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BACKGROUND The survival rate of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is very poor because early detection is difficult. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from cells associating with the cellular condition and circulated in the blood. We aimed to identify EV proteins from endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) biopsy samples in order to develop novel biomarkers for PDAC. METHODS Extracellular vesicles were isolated from EUS-FNA samples of 40 PDAC patients and six autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) patients to be used as a control. EV proteins were identified using nanoLC-MS/MS. RESULTS Intact EVs approximately 200 nm in diameter were detected from EUS-FNA samples. We identified 2059 or 1032 EV proteins in PDAC or AIP, respectively, and 1071 EV proteins were detected only in PDAC. One hundred and fifty-three EV proteins were significantly different between PDAC and AIP: 64 proteins were down-regulated in PDAC whereas 89 EV proteins were up-regulated in PDAC including mucins, keratins, Ras-related proteins, and olfactomedin-4, which proteins have been reported to be elevated in PDAC tissue/blood, or cultured pancreatic cancer cell lines. Notably, in the 89 up-regulated PDAC EV proteins we identified novel proteins including ADP-ribosylation factor 3, CD55, pyruvate kinase, and lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor. Out of 89 proteins, a total of 13 proteins including Ras-related proteins were significantly elevated in PDAC stages II-IV compared to PDAC stage I, including Ras-related proteins, moesin, and CD55. CONCLUSIONS The EV proteins obtained from EUS-FNA samples contain a PDAC-specific protein barcode. The EV proteins identified from EUS-FNA samples include promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and clinical staging of PDAC.

A 64-year-old man with a history of diabetes and gallstones was admitted to our institution with suspected pancreatic malignancy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple pancreatic cysts and massive ascites, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed a 28×27-mm hypoechoic mass in the pancreatic head. An EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed, and there were no malignant findings. Based on the test results and imaging findings, type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis was suspected. The patient was administered 30 mg of prednisolone daily. After 11 days, CT revealed that the pancreatic cysts and ascites had reduced in size.

Introduction: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial esophageal cancer is technically challenging, and research on predictive factors related to the difficulty in the procedure is limited. This study aimed to investigate the factors predicting the difficulty in esophageal ESD. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 303 lesions treated at our institution between April 2005 and June 2021. The following 13 factors were evaluated: sex, age, tumor location, tumor localization, macroscopic type, tumor size, tumor circumference, preoperative diagnosis of histological type, preoperative diagnosis of invasion depth, previous radiotherapy for esophageal cancer, metachronous lesion located close to post ESD scar, operator’s skill, and use of a clip-and-thread traction method. Difficult esophageal ESD cases were defined as those requiring long procedure time (> 120 min). Results: Fifty-one lesions (16.8%) met the defined criterion for difficult cases of esophageal ESD. Logistic regression analysis identified tumor size larger than 30 mm (odds ratio 9.17, 95% confidence interval: 4.27–19.69, P < 0.001) and tumor circumference more than half that of the esophagus (odds ratio 2.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–5.54, P = 0.021) as independent predictive factors related to difficulty in esophageal ESD. Discussion/Conclusion: Tumor size larger than 30 mm and tumor circumference more than half that of the esophagus can predict difficulty in performing esophageal ESD. This knowledge can provide useful information for developing ESD strategies and selecting a suitable operator on a case-by-case basis to achieve favorable clinical outcomes.

