gestational age, following induction of labor and giving birth to a male infant whose weight was 2670 gr with apgar 9/9. We underline the pivotal role of attention to unspecific symptoms, early diagnosis, and active treatment in changing the clinical course of CRC.

Introducción: el cáncer colorrectal representa el tercero en incidencia en ambos sexos a nivel mundial, por ellos es importante realizar estudios epidemiológicos del mismo. Objetivo: caracterizar clínica, endoscópica e histológicamente el cáncer colorrectal en pacientes atendidos en el Centro de Investigaciones Médico Quirúrgicas, Cuba. Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo a 52 pacientes (31 hombres y 21 mujeres) con cáncer colorrectal diagnosticados entre 2012 y 2014. Se recolectaron los datos de historias clínicas y estudios endoscópicos, imagenológicos y anatomopatológicos. La media de edad fue 66,73 años. Resultados: el antecedente y/o presencia de pólipos en el colon predominó con 55.8 %. La enterorragia se presentó en 38.5 %, la oclusión intestinal y el dolor abdominal en 17.3 %. Durante la colonoscopia, se encontró el 47.7 % con lesión ulcerada y el lugar más comprometido fue el colon descendente. El adenocarcinoma se encontró en 90.4 % de los pacientes. Conclusiones: los antecedentes personales de pólipos colorrectales, el hábito de fumar, la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y la obesidad fueron los factores de riesgo más encontrados. La forma de presentación más frecuente fue la enterorragia, seguida por la oclusión intestinal y las regiones del colon más afectadas fueron la descendente y la ascendente, respectivamente. El diagnóstico histológico fue en el mayor de los casos un adenocarcinoma. Existe una mayor frecuencia del diagnóstico en etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad.

Background Malakoplakia is an uncommon, tumor-like inflammatory disease characterized by impaired histiocytes that are unable to completely digest phagocytized bacteria. The genitourinary tract is the most common site of involvement, however, cases have also been described in the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting that it is the second most common site of involvement. This study investigates the clinical and histologic features of malakoplakia in the gastrointestinal tract. Case presentation For 23 gastrointestinal specimens (biopsies and resections) from patients with a pathologic diagnosis of malakoplakia, we recorded the gender, age, location, primary diagnosis, endoscopic or surgical indication, endoscopic/gross impression and immune status (immunocompromised vs. immunocompetent). Conclusion Malakoplakia occurred throughout the length of the gastrointestinal tract with most of the cases located in the sigmoid colon and rectum (n = 10); other sites included the transverse and descending colon (n = 4), stomach/gastroesophageal junction (n = 4), appendix (n = 2), cecum (n = 1), small bowel (n = 1), and the peri-anal area (n = 1). Endoscopically, these lesions most commonly appeared as polyps (n = 10) or masses (n = 5), other clinical endoscopic impressions varied from a thickened area/fibrosis to mucosal erythema. Most patients were immunocompromised due to a disease state (e.g. organ transplantation, cancer diagnosis, autoimmune condition) and/or medication effect. Eight patients with malakoplakia were on immunosuppressive medications (8/23, 35%). Common immunosuppressed disease states included cancer (n = 9), autoimmune disease (n = 5), status post organ transplantation (n = 4), diabetes (n = 5), infection/sepsis (n = 3), and HIV/AIDS (n = 1). Some patients had multiple co-morbidities (i.e. diabetes and organ transplant). Twenty-one patients with malakoplakia were in an immunosuppressive state (21/23, 91%).

