Search

Background Increased awareness of gastric cancer risk, easy access to upper endoscopy, and high definition endoscopes with virtual chromoendoscopy may have led to the increase in early diagnosis of gastric cancer observed in recent years in Europe, which may be associated with improved survival. Currently, no data exist on the impact of early diagnosis on survival at a populational level in Europe. Our aim was to assess gastric cancer incidence, early diagnosis, and survival in northwestern and southern European countries with a low-to-moderate incidence of gastric cancer. Methods Data on 41 138 gastric cancers diagnosed in 2007–2016 were retrieved from national cancer registries of Belgium, the Netherlands, and northern Portugal. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were assessed and expressed per 100 000 person-years. Early diagnosis was defined as T1 tumors. Net survival estimates for 2007–2011 vs. 2012–2016 were compared. Results Age-standardized incidence and mortality decreased over time in Belgium, northern Portugal, and the Netherlands (relative incidence decrease 8.6 %, 4.5 %, and 46.8 %, respectively; relative mortality decrease 22.0 %, 30.9 %, and 50.0 %, respectively). Early gastric cancer diagnosis increased over time for all countries. Net 1-year survival improved significantly between the two time periods in all countries, and at 5 years in Belgium and Portugal. Conclusions This is the first study comparing trends (2007–2016) in gastric cancer incidence and mortality in some European countries. We found an increasing proportion of T1 gastric cancers and a decrease in age-standardized mortality over time, supporting the use of secondary prevention strategies.

Objectives: Previous meta-analysis including nonrandomized studies showed marginal benefit of underwater endoscopic mucosal resection(U-EMR) compared to conventional EMR(C-EMR) in terms of polypectomy outcomes. We evaluated U-EMR compared to C-EMR in the treatment of colorectal polyps with respect to effectiveness and safety by analyzing only randomized controlled trials(RCTs). Material and methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched for RCTs published until 11/2020, evaluating U-EMR vs. C-EMR regarding en bloc resection, post-endoscopic resection adenoma recurrence, complete resection, adverse events rates and difference in resection time. Abstracts from Digestive Disease Week, United European Gastroenterology Week and ESGE Days meetings were also searched. Effect size on outcomes is presented as risk ratio(RR; 95% confidence interval[CI]) or mean difference(MD; 95%CI). The I2 test was used for quantifying heterogeneity, while Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE) was used to assess strength of evidence. Results: Six RCTs analyzing outcomes from 1157 colorectal polypectomies(U-EMR589;C-EMR,568) were included. U-EMR associated with significant higher rate of en bloc resection compared to C-EMR [RR(95%CI):1.26(1.01-1.58); Chi² for heterogeneity=30.43, P

Background And Aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) enables the curative resection of early malignant lesions and is associated with reduced recurrence risk. Due to the lack of comprehensive ESD data in the West, the German ESD registry was set up to evaluate relevant outcomes of ESD. Methods The German ESD registry is a prospective uncontrolled multicenter study. During a 35-month period, 20 centers included 1000 ESDs of neoplastic lesions. The results were evaluated in terms of en bloc, R0, curative resection rates, and recurrence rate after a 3-month and 12-month follow-up. Additionally, participating centers were grouped into low-volume (≤20 ESDs/y), middle-volume (20–50/y), and high-volume centers (>50/y). A multivariate analysis investigating risk factors for noncurative resection was performed. Results Overall, en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates of 92.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90–0.94), 78.8% (95% CI, 0.76–0.81), and 72.3% (95% CI, 0.69-0.75) were achieved, respectively. The overall complication rate was 8.3% (95% CI, 0.067–0.102), whereas the recurrence rate after 12 months was 2.1%. High-volume centers had significantly higher en bloc, R0, curative resection rates, and recurrence rates and lower complication rates than middle- or low-volume centers. The lesion size, hybrid ESD, age, stage T1b carcinoma, and treatment outside high-volume centers were identified as risk factors for noncurative ESD. Conclusion In Germany, ESD achieves excellent en bloc resection rates but only modest curative resection rates. ESD requires a high level of expertise, and results vary significantly depending on the center's yearly case volume.

Background and study aims The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has defined COVID-19 infection prevention and control strategies within the endoscopy unit. These include pre-endoscopic questionnaire-based risk-stratification as well as pre-procedure viral testing. Real-life data on the effectiveness of these measures are presented here. Patients and methods Data from the outpatient endoscopic unit of the University Hospital Augsburg between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 including the second pandemic wave were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were assessed with a pre-endoscopic risk-stratification questionnaire as well as viral testing using an antigen point-of-care test (Ag-POCT) in conjunction with a standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Highly elective procedures were postponed. The theoretically expected number of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients was simulated and compared with the actual number. In addition, endoscopy staff was evaluated with a rapid antibody test to determine the number of infections among the personnel. Results In total, 1029 procedures, 591 questionnaires, 591 Ag-POCTs, and 529 standard PCR tests were performed in 591 patients. 247 procedures in 142 patients were postponed. One Ag-POCT was positive but with a negative PCR test, while one PCR test was positive but with a negative Ag-POCT. This was lower than the theoretically expected number of COVID-19-positive patients (n = 15). One of 43 employees (2.3 %) in the outpatient endoscopy unit was seropositive. Conclusions Pre-endoscopic risk management including questionnaire-based risk stratification and viral testing seems to be an effective tool in combination with personal protective equipment for SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control within the endoscopy unit even in a high-prevalence setting.

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems worldwide. Data on the impact on otolaryngological clinics and private practices is sparse. This study aimed to present data on healthcare worker (HCW) screening, status of HCW, pre-interventional testing, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the economic impact of the pandemic. Methods Otolaryngological private practices and hospital-based departments were surveyed nationwide using an online questionnaire. Participating facilities were recruited via the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and the German Association for Otolaryngologists in Bavaria. Results 365 private practices (2776 employees) and 65 hospitals (2333 employees) were included. Significantly more hospitals (68.7%) than practices (40.5%) performed pre-interventional testing in their outpatients (p