Liposarcoma adherent to the mesentery is extremely rare and difficult to diagnose. A 70-year-old woman presented to the hospital with a right lower abdominal mass. After surgical resection, the patient was diagnosed with dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the transverse colon with a mesenteric origin, and chemotherapy was administered. Diagnosing dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the transverse mesocolon based on imaging findings alone is challenging. Surgical resection can aid diagnosis. Moreover, cancer-specific genetic testing was performed in this case because dedifferentiated liposarcoma is a disease for which novel therapeutic agents are expected to be developed.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The accuracy of a PDAC diagnosis based on endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology can be strengthened by performing a rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). However, ROSE can only be performed in a limited number of facilities, due to a relative lack of available resources or cytologists with sufficient training. Therefore, we developed the Mathematical Technology for Cytopathology (MTC) algorithm, which does not require teaching data or large-scale computing. We applied the MTC algorithm to support the cytological diagnosis of pancreatic cancer tissues, by converting medical images into structured data, which rendered them suitable for artificial intelligence (AI) analysis. Using this approach, we successfully clarified ambiguous cell boundaries by solving a reaction–diffusion system and quantitating the cell nucleus status. A diffusion coefficient (D) of 150 showed the highest accuracy (i.e., 74%), based on a univariate analysis. A multivariate analysis was performed using 120 combinations of evaluation indices, and the highest accuracies for each D value studied (50, 100, and 150) were all ≥70%. Thus, our findings indicate that MTC can help distinguish between adenocarcinoma and benign pancreatic tissues, and imply its potential for facilitating rapid progress in clinical diagnostic applications.

A 71-year-old man on prednisolone for immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related renal disease showed increased carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19–9 level; abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a lesion in the left lateral segment and dilatation of the peripheral biliary duct. He was referred to our hospital for detailed examination for suspected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. CT and magnetic resonance imaging findings were similar to those for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed a smooth narrowing of the bile duct which suggested inflammatory disease. Liver biopsy was performed; IgG4-related hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) was diagnosed. IgG4-related hepatic IPTs are rare diseases that develop in association with the development of sclerosing cholangitis. Most of these lesions develop in the hepatic hilum and the imaging findings of these tumors are similar to those of hilar cholangiocarcinomas. Thus, hepatic IPTs are difficult to differentiate from malignancy; in some cases, surgical resection has been considered for establishing the diagnosis. In the present case, we could diagnose hepatic IPT on the basis of liver biopsy, which is the recommended approach in cases of suspected hepatic IPT.

The introduction of anti-inflammatory therapies has enabled substantial improvement of disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, IBD can lead to serious complications such as intestinal fibrosis and colorectal cancer. Therefore, novel therapies reducing the development of these complications are needed. Angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes tissue inflammation by stimulating the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) or proinflammatory cytokines. It plays a pivotal role in IBD progression. Although blockade of Ang II has been reported to ameliorate experimental colitis and reduce colorectal cancer risk, the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our previous work showed that irbesartan, an Ang II type 1 receptor blocker, reduced the number of C–C chemokine receptor 2-positive (CCR2+) monocytic cells in the inflamed pancreas. This study aimed to investigate the possible antifibrotic and antitumour effects of irbesartan using the azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulphate mouse model. Irbesartan suppressed MCP-1 production and the accumulation of Ly6C+CCR2+ monocytes and fibrocytes in the inflamed colon, downregulated the expression of type 1 collagen and matrix metalloproteinase 9 and inhibited the development of intestinal fibrosis and tumours. Our observations suggest that blocking the MCP-1/CCR2 pathway using irbesartan might be beneficial in preventing colitis-associated colon tumours.

Adult hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (AHPS) is a rare disease and presents as pyloric obstruction. Double pylorus is also a rare condition due to a gastroduodenal fistula connecting from the gastric antrum to the duodenum. A 42‐year‐old woman without a history of vomiting in infancy presented with postprandial abdominal distension and repeated vomiting. Abdominal computed tomography showed gastric dilatation and wall thickening of the distal stomach. Endoscopy and contrast gastrography revealed gastric outlet obstruction due to stenosis and an ulcer in the antral and pyloric region. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed circumferential thickening of the muscularis propria layer of the pylorus. Her symptoms improved with treatment consisting of drainage, fasting, and a proton pump inhibitor. Two weeks after onset, follow‐up endoscopy revealed a healing ulcer and double channel pylorus. Based on her clinical course and findings of clinical images, she was diagnosed with gastric outlet obstruction due to AHPS that was improved by double channel pylorus formation. In conclusion, AHPS that was improved by double channel pylorus formation is an extremely rare condition, and we should be aware of this disease entity., This article presents an adult‐onset case of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (AHPS). In this case, long term (over six months) persisting thickening of the muscularis propria in the pyloric region proved the precise diagnosis of AHPS. Furthermore, it is very interesting that double pylorus due to possible penetrating gastric ulcer led to the improvement of her symptom.