AIM: evaluating the effectiveness of conservative treatment for diverticular disease complicated with first episode of acute diverticulitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: we investigated the results of the conservative treatment of 68 patients with diverticular disease complicated with first episode of acute diverticulitis. The ages of patients range from 32 to 78. The diagnosis was made based on clinical examination, laboratory tests (markers of inflammation – CRP, faecal calprotectin) and imaging studies (irrigoscopy, colonoscopy, USG, CT, laparoscopy). In 19 of 68 patients (28%) affected segment of the colon was descending colon, in 49 (72%) patients sigmoid colon was effected.RESULTS: all 68 patients received conservative treatment (spasmolytics, antibiotics, probiotics, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial drugs, and diet). Rifaximin was used as antibiotic (daily dose 600-1200 mg). Treatment course lasted for 7 days. We used probiotic (Enterol) to normalize colonic microflora (1 capsule 2 times a day), treatment course lasted for 7-10 days. Long-term outcome of treatment and quality of life of 54 (79,4%) patients were evaluated 2-5 years after a first episode of uncomplicated acute diverculitis. 12 (22,2%) patients underwent medical examinations, in 54 (79,4%) patients we used a questionnaire for assessment. Two scales of MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36) were evaluated: physical functioning and mental health. Analysis the results of the treatment showed that recurrent episodes of acute diverticulitis did not occur. The analyse of the survey results showed that the mean score of the patients were close to the results of healthy population.CONCLUSION: pathogenetically based multicomponent conservative treatment in the first episode of acute diverticulitis can make a regression and normalize laboratory values.The study showed that no reccurence was reported and the quality of life of the patients was similar to healthy ones after conservative treatment. It confirmes that the conservative treatment is an alternative treatment method for a first episode of uncompliated acute diverticulitis.

AIM Intra-operative fluorescence angiography (IOFA) with indocyanine green provides information on tissue perfusion that may help prevent an anastomotic leak (AL). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of IOFA on outcomes after left-sided colonic or low anterior resection with anastomosis for colorectal cancer. METHODS All patients with left-sided colonic or rectal cancer, operated between June 2017 and December 2018, were prospectively included. IOFA has been routinely implemented since May 2018. Reproducibility of IOFA, after a 1:1 matching for relevant clinical risk factors of AL, was studied in patients with IOFA (IOFA+) and without IOFA (IOFA-). Outcomes were compared in terms of postoperative events such as clinically relevant AL as the primary end-point. RESULTS In the IOFA+ group, changing of the initially planned colon transection due to inadequate perfusion occurred in five out of 46 patients (10.9%). Agreement between intra-operative assessment and postoperative blind review of IOFA was deemed strong (Cohen's kappa index 0.893, 95% CI 0.788-0.998, P

Elevated colonic pressures and increased colonic activity have been thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of diverticulosis. However, evidence for this has been limited to low-resolution manometry, which is of limited accuracy. This study aimed to evaluate the contraction pressures, counts, and distance of propagation recorded by high-resolution colonic manometry in diverticulosis vs control patients. High-resolution colonic manometry was used to record descending and sigmoid colon activity pre- and post-meal in patients with established, asymptomatic diverticulosis and in healthy controls. Antegrade and retrograde propagating contractions, distance of propagation (mm), and mean contraction pressures (mmHg) in the descending and sigmoid colon were compared between patients and controls for all isolated propagating contractions, the cyclic motor pattern, and high-amplitude propagating contractions independently. Mean manometry pressures were not different between controls and diverticulosis patients (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). In the descending colon, diverticulosis patients had lower post-meal mean distance of propagation for all propagating contractions [10.8 (SE1.5) mm vs 20.0 (2.0) mm, p = 0.003] and the cyclic motor pattern [6.0 (2.5) mm vs 17.1 (2.8) mm, p = 0.01]. In the sigmoid colon, diverticulosis patients showed lower post-meal mean distance of propagation for all propagating contractions [10.8 (1.5) mm vs 20.2 (5.9) mm, p = 0.01] and a lower post-meal increase in retrograde propagating contractions (p = 0.04). In this first high-resolution colonic manometry study of patients with diverticular disease, we did not find evidence for increased manometric pressures or increased colonic activity in patients with diverticular disease.