To evaluate imaging patterns of a COVID-19 infection of the lungs on chest radiographs and their value in discriminating this infection from other viral pneumonias. All 321 patients who presented with respiratory impairment suspicious for COVID-19 infection between February 3 and May 8, 2020 and who received a chest radiograph were included in this analysis. Imaging findings were classified as typical for COVID-19 (bilateral, peripheral opacifications/consolidations), non-typical (findings consistent with lobar pneumonia), indeterminate (all other distribution patterns of opacifications/consolidations), or none (no opacifications/consolidations). The sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive value for the diagnostic value of the category "typical" were determined. Chi² test was used to compare the pattern distribution between the different types of pneumonia. Imaging patterns defined as typical for COVID-19 infections were documented in 35/111 (31.5 %) patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection but only in 4/210 (2 %) patients with any other kind of pneumonia, resulting in a sensitivity of 31.5 %, a specificity of 98.1 %, and a positive and negative predictive value of 89.7 % or 73 %, respectively. The sensitivity could be increased to 45.9 % when defining also unilateral, peripheral opacifications/consolidations with no relevant pathology contralaterally as consistent with a COVID-19 infection, while the specificity decreases slightly to 93.3 %. The pattern distribution between COVID-19 patients and those with other types of pneumonia differed significantly (p 0.0001). Although the moderate sensitivity does not allow the meaningful use of chest radiographs as part of primary screening, the specific pattern of findings in a relevant proportion of those affected should be communicated quickly as additional information and trigger appropriate protective measures. · COVID-19 infections show specific X-ray image patterns in 1/3 of patients.. · Bilateral, peripheral opacities and/or consolidations are typical imaging patterns.. · Unilateral, peripheral opacities and/or consolidations should also raise suspicion of COVID-19 infection..· Kasper J, Decker J, Wiesenreiter K et al. Typical Imaging Patterns in COVID-19 Infections of the Lung on Plain Chest Radiographs to Aid Early Triage. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 1189 - 1196. Bewertung der Befundmuster einer pulmonalen COVID-19-Infektion im Thorax-Röntgen und ihres Werts bei der Abgrenzung zu anderen viralen Pneumonien. Alle Patienten, die sich zwischen dem 3. Februar und dem 8. Mai 2020 mit Atemnot vorstellten und bei denen der Verdacht auf eine COVID-19-Infektion bestand, wurden, sofern eine Thorax-Röntgenaufnahme durchgeführt wurde, in diese Analyse einbezogen (n = 321). Die bildgebenden Befunde wurden als typisch für COVID-19 (bilaterale, periphere Verschattungen/Konsolidierungen), nicht typisch (Befund passend zur Lobärpneumonie), unbestimmt (alle anderen Verteilungsmuster von Infiltraten) oder keine (keine Infiltrate) klassifiziert. Zur Beurteilung des diagnostischen Werts der Kategorie “typisch” wurden Sensitivität, Spezifität sowie positiver und negativer prädiktiver Wert bestimmt. Der Chi-Quadrat-Test wurde verwendet, um die Musterverteilung zwischen den verschiedenen Arten von Pneumonien zu vergleichen. Infiltratmuster, die als typisch für eine COVID-19-Infektion definiert wurden, wurden bei 35/111 (31,5 %) Patienten mit bestätigter COVID-19-Infektion dokumentiert, aber nur bei 4/210 (2 %) Patienten mit irgendeiner anderen Art von Lungenentzündung, was zu einer Sensitivität von 31,5 %, einer Spezifität von 98,1 % sowie einem positiven und negativen prädiktiven Wert von 89,7 % bzw. 73 % führte. Die Sensitivität konnte auf 45,9 % erhöht werden, wenn auch unilaterale, periphere Verschattungen/Konsolidierungen ohne relevante Pathologie kontralateral als typisch für eine COVID-19-Infektion berücksichtigt wurden. Dabei nahm die Spezifität nur geringfügig auf 93,3 % ab. Die Verteilung der Infiltratmuster auf die benannten Kategorien zwischen COVID-19-Patienten und Patienten mit sonstigen Arten von Lungenentzündungen unterschied sich signifikant (p 0,0001). Die moderate Sensitivität erlaubt zwar nicht den sinnvollen Einsatz des Röntgen-Thorax im Rahmen des primären Screenings, das spezifische Befundmuster in einem relevanten Anteil der Betroffenen sollte jedoch als zusätzliche Information rasch kommuniziert werden und entsprechende Schutzmaßnahmen triggern. · COVID-19-Infektionen zeigen bei 1/3 der Patienten spezifische Infiltratmuster im Röntgenbild.. · Bilaterale, periphere Verschattungen und/oder Konsolidierungen sind typische Infiltratmuster.. · Unilaterale, periphere Verschattungen und/oder Konsolidierungen sollten ebenso den Verdacht auf eine COVID-19-Infektion wecken..

Transient lymphocytopenia is frequently observed in acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). It remains a concern whether impairment of cellular immunity may be retained after COVID‐19. Here, we demonstrate by extensive lymphocyte profiling in 44 adults after mild COVID‐19 that cellular immunity is not fundamentally altered in convalescent patients. Except for increased activated CD8+ lymphocytes, total counts of B, T, and NK cells and their subsets did not differ significantly between patients after COVID‐19 and healthy controls after a median of 27 days (range 13–45) suggesting no residual cellular immune deficiency after recovery from mild COVID‐19.

ZusammenfassungIm Rahmen der Prä-GIT-Studie sollen Informationen zur Prävalenz und zum Verlauf von präkanzerösen und frühmalignen Läsionen im oberen Gastrointestinaltrakt (OGIT) gewonnen sowie Hochrisikogruppen identifiziert werden. Studienteilnehmer erhalten im Rahmen einer regulären Vorsorgekoloskopie nach vorangegangener Einverständniserklärung in derselben Sitzung eine standardisierte hochauflösende Gastroskopie. Für die Hauptphase der Studie ist geplant, 5000 Teilnehmer in 30 gastroenterologischen Praxen in Bayern einzuschließen. Zur Vorbereitung wurde diese Pilotstudie durchgeführt, um die Machbarkeit des Studienprotokolls, die Akzeptanz der Untersuchung sowie die Durchführung in der „Praxis“-Realität zu prüfen. Methodik Drei gastroenterologische Praxen in Bayern nahmen an der dreimonatigen Pilotphase von 10/2018 bis 12/2018 teil. Nach entsprechender Aufklärung wurde Patienten, die sich zur Vorsorgekoloskopie in diesen Praxen vorstellten, zusätzlich eine diagnostische Gastroskopie angeboten. Die Gastroskopien erfolgten nach einer vorgegebenen Arbeitsanweisung (Standard Operating Procedure, SOP). Zusätzlich erfolgten eine Datenerhebung zu Ernährung und Lebensstil anhand eines Selbstausfüllfragebogens sowie die Sammlung von Bioproben. Ergebnisse Innerhalb von 3 Monaten wurden 52 Probanden in drei Praxen in Bayern in die Studie eingeschlossen. Das durchschnittliche Alter lag bei 63,4 Jahren. Die durchschnittliche Untersuchungszeit lag bei 11 Minuten, Komplikationen traten keine auf. Ein Teilnehmer zeigte einen Polyp im Bereich des Recessus piriformis, 21 Teilnehmer zeigten eine Refluxösophagitis, vier Teilnehmer einen Barrett-Ösophagus, davon einer histologisch einen Barrett-Ösophagus mit LGIEN, ein Teilnehmer wies einen Ösophaguspolyp mit leichtgradiger Plattenepitheldysplasie auf, 12 Teilnehmer eine mit Helicobacter pylori assoziierte Gastritis. Eine korpusdominante Atrophie wurde in einem Fall und ein Duodenal-Adenom mit LGIEN in zwei Fällen beschrieben. 100 % bzw. 89 % der Teilnehmer stellten eine Blut- bzw. eine Stuhlprobe für weitere Untersuchungen zur Verfügung. Alle Teilnehmer füllten zudem den Patientenfragebogen aus. Zusammenfassung Durch die Prä-GIT-Studie soll erstmals für Deutschland eine solide Datenbasis generiert werden, um die Häufigkeiten verschiedener prämaligner und frühkanzeröser Veränderungen im oberen Gastrointestinaltrakt valide schätzen zu können. Die jetzige Pilotphase liefert wichtige Erkenntnisse zur Machbarkeit sowie zur Verbesserung der Prozesse im Rahmen der Hauptphase der Studie. Erfreulicherweise zeigte sich eine sehr große Akzeptanz der Teilnahme an der Studie.