Following injury, skeletal muscle regenerates but fatty tissue accumulation is seen in aged muscle or muscular dystrophies. Fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are key players in these events; however, the effect of primary cilia on FAPs remains unclear. Here, it is reported that genetic ablation of trichoplein (TCHP), a ciliary regulator, induces ciliary elongation on FAPs after injury, which promotes muscle regeneration while inhibiting adipogenesis. The defective adipogenic differentiation of FAPs is attributed to dysfunction of cilia-dependent lipid raft dynamics, which is critical for insulin/Akt signaling. It is also found that interleukin (IL) 13 is substantially produced by intramuscular FAPs, which are upregulated by ciliary elongation and contribute to regeneration. Mechanistically, upon injury, long cilia excessively activate the IL33/ST2/JNK axis to enhance IL13 production, facilitating myoblast proliferation and M2 macrophage polarization. The results indicate that FAPs organize the regenerative responses to skeletal muscle injury via cilia-mediated insulin/Akt and ST2/JNK signaling pathways.

This study aimed to clarify the features of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) on magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) and magnifying endoscopy with acetic acid and narrow-band imaging (M-AANBI), and evaluate the efficacy of M-NBI/M-AANBI to distinguish high-grade adenomas or adenocarcinomas (HGA/AC) from low-grade adenomas (LGA).Clinicopathological data on 62 SNADETs in 58 patients who underwent preoperative M-NBI/M-AANBI and endoscopic resection were retrospectively reviewed. The pathological results were classified into two categories, LGA and HGA/AC. We evaluated microvascular patterns (MVPs) and microsurface patterns (MSPs) observed by M-NBI and MSPs observed by M-AANBI for characterizing LGA and HGA/AC. The kappa value was calculated to assess the interobserver and intraobserver agreements of evaluation of M-AANBI images.Pathologically, 38 lesions (61.3%) were LGA and 24 lesions (38.7%) were HGA/AC. HGA/AC tended to have irregular MVP and/or MSP on M-NBI. M-NBI diagnostic performance to distinguish HGA/AC from LGA showed 62.5% sensitivity, 68.4% specificity, and 66.1% accuracy. SNADETs had irregular MSP on M-AANBI. Three irregularity grades (iG) of MSP were observed by M-AANBI as follows: iG1, mild; iG2, moderate; iG3, significant. HGA/AC lesions had a significantly higher rate of iG3 than LGA lesions (p 0.001). The iG2 was associated with HGA/AC in elevated lesions and LGA in depressed lesions. The diagnostic performance of M-AANBI was as follows: 95.8% sensitivity, 97.4% specificity, and 96.8% accuracy. The diagnostic accuracy of M-AANBI was significantly higher than that of M-NBI (p 0.001). The kappa value for interobserver agreement on the diagnosis and irregularity grading of M-AANBI images was 0.742 and 0.719, respectively. These data indicate substantial interobserver agreement. Based on the above-mentioned results, we developed a M-AANBI diagnostic algorithm for SNADETs.The diagnostic algorithm for SNADETs using M-AANBI may be useful for differentiating between LGA and HGA/AC.

Background and study aims Female sex has been identified as a factor increasing patients’ pain during colonoscopy. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the efficacy of a small-caliber colonoscope, PCF-PQ260 L, for limiting pain in women during unsedated colonoscopy. Patients and methods Women who underwent unsedated colonoscopy were randomly allocated to either the small-caliber or standard colonoscope group. The primary outcome was overall pain and secondary outcomes were maximum pain and procedural measures. In addition, the effects of colonoscope type were analysed using analysis of covariance and logistic regression with adjustment for stratification factors, age and prior abdomino-pelvic surgery. Results A total of 220 women were randomly assigned to the small-caliber (n = 110) or standard (n = 110) colonoscope groups. Overall and maximum pain scores were significantly lower in the small-caliber colonoscope group than the standard colonoscope group (overall pain, 20.0 vs. 32.4, P Conclusions This study demonstrates the efficacy of the small-caliber colonoscope for reducing pain in women and improving their rate of acceptance of unsedated colonoscopy.