Background & Aims: The population prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disease is unclear and difficult to assess in an asymptomatic population. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of GI lesions in a largely asymptomatic population undergoing colon capsule endoscopy (CCE). Methods: Participants aged between 50-75 years were retrieved from the Rotterdam Study, a longitudinal epidemiological study, between 2017-2019. Participants received CCE with bowel preparation. Abnormalities defined as clinically relevant were Barrett segment >3cm, severe ulceration, polyp >10 mm or ≥3 polyps in small bowel (SB) or colon, and cancer. Results: Of 2800 invited subjects, 462 (16.5%) participants (mean age 66.8 years, female 53.5%) ingested the colon capsule. A total of 451 videos were analyzed, and in 94.7% the capsule reached the descending colon. At least 1 abnormal finding was seen in 448 (99.3%) participants. The prevalence of abnormalities per GI segment, and the most common type of abnormality, were as follows: Esophageal 14.8% (Barrett's esophagus 10 mm; n = 4, severe ulcer n = 1,) and 46 (10.2%) in colon (polyp > 10 mm or ≥3 polyps n = 46, colorectal cancer n = 1). Conclusions: GI lesions are very common in a mostly asymptomatic Western population, and clinically relevant lesions were found in 12% at CCE. These findings provide a frame of reference for the prevalence rates of GI lesions in the general population.

Background To assess disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC) intestinal ultrasound (IUS) highly correlates with endoscopic outcomes. However, data on treatment response evaluated with IUS is limited. In this study we aim to evaluate bowel wall thickness (BWT) at follow-up to determine treatment effectiveness in moderate-severe UC patients treated with tofacitinib according to central read endoscopy and histology. Methods Patients with moderate-severe UC (endoscopic Mayo score (EMS)≥2) starting tofacitinib 10 mg bid were included. Disease activity was evaluated by recorded IUS cine-loops and video-taped endoscopies with biopsies from the sigmoid (SC) and descending colon (DC) at baseline and at 8 weeks. BWT and EMS were assessed per segment (SC and DC). Histology was scored for the SC with the Robarts Histology Index (RHI). BWT, EMS and RHI were centrally read and for IUS there was a second reader. Endoscopic remission (ERem) was defined as EMS=0, endoscopic improvement (EI) as EMS≤1 and endoscopic response (ERes) as a decrease of EMS≥1. For statistical analysis a Wilcoxon signed-rank and Spearman’s test were used. Area under the ROC was used to determine optimal cut-off values. Inter-observer agreement was analyzed by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results 29 patients were included and started tofacitinib. 10% reached complete ERem after 8 weeks, respectively. Per-segment analysis for EMS showed 22% and 53% reaching ER and 40% and 60% having EI in the SC and DC, respectively. BWT in SC and DC correlated highly with the EMS (rho=0.68, rho=0.75, both p Conclusion BWT reduction showed early endoscopic remission, improvement and response after 8 weeks of tofacitinib treatment and correlated with histology in this central read cohort. Furthermore, accurate and reliable cut-off values for BWT in SC and DC were found for endoscopic remission and improvement. Therefore, IUS should be incorporated in the standard follow-up and close monitoring of UC patients.

Background Colonic manometry is the current reference standard for assessing colonic neuromuscular function in children with intractable functional constipation (FC). Recently, cine magnetic resonance imaging (cine-MRI) has been proposed as a non-invasive alternative. We compared colonic motility patterns on cine-MRI with those obtained by manometry in children, by stimulating high-amplitude propagating contractions (HAPCs) with bisacodyl under manometric control while simultaneously acquiring cine-MRI. Methods After Institutional Review Board approval, adolescents with FC scheduled to undergo colonic manometry were included. A water-perfused 8-lumen catheter was used for colonic manometry recordings. After an intraluminal bisacodyl infusion, cine-MRI sequences of the descending colon were acquired for about 30 min simultaneously with colonic manometry. Manometry recordings were analysed for HAPCs. MRI images were processed with spatiotemporal motility MRI techniques. The anonymised motility results of both techniques were visually compared for the identification of HAPCs in the descending colon. Results Data regarding six patients (three males) were analysed (median age 14 years, range 12–17). After bisacodyl infusion, three patients showed a total of eleven HAPCs with colonic manometry. Corresponding cine-MRI recorded high colonic activity during two of these HAPCs, minimal activity during seven HAPCs, while two HAPCs were not recorded. In two of three patients with absent HAPCs on manometry, colonic activity was recorded with cine-MRI. Conclusions Simultaneous acquisition of colonic cine-MRI and manometry in children with FC is feasible. Their motility results did not completely overlap in the identification of HAPCs. Research is needed to unravel the role of cine-MRI in this setting.