Goldstandard zur Diagnostik von Magenkarzinomen ist die Osophagogastroduodenoskopie (OGD). Subtile Unterschiede in der Oberflachenstruktur der Schleimhaut unterscheiden das Fruhkarzinom des Magens von gesunder Schleimhaut. Dies kann den Endoskopiker vor grose Herausforderungen stellen. Mithilfe der Paris-Klassifikation fur gastrointestinale Neoplasien kann eine erste Einschatzung anhand der Morphologie erfolgen. Strukturverstarkungstechniken der Endoskope und die Chromoendoskopie erleichtern Detektion und Aussagen bezuglich der lateralen Ausdehnung. Um exakte Eindringtiefe, Grading und lymphovaskulare Infiltration zu ermitteln, dient die endoskopische Resektion (ER). Hierbei soll eine R0-Resektion en bloc angestrebt werden. Bisher war die ER auf die „Leitlinienkriterien“ beschrankt. Die endoskopische Submukosadissektion (ESD) erlaubt auch die Resektion groserer Lasionen en bloc. Nachdem Subgruppen von Magenfruhkarzinomen definiert werden konnten, welche auserhalb der „Leitlinienkriterien“ kein erhohtes Lymphknotenmetastasenrisiko aufweisen, wurden die „erweiterten Kriterien“ in die deutsche Leitlinie integriert. Bei weiteren Risikofaktoren in Zusammenhang mit erhohtem Lymphknotenmetastasenrisiko wie Durchmesser >2 cm, Vernarbung, Einsenkungen, Submukosainvasion und Lymphgefasinvasion sollte eine operative Therapie der ESD vorgezogen werden. Mittlerweile hat sich die endoskopische Submukosadissektion als Mittel der Wahl zur Therapie von Magenfruhkarzinomen etabliert. Nach Resektion sind endoskopische und ggf. bildgebende Kontrollen notwendig. Bei R1-Resektion soll eine Nachresektion bzw. Operation erfolgen. Der Nachweis von Helicobacter pylori bei Vorliegen eines Magenfruhkarzinoms erfordert immer eine Eradikation.

Background and Objective: EUS has been shown in two small series to be capable of documenting increases in the total esophageal wall thickness (TWT) in children and adults with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). To apply EUS-derived TWT in clinical situations or in scientific investigations in pediatric EoE, measurements of esophageal TWT in children of differing ages and heights are required. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients (18M: 12F, 7 months to 20 years and 10 months) with a history of esophageal symptoms, but no endoscopic or histologic criteria of EoE were studied using a through the scope 20 MHZ Olympus Ultrasound miniprobe UM-3R (Olympus America, Center Valley Pa 18034) through a GIF Q180 or 160 (Olympus) standard pediatric upper endoscope. The mucosa, the mucosa plus submucosa, and the TWT were measured in the mid- and distal esophagus immediately before taking diagnostic biopsies. Results: Measurements from both sites showed a statistically significant increase in TWT as a function of age (P < 0.001) and height (P < 0.001), as did the individual layers. The width of the mucosa and the submucosa were equivalent and together, they contributed more than half of the entire TWT. There were no significant differences between the means of the mid- and distal esophageal measurements. A multiple regression equation that can predict TWT based on age, with 95% confidence limits, is presented. Conclusions: EUS has demonstrated that esophageal TWT in a cohort of control children correlates with height and with age and has provided insights into the organization of the esophageal wall. Esophageal TWT values obtained by EUS can now be interpreted to recognize esophageal wall thickening throughout childhood.

Background Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective but challenging procedure. To facilitate ESD, several methods that apply traction are available; however, the optimal one remains to be established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the double-endoscope assisted ESD (DEA-ESD) by improving traction to treat complex colorectal lesions. Methods Naïve or previously treated lesions in the rectum and sigmoid colon were included. A grasping forceps advanced through a small-caliber endoscope (GIF-XP190N, Olympus Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan, 5.4 mm outer diameter) was used to apply traction to the mucosal flap. Lesions were deemed complex when they exceeded a total of nine points on the SMSA scoring system (size, morphology, site, and access) and recurrent when they were previously treated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Outcome measures included procedural success, total procedure time, complications, and recurrence rate at 3-month follow-up. Results Nine patients (mean age 62.3 ± 14.5 years) were included; five had rectal and four had tumors in the sigmoid colon. The median SMSA score was 14 (SMSA Level IV—complex polyp), while three patients were pre-treated with EMR. DEA-ESD was technically feasible in all cases. En bloc resection and R0 resection rates were 100%, respectively, with a mean procedure time of 128.4 ± 54.1 min. No immediate or delayed complications occurred. Conclusions DEA-ESD is a feasible and safe method for treating complex or recurrent tumors in the rectum and distal colon.

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 crisis has impacted on all aspects of health care including medical education and training. We describe the disruption of endoscopy training in a tertiary care center in Germany.Design/MethodThe reorganization of a high-volume endoscopy unit during the German COVID-19 outbreak is described with special focus on endoscopy trainees. Changes in case volume of gastroenterology fellows were evaluated and compared to a year prior to the outbreak.ResultsReallocation of resources led to the transfer of gastroenterology fellows to intensive care and infectious disease units. Case volume of fellows declined between January and April 2020 by up to 63%. When compared with data from the year prior to the outbreak, endoscopy performed by fellows reduced by up to 56%. Educational meetings and skill evaluation were cancelled indefinitely.ConclusionThe COVID-19 outbreak has had a negative impact on endoscopy training of gastroenterology fellows in a high-volume center in Germany. This must be taken into consideration when planning “return-strategies” after the pandemic.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a well-established method for the treatment of early-stage gastrointestinal neoplasms. Adequate submucosal exposure is one of the most significant factors related to an effective and safe dissection. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effcacy and safety of various methods that assist traction during ESD of precancerous and earlystage neoplastic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. We performed an electronic search of the MEDLINE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases for relevant studies published up to May 2019. Trials exclusively recruiting patients undergoing ESD for superficial gastrointestinal cancer were considered eligible for inclusion. Thirty-three articles including 3,134 patients met the inclusion criteria. The studies evaluated different approaches for widening the endoscopic view, including magnetic anchor-guided ESD (3 studies), use of a second endoscope (5 studies), clip-involving technique (21 studies), and miscellaneous methods (4 studies). Among them, only 6 were randomized controlled trials evaluating different approaches. Overall, the implementation of methods that assist traction during ESD significantly improved the operating time and R0 resection rate and decreased the rate of complications (bleeding and perforation). Interventions that assist traction seem effcacious in improving tissue traction, thus facilitating ESD performance.

Background Estimates on miss rates for upper gastrointestinal neoplasia (UGIN) rely on registry data or old studies. Quality assurance programs for upper GI endoscopy are not fully established owing to the lack of infrastructure to measure endoscopists’ competence. We aimed to assess endoscopists’ accuracy for the recognition of UGIN exploiting the framework of artificial intelligence (AI) validation studies. Methods Literature searches of databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus) up to August 2020 were performed to identify articles evaluating the accuracy of individual endoscopists for the recognition of UGIN within studies validating AI against a histologically verified expert-annotated ground-truth. The main outcomes were endoscopists’ pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV/NPV), and area under the curve (AUC) for all UGIN, for esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), Barrett esophagus-related neoplasia (BERN), and gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). Results Seven studies (2 ESCN, 3 BERN, 1 GAC, 1 UGIN overall) with 122 endoscopists were included. The pooled endoscopists’ sensitivity and specificity for UGIN were 82 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 80 %–84 %) and 79 % (95 %CI 76 %–81 %), respectively. Endoscopists’ accuracy was higher for GAC detection (AUC 0.95 [95 %CI 0.93–0.98]) than for ESCN (AUC 0.90 [95 %CI 0.88–0.92]) and BERN detection (AUC 0.86 [95 %CI 0.84–0.88]). Sensitivity was higher for Eastern vs. Western endoscopists (87 % [95 %CI 84 %–89 %] vs. 75 % [95 %CI 72 %–78 %]), and for expert vs. non-expert endoscopists (85 % [95 %CI 83 %–87 %] vs. 71 % [95 %CI 67 %–75 %]). Conclusion We show suboptimal accuracy of endoscopists for the recognition of UGIN even within a framework that included a higher prevalence and disease awareness. Future AI validation studies represent a framework to assess endoscopist competence.