Background There have been few reports about the late effects of disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS). Although few reports have described the recurrence interval of pancreatitis, it might be rare for recurrence to occur more than 5 years later. Herein, we describe a case of recurrence in an 81-year-old man after the treatment of walled-off necrosis (WON) with pancreatic transection 7 years ago. Case summary An 81-year-old man visited our hospital with chief complaints of fever and abdominal pain 7 years after the onset of WON due to severe necrotic pancreatitis. His medical history included an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed that the pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) had spread to the aorta with inflammation surrounding it, and CT findings suggested that bleeding occurred from the vasodilation due to splenic vein occlusion. First, we attempted to perform transpapillary drainage because of venous dilation around the residual stomach and the PFC. However, pancreatic duct drainage failed because of complete main pancreatic duct disruption. Second, we performed endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage. After transmural drainage, the inflammation improved and stenting for the AAA was performed successfully. The inflammation was resolved, and he has been free from infection for more than 2 years after the procedure. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of continued follow-up of patients for recurrence after the treatment of WON with pancreatic transection.

Simple Summary Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with the development of gastric cancer. Reflux esophagitis may occur in the postoperative period of patients undergoing surgical therapy for gastric cancer. The role of eradication therapy of Helicobacter pylori in reflux esophagitis is controversial. Here, we evaluated the occurrence of reflux esophagitis before and after Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients having endoscopic submucosal resection for early gastric cancer. Reflux esophagitis before and after eradication therapy was evaluated during the follow-up. While reflux esophagitis incidence increased from 3.1% to 18.8% in the successful eradication group, no case of reflux esophagitis was observed in the failed eradication group. There was a significant correlation between successful Helicobacter pylori eradication rate and reflux esophagitis development. This study demonstrates that a successful Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy is a risk factor for newly developed reflux esophagitis in patients having endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer. Abstract Background: The role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis is controversial. This study investigated the frequency of reflux esophagitis before and after H. pylori eradication in patients having endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer. Methods: This study included 160 patients that fulfilled the study’s criteria. Endoscopy was performed before and after H. pylori eradication, and reflux esophagitis was evaluated during the follow-up period. Results: Seropositivity for H. pylori in patients with early gastric cancer was 68.8%, 101 of them received eradication therapy. During the follow-up period, the incidence of reflux esophagitis increased from 3.1% to 18.8% in the successful eradication group but no case of reflux esophagitis was observed in the failed eradication group. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed a significant correlation between successful H. pylori eradication rate and the development of reflux esophagitis. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a successful H. pylori eradication therapy is a risk factor for newly developed reflux esophagitis in patients with endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is associated with high mortality and its rates of detection are very low; as such, the disease is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage. A number of risk factors for pancreatic cancer have been reported and may be used to identify individuals at high risk for the development of this disease. OBJECTIVE The aim of this prospective, observational trial is to evaluate a scoring metric for systematic early detection of pancreatic cancer in Mie Prefecture, Japan. METHODS Eligible patients aged 20 years and older will be referred from participating clinics in the Tsu City area to the Faculty of Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Hepatology at Mie University Graduate School, until September 30, 2022. Participants will undergo a detailed examination for pancreatic cancer. Data collection will include diagnostic and follow-up imaging data and disease staging information. RESULTS The study was initiated in September 2020 and aims to recruit at least 150 patients in a 2-year period. Recruitment of patients is currently still underway. Final data analysis is expected to be complete by March 2025. CONCLUSIONS This study will provide insights into the feasibility of using a scoring system for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, thus potentially improving the survival outcomes of diagnosed patients. CLINICALTRIAL UMIN-CTR Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000041624; https://tinyurl.com/94tbbn3s INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/26898