PurposeTo analyze the amount of free abdominal gas and ascites on computed tomography (CT) images relative to the location of a perforation.MethodsWe retrospectively included 172 consecutive patients (93:79 = m:f) with GIT perforation, who underwent abdominal surgery (ground truth for perforation location). The volume of free air and ascites were quantified on CT images by 4 radiologists and a semiautomated software. The relation of the perforation location (upper/lower GIT) and amount of free air and ascites was analyzed by the Mann–Whitney test. Furthermore, best volume cutoff for upper and lower GIT perforation, areas under the curve (AUC), and interreader volume agreement were assessed.ResultsThere was significantly more abdominal ascites with upper GIT perforation (333 ml, range 5 to 2000 ml) than with lower GIT perforation (100 ml, range 5 to 2000 ml,p = 0.022). The highest volume of free air was found with perforations of the stomach, descending colon and sigmoid colon. Significantly less free air was found with perforations of the small bowel and ascending colon compared to the aforementioned. An ascites volume > 333 ml was associated with an upper GIT perforation demonstrating an AUC of 0.63 ± 0.04.ConclusionUsing a two-step process based on the volumes of free air and free fluid can help localizing the site of perforation to the upper, middle or lower GI tract.Graphic abstract

Background and Aim While adenoma detection rate (ADR) is an important quality metric for screening colonoscopy, it remains difficult to be accessed due to the lack of integrated endoscopy and pathology databases. Hence, the use of an adenoma‐to‐polyp detection rate quotient and polyp detection rate (PDR) has been proposed to predict ADR. This study aimed to examine the usefulness of estimated ADR across different colonic segments in two age groups for Shenzhen people in China. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 7329 colonoscopy procedures performed by 12 endoscopists between January 2012 and February 2014. The PDR, actual ADR, and estimated ADR of the entire, proximal, and distal colon, and within each colonic segment, in two patient age groups, This aim of this retrospective study was to examine the correlations between the actual and estimated adenoma detection rate (ADR) across different colonic segments in two age groups for Shenzhen people in China. The overall polyp and adenoma prevalence were 19.1% and 9.3%, respectively. While the actual and estimated ADR values correlated strongly within the traverse colon and descending colon in both age groups, caution should be exercised when predicting ADR within the sigmoid colon and rectum.

BACKGROUND Obesity is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, yet metabolic distinctions between healthy right and left colon tissue, before cancer is diagnosed, remains largely unknown. This study compared right-ascending and left-descending colon tissue metabolomes to identify differences from the stool metabolome in normal weight, overweight, and obese adults. AIM To examine right and left colon tissue metabolites according to body mass index that may serve as mechanistic targets for interventions and biomarkers for colon cancer risk. METHODS Global, non-targeted metabolomics was applied to assess right-ascending and left-descending colon tissue collected from healthy adults undergoing screening colonoscopies to test the hypothesis that BMI differentially impacts colon tissue metabolite profiles. The colon tissue and stool metabolome of healthy adults (n = 24) was analyzed for metabolite signatures and metabolic pathway networks implicated in progression of colorectal cancer. RESULTS Ascending and descending colon contained 504 host, food, and microbiota-derived metabolites from normal weight, overweight and obese adults grouped according to body mass index. Amino acids, lipids, and nucleotides were among the chemical types that further differentiated from the stool metabolite profiles. Normal weight adults had 46 significantly different metabolites between ascending and descending colon tissue locations, whereas there were 37 metabolite differences in overweight and 28 metabolite differences for obese adults (P < 0.05). Obese adults had trimethylamine N-oxide, endocannabinoids and monoacylglycerols with different relative abundances identified between ascending and descending colon. Primary and secondary bile acids, vitamins, and fatty acids also showed marked relative abundance differences in colon tissue from overweight/obese adults. CONCLUSION There were metabolite profile differences between right-ascending and left-descending colon tissue in healthy adults. Colon lipids and other metabolites in obese and overweight adults were distinguished from normal weight participants and associated with gut inflammation, nutrient absorption, and products of microbiota metabolism.