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced healthcare workers to adapt to challenges in both patient care and self-protection. Dental practitioners were confronted with a potentially high possibility of infection transmission due to aerosol-generating procedures. This study aims to present data on healthcare worker (HCW) screening, infection status of HCWs, pre-interventional testing, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the economic impact of the pandemic in dental facilities. (2) Methods: Dental facilities were surveyed nationwide using an online questionnaire. The acquisition of participants took place in cooperation with the German Society for Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine. (3) Results: A total of 1094 private practices participated. Of these, 39.1% treated fewer than 600 patients per quarter and 59.9% treated over 600 patients per quarter. Pre-interventional testing was rarely performed in either small (6.6%) or large practices (6.0%). Large practices had a significantly higher incidence of at least one SARS-CoV-2-positive HCW than small practices (26.2% vs.14.4%, p < 0.01). The main source of infection in small practices was the private environment, and this was even more significant in large practices (81.8% vs. 89.7%, p < 0.01). The procedure count either remained stable (34.0% of small practices vs. 46.2% of large practices) or decreased by up to 50% (52.6% of small practices vs. 44.4% of large practices). Revenue remained stable (24.8% of small practices vs. 34.2% of large practices) or decreased by up to 50% (64.5% of small practices vs. 55.3% of large practices, p = 0.03). Overall, employee numbers remained stable (75.5% of small practices vs. 76.8% of large practices). A vaccination readiness of 60–100% was shown in 60.5% (n = 405) of large practices and 59.9% (n = 251) of small practices. (4) Conclusion: Pre-interventional testing in dental practices should be increased further. Economic challenges affected small practices as well as large practices. Overall, a steady employee count could be maintained. Vaccination readiness is high in dental practices, although with some room for improvement.

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a technique allowing efficacious and minimally invasive resection of precancerous lesions across the entire gastrointestinal tract. However, conventional EMR, involving injection of fluid into the submucosal space, is imperfect, given the high rate of recurrence of post-endoscopic resection adenoma, especially after piecemeal resection. In light of these observations, modifications of the technique have been proposed to overcome the weakness of conventional EMR. Some of them were designed to maximize the chance of en bloc resection-cap-assisted EMR, underwater EMR, tip-in EMR, precutting, assisted by ligation device-while others were designed to minimize the complications (cold EMR). In this review, we present their modes of action and summarize the evidence regarding their efficacy and safety.

ObjectiveHealthcare workers (HCW) are at high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to exposure to potentially infectious material, especially during aerosol-generating procedures (AGP). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection among HCW in medical disciplines with AGP.DesignA nationwide questionnaire-based study in in- and outpatient settings was conducted between 12/16/2020 and 01/24/2021. Data on SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCW and potential risk factors were investigated.Results2,070 healthcare facilities with 25,113 employees were included in the study. Despite a higher rate of pre-interventional testing, clinics treated three times more confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases than private practices (28.8% vs. 88.4%, pConclusionHCW in GIE seem to be at higher risk of infection than those in other AGP, especially in the clinical setting. Regions having comparably higher incidences as well as the number of procedures performed per day were also significantly associated with increased risk of infection.Significance of this studyWhat is already known on this subject?Health care workers, especially those exposed to aerosol generating procedures, are assumed to have an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, data confirming this are lacking, especially for the outpatient care setting.What are the new findings?Health care workers in gastrointestinal endoscopy have a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2-infection than in other AGPs. This risk is particularly higher-in clinical settings compared to private practices-in regions having comparably higher incidences-the more procedures are performed per dayHow might it impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future?Our study suggests making additional efforts to protect HCW in the gastrointestinal work field.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund In der Bewältigung der COVID-19-Pandemie stehen Praxen und Kliniken vor großen Herausforderungen. Zu den Auswirkungen der Pandemie auf gastroenterologische Einrichtungen, insbesondere über einen zeitlichen Verlauf, gibt es bislang kaum Daten. Besonders für den ambulanten Versorgungssektor fehlt eine Datenbasis. Das Universitätsklinikum Augsburg wurde im Rahmen des Verbundprojektes B-FAST des Nationalen Forschungsnetzwerks der Universitätsmedizin beauftragt hierzu Daten zu generieren. Methode Es wurden bundesweit mittels Onlinefragebogen gastroenterologische Einrichtungen befragt. Die Rekrutierung erfolgte über die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS) und den Berufsverband niedergelassener Gastroenterologen (bng). Das vorliegende Manuskript gibt einen Überblick über Daten zur Verwendung von Schutzausrüstung, präinterventioneller Testung von Patienten, Mitarbeiterscreenings sowie wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen über den Pandemieverlauf. Ergebnisse 429 Einrichtungen beantworteten den Fragebogen. Praxen testeten ihre Patienten präinterventionell signifikant seltener als Kliniken (7,8 % vs. 82,6 %). In Kliniken wurden stationäre Patienten (93,1 %) signifikant häufiger getestet als ambulante Patienten (72,2 %). Die Verwendung von persönlicher Schutzausrüstung (PSA) nahm im Verlauf der Pandemie signifikant zu. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass über 70 % der Einrichtungen ihre Mitarbeiter nicht-anlassbezogen auf SARS-CoV-2 screenten. Kliniken sagten im Quartal 4/2020 signifikant häufiger elektive Prozeduren ab als Praxen. Die durchgeführten Prozeduren und die Umsatzentwicklung nahmen 2020 im Vergleich zum Vorjahr ab. Jedoch waren weniger Einrichtungen von einem Umsatzverlust betroffen als in vorangegangenen Studien erwartet wurde. Schlussfolgerung Unserer Daten veranschaulichen die unterschiedliche Umsetzung präinterventioneller SARS-CoV-2 Testung in der ambulanten und stationären Patientenversorgung. Die Verwendung adäquater PSA und Mitarbeiterscreeningmaßnahmen konnten im Verlauf der Pandemie gesteigert werden.

Objectives The gold standard for diagnosing an infection with SARS-CoV-2 is detection of viral RNA by nucleic acid amplification techniques. Test capacities, however, are limited. Therefore, numerous easy-to-use rapid antigen tests based on lateral flow technology have been developed. Manufacturer-reported performance data seem convincing, but real-world data are missing. Methods We retrospectively analysed all prospectively collected antigen tests results performed between 23.06.2020 and 26.11.2020, generated by non-laboratory personnel at the point-of-care from oro- or nasopharyngeal swab samples at the University Hospital Augsburg and compared them to concomitantly (within 24 h.) generated results from molecular tests. Results For a total of 3630 antigen tests, 3110 NAAT results were available. Overall, sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of antigen testing were 59.4%, 99.0%, 98.7% and 64.8%, respectively. Sensitivity and PPV were lower in asymptomatic patients (47.6% and 44.4%, respectively) and only slightly higher in patients with clinical symptoms (66.7% and 85.0%, respectively). Some samples with very low Ct-values (minimum Ct 13) were not detected by antigen testing. 31 false positive results occurred. ROC curve analysis showed that reducing the COI cut-off from 1, as suggested by the manufacturer, to 0.9 is optimal, albeit with an AUC of only 0.66. Conclusion In real life, performance of lateral-flow-based antigen tests are well below the manufacturer's specifications, irrespective of patient’s symptoms. Their use for detection of individual patients infected with SARS-CoV2 should be discouraged. This does not preclude their usefulness in large-scale screening programs to reduce transmission events on a population-wide scale.