Various endoscopic methods have been developed to remove small rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of endoscopic submucosal dissection using the pocket-creation method (ESD-PCM) with a HookKnife, following preoperative evaluation by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), for the treatment of rectal NETs. We analyzed retrospectively consecutive patients who underwent ESD-PCM with a HookKnife for the removal of rectal NETs, with a size less than 10 mm, at Mie University Hospital between June 2015 and December 2019. All the rectal NETs were resected by ESD-PCM with a HookKnife. The R0 resection rate, procedure time, adverse event rate, diagnostic accuracy of tumor size and invasion depth evaluated by preoperative EUS, and follow-up outcome were evaluated retrospectively. The study group comprised 12 patients with 12 resected lesions. The median tumor size of the resected specimens was 5 mm and the size and invasion depth of each tumor was approximately equal to that predicted by preoperative EUS. R0 resection was achieved in all cases, without adverse events. The median procedure time was 50.5 min, which did not differ from previous studies. No recurrence was observed during the median follow-up period of 34.4 months (range, 5.2–60.0 months). ESD-PCM with a HookKnife provides a favorable clinical utility for removing rectal NETs, with high R0 resection rate and good follow-up outcome. In addition, EUS is useful for evaluating preoperatively the size and invasion depth of rectal NETs.

A 22-year-old man was referred for upper abdominal pain. Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a lesion of heterogeneous hypoattenuation, part of which showed slightly high-density in the porta hepatis. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), T1-weighted images showed a multiloculated hyperintense mass and part of the mass was hyperintense in T2-weighted images. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a 40 mm multilocular mass with septa, containing solid and small cystic components. In sonazoid-enhanced ultrasonography, the septa were enhanced but the solid components were not. Because of the location of tumor and the findings of CT/MRI, we suspected the lesion as hematoma of the liver. We could not exclude neoplastic disease, such as biliary cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma of the liver, so surgical resection was performed. The mass was a multilocular cyst arising from the hepatoduodenal ligament. Pathological examination revealed aggregation of lymph vessels and endothelial-like cells with no atypia, which were positive for the specific markers D2–40 and CD31. The histological diagnosis was abdominal lymphangioma. Intra-abdominal lymphangiomas, which originate from the hepatoduodenal ligament, are extremely rare, benign tumors. We are mindful that lymphangioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors in the abdominal cavity, mimicking a hematoma of the liver and with a cystic appearance.

Background Pancreatic cancer is associated with high mortality and its rates of detection are very low; as such, the disease is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage. A number of risk factors for pancreatic cancer have been reported and may be used to identify individuals at high risk for the development of this disease. Objective The aim of this prospective, observational trial is to evaluate a scoring metric for systematic early detection of pancreatic cancer in Mie Prefecture, Japan. Methods Eligible patients aged 20 years and older will be referred from participating clinics in the Tsu City area to the Faculty of Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Hepatology at Mie University Graduate School, until September 30, 2022. Participants will undergo a detailed examination for pancreatic cancer. Data collection will include diagnostic and follow-up imaging data and disease staging information. Results The study was initiated in September 2020 and aims to recruit at least 150 patients in a 2-year period. Recruitment of patients is currently still underway. Final data analysis is expected to be complete by March 2025. Conclusions This study will provide insights into the feasibility of using a scoring system for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, thus potentially improving the survival outcomes of diagnosed patients. Trial Registration UMIN-CTR Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000041624; https://tinyurl.com/94tbbn3s International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/26898

Intestinal fibrosis is a serious complication in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite the remarkable success of recent anti-inflammatory therapies for IBD, incidence of intestinal fibrosis and need for bowel resection have not significantly changed. To clarify the contribution of haematopoietic-derived cells in intestinal fibrosis, we prepared bone marrow (BM) chimeric mice (chimeras), which were reconstituted with BM cells derived from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-transgenic mice or CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)-deficient mice. After 2 months of transplantation, BM chimeras were treated with azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulphate. During chronic inflammation, CCR2+ BM-derived monocyte and fibrocyte infiltration into the colon and CC chemokine ligand 2 production increased, leading to colon fibrosis in EGFP BM chimeras. In CCR2-deficient BM chimeras, monocyte and fibrocyte numbers in the colonic lamina propria significantly decreased, and colon fibrosis was attenuated. In colon tissue, mRNA expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 but not of collagen I, transforming growth factor-β1 or matrix metalloproteinases was significantly different between the two chimeras. CCR2+ monocytes and fibrocytes showed high Timp1 mRNA expression. Our results suggest that infiltrating CCR2+ monocytes and their progenies, fibrocytes, promote colon fibrosis by inhibiting collagen degradation through TIMP-1 production.