Ulcerative colitis is a rare condition among Nigerians. We present a 37year old male Nigerian who presented with recurrent passage of bloody stool of seven years duration. He has been passing watery, mucoid and bloody stool of about 3 to 5 bowel motions per day with each episode lasting for about three to six weeks following which there will be remission that lasts for about 1 to 2months. There is associated tenesmus, low grade fever and abdominal pain during each episode. There is weight loss despite intact appetite. No family history of inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer. He does not take alcohol nor smoke cigarette. Clinical examination was not remarkable. On digital rectal examination however, the examining finger was stained with maroon-colored blood, no rectal mass was felt. Other systems were essentially normal. Provisional diagnosis was suspected Ulcerative colitis to rule out Crohn’s disease and to rule out Colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy revealed circumferential mucosa inflammation with multiple areas of erosion and presence of numerous mucosal debris extending from the rectum to involve the sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon and the ascending colon. No diverticula, no polyps or masses seen. Endoscopic features indicate Extensive Ulcerative Colitis (Proctitis with Pancolitis). Histologic sections show features consistent with Ulcerative Colitis. Upper GI Endoscopy revealed essentially normal findings. He was commenced on long-term Amino-salicylate(Mesalamine), antioxidants and a short course of antibiotics (Ofloxacin and Metronidazole). He presented at our clinic three months later with complete resolution of all the symptoms and was scheduled for regular clinic follow-up. Although ulcerative colitis is uncommon among Nigerians, a high index of suspicion with colonoscopy work-up will help to make the diagnosis.

ObjectiveProspective evaluation of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) for disease monitoring of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in routine medical practice.DesignTRansabdominal Ultrasonography of the bowel in Subjects with IBD To monitor disease activity with UC (TRUST&UC) was a prospective, observational study at 42 German inflammatory bowel disease-specialised centres representing different care levels. Patients with a diagnosis of a proctosigmoiditis, left-sided colitis or pancolitis currently in clinical relapse (defined as Short Clinical Colitis Activity Index ≥5) were enrolled consecutively. Disease activity and vascularisation within the affected bowel wall areas were assessed by duplex/Colour Doppler ultrasonography.ResultsAt baseline, 88.5% (n=224) of the patients had an increased bowel wall thickness (BWT) in the descending or sigmoid colon. Even within the first 2 weeks of the study, the percentage of patients with an increased BWT in the sigmoid or descending colon decreased significantly (sigmoid colon 89.3%–38.6%; descending colon 83.0%–42.9%; pConclusionsIUS may be preferred in general practice in a point-of-care setting for monitoring the disease course and for assessing short-term treatment response. Our findings give rise to the assumption that monitoring BWT alone has the potential to predict the therapeutic response, which has to be verified in future studies.

A 72-year-old man was referred for a flexible sigmoidoscopy because of transfusion-dependent rectal bleeding. The patient had undergone an allogeneic stem cell transplant for acute myeloid leukaemia and had previous radiotherapy for prostate cancer. A previous sigmoidoscopy had diagnosed a solitary rectal ulcer and diffuse bleeding from radiation proctitis treated with haemostatic powder. Blood tests prior to the repeat sigmoidoscopy showed thrombocytopaenia (47×109/L) and neutropaenia (0.33×109/L) and normal coagulation. A platelet transfusion and a phosphate enema were administered preprocedure, and a flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed to the descending colon using carbon dioxide insufflation. There was no evidence …