ObjectiveArtificial intelligence (AI) may reduce underdiagnosed or overlooked upper GI (UGI) neoplastic and preneoplastic conditions, due to subtle appearance and low disease prevalence. Only disease-specific AI performances have been reported, generating uncertainty on its clinical value.DesignWe searched PubMed, Embase and Scopus until July 2020, for studies on the diagnostic performance of AI in detection and characterisation of UGI lesions. Primary outcomes were pooled diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of AI. Secondary outcomes were pooled positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values. We calculated pooled proportion rates (%), designed summary receiving operating characteristic curves with respective area under the curves (AUCs) and performed metaregression and sensitivity analysis.ResultsOverall, 19 studies on detection of oesophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN) or Barrett's esophagus-related neoplasia (BERN) or gastric adenocarcinoma (GCA) were included with 218, 445, 453 patients and 7976, 2340, 13 562 images, respectively. AI-sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV/positive likelihood ratio/negative likelihood ratio for UGI neoplasia detection were 90% (CI 85% to 94%)/89% (CI 85% to 92%)/87% (CI 83% to 91%)/91% (CI 87% to 94%)/8.2 (CI 5.7 to 11.7)/0.111 (CI 0.071 to 0.175), respectively, with an overall AUC of 0.95 (CI 0.93 to 0.97). No difference in AI performance across ESCN, BERN and GCA was found, AUC being 0.94 (CI 0.52 to 0.99), 0.96 (CI 0.95 to 0.98), 0.93 (CI 0.83 to 0.99), respectively. Overall, study quality was low, with high risk of selection bias. No significant publication bias was found.ConclusionWe found a high overall AI accuracy for the diagnosis of any neoplastic lesion of the UGI tract that was independent of the underlying condition. This may be expected to substantially reduce the miss rate of precancerous lesions and early cancer when implemented in clinical practice.

Main RecommendationThere is a need for well-organized comprehensive strategies to achieve good training in ESD. In this context, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) have developed a European core curriculum for ESD practice across Europe with the aim of high quality ESD training.Advanced endoscopy diagnostic practice is advised before initiating ESD training. Proficiency in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and adverse event management is recommended before starting ESD trainingESGE discourages the starting of initial ESD training in humans. Practice on animal and/or ex vivo models is useful to gain the basic ESD skills. ESGE recommends performing at least 20 ESD procedures in these models before human practice, with the goal of at least eight en bloc complete resections in the last 10 training cases, with no perforation. ESGE recommends observation of experts performing ESD in tertiary referral centers. Performance of ESD in humans should start on carefully selected lesions, ideally small ( Endoscopists performing ESD should be able to correctly estimate the probability of performing a curative resection based on the characteristics of the lesion and should know the benefit/risk relationship of ESD when compared with other therapeutic alternatives. Endoscopists performing ESD should know how to interpret the histopathology findings of the ESD specimen, namely the criteria for low risk resection (“curative”), local risk resection, and high risk resection (“non-curative”), as well as their implications. ESD should be performed only in a setting where early and delayed complications can be managed adequately, namely with the possibility of admitting patients to a ward, and access to appropriate emergency surgical teams for the organ being treated with ESD.

Background and study aims Mapping of pathologic specimens after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is common practice in Asian countries, especially in Japan. However, there is a lack of awareness for this technique in Europe. In this report, we demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of topographic mapping in a Western setting.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T17:02:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-02-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da UNESP (FUNDUNESP) The number of patients with Barret's esophagus (BE) has increased in the last decades. Considering the dangerousness of the disease and its evolution to adenocarcinoma, an early diagnosis of BE may provide a high probability of cancer remission. However, limitations regarding traditional methods of detection and management of BE demand alternative solutions. As such, computer-aided tools have been recently used to assist in this problem, but the challenge still persists. To manage the problem, we introduce the infinity Restricted Boltzmann Machines (iRBMs) to the task of automatic identification of Barrett's esophagus from endoscopic images of the lower esophagus. Moreover, since iRBM requires a proper selection of its meta-parameters, we also present a discriminative iRBM fine-tuning using six meta-heuristic optimization techniques. We showed that iRBMs are suitable for the context since it provides competitive results, as well as the meta-heuristic techniques showed to be appropriate for such task. UFSCAR – Federal University of São Carlos Department of Computing Medizinische Klinik – Klinikum Augsburg III OTH Regensburg – Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg Regensburg Medical Image Computing (ReMIC) OTH Regensburg – Regensburg Center of Health Sciences and Technology (RCHST) UNESP – São Paulo State University Department of Computing UNESP – São Paulo State University Department of Computing FAPESP: #2013/07375-0 FAPESP: #2014/12236-1 FAPESP: #2014/16250-9 FAPESP: #2015/25739-4 FAPESP: #2016/21243-7 CNPq: #306166/2014-3 CNPq: #307066/2017-7 FUNDUNESP: 2597.2017

Objectives Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS) is a desquamative disorder of the superficial esophageal epithelium with variable clinical characteristics. Endoscopically there is an appearance of superficial peeling of sheets of epithelium. Histologically there is two-toned epithelium with coagulative necrosis of the superficial epithelium. Currently, there is paucity of data regarding this condition in children. Methods A ten-year retrospective search of the pathology information system was performed for cases with a pathologic diagnosis of EDS in a tertiary care pediatric center. Demographic data, clinical history, endoscopic findings and histopathologic reports were reviewed. Results Thirteen patients (nine female; ages 3-18 years), were identified with histologic findings of EDS. Esophageal food impaction, dysphagia, vomiting, and abdominal pain were the most common presenting symptoms. Sixty-nine percentage of the patients had underlying comorbidities and 76% were on at least one medication chronically. Eosinophilic esophagitis (23%), inflammatory bowel disease (23%) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (15%) were the most common associated diagnoses. Of the 13 patients, five had repeat endoscopies showing complete resolution of EDS with no complications. Conclusions EDS is an under-recognized entity that endoscopists should be familiar with. In our series, the most prevalent associations were with food impaction and eosinophilic esophagitis. Contact injury and/or inflammation may precede the development of EDS. Pediatric EDS appears to be an incidental finding without significant morbidity or mortality.

Aims We report the case of a 54-year old male who was admitted to our intensive care unit due to respiratory failure andCOVID-19 disease. The patients' comorbidities were allergic asthma and obesity;he was on no regular medication. On day15 after admission to the ICU, invasive ventilation was started, and on day 19, melena, with a drop in hemoglobin levelfrom 12.9 g/dl to 8.5 g/dl, was observed. Methods In the emergency gastroscopy, three ulcerations were seen in the duodenal bulb. Two ulcerations showed visiblevessels (Forrest IIa), and were treated with a standard hemoclip as well as an “Over-the-Scope-Clip” (OTSC, Ovesco). Thethird ulceration was covered by a large clot (F IIb). After mobilization of the clot, the ulceration was seen to have perforatedinto the retroperitoneum. Results The patient underwent emergency surgery in which the perforation was sutured. Conclusions Studies have shown a high risk for gastrointestinal complications, such as gastrointestinal ischemia and ileusin critically ill patients with COVID-19 disease. In this case, we postulate that critically ill patients with COVID-19 may havea higher risk of GI bleeding and ulcer perforation. However, it is unclear whether these complications can be specificallyattributed to the underlying COVID-19 disease or the therapeutic anticoagulation, which all critically ill patients with COVID-19 recieve as standard of care. Further studies are needed to confirm or rule out these assumptions. Nevertheless, specialattention should be paid to gastrointestinal complications in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Aims Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is easily missed during endoscopy, either because physicians are not familiar with its endoscopic features or the morphologic changes are too subtle. In this preliminary paper, we present the first attempt to detect EoE in endoscopic white light (WL) images using a deep learning network (EoE-AI). Methods 401 WL images of eosinophilic esophagitis and 871 WL images of normal esophageal mucosa were evaluated. All images were assessed for the Endoscopic Reference score (EREFS) (edema, rings, exudates, furrows, strictures). Images with strictures were excluded. EoE was defined as the presence of at least 15 eosinophils per high power field on biopsy. A convolutional neural network based on the ResNet architecture with several five-fold cross-validation runs was used. Adding auxiliary EREFS-classification branches to the neural network allowed the inclusion of the scores as optimization criteria during training. EoE-AI was evaluated for sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score. In addition, two human endoscopists evaluated the images. Results EoE-AI showed a mean sensitivity, specificity, and F1 of 0.759, 0.976, and 0.834 respectively, averaged over the five distinct cross-validation runs. With the EREFS-augmented architecture, a mean sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score of 0.848, 0.945, and 0.861 could be demonstrated respectively. In comparison, the two human endoscopists had an average sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score of 0.718, 0.958, and 0.793. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of deep learning to endoscopic images of EoE which were also assessed after augmentation with the EREFS-score. The next step is the evaluation of EoE-AI using an external dataset. We then plan to assess the EoE-AI tool on endoscopic videos, and also in real-time. This preliminary work is encouraging regarding the ability for AI to enhance physician detection of EoE, and potentially to do a true “optical biopsy” but more work is needed.