Adoption of interventional endoscopic procedures is increasing with increasing prevalence of diseases. However, medical radiation exposure is concerning; therefore, radiation protection for medical staff is important. However, there is limited information on the usefulness of an additional lead shielding device during interventional endoscopic procedures. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether an additional lead shielding device protects medical staff from radiation. An X-ray unit (CUREVISTA; Hitachi Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) with an over-couch X-ray system was used. Fluoroscopy-associated scattered radiation was measured using a water phantom placed at the locations of the endoscopist, assistant, nurse, and clinical engineer. For each location, measurements were performed at the gonad and thyroid gland/eye levels. Comparisons were performed between with and without the additional lead shielding device and with and without a gap in the shielding device. Additionally, a clinical study was performed with 27 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures. The scattered radiation dose was lower with than without additional lead shielding at all medical staff locations and decreased by 84.7%, 82.8%, 78.2%, and 83.7%, respectively, at the gonad level and by 89.2%, 86.4%, 91.2%, and 87.0%, respectively, at the thyroid gland/eye level. Additionally, the scattered radiation dose was lower without than with a gap in the shielding device at all locations. An additional lead shielding device could protect medical staff from radiation during interventional endoscopic procedures. However, gaps in protective equipment reduce effectiveness and should be eliminated.

Purpose: We report a combined technique consisting of thrombectomy and thromboaspiration for the treatment of acute embolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) at the origin. Case: A 90-year-old female with chronic atrial fibrillation had a sudden onset of abdominal pain and hematochezia due to acute embolic occlusion at the origin of the SMA. Computed tomographic findings showed reversible bowel wall ischemia. We performed mechanical thrombectomy using the Solitaire FR revascularization device, a self-expanding and fully retrievable stent-based thrombectomy system for acute intracranial large artery occlusion, combined with manual aspiration through a 6F guiding sheath placed at the SMA origin via a right brachial approach. Prompt and complete recanalization of the SMA was obtained without distal embolism, and intestinal necrosis was avoided. Conclusion: Combined endovascular procedures of mechanical thrombectomy using the Solitaire FR with thromboaspiration may allow prompt recanalization, clot removal, and prevention of distal embolism and therefore would be a new therapy for acute embolic occlusion at the origin of the SMA.

Objectives This study aimed to clarify whether pretreatment human equilibrative nucleoside transporter (hENT1) expressions in endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) specimens obtained from resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are concordant with those in the resected specimen after gemcitabine-based chemoradiotherapy (Gem-CRT) and to validate the utility of hENT1 expression using EUS-FNAB samples as a prognostic marker. Methods We evaluated the relationship between hENT1 expressions assessed by immunohistochemical staining and clinical outcomes in 51 of 76 patients with PDAC who were diagnosed by EUS-FNAB and received preoperative Gem-CRT. Results The concordance rate of hENT1 expressions was 89.2% (K = 0.681). Median survival time (month) in the 51 whole patients and 37 patients with resection was significantly longer in hENT1 positive than in hENT1 negative: 25.0 and 30.0 versus 9.0 and 9.0, respectively. A multivariate analysis confirmed that hENT1 expression was an independent prognostic factor in both whole patients and those with resection. Regardless of T3 and T4, hENT1-positive patients with resection had significantly better prognosis than hENT1-negative patients, whose prognosis was similar to those without resection. Conclusions The assessment of hENT1 expression using EUS-FNAB samples before Gem-CRT provides important information on patients with PDAC who can benefit from curative-intent resection.