Colonic torsion is a life-threatening condition that results in colonic ischemia, necrosis, perforation, sepsis, and eventual death. The aim of this multicenter, retrospective case series study was to describe the CT findings in dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion. Medical records were searched for dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion following abdominal CT. Five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Three had a history of chronic intermittent diarrhea prior to presentation. Two dogs presented with acute vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and one dog presented with acute vomiting and lethargy. Computed tomographic findings in all dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion include: "whirl sign," displacement and distension of the cecum and colon, focal narrowing of the colon, and distension of the mesenteric vasculature in all dogs (5/5); streaky peritoneal fat and peritoneal effusion (4/5), pneumatosis coli (2/5), small intestinal distension (2/5), portal vein thrombosis (1/5), and reduced colonic wall contrast enhancement (1/5). In all dogs (5/5), the torsion site was the descending colon and demonstrated an anticlockwise rotation. At surgery, three of the five dogs had a partial colonic torsion with hyperemia at the site of obstruction and two of the five dogs had a complete torsion with marked necrosis of the colonic wall. Displacement of the colon and cecum, segmental distension and focal narrowing of the colon, the presence of a "whirl sign" and distension of the mesenteric vasculature are CT findings highly suggestive of colonic torsion.

Background: Nowadays, the outcomes of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have considerably improved. Genetic studies evaluating KRAS mutational status are important in the personalized therapy era to understand disease heterogeneity, disease behaviors, and treatment outcomes. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study evaluated 360 patients with mCRC treated at three oncology centers in Saudi Arabia and Egypt between February 2011 and December 2015. Patients were treated with bevacizumab and cetuximab according to guidelines. Therapy outcome, time to progression, and disease-associated death were assessed. KRAS mutational status was evaluated by testing exons 12 and 13. Results: Approximately 220 (61.1%) cases were of wild-type KRAS , whereas KRAS mutation was noted in 38.9%. KRAS mutation was common in the descending colon, whereas a low incidence of the KRAS mutation was observed in the ascending colon (P KRAS mutation, 64.3% initially presented as emergency cases with obstruction/perforation (P=0.002), and 62.9% had hepatic or pulmonary metastasis. The progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.7 months. Cases without KRAS mutation showed a higher PFS than did those with KRAS mutation (mean PFS: 11.5 vs . 9.6 months, P=0.001). The overall survival was 23.2 months. The survival varied considerably according to KRAS type: patients without mutation survived for 25.0 months and those with mutation survived for 19.6 months (P KRAS mutations (P=0.001). Conclusions: A major association between KRAS mutational status and both disease behavior and treatment outcomes was found in this study. Patients with KRAS mutation show advanced disease presentation, with lower PFS and overall survival.

Background and aim Transabdominal ultrasonography (US) examination for the intestine is often difficult, and its precedence for intestinal examination depends on accessibility to experienced ultrasonographers. Real-time virtual sonography (RVS) assists examination of US as a fusion method by synchronizing US images with pre-captured computed tomography or magnetic resonance images. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility to use RVS for the examination of the intestine. Methods The time to scan three parts of the intestine was compared between conventional US and RVS in seven participants without intestinal diseases. Whether RVS accurately synchronized US images with reference images of intestinal target lesions was judged in 20 patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Results Examination time to scan the ascending colon and the ileocecum using intestinal RVS was significantly shorter than that using conventional US alone (36.7 vs 50.0 s [P = 0.0313] and 35.4 vs 66.4 s [P = 0.0156], respectively) in participants without intestinal diseases. Well-synchronized US images of the intestinal lesions, such as stenosis, with reference computed tomography/magnetic resonance images were obtained by RVS in all the lesions in the fixed parts of the colon (ascending and descending colon), and images of nine lesions in 12 lesions (75%) were well synchronized in the unfixed part of the intestine in Crohn's disease patients. Conclusion Real-time virtual sonography significantly reduced the examination time of intestinal US. Intestinal RVS can help the ultrasonographer to guide the US probe to detect and monitor intestinal lesions by synchronizing reference images, especially in inflammatory bowel disease patients (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry number: UMIN000011571).