Aims Celiac disease (CD) is a complex condition caused by an autoimmune reaction to ingested gluten. Due to its polymorphic manifestation and subtle endoscopic presentation, the diagnosis is difficult and thus the disorder is underreported. We aimed to use deep learning to identify celiac disease on endoscopic images of the small bowel. Methods Patients with small intestinal histology compatible with CD (MARSH classification I-III) were extracted retrospectively from the database of Augsburg University hospital. They were compared to patients with no clinical signs of CD and histologically normal small intestinal mucosa. In a first step MARSH III and normal small intestinal mucosa were differentiated with the help of a deep learning algorithm. For this, the endoscopic white light images were divided into five equal-sized subsets. We avoided splitting the images of one patient into several subsets. A ResNet-50 model was trained with the images from four subsets and then validated with the remaining subset. This process was repeated for each subset, such that each subset was validated once. Sensitivity, specificity, and harmonic mean (F1) of the algorithm were determined. Results The algorithm showed values of 0.83, 0.88, and 0.84 for sensitivity, specificity, and F1, respectively. Further data showing a comparison between the detection rate of the AI model and that of experienced endoscopists will be available at the time of the upcoming conference. Conclusions We present the first clinical report on the use of a deep learning algorithm for the detection of celiac disease using endoscopic images. Further evaluation on an external data set, as well as in the detection of CD in real-time, will follow. However, this work at least suggests that AI can assist endoscopists in the endoscopic diagnosis of CD, and ultimately may be able to do a true optical biopsy in live-time.

Received 28th January 2021. Accepted 23rd February 2021. Published online 17th March 2021. Issue published 1st April 2021.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:59:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01 Considering the increase in the number of the Barrett’s esophagus (BE) in the last decade, and its expected continuous increase, methods that can provide an early diagnosis of dysplasia in BE-diagnosed patients may provide a high probability of cancer remission. The limitations related to traditional methods of BE detection and management encourage the creation of computer-aided tools to assist in this problem. In this work, we introduce the unsupervised Optimum-Path Forest (OPF) classifier for learning visual dictionaries in the context of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and automatic adenocarcinoma diagnosis. The proposed approach was validated in two datasets (MICCAI 2015 and Augsburg) using three different feature extractors (SIFT, SURF, and the not yet applied to the BE context A-KAZE), as well as five supervised classifiers, including two variants of the OPF, Support Vector Machines with Radial Basis Function and Linear kernels, and a Bayesian classifier. Concerning MICCAI 2015 dataset, the best results were obtained using unsupervised OPF for dictionary generation using supervised OPF for classification purposes and using SURF feature extractor with accuracy nearly to 78 % for distinguishing BE patients from adenocarcinoma ones. Regarding the Augsburg dataset, the most accurate results were also obtained using both OPF classifiers but with A-KAZE as the feature extractor with accuracy close to 73 %. The combination of feature extraction and bag-of-visual-words techniques showed results that outperformed others obtained recently in the literature, as well as we highlight new advances in the related research area. Reinforcing the significance of this work, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first one that aimed at addressing computer-aided BE identification using bag-of-visual-words and OPF classifiers, being the application of unsupervised technique in the BE feature calculation the major contribution of this work. It is also proposed a new BE and adenocarcinoma description using the A-KAZE features, not yet applied in the literature. Department of Computing Federal University of São Carlos - UFScar Medizinische Klinik III Klinikum Augsburg Regensburg Medical Image Computing (ReMIC) Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg - OTH Regensburg Department of Computing São Paulo State University - UNESP Department of Computing São Paulo State University - UNESP

Background and Aims. Flexible endoscopic treatment plays an important role in the treatment of Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD). This study analyzes long-term symptom control and the rate of adverse events in treatment-naïve patients and patients with recurrence, using the stag beetle knife junior (sb knife jr). Methods. From August 2013 to May 2019, 100 patients with symptomatic ZD were treated with flexible endoscopy using the sb knife jr. Before treatment, as well as 1 and 6 months afterwards, symptoms were obtained by a nine-point questionnaire, with symptoms weighted from 0 to 4. Results. Overall, 126 interventions were performed. The median follow-up period was 41 months (range 7-74). For the three most frequent symptoms, regurgitation, dysphagia, and dry cough, a significant reduction of the mean score could be achieved, from 2.85/3.45/2.85 before the initial treatment to 0.56/1.09/0.98 6 months later. 17 patients were retreated because of recurrence. Out of these, 12 patients underwent a 2nd, 4 patients a 3rd, and 1 patient a 4th session, respectively. The mean dysphagia score for successfully treated patients could be reduced from initially 2.34 to 0.49/0.33/0.67 after the 1st/2nd/3rd session, the frequency of dysphagia from 3.45 to 0.92/1.00/1.33, and the score for regurgitations from 2.85 to 0.35/1.00/0.67. In first-line treatment, as well as in retreatment, no severe adverse event occurred. Conclusion. Patients with ZD can be treated safely and effectively with the sb knife jr. Retreatment leads to equal symptom relief as compared to a successful first-line treatment and is not associated with a higher rate of adverse events.

Gastric cancer still has one of the highest incidence rates worldwide. Screening programs have been established in high incidence regions, especially in Asia, but in the West, screening for gastric cancer is not generally recommended. Gastroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing gastric cancer. For the treatment of early gastric cancer, endoscopic resection is the method of choice. With the ESD technique, larger lesions can be resected en-bloc. Guideline and extended guideline criteria for the choice of lesions for ESD have been evaluated extensively, initially in Asia and later in the West as well. For lesions which are out of indication, a surgical approach must be recommended. To detect early recurrence or metachronous lesions, follow-up should be performed after ER.