A 73-year-old woman presented with symptoms of intermittent abdominal pain without hematochezia. Mild tenderness was noted on palpation over the right iliac fossa; however, all laboratory data, including the C-reactive protein level, were normal. Computed tomography revealed a fatty tissue mass in the transverse colon causing a colonic intussusception (●" Fig.1). Colonoscopy revealed a large mass in the ascending colon (●" Fig.2). Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a hyperechoic mass in the submucosal layer (●" Fig.3). On the contrast radiograph, the semipedunculated mass was seen to arise from the ileocecal valve; the intussusceptionwas disinvaginated by inserting the colonoscope (●" Fig.4). The diagnosis was ascending–transverse colonic intussusception caused by a large lipoma originating at the ileocecal valve. Because of its shape, the endoscopic mucosal resection technique could be used to remove the lipoma without complications (●" Fig.5). The lesion was captured with a snare (SD-210U-25; OlympusMedical Systems Corp., Tokyo, Japan) after saline had been injected. Electrocautery (forced coagulation) was applied to cut the lesion. The resected specimen was a large submucosal tumor, 55×30×22mm in size, with a yellowish cut surface (●" Fig.6). Histopathology indicated proliferating fat cells in the submucosal layer, and a lipoma was diagnosed. The patient was discharged from the hospital 5 days after treatment. Lipomas are benign, nonepithelial tumors that occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract, but typically in the colon. Lipomas larger than 2cm in diameter can cause intussusception, obstruction, or bleeding [1]. Although frequent in children, intestinal intussusception is unusual in adults. A colonic lipoma as the principal point for colonic intussusception is uncommon [2]. Endoscopic methods to remove ileocolonic lipoma have been reported previously [3–6]. However, to our knowledge, the endoscopic removal of a lipoma causing a definite intussusception has not been reported. In previous case reports, most patients with colonic lipoma intussusception have undergone surgical treatment. Endoscopic removal, which is less invasive, may be another option for the treatment of large colonic lipomas.

year history of intermittent dysphagia. There was no other relevant medical history. A barium esophagogram revealed a stenotic lesion in the middle and lower thoracic esophagus with multiple intramural tracks [1]. Endoscopic examination revealed an annular stricture of the esophagus extending from 27 cm to 40 cm from the incisors, aswell asmultiple small orifices (●" Fig. 1). A diagnosis of esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIPD) was suspected. As the patient did not have diabetes, candidal esophagitis, or esophageal carcinoma, and because esophageal inflammation has been reported in up to 90% of patients with EIPD [2], we prescribed a proton-pump inhibitor to suppress gastric acid secretion. However, after 7 months, the patient could barely swallow food, and repeat endoscopy showed that the lesions had clearly progressed. The multiple diverticula had enlarged and the lumen was criss-crossed by multiple mucosal bridges (●" Fig. 2). Computed tomography of the chest showed marked thickening of the esophageal wall with intramural air sacs running parallel to the lumen of the upper to lower thoracic esophagus (●" Fig. 3). A subtotal esophagectomywas carried out in view of the recent worsening of symptoms and endoscopic findings. On histological examination, the esophageal wall was remarkably thickened by submucosal fibrosis and hypertrophic muscularis propria. Dilated excretory ducts were seen extending from the mucosal epithelium to the submucosal layer (●" Fig. 4). There were no features of malignancy in the esophageal wall or the regional lymph nodes, and a final diagnosis of EIPD was made. After surgery, the patient’s dysphagia improved, and he has remained asymptomatic on follow up. To our knowledge, this is the first report of EIPD with a hypertrophic muscular layer in the esophageal wall, as demonstrated in a full-thickness histological specimen [3,4]. Furthermore, with serial endoscopy, we observed the progression of EIPD in the short term.

We report the first case of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer. A 64-year-old man with early gastric cancer was admitted to our hospital for ESD. Baseline laboratory tests showed a serum sodium concentration of 132 mEq l(-1). We performed an ESD for the gastric cancer, which was 9 mm in diameter and located in the posterior wall of the mid-gastric body. The patient experienced nausea and lethargy the second day after ESD. His serum sodium level was low (118 mEq l(-1)), and he fulfilled the criteria for SIADH. Fluid restriction, infusion of normal saline, and administration of diuretics gradually increased his serum sodium level, and his symptoms disappeared. Endoscopists should recognize that SIADH is a potential complication of endoscopic procedures such as ESD, especially among patients with low baseline sodium concentrations.