Ischemic colitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the large bowel caused by ischemia. It usually presents with an acute onset abdominal pain followed by hematochezia. It can occur as a result of arterial occlusion (embolic or thrombotic), venous thrombosis, or hypoperfusion of mesenteric circulation secondary to dehydration, surgery, or medications. Herein, we present an unusual case of sumatriptan-induced ischemic colitis. Sumatriptan succinate is a selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine-1) receptor agonist that is usually prescribed for refractory migraine headaches. This is a 59-year-old female who presented with acute onset abdominal pain followed by bloody diarrhea after vigorous physical activities. She has a past medical history of non-specific colitis (one time, 15 years ago) and chronic migraine for which she was on low-dose sumatriptan therapy (one tab once or twice a week). On the day of the event, the patient took sumatriptan in the morning and had strenuous activities throughout the day, and overnight she developed abdominal pain. It was followed by bouts of bloody diarrhea. The colonoscopy revealed erythematous mucosa with significant ulceration and necrosis involving the distal transverse colon, splenic flexure, descending colon, and proximal colon, suggestive of ischemic colitis. Unlike previously reported cases, this patient was only on low-dose sumatriptan therapy without frequent dosing. So, her risk of ischemic colitis from triptan therapy could have been accelerated by excessive sweating and strenuous physical activities. The patient was treated with intravenous hydration, bowel rest, intravenous antibiotics, and withdrawal of sumatriptan and her condition improved within the next two to three days.

Synchronous quadruple colorectal cancer (CRC) is extremely rare without genetic alterations. We present a case of synchronous quadruple CRC with 2 lesions previously obscured by ischemic colitis. A 73-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department. An abdominal computed tomography revealed ischemic colitis and irregular wall thickening of the sigmoid colon and sigmoid-descending junction, suspicious of 2 colon cancers. A colonoscopy examination revealed a fungating mass 20 cm from the anal verge, as well as ischemic colitis spanning the mucosa from the sigmoid colon to the transverse colon. The patient underwent laparoscopic Hartmann procedure. Pathologic examination confirmed both lesions as adenocarcinomas with microsatellite stable. Seven months postoperatively, instead of a laparoscopic Hartmann reversal, a laparoscopic total colectomy was performed due to the continued presence of severe ischemic colitis. The pathologic report suggested the presence of 2 distinct invasive adenocarcinomas in the descending colon without genetic alterations such as microsatellite instability.

BACKGROUND The colonic motor patterns associated with gas transit are poorly understood. This study describes the application of high-resolution impedance manometry (HRiM) in the human colon in vivo to characterize distal colonic motility and gas transit; (a) after a meal and (b) after intraluminal gas insufflation into the sigmoid colon. METHODS HRiM recordings were performed in 19 healthy volunteers, with sensors positioned from the distal descending colon to the proximal rectum. Protocol 1 (n = 10) compared pressure and impedance prior to and after a meal. Protocol 2 (n = 9) compared pressure and impedance before and after gas insufflation into the sigmoid colon (60 mL total volume). KEY RESULTS Both the meal and gas insufflation resulted in an increase in the prevalence of the 2-8/minute "cyclic motor pattern" (meal: (t(9) = -6.42, P

AIM The aim of the study was to determine how spacing between ports and alignment of ports (oblique or vertical) influences manipulation angles in robotic colorectal surgery. METHOD Abdominal CT scans of 10 consecutive robotic right hemicolectomy and 10 consecutive robotic high anterior resection patients were analysed. The manipulation angles were calculated using fixed points on the preoperative abdominal coronal CT scan. Port placements were marked on the CT scan. The fixed points used to measure the manipulation angles were from the most lateral part of the caecum, hepatic flexure, splenic flexure, the descending colon/sigmoid colon junction and the sigmoid colon/rectum junction. RESULTS For right hemicolectomy and high anterior resection surgery, a port spacing of 8 cm compared with 6 cm resulted in greater manipulation angles. With 6-cm port spacing, wider manipulation angles were not achieved with vertical port alignment compared with oblique alignment except for dissection at the splenic flexure. CONCLUSIONS The greatest manipulation angles were achieved with the oblique 8-cm port spacing, which should be used in most cases.