Background & Aims Conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (CEMR) with submucosal injection is the current standard for the resection of large, nonmalignant colorectal polyps. We investigated whether underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) is superior to CEMR for large (20–40mm) sessile or flat colorectal polyps. Methods In this prospective randomized controlled study, patients with sessile or flat colorectal polyps between 20 and 40 mm in size were randomly assigned to UEMR or CEMR. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate after 6 months. Secondary outcomes included en bloc and R0 resection rates, number of resected pieces, procedure time, and adverse events. Results En bloc resection rates were 33.3% in the UEMR group and 18.4% in the CEMR group (P = .045); R0 resection rates were 32.1% and 15.8% for UEMR vs CEMR, respectively (P = .025). UEMR was performed with significantly fewer pieces compared to CEMR (2 pieces: 45.5% UEMR vs 17.7% CEMR; P = .001). The overall recurrence rate did not differ between both groups (P = .253); however, subgroup analysis showed a significant difference in favor of UEMR for lesions of >30 mm to ≤40 mm in size (P = .031). The resection time was significantly shorter in the UEMR group (8 vs 14 minutes; P Conclusions UEMR is superior to CEMR regarding en bloc resection, R0 resection, and procedure time for large colorectal lesions and shows significantly lower recurrence rates for lesions >30 mm to ≤40 mm in size. UEMR should be considered for the endoscopic resection of large colorectal polyps.

Background Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients are at increased risk for thromboembolic events. It is unclear whether the risk for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is also increased. Methods We considered 4128 COVID‐19 patients enrolled in the Lean European Open Survey on SARS‐CoV‐2 (LEOSS) registry. The association between occurrence of GI bleeding and comorbidities as well as medication were examined. In addition, 1216 patients from COKA registry were analyzed focusing on endoscopy diagnostic findings. Results A cumulative number of 97 patients (1.8%) with GI bleeding were identified in the LEOSS registry and COKA registry. Of 4128 patients from the LEOSS registry, 66 patients (1.6%) had a GI bleeding. The rate of GI bleeding in patients with intensive care unit (ICU) admission was 4.5%. The use of therapeutic dose of anticoagulants showed a significant association with the increased incidence of bleeding in the critical phase of disease. The Charlson comorbidity index and the COVID‐19 severity index were significantly higher in the group of patients with GI bleeding than in the group of patients without GI bleeding (5.83 (SD = 2.93) vs. 3.66 (SD = 3.06), p

The evaluation and assessment of Barrett's esophagus is challenging for both expert and nonexpert endoscopists. However, the early diagnosis of cancer in Barrett's esophagus is crucial for its prognosis, and could save costs. Pre-clinical and clinical studies on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Barrett's esophagus have shown promising results. In this review, we focus on the current challenges and future perspectives of implementing AI systems in the management of patients with Barrett's esophagus.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-26T02:53:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-11-16 Bavarian Academic Forum (BayWISS) Background The accurate differentiation between T1a and T1b Barrett's-related cancer has both therapeutic and prognostic implications but is challenging even for experienced physicians. We trained an artificial intelligence (AI) system on the basis of deep artificial neural networks (deep learning) to differentiate between T1a and T1b Barrett's cancer on white-light images. Methods Endoscopic images from three tertiary care centers in Germany were collected retrospectively. A deep learning system was trained and tested using the principles of cross validation. A total of 230 white-light endoscopic images (108 T1a and 122 T1b) were evaluated using the AI system. For comparison, the images were also classified by experts specialized in endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of Barrett's cancer. Results The sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and accuracy of the AI system in the differentiation between T1a and T1b cancer lesions was 0.77, 0.64, 0.74, and 0.71, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the performance of the AI system and that of experts, who showed sensitivity, specificity, F1, and accuracy of 0.63, 0.78, 0.67, and 0.70, respectively. Conclusion This pilot study demonstrates the first multicenter application of an AI-based system in the prediction of submucosal invasion in endoscopic images of Barrett's cancer. AI scored equally to international experts in the field, but more work is necessary to improve the system and apply it to video sequences and real-life settings. Nevertheless, the correct prediction of submucosal invasion in Barrett's cancer remains challenging for both experts and AI. Univ Klinikum Augsburg, Med Klin 3, Stenglinstr 2, D-86156 Augsburg, Germany Ostbayer TH Regensburg OTH Regensburg, Regensburg Med Image Comp ReMIC, Regensburg, Germany OTH Regensburg, Regensburg Ctr Hlth Sci & Technol RCHST, Regensburg, Germany Sana Klinikum Lichtenberg, Gastroenterol, Berlin, Germany Asklepios Klin Barmbek, Dept Gastroenterol Hepatol & Intervent Endoscopy, Hamburg, Germany OTH Regensburg, Regensburg Ctr Biomed Engn RCBE, Regensburg, Germany Regensburg Univ, Regensburg, Germany Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Comp, Sao Paulo, Brazil Catholic Univ Louvain, Clin Univ St Luc, Brussels, Belgium Saku Cent Hosp Adv Care Ctr, Nagano, Japan Klin Hirslanden, GastroZentrum, Zurich, Switzerland Vet Affairs Med Ctr, Dept Gastroenterol & Hepatol, Kansas City, MO USA Univ Kansas, Sch Med, Kansas City, MO USA Univ British Columbia, Vancouver Gen Hosp, Div Gastroenterol, Vancouver, BC, Canada Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Comp, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:05:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-11-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung Barrett's esophagus figured a swift rise in the number of cases in the past years. Although traditional diagnosis methods offered a vital role in early-stage treatment, they are generally time- and resource-consuming. In this context, computer-aided approaches for automatic diagnosis emerged in the literature since early detection is intrinsically related to remission probabilities. However, they still suffer from drawbacks because of the lack of available data for machine learning purposes, thus implying reduced recognition rates. This work introduces Generative Adversarial Networks to generate high-quality endoscopic images, thereby identifying Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma more precisely. Further, Convolution Neural Networks are used for feature extraction and classification purposes. The proposed approach is validated over two datasets of endoscopic images, with the experiments conducted over the full and patch-split images. The application of Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks for the data augmentation step and LeNet-5 and AlexNet for the classification step allowed us to validate the proposed methodology over an extensive set of datasets (based on original and augmented sets), reaching results of 90% of accuracy for the patch-based approach and 85% for the image-based approach. Both results are based on augmented datasets and are statistically different from the ones obtained in the original datasets of the same kind. Moreover, the impact of data augmentation was evaluated in the context of image description and classification, and the results obtained using synthetic images outperformed the ones over the original datasets, as well as other recent approaches from the literature. Such results suggest promising insights related to the importance of proper data for the accurate classification concerning computer-assisted Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma detection. Department of Computing São Carlos Federal University UFSCar Department of Computing São Paulo State University UNESP Regensburg Medical Image Computing (ReMIC) Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg (OTH Regensburg) Regensburg Center of Health Sciences and Technology (RCHST) Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg (OTH Regensburg) Department of Gastroenterology University Hospital Augsburg Department of Computing São Paulo State University UNESP FAPESP: 2013/07375-0 FAPESP: 2014/12236-1 FAPESP: 2017/04847-9 FAPESP: 2019/06533-7 FAPESP: 2019/07665-4 FAPESP: 2019/08605-5 CNPq: 306166/2014-3 CNPq: 307066/2017-7 Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung: BEX 0581-16-0

Background Infection prevention strategies to protect healthcare workers in endoscopy units during the post-peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are currently under intense discussion. In this paper, the cost-effectiveness of routine pre-endoscopy testing and high risk personal protective equipment (PPE) is addressed. Method A model based on theoretical assumptions of 10 000 asymptomatic patients presenting to a high volume center was created. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and absolute costs per endoscopy were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. Results ICER values for universal testing decreased with increasing prevalence rates. For higher prevalence rates (≥ 1 %), ICER values were lowest for routine pre-endoscopy testing coupled with use of high risk PPE, while cost per endoscopy was lowest for routine use of high risk PPE without universal testing. Conclusion In general, routine pre-endoscopy testing combined with high risk PPE becomes more cost-effective with rising prevalence rates of COVID-19.

Background The regular arrangement of collecting venules (RAC) and the Kimura-Takemoto classification of atrophic change (KTC) are simple and easy-to-use criteria which have been shown to reliably predict or rule out a Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach. Although these features have been investigated extensively in Asia, their significance in the West has not been evaluated. Methods In a series of 200 consecutive gastroscopic examinations (single examiner, single center), the presence or absence of RAC and the KTC grade (open type vs closed type) were recorded prospectively. Helicobacter pylori infection was defined as a positive histology or a positive rapid urease test. Furthermore, multivariate analysis of endoscopic predictors of H. pylori infection based on the Kyoto classification of gastritis was performed. Results Two hundred patients were examined of which 57 had a H. pylori infection (28%). Both RAC and KTC had excellent negative predictive values of about 90% and sensitivity values of up to 85%. In multivariate analysis, atrophic change and diffuse redness without RAC were significantly associated with H. pylori infection. Conclusion Regular arrangement of collecting venules and KTC are simple endoscopic features which should be given attention by Western endoscopists and can be easily used to rule out a H. pylori infection of the stomach.

Objective: The outbreak of COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. Studies from China, where the virus first spread, have reported increased psychological strain in healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial burden of physicians and nurses depending on their degree of contact with COVID-19 patients. In addition, we explored which supportive resources they used and which supportive needs they experienced during the crisis. Methods: Data were collected between March and April 2020 at the University Hospital Augsburg. A total of 75 nurses and 35 physicians, working either in a special COVID-19 ward or in a regular ward, took part in the survey. The participants filled in two standardized questionnaires (the Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ; and the Maslach Burnout Inventory, MBI), and reported their fear of a COVID-19 infection and stress at work on a 10-point Likert scale. Finally, they answered three open-ended questions about causes of burden, supportive resources and needs during the crisis. Results: Nurses working in the COVID-19 wards reported higher levels of stress, exhaustion, and depressive mood, as well as lower levels of work-related fulfilment compared to their colleagues in the regular wards. Physicians reported similar scores independent of their contact with COVID-19 patients. The most common causes for burden were job strain and uncertainty about the future. Psychosocial support as well as leisure time were listed as important resources, and a better infrastructure adjustment to COVID-19 at the hospital (e.g. sufficient staff, keeping teams and working schedules stable) as suggestion for improvement. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that especially nurses working in COVID-19 wards are affected psychologically by the consequences of the pandemic. This might be due to a higher workload and longer time in direct contact with COVID-19 patients, compared to physicians., Ziel: Im März 2020 wurde der Ausbruch von COVID-19 von der WHO zur Pandemie erklärt, nachdem sich der Virus zunächst vor allem in China ausbreitete. Erste Studien berichteten von einer erhöhten psychologischen Belastung der Beschäftigten im chinesischen Gesundheitssystem. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, die besonderen psychosozialen Belastungen von Ärztinnen und Ärzten im Vergleich zu Pflegerinnen und Pflegern durch COVID-19 zu erfassen, unter Berücksichtigung des Ausmaßes der Exposition zu COVID-19-Patientinnen und -Patienten. Zusätzlich wollten wir besonders relevante Ressourcen und Möglichkeiten zur Entlastung eruieren. Methoden: Die Datenerhebung erfolgte zwischen März und April 2020 am Universitätsklinikum Augsburg. Insgesamt nahmen 75 Pflegerinnen und Pfleger sowie 35 Ärztinnen und Ärzte an der Untersuchung teil, die entweder in regulären oder speziellen COVID-19-Stationen tätig waren. Neben zwei Standardinstrumenten (Gesundheitsfragebogen PHQ und Fragebogen zur Arbeitsbelastung MBI) bewerteten die Teilnehmenden ihre Angst, sich mit COVID-19 zu infizieren, und das Ausmaß der Belastung am Arbeitsplatz auf 10-stufigen numerischen Ratingskalen. Zusätzlich wurden drei offene Fragen zu den größten Belastungen, Ressourcen und Bedürfnissen durch bzw. in der Krise beantwortet. Ergebnisse: Insbesondere Pflegerinnen und Pfleger auf COVID-19-Stationen berichteten mehr Stress, Ermüdung, depressive Symptome und geringere Erfüllung am Arbeitsplatz als ihre Kolleginnen und Kollegen auf den regulären Stationen. Ärztinnen und Ärzte hingegen erzielten unabhängig von der spezifischen Exposition zu COVID-19-Patientinnen und -Patienten ähnliche Ergebnisse. Am häufigsten wurden von den Teilnehmenden das Arbeitspensum und die Ungewissheit hinsichtlich der weiteren Entwicklung als Ursache ihrer Belastung benannt. Psychosoziale Unterstützung und Freizeit wurden als wichtige Ressourcen aufgelistet. Die Teilnehmenden mahnten u.a. an, auf ausreichendes Personal, Kontinuität der Teamzusammensetzung und Schichtplanung zu achten. Schlussfolgerungen: Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass insbesondere das Pflegepersonal – im Kontrast zu Ärztinnen und Ärzten – auf COVID-19-Stationen psychosozial unter den Folgen der Pandemie leidet, vermutlich als Konsequenz der Mehrarbeit und des höheren Expositionsrisikos., GMS German Medical Science; 18:Doc05

Contains fulltext : 220063.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) We are currently living in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic that imposes a significant stress on health care providers and facilities. Europe is severely affected with an exponential increase in incident infections and deaths. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 can be subtle, encompassing a broad spectrum from asymptomatic mild disease to severe respiratory illness. Health care professionals in endoscopy units are at increased risk of infection from COVID-19. Infection prevention and control has been shown to be dramatically effective in assuring the safety of both health care professionals and patients. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (www.esge.com) and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (www.esgena.org) are joining forces to provide guidance during this pandemic to help assure the highest level of endoscopy care and protection against COVID-19 for both patients and endoscopy unit personnel. This guidance is based upon the best available evidence regarding assessment of risk during the current status of the pandemic and a consensus on which procedures to perform and the priorities on resumption. We appreciate the gaps in knowledge and evidence, especially on the proper strategy(ies) for the resumption of normal endoscopy practice during the upcoming phases and end of the pandemic and therefore a list of potential research questions is presented. New evidence may result in an updated statement.

Background Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the standard treatment of ampullary and nonampullary duodenal adenomas. EMR of large (10–29 mm) and giant (≥ 30 mm) lesions carries a risk of complications such as delayed bleeding and perforation. Prospective data on duodenal EMR are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic procedures (clipping and coagulation of visible vessels) to prevent complications after EMR of large and giant lesions. Methods 110 patients with 118 adenomas (29 ampullary and 89 nonampullary) were included prospectively. Results 15 lesions were small (12.7 %), 68 were large (57.6 %), and 35 were giant (29.7 %). Endoscopic prevention of delayed complications was performed in 81.4 % (n = 96) of all lesions and 94.3 % (n = 33) of giant lesions. Complete resection was achieved in 111 lesions (94.1 %). Complications were 22 delayed bleedings (18.6 %), 3 intraprocedural perforations (2.5 %), 2 delayed perforations (1.7 %), and 1 stricture (0.8 %). Major complications were associated with lesions size ≥ 30 mm (28.6 % vs. 9.6 %; P = 0.02) and ampullary adenomas (27.6 % vs. 11.2 %; P = 0.07). All minor bleeding and 75 % of major bleeding episodes were treated endoscopically; 25 % of major bleedings needed radiologic embolization. Two fatal courses were observed when delayed perforation occurred after EMR of giant lesions. Residual adenoma was detected in 20.4 % at first follow-up. Conclusions EMR of giant duodenal neoplasia carries a substantial risk of major complications and recurrences. Resection technique and prevention of delayed complications need to be improved. Further measures should be evaluated in randomized studies.